Sunday Left-Overs May 20th, 2012

Sunday at Southbrook Church we talked through some exciting plans that are in the works. But more important then the plans, was the theme of how we see God at work. Former Senior Pastor of Elmbrook Church Stuart Briscoe, once said, 'When God gives you a green light you go till He gives you a red.'

God has presented Southbrook with a unique opportunity and has shown us green lights every step of the way. Have you seen this Green Light/Red Light principle at work in your life? How so?  Comment, share a story and be encouraged at the power of God in our lives..!

Do Pastors Need Fashion Help?

Pity John the Baptist, a life of fashion faux-pas. If only there was someone who could have helped him out!

Today, there is at least one pastor who thinks that fellow pastors need to step up their fashion game... The Houston Chronicle reports that Pastor Ed Young of Fellowship Church, in Grapevine Texas, is diligently working on this pressing issue. Pastor Young created www.PastorFashion.com as a way to assist pastors stay current with looking good. Periodic tips on how to dress, what type of tie to wear, color coordination, and the latest on how to cuff your pants... A one stop shop for Pastor-Fashionistas.

Is this new movement to aid pastors -wise, foolish, or needed?

Have you experienced a Pastor who was in desperate need of fashion advice? Share a funny story of a Pastor who missed the fashion boat. Just remember your Pastor may read this post!

Roadmap for Secular Liberals to connect with Evangelicals

On Sunday May 6th, the New York Times, published an Op-Ed piece on the 2012 elections. T.M. Luhrmann, professor of anthropology at Stanford, delivers a written roadmap for Democrats and Secular Liberals to reach out and connect with Evangelicals, especially in light of the upcoming 2012 US presidential election.

Luhrmann makes many cogent arguments: Evangelicals are varied and more informed than usually portrayed. Evangelicals hold a wide range of divergent political opinions. Evangelicals care about the environment and are often the first to assist in times of natural disasters.

This article left me with many more questions than answers. Do Evangelicals want to be courted, by either the political left or the political right? What do Evangelicals give up by aligning to a particular political agenda? Do Evangelicals portray themselves as willing participants of the political process?

Read the article here and send in your comments...!

Sunday Left-Overs Revelation 12 May 6, 2012

'Happy, Happy Bed Time Story.'  Wow, read through Revelation 12 and will soon see that this is not your average Bible Story!

God uses this section of Revelation to tell the true story of the world -the behind the scenes actions- that are normally off limits to all of us. The first century after Jesus saw Christians persecuted by the Roman Empire. The cult of emperor worship increased in prominence, forcing many Christians to become martyrs for their faith.

To all who were going through trials and sufferings, God reveals how the world will end. Revelations Chapters 12-14 gives us a backstage pass to understand Satan and his motivations for attacking Christians.

A few thoughts to help us understand Chapter 12.

• The issue isn't the 'when' but the 'what.' It is natural to ask questions like, 'When did this happen?' and 'How long ago was Satan cast out of heaven?' But Revelation 12 and indeed the entire book is more concerned with us understanding The Story rather than chronology.
• Old Testament themes reinforce the images found in Revelation 12. Allusions to The Exodus, Leviathan, Ezekiel, and Joseph's dreams make this chapter rich with ancient Jewish history.
• Theology is best taught with story than with books or lectures! We know this to be true from our own experiences, and Revelation 12 supports this thought. We are given a graphic and brutally honest story of Satan fighting against God, losing and then attacking God's people.
• The goal of seeing this new perspective on life is to help embattled followers of Christ see that while Jesus' death and resurrection won the war, battles still continue...

Today we read Revelation 12 with an awareness that Satan is truly at work. How else can we ascribe the self-destructive patterns and behaviors of our friends and neighbors? How else can we make sense of parents who kill their children, or those who die through addictions. The good news is that Salvation and Power has arrived through the authority of Christ!

As you read through Revelation 12, what questions or comments come to your mind?

Revelation Chapters 12-14: The Holy War

On Sunday May 6th, 2012 our Southbrook Church sermon series turns to Revelation Chapters 12-14. This is a powerful section of Revelations, filled with rich and awe-inspiring imagery.  These chapters are often called 'the heart of Revelations.'

A few hints to help us understand this section of Revelations.

1. Read through Revelations 12-14 as a unit and try to look past the chapter headings and verse divisions.

2. Read various translations of this section.  A good resource is www.Biblegateway.com This site allows you to select multiple versions and you can arrange them next to each other.

3. Chapter 12 shows us a glimpse of the story of our world. We are brought behind-the-scenes to see the spiritual reality of the cosmos. In Chapter 13 John describes how Satan will bring a Holy War on earth through the two beasts. And in Chapter 14 John shows us that the final outcome of this Holy War results in a Triumphant Lamb.

4. We are introduced to three main characters: The Dragon, The Woman and the Child.
The Dragon represents Satan, and his efforts to destroy God and His people.
The Woman represnts God's people, both Israel and the Church.
The Child represents Jesus.

Read through Revelation 12-14 and send in our questions and comments!

The Red Bandanna: The power of self-sacrifice

Welles Crowther, a 34 year old financial analyst, was working in the South Tower on September 11th, 2001.

From childhood on he wore a red bandanna, which symbolized his respect for his father and his commitment to live a full and honorable life. He wore it when riding his bike, while playing lacrosse; a daily reminder of his zeal for life.

After the second plane hit The World Trade Center, Welles led dozens of people down to safety, only to return back up the South Tower to assist more who were in need.

Six months later rescue crews recovered his body, which was found next to fallen firefighters. Those who were saved on 9/11/01 recount a man, appearing out of the smoke and flames, wearing a red bandanna, leading others to safety.

Welles Crowther's story won a Sports Emmy on Monday April 30th, 2012.

Watch the award winning story of the Red Bandanna below...