IMPACT 2012
JUNE 18-23
Students going into 8th grade (2012-13 school year) - 2012 Grads
Early Bird Registration: $250 by March 20
Regular Rate: $270 by May 29
Late Registration: $290
Download forms @ www.impactsummer.com
Sunday, February 26, 2012
"Sometimes you just have to play in pain."
Here is a link to the Gary Carter story I read to you this morning. It just blows me away to read how a throw away comment in a post game interview was the catalyst to rescue a life.
I never met baseball Hall of Famer Gary "Kid" Carter, but his death last week from brain cancer at age 57 moved me deeply. Some 25 years ago, his life and his style of play spoke to me and inspired me in a moment of terrible need. It was an example of what celebrity can do when it's done well.
The second half of my life has been so bright with blessings that it's difficult for me to think back to the 1980s, when I could see no end to my emotional pain. Personal demons left me blind to the gifts that God had showered on me so generously. I began to think my beautiful wife and baby daughter would be better off without me.
I can't really say how serious I was when I began to contemplate suicide. But I remember one night, sitting alone in my room in darkness, smoking cigarette after cigarette as I considered the ways in which I might put an end to myself. READ MORE>>>
Gary Carter Showed Me How to Play the Game
I never met the baseball great, who died last week. But he spoke to me in my darkest hour.
By ANDREW KLAVAN
I never met baseball Hall of Famer Gary "Kid" Carter, but his death last week from brain cancer at age 57 moved me deeply. Some 25 years ago, his life and his style of play spoke to me and inspired me in a moment of terrible need. It was an example of what celebrity can do when it's done well.
The second half of my life has been so bright with blessings that it's difficult for me to think back to the 1980s, when I could see no end to my emotional pain. Personal demons left me blind to the gifts that God had showered on me so generously. I began to think my beautiful wife and baby daughter would be better off without me.
I can't really say how serious I was when I began to contemplate suicide. But I remember one night, sitting alone in my room in darkness, smoking cigarette after cigarette as I considered the ways in which I might put an end to myself. READ MORE>>>
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Summer Oasis: Wednesday Night Schedule
Here's the Wednesday night schedule for the next few...
July 6: No Meeting
July 13: No Meeting
July 20: Summer Oasis @ MBC
July 27: Summer Oasis @ MBC
August 3: No Meeting - VBS WEEK
August 10: Water Wars
July 6: No Meeting
July 13: No Meeting
July 20: Summer Oasis @ MBC
July 27: Summer Oasis @ MBC
August 3: No Meeting - VBS WEEK
August 10: Water Wars
Friday, March 18, 2011
Review of Bell's "Love Wins"
So, Rob Bell's book has now been released. I thought some of you might be interested in this review in light of our conversation a couple of weeks ago.
It's a bit lengthy but worth a read.
Rob Bell's Bridge Too Far
The controversial pastor raises crucial questions, but offers answers that may sabotage his goals.
Mark Galli
**************
I found this section interesting as we've discussed how God's Word impact our theology/world view.
But it's here that we run up against Bell's hermeneutic, that is, the principle by which he decides if a biblical teaching is relevant. Why, for example, is blood atonement a time-bound explanation of the Cross, but the divinity of Christ is a deep mystery we shouldn't shun? Why are Paul's statements about the universality of salvation taken literally, but his teaching on substitutionary atonement as mere creative writing?
It's a bit lengthy but worth a read.
Rob Bell's Bridge Too Far
The controversial pastor raises crucial questions, but offers answers that may sabotage his goals.
Mark Galli
**************
I found this section interesting as we've discussed how God's Word impact our theology/world view.
But it's here that we run up against Bell's hermeneutic, that is, the principle by which he decides if a biblical teaching is relevant. Why, for example, is blood atonement a time-bound explanation of the Cross, but the divinity of Christ is a deep mystery we shouldn't shun? Why are Paul's statements about the universality of salvation taken literally, but his teaching on substitutionary atonement as mere creative writing?
If there is a criterion driving these distinctions, it seems to be based on what Bell thinks contemporary people can swallow. I couldn't see any other criteria at play.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Alaska Bound!
Great news! Airfare has been purchased for the Oasis Mission in Alaska team! Not only is this a huge milestone for this endeavor, it also confirms the trip dates:
Departure from DFW: Monday, June 27th
Return to DFW: Monday, July 11th
Departure from DFW: Monday, June 27th
Return to DFW: Monday, July 11th
Tabs, Tabs, Tabs
Look up! There at the top of the page! We've added a couple of special event tabs with info & links for Mission in Alaska & Imact.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Feb 9, 2011: No Oasis
All activites for Wednesday, Feb 9 @ MBC have been cancelled.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Would you sell your Super Bowl Ring?
This is an old story but a good one:
For this former Patriot, charity has a (very) nice ring to it
By Vic Carucci
NFL.com
Senior Columnist
Je'Rod Cherry sat through the slide show transfixed by the haunting images on the screen.
One by one, the eyes of so much pain and sorrow from a world away seemed to peer right into his very soul. Through photographs and narration, he took in horrifying stories of a little boy, on his deathbed, with a vulture literally circling in the background; of families trying to survive on two dollars per month; of children forced into sexual slavery.
He knew he had to do something. The problem was abject poverty in places like Africa, Cambodia, and Thailand. The obvious solution was money.
Cherry's first instinct: write a check.
Then another idea came along.
"So," a teenage girl said to Cherry as they walked out of the auditorium of last June's youth conference in Cedarville, Ohio, "are you going to donate one of your Super Bowl rings?"
*****
Would you? Read the rest HERE>>>
For this former Patriot, charity has a (very) nice ring to it
By Vic Carucci
NFL.com
Senior Columnist
Je'Rod Cherry sat through the slide show transfixed by the haunting images on the screen.
One by one, the eyes of so much pain and sorrow from a world away seemed to peer right into his very soul. Through photographs and narration, he took in horrifying stories of a little boy, on his deathbed, with a vulture literally circling in the background; of families trying to survive on two dollars per month; of children forced into sexual slavery.
He knew he had to do something. The problem was abject poverty in places like Africa, Cambodia, and Thailand. The obvious solution was money.
Cherry's first instinct: write a check.
Then another idea came along.
"So," a teenage girl said to Cherry as they walked out of the auditorium of last June's youth conference in Cedarville, Ohio, "are you going to donate one of your Super Bowl rings?"
*****
Would you? Read the rest HERE>>>
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Feb 2, 2011: DON'T GO TO CHURCH
Seriously, don't go. Wednesday gatherings cancelled due to the weather.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
A Victim Treats His Mugger Right
As the teen began to walk away, Diaz told him, "Hey, wait a minute. You forgot something. If you're going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm."
Read the rest @: A Victim Treats His Mugger Right
Read the rest @: A Victim Treats His Mugger Right
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Great Commission x5
John 20.21 - Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
Mark 16.15 - He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Matthew 28.18-20 - Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Luke 24.45-49 - Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Acts 1.6-8 - Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Mark 16.15 - He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Matthew 28.18-20 - Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Luke 24.45-49 - Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”
Acts 1.6-8 - Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
"QUOTE"
As I’m so often reminded what a priceless gift my life is, I ache with everything in me to make it count, so that when I finally cross the finish line, I’ll hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
To me, there is no greater reward.Read more at OWL CITY
Of course, all of this weighs heavily on the spiritual scale, so allow me to be completely honest and say none of it is intended to be “crammed down the throat,” if you will. That is not my intention. This is what I wholeheartedly believe, and to that belief, I remain steadfast until He returns or calls me home. - Adam Young (Owl City)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Expect Work?
That was an interesting discussion on God & work last night.
We like to think that we were created for recreation but in reality we find purpose in work - not merely a job - work - good work.
I recently picked up "A Tale of Two Cities" by Dickens for a re-read & came across this quote before heading to Oasis last night:
We like to think that we were created for recreation but in reality we find purpose in work - not merely a job - work - good work.
I recently picked up "A Tale of Two Cities" by Dickens for a re-read & came across this quote before heading to Oasis last night:
In London, he had expected neither to walk on pavements of gold, or lie on beds of roses; if he had had any such exalted expectation, he would not have prospered. He had expected labour, and he found it, and did it, and made the best of it. In this, his prosperity consisted.He expectd labour, and he found it...I love that part...makes good sense to me.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
OASIS 2011
Wednesday nights.
Sunday mornings.
D:Now.
$10 rock show.
Valentine's Banquet.
P-Wiz.
Grad Banquet.
Camp.
Alaska.
Oh the possibilities!
Sunday mornings.
D:Now.
$10 rock show.
Valentine's Banquet.
P-Wiz.
Grad Banquet.
Camp.
Alaska.
Oh the possibilities!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Three verses from Wednesday Oasis
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13.34-35
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. - John 14.1
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14.6
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. - John 14.1
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. - John 14.6
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Accountability: DO NOT READ!
"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. - I Chronicles 28.9
God knows the truth behind what you do & why you do it. Scary thought.
*****
I came across a blog post about accountability questions. It got me thinking about how even though we can't lie to God sometimes we sure give it a good try. Our attempts to lie to God tend to begin with lying to ourselves. How many times have you "talked" yourself into doing something you knew was wrong? I'd tell how often do that but I'd probably lie about it. Let's just say, I do it more than I'd care to admit.
That's the twisted genius of the accountability questions Ed Stetzer lists on his post, "Accountability Questions". If you ask yourself the questions, the answers will burn away in hint of self-deception.
However, I beg you, if you like the way your life is going now, DO NOT READ HIS POST! The questions will mess you up.
God knows the truth behind what you do & why you do it. Scary thought.
*****
I came across a blog post about accountability questions. It got me thinking about how even though we can't lie to God sometimes we sure give it a good try. Our attempts to lie to God tend to begin with lying to ourselves. How many times have you "talked" yourself into doing something you knew was wrong? I'd tell how often do that but I'd probably lie about it. Let's just say, I do it more than I'd care to admit.
That's the twisted genius of the accountability questions Ed Stetzer lists on his post, "Accountability Questions". If you ask yourself the questions, the answers will burn away in hint of self-deception.
However, I beg you, if you like the way your life is going now, DO NOT READ HIS POST! The questions will mess you up.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Danel 9.1-3: Brought To You By The Letter "F"
Oasis Sunday Mornings, at their best, are a conversation rather than a lecture. A lecture has a predeterminded beginning, middle, & end. Who knows where a conversation will lead. This past Sunday was a great conversation.
I had intended to cover much more ground in Daniel 9 than just the first three verses but I thought our discussion on fasting & disciplines was worth while. Plus, now I have a great lesson, complete with an alliterative theme, I can teach sometime in the future!
In the first year of Darius son of Ahasuerus (a Mede by decent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian kingdom - in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the Word of the LORD given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. So I turned to the Lord God and plead with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
-Daniel 9.1-3
We saw a time earlier in the book when Daniel gathered his friends to pray over an urgent matter. This time he's praying alone. He learns a great truth from his study of Jeremiah & he responds in prayer - urgent prayer. He fasted, for greater focus, as he prayed. This suggests that this was a long term period of diligent prayer rather than an intense 15 bedside episode.
There are many things you could fast from as you focus on bringing an urgent matter before God. You could give up sweets or sodas. You could set down your music or walk away from movies for a short time. You could get up early to read & pray or you could crave out some time alone. (Remember, if you decide to go completely without food then talk with your parents first & make sure you don't do this for very long. And by all means, do not forsake fluids!)
Daniel 9 starts with a revelation for Jeremiah, moves to an amazing prayer, then ends with a spectacular prophecy. We've barely scratched the surface. Wait til you see what happens next!
Friday, November 6, 2009
A girls volleyball story...
That's about more than volleyball. Check out this story & remember that a public faith has deep impact on others.
*****
Class acts: Competitive spirit gives way to caring after volleyball player's injury
12:03 PM CST on Friday, November 6, 2009
Column by KEVIN SHERRINGTON / The Dallas Morning News ksherrington@dallasnews.com
When Anna Fedell watched her daughter dive for the volleyball, as Morgan Ashbreck had done many times, Fedell thought nothing of it. Even when Morgan didn't get up, Fedell wasn't worried. Maybe she'd bloodied her nose, but really, what could happen at a volleyball game? And then the convulsions started.
By the time Fedell made it to her daughter's side in the East Texas Christian Academy gym, two men cradled Morgan's head. Blood pooled on the floor. As Fedell leaned into Morgan's face, she heard the panic in her daughter's voice.
"Am I dying?"
Read the rest @ dallasnews.com
*****
Class acts: Competitive spirit gives way to caring after volleyball player's injury
12:03 PM CST on Friday, November 6, 2009
Column by KEVIN SHERRINGTON / The Dallas Morning News ksherrington@dallasnews.com
When Anna Fedell watched her daughter dive for the volleyball, as Morgan Ashbreck had done many times, Fedell thought nothing of it. Even when Morgan didn't get up, Fedell wasn't worried. Maybe she'd bloodied her nose, but really, what could happen at a volleyball game? And then the convulsions started.
By the time Fedell made it to her daughter's side in the East Texas Christian Academy gym, two men cradled Morgan's head. Blood pooled on the floor. As Fedell leaned into Morgan's face, she heard the panic in her daughter's voice.
"Am I dying?"
Read the rest @ dallasnews.com
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