So far, we have ventured out twice to sites that have been nice for our larger group (3 to 4 people).  This time however, just my son and I are heading into the woods.  I found a more “local” park to visit (no it’s not my backyard).  However, the primitive site I found has very little information available on the web.  The Fed’s website for it isn’t working correctly so maps, pictures, and other info is not available.

This poses a bit of unknown into the equation again.  The first time we went out, our crew would be able to adapt to anything.  We had the resources available to deal with any situation.  On this next trip, I have no idea what this place will look like and no clue as to how far from the car we will be.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s still exciting.  My son and I cannot wait for the trip day.

So…gear cleaned and ready, packs packed, and supplies gathered.  Just waiting for the departure date.

This weekend I am heading off into the woods again with the men’s group, but this time its more of a real “camping” experience. Before you start giggling like my wife did, realize that I HAVE been camping before, and I do like it. It just doesn’t happen very often. In fact the last time was several years ago when my brother returned from assignment.

To prepare, I needed gear. I had several needed items already so I had to take stock first. Sleeping bag, check. Flash light, check. Call to Dad to grab a couple of things, done. Basically, I only had two major purchases to make to be ready. A large backpack (as we are hiking to the site) and a tent. The pack was a no brainer for me. Cheapest, biggest, and as light as possible. I found a brand new one on eBay for $30. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of an expensive pack but it’s a LOT better than something from Wal-Mart and a LOT cheaper than anything at REI.

For the tent, I knew I had to spend quite a bit more time researching. I dug through reviews, shopping sites, and forums. My requirements were simple. Long enough to fit my height, light enough to not mind carrying, and cheap. I know you can spend hundreds on tents, but I needed a tent for a virtual first timer. I have been camping, so I know a thing or two about what is needed, but I have always used someone else’s tent…and they have been really nice. I decided to go cheap since it was my first, and it only had to survive a single night. Anyway, if you want to ready my review of the tent, check it out here…

http://www.amazon.com/review/RUWS5PBO9LV3E/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

It’s kind of funny though how sometimes we find ourselves preparing for something like this little camp excursion by spending so much time, money, brainpower, and then spend so little time preparing for the Kingdom. I am hoping this little trip will help me take stock of my own life reset my focus on Jesus.

I suppose it culture or the devil working through our culture that is demanding time from us.  I love last years experience at Glorieta when my family and I actually had time to hike, play, or simply be.

That reminds me, I need to make time to plan for another trip this year…

 Discovery Class – Week 2

John 2

John 1

• He is God
• John announces his coming
• John explains his role (baptize with the Spirit)
• John identifies his purpose (“behold the Lamb of God”)
• John 1:49 Nathaniel uses Messianic phrase that identifies him as the Messiah
• Holy Spirit settles on Jesus which identifies him as the promised Messiah/King
• All aspects of John 1 lead us to conclude that Jesus is God, the promised Messiah, and the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant.
• “Son of Man” vs. 51 (emphasizes divine authority of Jesus); Dan. 7:13

John 2:1-11 (The first miracle)

• The ultimate embarrassment: __________
  Running out of wine at the wedding
• Mary asked Jesus to change water to wine because __________
  She knew that He was the son of God.
• “It is not yet my time” suggests __________
• Jesus did this miracle at a public venue because __________
  He wanted there to be no doubt in who He was
• Wine in the NT is symbolic of __________
  The blood of Jesus Christ
• Why all the witnesses? __________
• What is the significance of “you have kept the good wine until now?”
  Traditionally, the best and strongest wine was used first.
• The typology of the Jewish wedding and Messiah is __________
  In the Jewish wedding tradition, the bride does not know when the groom will come and take her to the wedding.  No one knows when the Messiah will come to take the believers.
• As we consider the first miracle of Jesus we should conclude: __________

John 2:12-17 (The misplaced story?)

• This is an event that probably took place at the end of Jesus ministry.
• Why is it here?  Jesus quotes Jer. 7:11 & Isa. 56:7 in the synoptic gospels.
  John is packaging the story to inject that Jesus shares the emotions of God from the OT.
       Isa. 1 (the indictment)
• God hates insincere worship and perversion of the faith.
• Jesus demonstrates He is exactly like God (the Father) Col. 1
• John’s point:  Jesus is __________
  God.

John 2:18-19

• The prediction to the Jewish leaders

John 2:23-25

• “Many people believed in his name because they saw the miraculous signs he was doing”

Questions:

1. Based on what they witnessed, how should the people who were at the wedding react?
   They should be completely shocked.  It has been hundreds of years since the prophets of the OT foretold the coming of Jesus.  Even still, some would have known of John the Baptist by this point as well.  Some would had to have been in awe at the sight, but would would have to beleive and know that He was someone special and of God at very least.
2. Based on the facts we see in John chapters 1 & 2, how should we respond?
   That Jesus is the Messiah.  Prophesized in the OT and witnessed by those in the NT.

Jim Underwood 2009

I have completed the enhancements and updates of the site.  Now running the latest WordPress and added a couple new widgets to list recent comments and a cool new plugin that allows me to post a static text in the side bar.

So check it out, let me know what you think.  If you would like help setting up your own blog let me know and we can get something going.

As we move into the fall, there are many things in which that my family re-engages.  For most people, school is starting, sports, etc., but as homeschoolers, we haven’t really stopped school at all.  This past summer, though our home has been comfortable, we are constantly reminded of the challenges of living in an apartment.  Late night yelling outside our door, irresponsible pet owners, inconsiderate neighbors that are happy to run you over while we are walking the dog, parking spaces…don’t get me started on parking spaces.  These are challenges that exist everywhere but they are amplified considerably when you live 4 feet away from next person.
A family member pointed out a house for rent in a neighborhood in a good location.  Wifey and I decided to take a look to see if it might suit our purpose and budget.  The house was…ok.  The owners were questionable, but it got the ball rolling.  We decided to check out other houses around the city by spending $5 in gas a couple hours.

In one of the last neighborhoods we drove through, we saw an older house in great condition from the front (never underestimate curb appeal!), but it appeared to have some kind of notice sign on the front door.  These days, papers taped to doors are usually eviction or foreclosure notices, but we figured we would check it out anyway.

A couple of facts to put into play before I go on: 1) we discovered that our apartment lease was up at the end of September, a month sooner than expected. 2) we know our budget requirements and our limitations on raising cash quickly for moving 3) many other things have to fall in place perfectly too.  Deposits, credit, services, move in date, etc. all had to fit a certain mold before we would be able to select a new place.  Otherwise, we would simply renew the lease and deal with the chaos that is building at the apartment complex.

So we call the house owner and ask about the papers on the door.  They were electrical permits and not foreclosure notices.  Interesting, the person is very keen on taking care of the place.  Rent, a little high but within the budget.  So we expressed interest in seeing the house.
We meet the next day and do walk through.  We start talking and beginning the dance of negotiation.  We are hoping to get a bit of a discount off her original price.  The owner comes down $75.  Nice.  This is when it happens.  Before we had a chance to begin listing our other requirements, she informs us that yard care is included in the rent, the deposit can be paid in two payments, and there would even be an additional discount during summer months for water costs.  At that moment, I vividly remember praising God inside.  We really liked the place.

I had to stop myself at this point.  How in the world could each of the things that worried us the most be instantly cared for?  So, we played our hand next.  We could move in until the end of September so we would not break our apartment lease.  No problem.  We would like at least the weekend before the end of the month to move in so we can recruit help instead of paying movers.  No problem.  Our previous old credit history would have to be overlooked in favor of our current rent history and income.  No problem.  Ok wow.  Not only did God need the praise for the incredible find, but it was becoming apparent that He wanted us to find this house.

Finally, one last intangible requirement was that we had to have a certain level of trust for the person.  After talking about pasts for about 5 minutes we realize, the owner was a teacher in the district we grew up in.  A little deeper and it turns out she knew of people my wife’s family.  Ok cool, so she has been around our town for a while.  I mentioned my mom works in the district.  That did it.  She instantly recognized the name.  Not only that, but they are friends and see each other often.

We pursued the house, and were approved.  Each requirement met perfectly, and then she added some more on top.  How could this not be orchestrated by God?  Luck or chance…no way!  Only when God is involved are things perfect in everyway.  We will be faithful stewards of what we have been entrusted to.  We will care for the property and make it our home.  Keep your eyes open to see and your eyes open to hear.  God is constantly at work in this world.

Below are questions he gave us to go though.  I will put my best efforts to answer them here and then come back to the post to add any comments or corrections after each class.  I usually use BibleGateway.com for my reading and references, but this time I will also use Bible.org since it was referred by Dr. Underwood.

I am really excited about this series mainly because it is focused entirely in John and the theology that makes up the book and our faith.  Also, because I was on the cusp of being schooled on the Committed Critic blog.  Maybe if I can expand my knowledge a bit I can contribute more to the discussions in the future.  To see that discussions, click here: http://www.committedcritic.com/2009/08/20/confusion-and-explanation-in-john-6/

Discovery Class Outline – Week 1

John 1

John 1:1-5

Who is the “Word”?

God.
Additional reading into the word “Word” here shows it uses the Greek word logov or logos.  The word has a history dating even further back into Jewish history.  Bible.org even lists a definition that points back to John.

3) In John, denotes the essential Word of God, Jesus Christ, the
personal wisdom and power in union with God, his minister in
creation and government of the universe, the cause of all the
world’s life both physical and ethical, which for the procurement
of man’s salvation put on human nature in the person of Jesus the
Messiah, the second person in the Godhead, and shone forth
conspicuously from His words and deeds.
-Bible.org

What role has “the Word” played in the history of the world?

The Word has been since the beginning and before creation.  It connects the Word to Jesus and therefore Jesus to the beginning.

What is the significance of “life”?

zwh (zoe)* is life but it can be used to mean more than just life from birth to death as we know it in English.  zwh would be everlasting life in this case.  An existence spent in eternity.  So Jesus has a life that surpasses anything known inside of creation.

What is the significance of “light”?

The light is the knowledge or maybe the understanding who Jesus was.  He dwells in us.  I will likely need to revise this one, but it seems that if the darkness cannot understand the light then the light can lead us past anything the darkness puts in our way.

What’s the point of this passage?

This passage begins the book by showing that Jesus is God and establishing Him over all creation.

John 1:5-13

What is the significance of “sent from God”?

This is almost a contradiction in a way.  How can God send Himself?  However, you can also say that God was taking Himself into creation from His place in majesty. 

Where did this guy “John” come from? (Luke 1:7)

In Luke 1 near vs7 John’s parentage is described.  Zechariah was a priest, his wife was a descendent of Aaron.  “Both were upright in the sight of the Lord.” Luke 1:6.  John was their son.

In John 1:7 we find John testifying in the wilderness.

Is the above important?

It was prophesied in the OT.  In Isaiah I think.  I will need to look it up later.

Hmmm…seems like verses 12 & 13 are important. Why?

John clarifies his statement my eliminating other ways to be born.  The “true light” was able to give the right to mankind to become children of God.  Being born into God began a new life.  Not a life created by man.

John 1:14-18 (The testimony of John)

I wonder what “only begotten” means…?

The dictionary says several things, but each basically means; to come from oneself.  So “only begotten” would mean God’s only child or creation.  Around the time John was written, I believe many Christians were searching and waiting for the messiah to return.  Many would begin to follow false prophets claiming to be the Christ.  (I can probably find references to back this up, but those resources are readily available to me at the moment.)  If John is writing to reach some of these people they may understand it to mean, Jesus was the only and only one to come.  All others would be pretenders.

John 1:18 (What is John saying?)

That Jesus has seen God and existed along side of God.  Not just making Jesus equal to God, but more literally making Jesus God.  They are one in the same.

John 1:19-34

Why is verse 23 so important?  What is the “prophetic motif”?

John the Baptist is quoting Isaiah directly in fulfillment of the prophecy.  The motif is the Messiah is coming.

Why is John baptizing (verse 28)

 So the Messiah would be revealed to Israel.  I believe this was part of the prophecy in Isaiah as well.  I really need to find that reference!  Under the old law, the sacrifice was cleaned or baptized before the offering. 

“Behold” (verse 29)

In the NIV it just says “Look”.   Behold really conveys the feeling though.  Again I went back to the Greek available on Bible.org.

I think the word used was “blepei”* or “see” followed by “ton” which is similar to “that”.  “See that!”  I can almost see John talking to the Pharisees and pointing directly at Jesus with a half crazed half amazed look on his face.  I certainly cannot image talking to what appeared to be a nut case on the street corner and he points behind me saying, “That’s God!  Right there!”

“Spirit” verse 32; What does this mean? (Zech. 7) (Saul)

The kings of the OT had Holy Spirit with each them.  When the Holy Spirit stays with Jesus it makes him the king.  On hearing this I doubt the Pharisees were impressed.  This seems to be just another point in passage that is reinforcing the validity of the sovereignty of Jesus.

John 1:35-51 (The testimony of Jesus)

What does the word “call” generally mean in the NT?  (vs. 39; 43)

 Someone would call to the another.  To tell or to direct.  Jesus called the disciples.  Philip called Nathanael.

Its an offer that cannot be refused.

What is God’s lesson for me from this chapter of John?

 Jesus is God.  His sovereignty is supported by scripture and prophecy.

Jesus fills the roles of prophet, priest, and king.

Jim Underwood 2009
Outline of Questions

*Looks like my fonts were not right when I initially wrote this.  It should have dawn on me that ancient greeks didn’t use English characters.  Duh.  Install the fonts from this site…  http://net.bible.org/fonts.php

Then go here to see John 1 in Greek…  http://net.bible.org/bible.php?book=Joh&chapter=1&tab=grkheb

Glorieta Main Entrance

All of that aside, Glorieta is awesome.  We played, worshipped God, and studied in the Word.  We will definately return as a family.  It is easy to relax and enjoy God’s creation and to be renewed by His spirit.

At home, it is nearly impossible to explore and experience raw creation like you can at Glorieta.  Everything is city.  Parks are small, and the larger ones are dangerous simply because people can be dangerous.  Not that I would let my son roam free at camp, but the attitudes of the people around us were quite different.

For example, the first thing the kiddo wanted to do was climb a mountain.  He ran to the back door of our building pointed through the glass and said, “that’s the one I am going to climb.”  The next morning we go out and start looking at our assigned challenge.  No paths.  No trails.  No sign any human had picked this spot to start climbing.  So we intrepidly dive into the woods up the slope.  We had made it maybe 20 feet when the volunteer building manager came out onto the back porch.

Instantly I’m thinking, here it comes, she’s going to tell us not to go this way or we can’t do this.  She asked if we are going on a hike?  After about 30 seconds of exchange she said, “Well, have a great time!”

I was floored.  Not that there wasn’t some part of me that expected her to just give us the thumbs up, but the whole conversation was genuine and direct.  None of the positioning and rationalizing that normally happens.  Off we go into the woods.

About an hour in we spot a road obviously used by horses and work trucks so we start to follow it.  (NOTE: it is nearly impossible to get lost.  Glorieta is at the bottom of the slope and the bell tower chimes every 30 minutes.)  In a few minutes we see a truck coming and we move out of the way so they can pass.  Friendly smiles and waves pass us and we keep on walking.  A few minutes later the truck is back.  I slip back to my “city” mode and think this guy is here to gripe at us for being there.

The worker asks if we are looking for a particular trail.  Since we weren’t looking for anything we asked there were any nearby we could check out.  He not only described the trail but when he drove away he motioned toward it as well.  Again just like the woman, this man was genuine.

I don’t know if was just the mountains or the camp, but after that morning I didn’t care about where I was or who I was talking to the rest of the time.  I know it is easy to see God’s presence in the midst of camp “spiritual highs”, but there is something to be said when Christians are acting like Christians.  If at home, church, or far away at camp we should always remember to love one another.