(*I found this on the old Rock site and thought it was worth re-posting, for those who haven’t seen it)

A young pupil wanted to prove his commitment and trust in his teacher.  “Master, I want you to see how much I trust you with my life.  Give me a challenge, ask me to do anything, and I will do it—no matter how dangerous,” he spouted confidently.

“If you insist, I will not refuse you.  But take a night’s sleep before demanding this of me,” replied the teacher softly.

“Very well, I will take a night’s sleep.”

The next day the pupil returned more adamant than ever, “Please master, you must see how devoted I am to you.  It is important to me.”

“Alright, you have your test.  Go down into the forest and find where the Sapient river splits in two.  There you will see the Read the rest of this entry »

Humility is one of those things in life I have always struggled with.  It is considered a pillar of Christianity, and an attribute we should demonstrate regularly as Jesus’ coheirs, who supposedly bear his image to the world.  Any sincere Christian who has read the gospels can see that, in light of the self-righteous Pharisees, being prideful is downright disastrous.  Yet all my efforts have failed miserably.  After countless sermons, books, admonitions, conversations, and teachings on humility (some of which were my own), I find Read the rest of this entry »

I thought this was a great talk about learning to flow in relationship with Jesus. Reflecting on the Latin term: Magis (greater, best) is an important term in Ignatian expression of Christian life. Paul Coutinho asks whether it means doing more or being more.  Those who are used up, burnt out or frustrated in ministry, it is worth a watch.  Thanks to dotMagis for the video.

Magis: Doing More or Being More? from SLU Mission & Ministry on Vimeo.

Two Fools on the Road to Emmaus Podcast – Join Mark and Mike as they continue the conversation started last week in “The Austerity Gospel”, by examining the relationship between fear, commitment and intimacy.  Somehow this leads to a question about rapture / tribulation theology, and the selfishness that seems apparent in that thinking when examined from a broad vantage.  And, eventually, the guys find themselves asking a familiar question with major Kingdom implications: does the end justify the means?

Podcast: Download (Duration: 22:59 — 10.5MB)

Two Fools on the Road to Emmaus Podcast – A new fad is emerging in North American Evangelical circles being labeled “The Austerity Gospel”.  Taking a fundamentally different approach from the Prosperity Gospel, Austerity adherents preach a simple, frugal life free from debt.  This gets Mike and Mark onto the money issue once again, but this time they veer off the well-worn path and begin discussing how fear is a major component of the Christian economy.  What does it say about North American Christianity that the biggest, richest ministries, are often the ones with the most terrifying rhetoric?

Podcast: Download (Duration: 23:48 — 10.9MB)