Raybon Kan, NZ funnyman, lays down the gauntlet to those who believe in the risen Jesus:

http://stuff.co.nz/4449313a1861.html

NZ Politicians say money more important than people

"Obama praised Wright, a former US Marine, as a "respected biblical scholar" who has "preached the gospel of Jesus, a gospel on which I base my life. In other words, he has never been my political advisor; he's been my pastor."" http://stuff.co.nz/4442558a12.html

Sounds like classic dualism to me. Jesus has things to say about my individual life but not about public policy. So what is Jesus lord of again?

Artist: The Divine Comedy
Album: Regeneration
Year: 2001
Title: Eye Of The Needle

They say that you'll hear him if you're really listening
And pray for that feeling of grace
But that's what I'm doing, why doesn't he answer?
I've prayed 'til I'm blue in the face

The cars in the churchyard are shiny and German
Distinctly at odds with the theme of the sermon
And during communion I study the people
Threading themselves through the eye of the needle
I know that it's wrong for the faithful to seek it
But sometimes I long for a sign, anything
Something to wake up the whole congregation
And finally make up my mind

The cars in the churchyard are shiny and German
Completely at odds with the theme of the sermon
And all through communion I stare at the people
Squeezing themselves through the eye of the needle

An excellent and provocative article by Stuart Murray whose book Post-Christendom I think I shall get:

http://www.postmission.com/articles/christendom-murray.pdf

Heaven: Don't worry it's not the end of the world

A sweet series of blog posts on heaven

John 5:5-17

"The man went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath. But He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working."

Some of the Jews were pretty pissed off that Jesus would heal someone on the Sabbath. Jesus uses this opportunity to once again align himself with the Father. Ever since humanity fell God has been working out his plan of redemption, reconciliation and restoration. Now Jesus too works this out in the lives of those he comes in contact with. As the Father is working to heal and restore the whole cosmos, Jesus begins with this sick man.

Quoteth I:

"The church's new life and new obedience are for the sake of the world. When the church's new life of the Spirit becomes evident to unbelievers, they too are convinced of the truth of this "good news" and so are drawn to Christ..."The Christians' lifestyle should not only be exemplary, but also winsome. It should attract outsiders and invite them to join the community... Their 'exemplary existence' is a powerful magnet that draws outsiders toward the church.""
p 194 "The Drama of Scripture" by C. G. Bartholomew and M. W. Goheen (a Reformy)

This book has once more vividly highlighted the continuity of the witness of God's people. Like Israel who was to draw the nations to give their allegiance to YHWH by their way of life (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6), the Church should be drawing people into their new life following the Way through their love of all humanity and creation.

The Bible can lead to eternal life because as Jesus once said:

"These are the Scriptures that testify about me.." John 5:39ish

Is the Bible the word of God or a witness to the Word that is God? I guess it can in some way be both.