Neighbors

I met my new neighbors the other day. They seem nice. He is a Pierce County sheriff deputy. I had a conversation with another one of my neighbors (Ray). He commented on how our neighborhood seems very unfriendly. I commented on how things have changed even from the time I grew up in Oklahoma. What does it mean to be community any more? My wife and I live in this small 15 house neighborhood, but our community is elsewhere. What would Jesus still say about our neighbors? I want my "neighbors" to know Christ! My neighbors are nice and I talk to some of them. I know even less of them by name. Is that a reflection on our individualism or a reflection on my witness to them? Maybe both?

God is wants all me to come to know him. It does not matter who you are or where you live. I need to look at "who is my neighbor" again and see what God wants to communicate.

History of the Church

Jerry and Terri Wolfe and Julie and I teach a theology class on Friday nights to people from our church. We were discussing the history of the church, specifically the 2nd century controversies concerning the deity of Jesus. How is it we have raised people up who are ready to throw out centuries of Church heritage just because they can "read the Bible for themselves."? I do not believe it is that easy to throw out centuries of God using His people in history. Where would we be with out the Church fathers? Where would we be without Martin Luther? Is that attitude rooted in something else. Are we too individualistic? Does God even recognize us outside the community of faith--his churchh? I do not understand how we can just toss the history of the God's church out like we toss out the garbage? Maybe we need to asking for forgiveness!

I love my wife (Julie) and God's creation.