SO I've been thinking somewhat about the way we process scripture.  I recently have started listening to an audio version of the Bible and as a result, its been harder for me to sit down and read it. I'm not a big reader in the first place, but I was always told that you have to READ your Bible, in order to grow. In our fast paced, technological age, sitting down and reading may not be an option for some people.  What are your thoughts? Given the option would you rather listen, watch, or read the Bible? 

So this Friday, Lord Willing, I'll be brewing my newest,(and hopefully best) beer yet, a Belgian Dubbel. Dubbel's are strong ales that have a deep monastic roots. The particular one I'm brewing is based on a recipe brewed at Affligiem Abbey in 1129CE. Located in Belgium, the Abbey was founded in the late 1000's by former crusaders who repented for their sins and joined the Benedictine Order. It later became a popular stop for pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land.As a Christan and also as a brewer, I find a certain kinship with these warrior monks. It'll be a cool experience to drink something similar to what they did back then. 

So I found out today that Paul Kahan (of Avec and Blackbird in Chicago) just opened a gastropub called the Publican. I love the idea of simple delicious food with an amazing selection of food. As soon as I get my tax return back, I know where I am going to go.  Here's an idea of what to expect. 

So I've been thinking a lot about the way I do ministry in light of where God has put me, (Acts 17.)

I've been doing a Bible study with a couple of guys from my church, going through Galatians. The whole book is about Paul refuting the Jewish believers who are forcing their rules, customs, and culture on the newly accepted Gentile believers.  Although we're only in chapter 2, Paul has already argued that religion, (and the cultural customs that come along with it,) don't justify men before God, only Jesus can, through his death and resurrection.

For me this is very convicting as a 21st century Christian living in the USA, (totally cliche' right?) Being a church kid that became saved at an early age, I've been surrounded by the Christian culture most of my life. There are certain rules, I've followed, certain people I associate myself with, certain beliefs that I don't question, etc... So one thing I struggle with is being judgmental of my fellow bros & sis who are Christians but haven't been brought up in the same religious culture I have. Most of them have a lot more baggage, (although that's pretty relative!) and just "don't get it," when it comes to "living" the Christian lifestyle.  I struggle with converting them to Christian culture instead of discipling, and loving them.

I struggle being a modern Judizer.

So here are a few questions:

How many of us struggle with this if we were honest with ourselves?

How does this effect the way we share the gospel with people?

How does this effect those we are in community with (Christian and non?)

In what ways can we change?


I'll leave you with this passage, gal 2 17-21

Have some of you noticed that we are not yet perfect? (No great surprise, right?) And are you ready to make the accusation that since people like me, who go through Christ in order to get things right with God, aren’t perfectly virtuous, Christ must therefore be an accessory to sin? The accusation is frivolous. If I was “trying to be good,” I would be rebuilding the same old barn that I tore down. I would be acting as a charlatan.

Today I did my own take on egg in a basket, heres the result.

So this is a deconstruced version of a typical Ice Cream Cone I did a while back. I like ice cream.