Pleasant Valley Baptist Church just launched an interactive blog at
www.pvtalkback.com.
Check it out!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
A Brief Format in Reading the Bible
I am writing this entry in order to share one way about how to read the Bible.
In his book How to Write Critical Essays: A Guide for Students of Literature (London: Routledge, 1991), 31, Pirie provides a step-by-step guide for collecting information and ideas that will help guide "the overall shape of your essay" when writing critcal reviews. (Be sure to see www.questia.com if you would like to read the book). I have adapted this information and applied it to Bible reading.
The following is a my adaptation of Pirie's material and applied it towards a reading approach to the Bible:
Read the whole of each set text
When reading the Bible, it is important to read a whole book in context. In seminary, we were taught the phrase that “context is king”. Therefore, reading a whole book of the Bible becomes important when looking at individual passage within that book. It allows you the opportunity to get the main idea of the book before you begin to dissect it. For application, this means that before you begin to study a passage, it is necessary and vital to your understanding of the passage to first read the entire book in regards to what that passage is in. You must read every word of the book, no matter how long or tedious that it may seem. Even if you zone out on some of the reading, you need to make sure you go back and reread those areas that you “went blank” on. Sometimes to help me with the reading and staying on focus, I use a coloring format. If you are interested in it, feel free to send me an e-mail request (sboster@pvbc-kci.org).
Read again
Next comes the issue of reading again. Always try to read the book fully at least once. If possible, gain understanding of the purpose behind the text. If what you’re reading is very long, then pull out major sections or specific passages that you found interesting or important to the main idea. If you can, read the specific sections 2 or three times. Sometimes, reading in another translation is beneficial when reading a book of the Bible again. My personal favorite translations are the New American Standard Bible, the New International version, and the New Living Translation second edition. (The English Standard version and the Holman Christian Standard version are good ones as well.)
Reading aloud
One of the most interesting things that I’ve learned lately in my Bible reading skills has been the importance and the pleasure of reading Scripture out loud. Read as much as you can out loud. When you do this, certain specifics come out that you would not have thought of. Plus, it is just plain fun when you begin to use inflection in your voice or act out some of the stories with your voice.
Memorize key phrases or words after each reading section
As you complete a section or chapter in a book of the Bible, be sure to think about and memorize a key phrase or key idea of that section. Then, as you go about your day whether doing household chores or driving to work or whatever, you can recite to yourself that key phrase or idea of what you have been reading. Keep it short and simple and not long and tedious in your memorization. A fun quote that deals with this is “such unofficial acorns can often nurture them into intellectual oaks of extraordinary strength and complexity”.
Make notes
be sure to take time out to write down a record of fun insights of you reading. Make the decision and determination to do this. You will find that if you do not record your thoughts, feelings, ideas or key phrases, then you will remember and discover less. Be sure to record your own thoughts about the importance of what you are reading and how it applies into your own life. Your thoughts and ramblings, as you will find, truly become a treasure for you in your Christian walk.
This is just one format and there are others as well. I will be sharing others in future blog entries. In the meantime, happy reading!
In his book How to Write Critical Essays: A Guide for Students of Literature (London: Routledge, 1991), 31, Pirie provides a step-by-step guide for collecting information and ideas that will help guide "the overall shape of your essay" when writing critcal reviews. (Be sure to see www.questia.com if you would like to read the book). I have adapted this information and applied it to Bible reading.
The following is a my adaptation of Pirie's material and applied it towards a reading approach to the Bible:
Read the whole of each set text
When reading the Bible, it is important to read a whole book in context. In seminary, we were taught the phrase that “context is king”. Therefore, reading a whole book of the Bible becomes important when looking at individual passage within that book. It allows you the opportunity to get the main idea of the book before you begin to dissect it. For application, this means that before you begin to study a passage, it is necessary and vital to your understanding of the passage to first read the entire book in regards to what that passage is in. You must read every word of the book, no matter how long or tedious that it may seem. Even if you zone out on some of the reading, you need to make sure you go back and reread those areas that you “went blank” on. Sometimes to help me with the reading and staying on focus, I use a coloring format. If you are interested in it, feel free to send me an e-mail request (sboster@pvbc-kci.org).
Read again
Next comes the issue of reading again. Always try to read the book fully at least once. If possible, gain understanding of the purpose behind the text. If what you’re reading is very long, then pull out major sections or specific passages that you found interesting or important to the main idea. If you can, read the specific sections 2 or three times. Sometimes, reading in another translation is beneficial when reading a book of the Bible again. My personal favorite translations are the New American Standard Bible, the New International version, and the New Living Translation second edition. (The English Standard version and the Holman Christian Standard version are good ones as well.)
Reading aloud
One of the most interesting things that I’ve learned lately in my Bible reading skills has been the importance and the pleasure of reading Scripture out loud. Read as much as you can out loud. When you do this, certain specifics come out that you would not have thought of. Plus, it is just plain fun when you begin to use inflection in your voice or act out some of the stories with your voice.
Memorize key phrases or words after each reading section
As you complete a section or chapter in a book of the Bible, be sure to think about and memorize a key phrase or key idea of that section. Then, as you go about your day whether doing household chores or driving to work or whatever, you can recite to yourself that key phrase or idea of what you have been reading. Keep it short and simple and not long and tedious in your memorization. A fun quote that deals with this is “such unofficial acorns can often nurture them into intellectual oaks of extraordinary strength and complexity”.
Make notes
be sure to take time out to write down a record of fun insights of you reading. Make the decision and determination to do this. You will find that if you do not record your thoughts, feelings, ideas or key phrases, then you will remember and discover less. Be sure to record your own thoughts about the importance of what you are reading and how it applies into your own life. Your thoughts and ramblings, as you will find, truly become a treasure for you in your Christian walk.
This is just one format and there are others as well. I will be sharing others in future blog entries. In the meantime, happy reading!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Lifechurch.tv interview with Satan - clever and insightful
I have to admit - some parts of this, I got a good chuckle on . . .
Satan Talks Church Strategy with Craig Groeschel from LifeChurch.tv on Vimeo.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
George Mueller
Here are the video clips that I reference in the ‘Heroes’ sermon. These clips tell the story of George Mueller – one of my heroes of the faith:
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-zCYTWd8-Y
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auoLPhjy-JQ
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L76mvAXaWao
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkMGegn45pY
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on0TxhSHc-M
Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Pb4l14ToK0
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-zCYTWd8-Y
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auoLPhjy-JQ
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L76mvAXaWao
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkMGegn45pY
Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on0TxhSHc-M
Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Pb4l14ToK0
Thursday, May 14, 2009
April Food Drive Pics
Here are some pictures from our time loading up the cars with all the bags of food from our food drive for SPEAC (South Platte Emergency Assisantance Center) and United Services. We gave out more than 120 bags of food and essential items. WOW! Thank you so much!!
Click HERE for the Pictures
Click HERE for the Pictures
Monday, May 11, 2009
Review of 'The Shack'
Hey Everybody! Many of you have been asking me through email, phone calls, personal interactions, and Facebook about my feelings, thoughts, etc concerning the book entitled "The Shack" by William P. Young. After talking with a couple of you, you encouraged me to blog this, so here goes . . .
Due to space and time, I will not preview or outline the story here. Suffice to say, it is an intriguing story of a man who faces a horrible circumstance. In fact, the first 70ish pages of the book deal with that event. It is emotional powerful and weighty (you are forewarned). The emotionalness of this event sets the stage for the rest of the book in which our man character meets the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at 'the Shack'. The tale weaves the elements of relationship with God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and wrestles with the question - "Why do bad things happen?"
oooh wait - I think I will video blog this . .
Due to space and time, I will not preview or outline the story here. Suffice to say, it is an intriguing story of a man who faces a horrible circumstance. In fact, the first 70ish pages of the book deal with that event. It is emotional powerful and weighty (you are forewarned). The emotionalness of this event sets the stage for the rest of the book in which our man character meets the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at 'the Shack'. The tale weaves the elements of relationship with God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and wrestles with the question - "Why do bad things happen?"
oooh wait - I think I will video blog this . .
Monday, May 4, 2009
First 100 Days
This past weekend marks our first 100 days since our official launch January 18th, 2009. Wow! God is so gracious and good. Who would have thought we would get to see the wonderful things that He is doing in the Platte County area when we came over? It has been an exciting 100 days and I am looking forward to our future together at the KCI Campus.
We started our journey with 3 Big Rocks as our focus:
(1) Worship – we wanted a dynamic worship service with contemporary music and connective worship with God,
(2) Children - we desired to have an engaging children’s ministry that kids would enjoy learning about Christ and where parents felt at ease at leaving their kids, and
(3) Community Groups – we developed opportunity for youth and adults to engage in group life together.
Here is a synopsis of each Big Rock
(1) Worship
a. We have had incredible worship music and messages during our two worship times. The first at 9 am and the second service at 10:30 am. I have heard several comments from folks who get together with others for lunch and appreciate beating the lunch crowd. (Ha! We got the Methodists and Presbyterians beat! :-)
b. Megan Eastland has done a phenomenal job with the band and tech team. Megan has grown the band into a great team of individuals who love to worship and connect with God.
(2) Children
a. What a team Karyn Chastain has in serving the nursery and preschoolers! I love the story of a 3 year old boy whose parents hoping to find a place where he could feel comfortable. He enjoys his class and teachers. Plus, there are more stories of kids who are having a blast in their classes with the DVD curriculum. Yea God!
b. Ace Chambers and the Cross Street team (K-5th Grade) have created some wonderful engaging opportunities for the kids. From the elaborate decorations to the Elevate DVD Curriculum, the children are having a blast! You should watch them move and jump around to the music - not to mention the volunteers! I think I even caught Ace wearing a hula skirt! Ha!
c. We are blessed to have such creative people to help our children engage the Word of God and learn about Jesus!
(3) Community Groups
a. Blessings:
i. God blessed us through the building manager the opportunity to utilize some space on the second floor for Youth and Adult community goups.
ii. We started groups!!
b. Adult
i. The Booth family, the Harris family, and the Lohnes family have officially launched our ‘Linkubator’ on campus (temporarily) Community Group. The purpose of this group is to ‘link’ people together and incubate (prepare) them to begin meeting in homes. The group meets on the second floor at 9 am on Sunday mornings. Feel free to join in anytime. Our goal is to spin off new groups all throughout the year. It has been great to see people get to know each other and partner up before going out into the homes.
ii. Speaking of spinning off, the Nagel family and the Grace family have begun their own community group hosted in the Grace’s home – and complete with someone who teaches the kids while the adults do Bible Study. Very cool! I appreciate all those who pitch in to help support the children’s teacher.
c. Youth
i. Talk about investment these days and you will probably think about the economy. Well, when it comes to investing in the next generation, Chip Bruce cares for our youth and their walk with Christ. Chip is sensitive to the pressures that the students face today and passionate in encouraging them in their relationship with Christ. Because of Chip, we have seen a steady growth in our youth (not just in numbers but also in attitude). Many of our students are engaged in service opportunities, such as during other worship hours and the Prompted ministry.
We could not do ministry together without all of your help - from the Hospitality team (lead by Bob Clements) to the Courtesy Team (lead by Jim Daum) as well as the countless volunteers who help with Discover PV, Discover Your Design, Starting Point, Prayer Team, and more. Thank you – Thank you!
Plus, during the past 100 days, we have developed community partnerships with:
· Hillcrest Ministries (http://www.hillcresttransitionalhousing.org/)
· SPEAC (South Platte Emergency Assistance Center)
· United Services (http://www.uscaa.info/)
For example, we collected over 120 bags of groceries and necessity items for the food pantries at SPEAC and United Services. For ServeKC (June 20th), we are looking forward to partnering with Hillcrest Ministries for projects to help out their residents (people who are trying and wanting to get back on their feet). We have truly begun to make wonderful connections with
For those who want to know numbers, we are averaging between 276 to 336 people in attendance each week at the KCI Campus: approx 60 in the first service, 120 in the second service with total of 60 volunteers and 60 children and youth. We have had our first baptisms with more on the way. God is soo good to us!
What’s Next on the Horizon
Here is a quick bullet list of what we hope to see over the next year:
1. Serve KC – June 20th
2. More Community Groups: On Camps (10:30) and Home Groups
3. Discover PV - Quarterly
4. Discover Your Design - Quarterly
5. Scripture Summit – Special Weekends with Seminary Professors and Speakers with topics surrounding God’s Word.
6. Leadership Summit – August 7th-8th (http://www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership/2009/)
7. Previews for International Mission Trip (possibly Haiti, Africa, or Thailand – or all three!! For 2010).
8. Coffee House Sundays (with great music and discussion topics)
9. Community Socials (Movie Nights, Fish Fry, Chili-Cook Offs, Barbecue Fest – or is that Feast?)
10. Evangelism and Sharing Your Story Training
11. Starting Point – Quarterly
12. And MORE!
Our Needs:
We need YOU! We have plenty of opportunities to you to get involved with the KCI Campus. Be looking on the blog and the Connection for opportunities to serve. We are cathedral of people working together to connect with God and others. It is great to have you with us!!
Our Lord is doing an amazing work and we get to join Him. The 100 days have been fantastic! Just imagine what the next year will bring! God is good!
We started our journey with 3 Big Rocks as our focus:
(1) Worship – we wanted a dynamic worship service with contemporary music and connective worship with God,
(2) Children - we desired to have an engaging children’s ministry that kids would enjoy learning about Christ and where parents felt at ease at leaving their kids, and
(3) Community Groups – we developed opportunity for youth and adults to engage in group life together.
Here is a synopsis of each Big Rock
(1) Worship
a. We have had incredible worship music and messages during our two worship times. The first at 9 am and the second service at 10:30 am. I have heard several comments from folks who get together with others for lunch and appreciate beating the lunch crowd. (Ha! We got the Methodists and Presbyterians beat! :-)
b. Megan Eastland has done a phenomenal job with the band and tech team. Megan has grown the band into a great team of individuals who love to worship and connect with God.
(2) Children
a. What a team Karyn Chastain has in serving the nursery and preschoolers! I love the story of a 3 year old boy whose parents hoping to find a place where he could feel comfortable. He enjoys his class and teachers. Plus, there are more stories of kids who are having a blast in their classes with the DVD curriculum. Yea God!
b. Ace Chambers and the Cross Street team (K-5th Grade) have created some wonderful engaging opportunities for the kids. From the elaborate decorations to the Elevate DVD Curriculum, the children are having a blast! You should watch them move and jump around to the music - not to mention the volunteers! I think I even caught Ace wearing a hula skirt! Ha!
c. We are blessed to have such creative people to help our children engage the Word of God and learn about Jesus!
(3) Community Groups
a. Blessings:
i. God blessed us through the building manager the opportunity to utilize some space on the second floor for Youth and Adult community goups.
ii. We started groups!!
b. Adult
i. The Booth family, the Harris family, and the Lohnes family have officially launched our ‘Linkubator’ on campus (temporarily) Community Group. The purpose of this group is to ‘link’ people together and incubate (prepare) them to begin meeting in homes. The group meets on the second floor at 9 am on Sunday mornings. Feel free to join in anytime. Our goal is to spin off new groups all throughout the year. It has been great to see people get to know each other and partner up before going out into the homes.
ii. Speaking of spinning off, the Nagel family and the Grace family have begun their own community group hosted in the Grace’s home – and complete with someone who teaches the kids while the adults do Bible Study. Very cool! I appreciate all those who pitch in to help support the children’s teacher.
c. Youth
i. Talk about investment these days and you will probably think about the economy. Well, when it comes to investing in the next generation, Chip Bruce cares for our youth and their walk with Christ. Chip is sensitive to the pressures that the students face today and passionate in encouraging them in their relationship with Christ. Because of Chip, we have seen a steady growth in our youth (not just in numbers but also in attitude). Many of our students are engaged in service opportunities, such as during other worship hours and the Prompted ministry.
We could not do ministry together without all of your help - from the Hospitality team (lead by Bob Clements) to the Courtesy Team (lead by Jim Daum) as well as the countless volunteers who help with Discover PV, Discover Your Design, Starting Point, Prayer Team, and more. Thank you – Thank you!
Plus, during the past 100 days, we have developed community partnerships with:
· Hillcrest Ministries (http://www.hillcresttransitionalhousing.org/)
· SPEAC (South Platte Emergency Assistance Center)
· United Services (http://www.uscaa.info/)
For example, we collected over 120 bags of groceries and necessity items for the food pantries at SPEAC and United Services. For ServeKC (June 20th), we are looking forward to partnering with Hillcrest Ministries for projects to help out their residents (people who are trying and wanting to get back on their feet). We have truly begun to make wonderful connections with
For those who want to know numbers, we are averaging between 276 to 336 people in attendance each week at the KCI Campus: approx 60 in the first service, 120 in the second service with total of 60 volunteers and 60 children and youth. We have had our first baptisms with more on the way. God is soo good to us!
What’s Next on the Horizon
Here is a quick bullet list of what we hope to see over the next year:
1. Serve KC – June 20th
2. More Community Groups: On Camps (10:30) and Home Groups
3. Discover PV - Quarterly
4. Discover Your Design - Quarterly
5. Scripture Summit – Special Weekends with Seminary Professors and Speakers with topics surrounding God’s Word.
6. Leadership Summit – August 7th-8th (http://www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership/2009/)
7. Previews for International Mission Trip (possibly Haiti, Africa, or Thailand – or all three!! For 2010).
8. Coffee House Sundays (with great music and discussion topics)
9. Community Socials (Movie Nights, Fish Fry, Chili-Cook Offs, Barbecue Fest – or is that Feast?)
10. Evangelism and Sharing Your Story Training
11. Starting Point – Quarterly
12. And MORE!
Our Needs:
We need YOU! We have plenty of opportunities to you to get involved with the KCI Campus. Be looking on the blog and the Connection for opportunities to serve. We are cathedral of people working together to connect with God and others. It is great to have you with us!!
Our Lord is doing an amazing work and we get to join Him. The 100 days have been fantastic! Just imagine what the next year will bring! God is good!
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