Monday, June 22nd in Montecito

Back at Tarik's tonight:

2126 East Valley Rd. See you there!

Men's group at John Michael's tonight!!

Men! Tonight we are meeting at John Michael's house at 7 o'clock. Be there or be square, tell your friends, spread the word. Friends don't let friends show up at Tarik's house.

Love you guys!

Listen Up! Luke is back...

Hey Guys,
Luke's back! Men's group tonight back at tarik's - 7pm. Bring some grub or snacks if you want.

June 1st Mens Group at John Michael's

Hey Men, Come to John Michael's house through the left side of the house gate... Bring a coat!!!!

This is to let all y'all know that Men's Group will not be at Tarik's tonight. Instead we will be meeting at John Michael's pad in SB. Same time though, so plan on getting there before 7 so we can start on time. The address is below.

Please text/email/call any guys you think won't/can't check out the blog. Let's get everybody there.

And, as always, come ready to dig in and dish out.

John Michael's:
660 Roberto Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Link to Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=660+Roberto+Ave,+Santa+Barbara,+CA+93109&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.685051,135.351563&ie=UTF8&z=17&iwloc=A>">

Memorial Day Weekend

Brosephs, we traditionally take off Memorial Day Monday. If you want to have a little get together go for it. I'm pretty sure Tarik's house is not an option. Therefore, if you want to have a sesh with some of the guys, someone needs to post it and send out some texts as to the location etc.. Otherwise, there will not be a traditional gathering. If you want to get together but need help spreading the word just call me. Taylor

LISTEN UP! At John Michael's Tonight

Hey Men,

This is to let all y'all know that Men's Group will not be at Tarik's tonight. Instead we will be meeting at John Michael's pad in SB. Same time though, so plan on getting there before 7 so we can start on time. The address is below.

Please text/email/call any guys you think won't/can't check out the blog. Let's get everybody there.

And, as always, come ready to dig in and dish out.

John Michael's:
660 Roberto Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Link to Google Maps:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=660+Roberto+Ave,+Santa+Barbara,+CA+93109&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=65.685051,135.351563&ie=UTF8&z=17&iwloc=A>">

See you guys tonight!

Men and Marriage

Hey guys! This is a sermon by Mark Driscoll on the roll of men in marriage. In light of what we've been covering the last few weeks, and especially last night, I thought it would be appropriate to post this up here. Now...a brief warning- this message may hurt a little bit, but it's the kind of hurt that is followed by times of refreshing- so don't be scared. Be men.

If you're married, you should hear this. If you're thinking about marriage, you should DEFINITELY hear this. You single guys, remember what Kyle said about staying pure for your wife even though you haven't met her yet. Driscoll will flesh that out for you. He's loving with a tough love here, but it's faithful to God's word. So watch it PRAYERFULLY with an open heart. Be blessed my brothers. Amen.

-J

Our walk as Jesus walked

Hey guys, As I was passing the house on Connor where we used to meet, I was just thinking of how sad I am. Sad that that season has passed, and then I thought of how this little group of very simple men, has been used by God. How He has moved us to Hawaii, Turkey, Washington, Colorado, Orange County, Santa Ynez, maybe soon San Francisco, etc. Wow Praise God! I was reading in Joshua 18:3 "How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?" Then in John 2 about the Miracle at Cana of the water into wine. From verse 3 , " and when the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to Him," they have no wine." vs 4 And Jesus said to her "Woman, what do I have to do with you? My hour has not yet come." Her response in verse 5 is what hit me, 5 His mother said to the servants "Whatever He says to you, do it." He is just waiting for us to possess the land that He has given us. The response He gave to His mom seemed closed ended. Yet she knowing His nature and His promises, pressed Him to show His power. Oh that we would have such a faith. Guys I miss each and everyone of you. But now I am starting to understand how Paul felt when his close friends would be sent out for the Gospels sake. We will have all eternity to speak of our many journeys. God Bless

Rebuttal to those who call Jesus a Man

Hey Guys,

This is a response i sent to a colleague of mine who sent me an article trying to claim that Christians and non-Christian scholars agree on who Jesus was. Here is the link to the article that my co-worker sent. Below is my "scholarly" response. It is very long so if you don't read it i wont be offended, but this may be of use to you in the future. So in the light of John here it is


Article: Who was Jesus the Man?


What does Jesus Say By Neil Roessler
While I am not calling into question the intentions of the writer of this article I would like to point out some very interesting things for your information about the argument presented by the man being interviewed. It is true that we can agree on a historical Jesus. What is interesting though is that the author or interviewer has chosen a man from the Jesus seminar as the main speaker for his subject. The Jesus Seminar is the main institution calling into question the validity of the Gospels and discerning who really was the man Jesus Christ. What is interesting is that, for many years, they, Just like their Christian counterparts are lacking objective analysis of the subject of Jesus Christ. Notice how their rhetoric is inticing, However, they certainly have omitted much of how Jesus presented himself to the world and particularly the disciples.

Hagerland, making a point about how many of the Gospel stories have been exaggerated says this:

"The reactions as depicted in the Gospels must have been exaggerated because, as far as we can know from historical research, no first-century Jew would have considered the proclamation of forgiveness blasphemous," Hagerland said. "It is far more likely then, that the controversy over Jesus' proclamation of forgiveness is not grounded in an historical exchange, but was brought into the episode for rhetorical purposes."

This is very compelling, except it leaves out any scholarly analysis of Jewish beliefs and what Jesus said. Here is the actual story that Hagerland is referring to:

Mark 2:1-12
1A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. 2So many gathered that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 3Some men came, bringing to him a paralytic, carried by four of them. 4Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus and, after digging through it, lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. 5When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
6Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, 7"Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
8Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? 9Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? 10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins . . . ." He said to the paralytic, 11"I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." 12He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

First off, Hagerland leaves out the fact that Jesus was setting a precedent never before seen by Jewish people. They believed that forgiveness was a part of everyday life. However, for someone to say they had the power to forgive a peoples sins would have been blasphemy to Jews who believe only God can forgive sins. Jesus claiming here that the power had been given to him.
On a similar note, in the gospel of John, the author recalled Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. As Jesus entered the area John was baptizing people, he saw Jesus among the crowd and proclaimed, shortly after John baptized Jesus:
29The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! [John 1:29]

This is another precedent in Jewish culture. This proclamation would never have been heard before. Jews would have been stunned because prior to this, Jews were only used to having their sins be covered. In the Old Testament the sacrifices offered only served to cover the sins of the world. However, john stated that Jesus was “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Take away, not just cover. Jews would have been perplexed at this because no one before in history could be said to be able to take away the sins of the world.

The second example that Hagerland uses to support his argument is that Jesus did not consider that he would die for the sins of the world. He also misses that fact that although Jesus was crucified by the authorities, Jesus presented his crucifixion in a different manner. To say his disciples only regarded Jesus death as sacrificial for sins and not Jesus himself shows very poor scholarship. According to the article and the Jesus seminar scholars:

"While crucifixion was a punishment consistent with Roman law during Jesus' time, historians say, the circumstances of Jesus' crucifixion certainly morphed in the decades following his death, according to Borg."

"Historically, Jesus was executed by the authorities - Roman imperial authority in collaboration with high-ranking priestly authority. Historically he did not 'die for the sins of the world,' but he was killed by the powers that ruled his world," Borg said."

However, in John chapter 10 Jesus makes this statement in reference to his crucifixion:

18"(W)No one has taken it away from Me, but I (X)lay it down on My own initiative I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again (Y)This commandment I received from My Father."
To second the fact that Jesus approached the cross knowing exactly what he was doing I want to draw your attention to the verse we were discussing yesterday that is used by the blue cross.

The verse, which is documented as Jesus speaking at the beginning of his ministry, around three years before his crucifixion says this:

John 3:10 10You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus [speaking to a 1st century Jewish leader named Nicodemus, who according to John was at Jesus crucifixion and eventually believed In Jesus], "and do you not understand these things? 11I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man.[d] 14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.[e]

The bolded type is a reference to numbers 21. Context of the story is that the Jewish people were sinning against God, so God sent snakes to judge the people. Here is the story
7(J)So the people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned, because we have spoken against the LORD and you; (K)intercede with the LORD, that He may remove the serpents from us." And Moses interceded for the people. 8Then the LORD said to Moses, "Make a (L)fiery serpent, and set it on a standard; and it shall come about, that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, he will live."
9And Moses made a (M)bronze serpent and set it on the standard; and it came about, that if a serpent bit any man, when he looked to the bronze serpent, he lived.

Jesus, a first century Jew himself, would have known that Nicodemus, a first century rabbi, who was a scholar of the scriptures would have immediately known that Jesus was referring directly to this story and known that the fiery serpents represented Judgement and sin and that in order to receive forgiveness and healing, they needed to express their faith that the serpent lifted on the standard could heal them. I kind of butchered this a-bit. However, immediately in Nicodemus’s little mind, he would have understood that Jesus was saying that he would have the authority for mankind to have eternal life if they repented from their sins and believed in him. Also Jesus was informing Nicodemus that He would need to be lifted up on a standard, The cross/crucifixion. What is cool is that in the versus following these, jesus says the verse you asked me about yesterday, John 3:16, 16"For God so (W)loved the world, that He (X)gave His (Y)only begotten Son, that whoever (Z)believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

There is also the subject of when the documents were written, I don’t want to waste any more of your time. If you are curious come and ask me I can tell you. I hope this helps keep you informed. The scholars out there, especially those in the Jesus seminar are deceiving many many people by misrepresenting what Jesus said. There is a breadth of scholarship about the bible and some of it does not have the best objectivity, including Christians. That is why there is so much debate. If you have any questions, please ask.

“One of the first duties of man is not to be duped, to be aware of his world; and to derive the significance of human experience from events that never occurred is surely an enterprise of doubtful value. To establish the facts is always in order, and is indeed the first duty of the historian; but to suppose that the facts, once established in all their fullness, will ‘speak for themselves’ is an illusion. It was perhaps peculiarly the illusion of those historians of the last century who found some special magic in the word ‘scientific.’ The scientific historian, it seems, was one who set forth the facts without injecting any extraneous meaning into them.”[1]
—Carl Becker (1873–1945)

Mars Hill Church

Hey Guys,
You’ve heard me talk about Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church. This is not to be confused with Mars Hill Bible Church led by Rob Bell, the author of Velvet Elvis and considered “emergent.” Keep in mind these terms are hard to define as movements tend to define themselves after they become institutionalized. Our bro Kyle attended Mars Hill in Seattle for the past year and will be back in SB this week!

To that end, I've added a link to a great resource called The Resurgence. Check it out yo. Below is some additional info you will find useful.

Mark Driscoll is the co-founding Pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. Driscoll, in sermons, has claimed to be "Emerging" or "Emerging Reformed" but not "Emergent."
Here is his description of his association with, and eventual distancing from the Emergent Church movement. The following YouTube videos are worth viewing for further clarification of the terms:

In the mid-1990s I was part of what is now known as the Emerging Church and spent some time traveling the country to speak on the emerging church in the emerging culture on a team put together by Leadership Network called the Young Leader Network. But, I eventually had to distance myself from the Emergent stream of the network because friends like Brian McLaren and Doug Pagitt began pushing a theological agenda that greatly troubled me. Examples include referring to God as a chick, questioning God's sovereignty over and knowledge of the future, denial of the substitutionary atonement at the cross, a low view of Scripture, and denial of hell which is one hell of a mistake.





Rob Bell is the founding Pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI.
In his writings, Bell affirms things as truth regardless of the source, saying "I affirm the truth anywhere in any religious system, in any worldview. If it's true, it belongs to God." Rob Bell suggested the virgin birth was not essential to the Christian faith in Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith, on one page (26), while confirming it on the next (27), and seemed to question the doctrine of sola scriptura on one page (67-68), while affirming it on the next (69).

Rob Bell, Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith, Zondervan, 2005

Woman at the Well

Hey Guys,
Here's a YouTube contemporary version of the woman at the well. Where is Jesus encountering you?

God vs. Science

This was sent to my facebook and got a kick out of it

" THINK AS YOU READ THIS"

God vs. Science

This is awesome and well worth the read!! Great thought processes!

Excellent explanation!

The science professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students, 'Let me explain the problem science has with religion.' The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.

'You're a Christian, aren't you, son?'

'Yes sir,' the student says.

So you believe in God?'

'Absolutely.'

'Is God good?'

'Sure! God's good.'

'Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?'

'Yes.'

'Are you good or evil?'


'The Bible says I'm evil.'


The professor grins knowingly. 'Aha! The Bible!' He considers for a moment.

'Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?'


'Yes sir, I would.'

'So you're good...!'

'I wouldn't say that.'

But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't.'

The student does not answer, so the professor continues. 'He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?'

The student remains silent.

'No, you can't, can you?' the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.

'Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?'

'Er...yes,' the student says.

'Is Satan good?'

The student doesn't hesitate on this one. 'No.'

'Then where does Satan come from?'

The student falters. 'From God'

'That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?'

Yes, sir.'

Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?'

'Yes.'

'So who created evil?' The professor continued, 'If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil.'

Again, the student has no answer. 'Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?'

The student squirms on his feet. 'Yes'
'So who created them?'


The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. 'Who created them?' There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. 'Tell me,' he continues onto another student. 'Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?'

The student's voice betrays him and cracks. 'Yes, professor, I do.'

The old man stops pacing. 'Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?'

No sir. I've never seen Him.'

'Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?'

'No, sir, I have not.'

'Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?'

'No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't.'

'Yet you still believe in him?'

'Yes.'

'According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?'

'Nothing,' the student replies. 'I only have my faith.'

Yes, faith,' the professor repeats. 'And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith.'

The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of his own. 'Professor, is there such thing as heat?'

'Yes,' the professor replies. 'There's heat.'


And is there such a thing as cold?'


'Yes, son, there's cold too.'

'No sir, there isn't.'

The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. 'You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can reach up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees..'

'Everybody or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold; Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.'

Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.

'What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?'

'Yes,' the professor replies without hesitation 'What is night if it isn't darkness?'

'You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word.'

'In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?'

The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. 'So what point are you making, young man?'

'Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed.'


The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. 'Flawed? Can you explain how?'


'You are working on the premise of duality,' the student explains. 'You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought.'

'It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it.'

'Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?'

'If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do.'

'Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?'

The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.

'Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that t his process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?'

he class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.

'To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean.'

The student looks around the room. 'Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?' The class breaks out into laughter.

'Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain; with all due respect, sir.'

'So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?'


Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.

Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. 'I guess you'll have to take them on faith.'

'Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life,' the student continues. 'Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?'

Now uncertain, the professor responds, 'Of course, there is. We see it every day. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.'

To this the student replied, 'Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light.'

The professor sat down.


Charles

The Doctrine of Perfectionism

Men,
Lazo nailed this topic at Adorn. You can also check out his sermon notes if you don't want to listen to the whole teaching but it's worthwhile.

The Doctrine of Perfectionsm

Even so, don't just take his word for it and be a Berean and study the word for yourself. Use your reason and ask God to give you wisdom.

Don't give up and don't give in. Love you guys.
tarik

Does Satan Exist?

Gents,
This is a debate that was held at the church Brittney and I attend. Our pastor was one of the debators. It was between him, Depak Chopra (the leading New Age guru), a former pastor who now says that Satan and hell don't exist. There's also a former prositute turned christian who now leads a ministry to save prostitutes from off the streets.

Gnarly debate, and really heart-wrenching to watch. It's more sad than anything to see so many people buying into the ideas of Depak Chopra and self-realization. They don't know anything of Jesus, and so, they have no hope in this life or the next. You can check out the whole debate at abcnews.com. There's a video link in the top right hand corner of the page titled "Nightline Face-Off".

If you just want to see the abreviated version, check out www.marshillchurch.org. It's on the main page.

We all have some work to do for the Kingdom. It's not about us. It's about God's glory and going into the places and relationships nobody wants to, but that he calls us to. Jesus' light shines brightest in the darkest places. I love you boys. Looking forward to seeing you.

Kyle

Listen Up!

Men,

Last night was such a great time with the Lord. Thank you Phil for bringing it all nitty gritty tellin us we have to be humble. Bam!! just like that.

Guys a few things that were brought up we need to remember:

^{Philippians 2:
3}Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,⁶who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,⁷but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men ⁸Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Lets all act on the things we learned and apply it to our lives. Next week we will spend some time to share any nuggets we learned this week about humility. As men we are going to battle this so lets take up our cross and follow Jesus. Remember we arent getting together as a bunch of messed up fools so that we can just talk but "the one who says he abides in JESUS ought himself to walk in the same manner as JESUS walked."

God Bless,

-N

Found this amazing website

You guys have to check it out. You can buy Christian Books and resources. It has a section of book on US christian history as well.

I just found it so i havnt been able to look through everything. but the articles section seems pretty awesome with some relevant discussion about Christians and Politics etc.

American Vision


Check it out and have fun! Love you guys!

N.


Ive been browsing the website for the past week and have found a few issues with the theology of the proponents.
1.) They are Preterists meaning the Second coming of Christ was fulfilled at 70AD
2.) They dont necessarily speak out of humility and love.

Although, there are these two issues that i found, i have been reading their articles still and find them 
very insightful into the discussion of developing a christian world view!

With that said, I advise caution. It is still the best resource i have found that is discussing politics and
Christianity but the guys running the show have different eschatology views than we do. 

Neil

Nicodemus

John.3:1-21

Jesus say Ye must be Born again!
Have You been Born again?

Amazing Testimonies on iamsecond.com

Check out the one by former Korn guitarist, Brian Welch.

Must Walk as Jesus Walked

Men,

I have been asking more and more lately what it truly means to walk as jesus walked. It is not easy to discern in our global Geo-political world how Jesus might have lived. God is slowly revealing more and more to me about the truth about Jesus. I found this article titled Mercy Triumphs over Judgement.

This article supports some of the questions that have been entering my mind about what it truly means to follow Jesus and brings some relevant and necessary application to our lives.

One of my favorite quotes from the article is this:

"Day after day, a loving Creator looks down on a broken planet longing for the day when the object of His affection will walk hand in hand with Him into indescribable beauty in the halls of eternity. In the meantime, the destruction continues, not because God is angry with man, but rather because men choose to kill, steal and destroy. This is the fruit of those who have chosen the wrong lover (satan)."

Another is this:
"Prayer is the bridge between what should be and what will be. The diligent prayer of a righteous people will ultimately determine the destiny of our children."

Check it out, It is a bit long but only about 5-10 minutes to get through.

Love you guys,
N

Let Thy Will Be Done

Hey again Gents,
It's Kyle writing from the rainy pacific northwest. So remember when you guys all prayed for me when I heard God call me to leave my last job and move on up to Seattle? Well, the time has come again for a huge prayer request. About a year and a half since then, and now with a wife and a baby on the way, He has called our family to step out of comfort and "security". Just last night, after praying long and hard to get my heart in the same place as God's, I made the decision to move us back down to the Santa Barbara area.

I am going to tell my boss today. I'm thinking I will be up here with a job for another month or so, but I'm not really sure. The nature of this move is pretty scary because we don't have any job/housing plans, and we have a baby due in September. But I feel an awesome peace in making this decision. It seems nuts that God would call us to this, with things so up in the air, but it really is exciting!

If anything else, I just wanted to share this with you guys as a praise to God's faithfulness and love. Even though nothing has happened yet, I know He'll provide in the most radical and unexpected ways. The faith series has really pushed Brittney and I to trust God with all of our lives. They're not even our own, and we've realized we have no right to guard them from the God who gave them to us in the first place. He's so good, and we really believe this is His will for us right now. We could definately use your guys' prayer during this big transition. Mostly for strength to follow him joyously throughout the journey and not get bitter and complainy like the Israelites in the desert. We want to really glorify him and be thankful for what we DO have. Other than that, prayer for protection from Satan and any of his attacks. Jesus is the answer and his word is the sword - pray for us to wield it well like fearless warriors.

Thanks guys. I miss seeing you all, but by God's grace, we will hopefully see you all soon. Love you guys,

Kyle

Apologetics Conference Calvary Chapel, SB 2/7/09

Hey guys I already invited my homegroup and now I'm extending this invitation to you all to tell you about an Apologetics Conference happening at Calvary Chapel on Saturday, February 7th at 9:00AM!

Apologetics, as most of you know, means "defense of the faith", and it is a part of what we as Christians are called to be able to do, Jude 3, 1 Peter 2:15, Colossians 4:5-6, Titus 1:9, 2 Timothy4:2.

The Conference goes on till about 3:00 I think, but I'm only going for one lecture at 9:00. Greg Koukl (www.str.org) will be speaking on the topic of "Has God Spoken". This guy is one of my favorite apologists working today. He has a weekly radio show in which he responds to listener questions in a scholarly, yet very understandable, way. I can guarantee that you'll be equipped if you come. The Lord wants us to expand in the knowledge of Him and His will, Colossians 1:9, and these kinds of conferences are one of many ways to do that.

So if you want to come, meet us there OR(!) meet us at a nearby coffee shop (message me and I'll let you know where, 'cause I don't know yet) at 8 am, and we'll have coffee and fellowship for an hour before the event.

I REALLY encourage you all to make it. I know it's super last-minute, but c'mon...who's really got plans on a Saturday morning before 10 aM?!

Hope to hear from you!

Jason

PS. Don't forget to hit me up about the coffee!!!!!!!

Water into Wine.

Jesus' first miracle, and four thousand years later he does them among us still. Have you ever seen one? Sean will be teaching tonite and Devon and Pat will be guiding us into the throne room of Grace. Come at 6:40 to pray or 7:00 to be fed and be blessed and bless others with your presence. Listenup! Bring a friend. See you soon!!!

Confrontation

As leaders we will all face confrontation. In the book of Corinthians, Paul was forced to confront several problems. If I were in his shoes, I would have come packing mad bombs accompanied by a fresh verbal assault of what they need to do. But when we stray off course and others speak into our lives, we need to find something to affirm in the person we are trying to correct--in love.

The 101% principle is finding the 1% you can affirm and giving it 100% attention. Paul practiced this and demonstrated that affirmation comes before confrontation. Good leaders look for the good in people and affirm it. Only then do they address the problem.

-tarik

'08 was great but '09 will be...

Men,
What does your year look like so far? Have you decided to follow Jesus? Don't be a wuss and punk out. Come tonight but please leave your masks at the door. Or bring them in and we can burn them in the fireplace as a sin offering to the Lord.

tarik

Dominic Balli Video

Hey Guys,
We're meeting at Reality tonight at 7 for a night of fun shooting Dom's video. Represent.

tarik

It's Been Way Too Long

Howdy Gentlemen,
This is Kyle Crooks reporting in from the dark and gloomy corner of the US known as Seattle. I can't believe it's been this long since last checking in with you guys, but I definitely have some big news and things happening.

Around Christmas time, Brittney and I had been in prayer about our future as a family and what Jesus had for us. Through all of it, he brought both of our hearts to hear his call of moving back to California! I am in the process of looking for jobs. It's funny. I remember last year telling all of you guys about leaving my job and you were all for it. hahaha. After seeing me through prayer and searching you all showed yourselves to have true hearts of Jesus and being the rad brothers that you are. If you guys would pray for our family in this time, I'd really appreciate it. We are looking to move down as soon as possible, but there are a few bigger factors that play into this...

...like the fact that Brittney is pregnant!!! We found out on Christmas morning. Oh my gosh, it is so crazy! But we are so stoked to have such a huge blessing! If you guys could be in prayer for the health of Brittney and the baby, that would be HUGE! She is throwing up everyday and feeling really bad. But it's kind of funny too, especially because each time after she does, she says, "Thanks a lot Eve. I'm so happy I have this horrible nausea because of the fall." Hahaha. I can't do anything but laugh.

Anyways, I love you guys a ton, and really miss meeting up every week. I hope there's still a spot on the floor that I can camp out on every monday night. Let me know how you're all doing and we will definately have to be in touch. Later on men.

Peace & Love,
Kyle

Back at it!!

Guys, I hope that you all had a sweet vacation. I know we are stoked about getting back together. Tonite at Tarik's at 7:00 we will be meeting as usual and if you want to come around 6:40 to pray, do it! This is a good time to reach out to any friend who has never come or someone who has and encourage them to enter into some Godly fellowship. Can't wait to see you all. TG

Worship at John Michael's Tonite

Guys, there will be no official Listenup tonite. However, for those who are around, John Michael is hosting a worship night. His address is: 345 Kellogg Way #21, Goleta, CA 93117 It is behind the Hampton Inn. It will be at seven o'clock. Bring your heart and vocal chords to sing to the Lord!

Christmas Trivia

Hey Guys,
A couple of weeks ago we had a moment of Christmas trivia and one of the questions was: "What's a yule tide log?" We got as far as identifying that a yule is a type of tree. According to Wikipedia, a Yule is "a large log which is burned in the hearth as a part of traditional Yule or Christmas celebrations in some cultures." (Wikipedia)

Historically, the Yule log has frequently been associated with German pagan origins. Wikipedia continues, "Robert Chambers in his 1832 Book of Days notes that Two popular observances belonging to Christmas are more especially derived from the worship of our pagan ancestors—the hanging up of the mistletoe and the burning of the Yule log. James George Frazer in The Golden Bough (p. 736) holds that "the ancient fire-festival of the winter solstice appears to survive" in the Yule log custom."

So what's the deal with burning the log?

Tammuz, the son of Nimrod and his queen, Semiramis, was identified with the Babylonian Sun God and worshipped following the winter solstice, on about December 22-23. Tammuz was thought to have died during the winter solstice, and was memorialized by burning a log in the fireplace. (The Chaldean word for "infant" is yule. This is the origin of the yule log.) His rebirth was celebrated by replacing the log with a trimmed tree the next morning.

For more cool origins of Christmas info. check out Koinonia House

Do your homework. Don't take my word for it. Be like a Berean!!

tarik

Romans 6

An Old Hippy Van

Hebrews 10

What do you think about Christmas?

Below are 2 links.

One of them is an article from the Daily Mail in the UK. Can you imagine what would happen if this was published in an American newspaper? Granted, this man is a known "hate-preacher" but what do other "normal" people think about Christmas? The other link is to blogs about Jesus birth. You may find some of them interesting...remember it's always important to understand why people believe what they believe. Why do you believe?

Psalm 1:3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1093414/Christmas-pathway-hell-Muslim-lawyers-extraordinary-rant-evil-celebration.html?ITO=1490

http://wordpress.com/tag/jesus-birth/

Merry Christmas. Read all of Luke Chapter 2.
tarik

Keeping your "Ship" on course...

Hey Guys,
Just wanted to follow up on Monday’s discussion after everyone shared whether or not their “Ship”, so to speak, was on course. Navigating the direction of a ship is controlled by the rudder which is connected to the Mariner’s wheel. We can associate each spoke of the Mariner’s wheel with our Christian walk:

Word – are you reading and studying your Bible?
Prayer – I John 5:14-15
Worship – it’s what we’re gonna do in heaven so you better practice now!
Witnessing – Who puts a lamp under a basket? Let your light shine before other men.
Giving – For God so loved the world He gave His only Son…
Fellowship –Heb 10:24-25; besides, even the Lone Ranger had Tonto.

So, one of the questions was: How do we get our ship back on course when our hearts have been hardened? How do we make a wrong, right again whether we are on the giving or receiving end of the matter?

Before everyone showed up that night, John Michael shared with me how he noticed that God’s voice during Israel’s disobedience became clearer and louder through His prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Isaiah and all of the Minor Prophets. The message: repent. This was also how John the Baptist and Jesus began their ministry and is clearly a recurring message throughout the Bible.

So what does repentance look like in real life? I thought about you married men and your wives. I pictured each one of you “repenting” to them. I thought of the single men and how we are “married” to the Lord and pictured what would be spoken. Repentance looks like this:

I’m sorry. I love you. Forgive me.

Whatever you shared Monday night, bring it to the Lord and repent. Remember David in Psalm 51? He stated that he sinned against God and God alone regarding his sin with Bathsheba. How could this be given that he also committed murder? We are all God’s creation and He has invested resources in each and every one of us. How we use those resources He gave us is up to us. Go to your wife and repent. Go to your brother and your co-worker and your boss and repent. For the pain is but for a moment, the weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning!

Below are some of the Scripture I read this morning after thinking about what John Michael shared with me:


Jer 8:6 I hearkened and heard, [but] they spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? Everyone turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle

Jer 25:5 They said, 'Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD has given to you and your fathers forever and ever.

Eze 14:6 "Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'Thus says the Lord GOD: "Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations.

Eze 18:30 "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways," says the Lord GOD. "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin

Hosea 11:5 "He shall not return to the land of Egypt; But the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to repent.

Hosea 11:7 My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, None at all exalt [Him].

Joel 2:12-14 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye [even] to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he [is] gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. Who knoweth [if] he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; [even] a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?

Mat 3:1-2 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mar 6:12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

Luk 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Finally, we have arrived at the application station. This ties into our message last week at church—the danger of apostacy.

Drifting away from God, fellowship, accountability leads to doubt. Doubt turns into unbelief. Unbelief results in a hardened heart. A hardened heart doesn’t respond to God’s word and when that is absent from our lives we are in danger of shipwreck!!

So, are you at your best in regards to following Christ? Are you slipping? Are you drifting? If you are, repent. If you aren’t, then you certainly know someone who is…pray for their hardened heart to be made a heart of flesh.

tarik

Abraham Lincoln Thanksgiving Speech

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

Gorge Washington Thanksgiving Speech

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Work the Mariner's Wheel

Men,

Last night we assessed where we’re at in the following areas in our life and whether or not we’re on the right course. If you didn’t share last night then you’ve got a week to do the following so you can bless us next Monday!

Word – are you reading and studying your Bible?
Prayer – I John 5:14-15
Worship – it’s what we’re gonna do in heaven so you better practice now!
Witnessing – Who puts a lamp under a basket? Let your light shine before other men.
Giving – For God so loved the world He gave His only Son…
Fellowship – even the Lone Ranger had Tonto.

Each one of these is a spoke on the Mariner’s Wheel. Time is short! So get your ship on course.

Be blessed,
tarik

Good times, great resources...

Hey Guys,

No doubt last night was sweet! I was so blessed by the Word (thanks Justin)the subsequent discussion that happened afterwards (Naus-T,et al...)and of course the worship (thx Devin!) It's so cool to learn from each one of you...(yes, even you Charles :))

Our best resource is getting into and studying the Bible (not just reading it)as well as prayer. We can also supplement these with additional sources...below are 2 that have helped me understand politics from a biblical perspective and apologetics which we can associate with extending grace towards others whenever we find ourselves in that situation.

Our very own, Chris Lazo is the brain behind apologetics blog:

http://isaiah118.blogspot.com

and David Barton is an expert in historical and constitutional issues:

http://www.wallbuilders.com

The Wall Builders resource is incredible--get informed about the how and why the foundations of this country were established. It reminds me of Nehemiah and how he lead his people in rebuilding the entire wall of Jerusalem in just 52 days!!(Neh 6:15)

I've placed both of the active links on our 'Favorite Blogs' and 'Recommended Links' to the left.

Be blessed.
tarik

Back to Tarik's House

Guys, we are back at Tarik's tonite, hope to see you there.

MENS GROUP @ 529 W PUEBLO #4 THIS MONDAY @ 6:45PM.... SPECIAL MEN AND WOMEN PRE-ELECTION SPECIAL.... WHY?? BECAUSE VOTING MATTERS SO LETS TALK...

We are faced with daily decisions.... Some of the outcomes of our choices have consequences.... We need to carefully chose, not just whimsically decide on a name or team color. This November 4th, you should be ready. Lets prepare together...I could say "vote or die," like Ditty said, but thats not really true and I try not to repeat him. I could say "rock the vote," but that makes voting sound like a baby that needs to be put to sleep. Maybe "get out the vote" is a good slogan, except, what does that even mean? So without any cool slogan let me put it to you like this; We are blessed to get an opportunity to vote, therefore lets talk about the issues and know how to approach our choices. Lets talk about options, people, issues, and help eachother vote responsibly. Many of us follow politics, some don't, but we all need to vote for the best choice for the best reasons and sometimes thats hard to decipher in this world of info. So this Monday night we will talk, and pray together. All are welcome, bring snacks if you want and bring a parent or friend. PS if you have time, read over your voter sample ballots ahead of time.

Listenupmen Bowling and Galaga High Score Setting Bash

Hello Men,


I am posting the results of the first ever Listen Up Men Bowling and Galaga High Score Setting Bash. When Tarik texted that he was sick a few of the guys who needed the fellowship and could not last another week, LOL!!!, got together on monday night for some bowling fun. Here are the results:



If you are wondering why Devin's score is so low it is because he is a terrible player!!! Not really, he had actully cut his fingers on his right hand and therefore had to bowl left handed.

So why the weird galaga part in the title. Well if you are unfamiliar with this game click ont the title and it will take you to a page explaining it. We got to the bowling ally early and had to waite about 2 hours before we could bowl. So we decided to play this ancient arcade game called Galaga. As we were playing it we decided it would be a great accomplishment for us to beat the high score. So about 45 minutes and 2 dollars later we set a new high score on the Machine at 362,680 pts. shattering the old record by over 100,000 points.

In any case we missed ya'll last week and look forward to hanging out on Monday. Have a good weekend!

-N

Jesus is a friend of mine

Thank Men for all Your Prayers and Support!!!

Free At Last! Free At Last!!! Hello Men. I got out Saturday night at 12:01 in the morning. Don came and picked me up. I want to take a moment and thank you from the Bottom my Heart. I could not of done this without your Prayers and support. From the day I arrived to the day I left I Knew the Lord was there to protect me. Not once did I feel threatened or uncomfortable, Just inconvenienced due to my dismay. I want to Personally thank the Men that coordinated and drove me. Jeff,Tarik,Mike,Matt,Rick,Luke,Erick,Rich,Don and Bart. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to drive me back and forth. I don't know how to ever repay you. For the rides it was a wonderful time of fellowship,creating new friendships and spending time together in prayer. I look forward to Mondays Men's Group and the Lord continually working threw my life. God Bless You all.

Frank

San Francisco

Need I say more?

tarik

You won't believe this...or maybe you will. Be Praying for our State...

I think this is one of the 10 plagues...

So here's my fun staff infection! Not as bad as it looks...just like a big zit! Have a great men's time tonight if I don't see you all. Peace and Love-

Devin

2008 Mens Camping Trip

Wow, we had fun. The Camping trip was awesome! Cowboy coffee, woofle ball, waterfalls, fruit launcher, torn clothing, tri tip, beans, hamburgers, hiking, tarp hanging, tree climbing, frisbee, football, rain, shine, guitar, and much more. Thanks to everyone who brought stuff and helped plan it. Thanks to all that just came and shared in the fun. I know we ALL were blessed with some sweet fellowship and we all grew closer to eachother. Can't wait to do it again.

Hockey Night

Listenupmen went to the first Los Angeles Kings Hockey game this year. It was fun, there were many fights, not many fans, lots of dangerous food, and as always great fellowship!!!

Listenup Camping Trip this weekend!!!

Gentlemen, as many of you know we will be camping this weekend around Ojai and coming back for the Avocado festival service... This is gonna be buckets of fun and fellowship.. Any and All are welcome.. Have a buddy you want to bring, do it. Call me Taylor at 805-455-4122 or Neil at 925-980-2475 if you have any questions. If you can't make it the whole time that too is fine. Grace us with your presence however you can.. If you don't make it..... Bummer for you. Remember, don't be a mooch and bring some food or somthin' Hope to see you and yours there!!!! TG

Driving Frank Flores

Men:
Get some treasure in heaven and don't be broke when you get there. Drive Frank Flores to and from work and bear one another's burdens.

Here's the details:
Frank needs your help driving him to and from work for the next 19 days. It's a 51 mile trip each way from Camarillo to Goleta.

Frank has a Ford Escort that's available for use depending on where it's left. Currently, it's in Goleta. Frank is also covering any expenses associated with the drive if you choose to use your own vehicle.

Log on to the schedule to view available shifts and make your selection. Make sure to fill in your contact info into the schedule.

If you have any questions please contact Jeff Cox (797-0928) or Tarik Elansary (452-1083).

...constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father,...

--1 Thess 1:3