This Sunday at HBC! January 9, 2011

It's Good to Be Back!
It is great to be back in LA after a week of visiting with family in Florida. I'm looking forward to our time of worship this Sunday! Over the holidays I read two books from two distinct theological perspectives on Jesus, yet they shared similarities in respect to the radical life and message of Jesus. Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan's, "The Last Week" shows us a Jesus who confronted the Imperial domination system of his day through nonviolence and a passion for justice. Jesus calls his followers to share in his passion by following in his path.

David Platt's, "Radical" shows us a "stripped away" picture of following Jesus that much of the western church has glossed over or explained away. This book is a must read for all who take the call to follow Jesus seriously. Beginning this Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Arnold Swartz will be leading a study of this thought-provoking book. All are welcomed to attend this study. This would be a great study to begin your new year.

In the morning services this week I will be dealing with some of the recurring themes in the book, "Radical." For example, what does it mean to be called a Christian? What is involved in following Jesus? Does our Christianity reflect the truth of Scripture or have we settled for a westernized and watered down version?

The text for the week is Matthew 4:18-22 (New International Version)

Jesus Calls His First Disciples
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them,

22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe