Trees, Rooted in the Word of God

Dan's status

2012-01-30T20:24:00.001-06:00

As some of you know, Dan had surgery last Friday, (what a birthday present, eh?). anyway, he's feeling better, now that they've taken the drainage tube(s) out. He's at St. Mary's in Ozaukee Cty.(Mequon?). and was originally supposed to come home Tue., and still may. They don't keep good guys down very long.

The congregation is sending a plant, as soon as he can receive them. (CICU won't allow plants in the unit; I know, from my wife's experiences in them).

The annual business review is still scheduled for 2/5/12. a small lunch will be furnished, before the meeting.

potential news about a new web/FTP site for our Bible Studies

2011-10-19T23:12:00.003-05:00

We've been having issues with the current FTP site, (the one that holds as many of our bible studies as we've recorded over the last almost five years), and Chris is in the process of finding a new home. As some of you know, we've had hackers, and other problems like data corruption or fileserver failures that create headaches for all our listeners. So, this is just a heads-up, to alert those who rely on listening to downloads of our 'psuedo-podcasts', that at some point the recordings may be inaccessible. In that case, I will put a notice here on this blog explaining the developements.

Also, if anyone has anything to supplement the recordings, or a question, feel free to make a comment to any of the posts on this feed. They will be handled as quickly as possible. That's all for now... stay in touch.

Sept. update

2011-09-07T21:20:00.000-05:00

Just an update on what's been happening around here:

You may have noticed that there are missing recordings from times and days when you might have expected to see/hear a study posted. Well, because our congregation is so small, and those that are regulars, for the studies other than Sunday morning, are so much on the same page, that the necessity for us to gather is not so that we all stay on the same page. We are all capable of 'feeding ourselves', as it should be. Having a foundational understanding of the basics, that supersedes the religious theology that even those who no longer attend held, it seems to be less important to 'check in' and 'put in an appearance', or 'be at church' because 'that's what time it is'.
For those who don't attend here anymore, (not because they've moved away, physically), rather, who don't agree with what is taught and therefore, choose not to attend), for them its the redundancy of hearing the 'same thing' time after time, and not agreeing with it. The analogy of a person not dining in a restaurant where they don't like the food is appropriate in this instance. That is the problem for them. They disagree, i.e. don't like what they hear, so they stop coming. What they don't understand, even superficially, is that, if it is wrong, repudiate it, "prove it with scripture"! (any other grounds for disagreeing is 'groundless'). Why they don't, (can't), is because they rely on tradition, on what they've always heard in the past, what they've always thought to be true, and because they are closed to any other options. 'Tradition'; people are comfortable with familiarity. The catch-phrase one year at camp was to 'get out of your comfort zone'. Not giving up those ideas people have come to cherish and rely on for their ease of mind, is what prevents them from moving forward, digging deeper, even understanding more. What's so disheartening for us who have done that, (dug deeper, gotten more understanding), is that trying to convince anyone of their error, or lack of focus, is as impossible as convincing a political liberal to be conservative. 'It ain't gonna happen, no way, no how'. What must change, is their heart.

A previous post told of a potential new building we were looking at possibly purchasing, has been passed over, with no action taken to even start negotiations. It was decided that this building, while a favorable location and looking fairly good, had underlying deficiencies that would need to be addressed for any long-term ownership. In spite of the market, the cost would have slowly diminished our reserves, with no apparent indication of being able to rebuild it, had we entered into negotiations to purchase. We are continuing to evaluate our needs, considering other options, besides buying an existing 'church'.

If anyone has a question, post a comment to this, or any post. I will be alerted to it, and will forward it to our pastor, to be addressed in one of our studies. this will be recorded and posted on our study recordings page, and I will post a response to your question on the blog. If you have an RSS reader, (what you used to see and comment here), you'll probably receive a notification that there was an addition.

History of ACC's beginnings?

2011-09-07T21:10:00.001-05:00

It was mentioned tonight, that someone who knew our congregation's founders, and knew, (possibly by first or second person experience), of the events of nearly a full century ago in central WI, where churches were started prior to ACC being started, has written and had published a book about these events.
I haven't checked the accuracy of the title, the author's name, nor can I corroborate the authenticity of the details written, so 'reader beware'. Several names of participants in those events are familiar, and I knew some of them myself, so it will be an interesting read for me.
The book's title is "The Church", written by Jon Hart. I intend to find it, get it, and read it.

Picnic update

2011-08-21T17:28:00.000-05:00

Confirmed, we will have our annual picnic on 8/28, at the same location as last year. If you are attending, please bring a dish to pass, and your beverage of choice. Most will be arriving mid-, to late morning. Our hosts ask that if you plan on swimming, or your little ones do, please come with suitable flotation devices and pool toys for them. (not that there won't be any there, but just so there will be enough for everyone at the same time....).
Of course, we won't be mixing social and study, so there won't be a recording for the day.

Stop back later, for wherever our studying takes us next.

annual church picnic

2011-08-07T14:43:00.000-05:00

We've set the date for our picnic to be Aug 28th. at the same location as last year. Yes it is a Sunday; and unless plans change, or something urgent is 'discussed' that day, there won't be a recording.
Signup sheets will be posted in church, but if anyone needs an update on what is being brought, or supplied, just post a comment to this blog.
more later....

July 9th update

2011-07-09T15:05:00.002-05:00

Just an update on what's been happening around here:

You may have noticed that there are missing recordings from times and days when you might have expected to see/hear a study posted. Well, because our congregation is so small, those that are regulars, (for the studies other than Sunday morning), are so much on the 'same page', that the necessity for us to gather is not so that we all 'stay on the same page'. We are all capable of 'feeding ourselves', (as it should be). Having a foundational understanding of the basics, that supersedes the religious theology held by even those who no longer attend, it seems to be less important to 'log in' and 'do our time', or 'be at church' because 'that's what time it is'.
For those who don't attend here anymore, (other than because they've moved away, physically, but rather, who don't agree with what is taught and therefore, choose not to attend), for them, its the redundancy of hearing the 'same thing' time after time, and not agreeing with it. The analogy of a person not dining in a restaurant where they don't like the food is apropos' in this instance. That is the problem, for them. They disagree, don't like what they hear, so they stop coming to hear. What they don't understand, even superficially, is that, if it is wrong, repudiate it, "Scripturally"! (any other foundation for disagreeing, is imagination). Why they don't, (can't), is because they rely on tradition, on what they've always heard in the past, what they've always thought to be true, and because they are closed to any other options, 'Tradition'; people are comfortable with familiarity. The catch-phrase one year at camp was to 'get out of your comfort zone'. Not wanting to give up those ideas people have come to cherish and rely on, for their ease of mind, is what prevents them from moving forward, digging deeper, even understanding more. What's so disheartening for us who have moved on, dug deeper, gotten more understanding, is that trying to convince any of these of their error, or lack of focus, is as impossible as convincing a political liberal to be conservative. 'Ain't gonna happen, no way, no how'. What must change, is their heart.

We are seeing a 'growth spurt' of sorts; two young ladies are expecting additions to their families within the next 3-4 months; and the additions seen within the last year are growing so quickly. Last Sunday we held a shower after service, for Darin and Erica; on the 17th, we will have one for Lindsay and Tim.

A previous post told of a potential new building we were looking at possibly purchasing, has been passed over, with no action taken to even start negotiations. It was decided that this building, while a favorable location and looking fairly good, had underlying factors that would need to be addressed for any long-term ownership. In spite of the market, the cost would have slowly diminished our reserves, with no apparent indication of being able to rebuild it, had we entered into negotiations to purchase. We are continuing to evaluate our needs, and other options, besides buying an existing 'church'.

If anyone has a question, post a comment to this, or any post. I will be alerted to it, and will forward it to our pastor, to be addressed in one of our studies. this will be recorded and posted on our study recordings page, and I will post a response to your question on the blog. If you have an RSS reader, (what you used to see and comment here), you'll probably receive a notification that there was an addition.

More later, as events pop up.

Update about church home...

2011-06-13T23:44:00.000-05:00

Firstly, I apologize for not having the latest bible studies uploaded; Diane and I were out of town for the weekend. I expect to get the recorder back on Wed pm and will upload the three recordings asap.

On another topic, we are considering ending the short-term rental arrangement with our current landlord. We are discussing the possibility of purchasing an existing church that is on the market, very close to where we are meeting, now. Here are some exterior pictures. More info as we go....

Ezekiel as the Watchman

2011-05-08T14:52:00.001-05:00

This is the chapter that refutes the ubiquitous notion that 'Christians' must proselytize the world. Nowhere is anyone, other than the twelve Apostles, (the original eleven and Paul), commanded to go forth, and evangelize. As post-Pentecostal Gentiles, (or Jews, even), we are not able to 'change' someone's will, or heart. To anyone who has undertaken to attempt this, this is an incontrovertible truth: we each are responsible for our own selves and our own decisions about where we will spend eternity. Yes, we are called to be ready to give an answer for the hope we have, but, someone must first ask the question! Without that question, what need is there for an answer? That means: someone must first be curious, or rather, 'hungry', for something they know they lack! But it in no wise means we can 'force' or compel anyone to turn from their idols, from their 'religion', and adopt ours; nor to believe what we tell them to believe. It has to be a hunger, deep within each person, to truly know the Creator. Much the same way Christ could no more change the hearts and minds of the religious leaders of his day, we can't argue or convince anyone today to see the truth we see. Inherent in 'giving the answer for our hope, is the acknowledgement that we are speaking about our reasons; while we all share the 'human' experience, the reasons differ, one to another. The overwhelming reality is that we all need GOD. We all must have hope. So, as believers who profess to know God, and are known by God, we are urged and exhorted to admonish those who claim to know truth, but who exhibit wrong actions; not because we say 'such and such' is wrong, but because either the Word says so, explicitly, or because the actions contradict what they say they believe. The Truth is not about us; it is about HIM and HIS will. We are not His spokesperson. We are to be living sacrifices to His will, to the Truth, to His commandments, i.e. witnesses of the Grace, Mercy, Salvation, and promises, in His Word.
Ezekiel was commanded to admonish the nation, saying, this is "the Word of the Lord"; he was not told to force them to change. Ironically, not even God could force them to change, even though he gave them reason to, time and again. Imposed obedience is not obedience, voluntary obedience is. As with the nation during Ezekiel's time, each one must choose for themselves, who they will serve.
For a link to today's morning study in Ezek. 3; 5/8/11 am study

THE D-night?

2011-05-05T20:12:00.000-05:00

Dale, Dan, Diane, Donna! that all there was! That's why it was so short.

The start of a study in Ezekiel.

2011-04-20T21:44:00.000-05:00

This will dash to pieces the mistaken imagination that John's Revelation is only his vision, and that there is a disconnect between the Old Testament and New, when it comes to prophecy. Hold on to your seats, get your pen/pencil ready, 'cause this is going to be exhaustive, and we'll cover the whole book, not just Ezekiel, from cover to cover.

First response on a question, "personal relationship between each of us and God"

2011-04-03T19:58:00.001-05:00

Jess:
First response is that I'm not sure it says that in such distinct and concise terms. However, mentioning that Dale reads it, leads me to think that you may be thinking about the verse in Genesis; "Let us make man...." where the 'understanding' is: that we are the ones, each of us, individually, to whom He is speaking; we work with HIM, to 'grow' ourselves into the perfect man. Again, this is the wisdom and understanding we've 'seen'. This thought is pervasive throughout scripture. We read it this morning, regarding Cain and Abel; God spoke to Cain, expecting him to stop and think before he (Cain) committed murder, but then allowed Cain to accomplish what his intents were. (tangent: "was God less loving, more 'harsh' in not stopping him from carrying out his murder? Christianity says that the NT GOD = love; while the OT JEHOVAH is cruel, harsh and a stern disciplinarian! However, His character doesn't change just because of time, (which, by the way, is only a reality for us humans). So, isn't this an example of Love, too?)

Or you may be thinking of the verses that speak of the man who has a broken spirit and a contrite heart; Ps. 34:18; Ps 51: all, but especially v.17; as well as Is. 57 and 66; and that God sees that person, and knows his heart.

Or, perhaps there are also the verses that speak of His Temple not being made of brick or stone and mortar, but that each person is intended to be His sanctuary, His temple. where He dwells, in our hearts, (thus the broken and contrite heart is one that 'knows' God and whom God knows). Here's where Romans. (the whole book/letter), but mainly ch.12 fits. As does 1Cor. ch.2, where Paul tells of the exclusivity of His promises meted to those who love Him, who obey the Gospel and His commandments. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man (because the thoughts and intents are not broken and contrite), those things that God has prepared for them who love Him." It also brings into the picture the idea from the OT, about making a place 'holy', the place which God will determine, and where His name will be written. The Jews thought that was Jerusalem and the Temple Mount, the place where Solomon built the house of God. In reality, spiritually, it refers to the heart, the place where His law is written, no longer on tablets of stone, but now in the fleshly tables of our hearts. The verse is more accurately translated that 'He will tabernacle (v) with His people, live among them, (in their hearts), He will be their GOD, they will be His People. That's when Jerusalem will have peace.
Then there is also those verses in Revelations, where Jesus speaks about overcoming, and those that do are rewarded; which also ties in with the 'invitation' that 'whosoever will' may come and take of the water of life freely.
[The opposite admonition also applies, 'if anyone adds or subtracts, they will be rewarded with the plagues contained within...)

So, does it say (verbatim), that its a personal choice, a personal relationship, a one-on-one with the Creator? Not tht I can find; but the truth of that reality is incontrovertible. The little proverb I sometimes say, "God doesn't have grandkids, He only has Sons" is my interpretation of this. No one ever can point a finger at anyone else for their fate, good or bad, at the last day, when each of us will stand before Him.

Hope this helps...

April 3, 2011 update

2011-04-03T18:45:00.002-05:00

No bible study tonight. see you Wed.

3/20/11

2011-03-20T15:25:00.002-05:00

No church tonight, 3/20/11, if you missed hearing it at the end of the morning's meeting.

Portal for questions.

2011-01-30T15:00:00.000-06:00

Opportunity for questions for the group to research. Just post a comment below, and we'll take it up.

I check this blog daily, so we'll get to it quickly.

Wisdom and Understanding

2011-01-16T13:46:00.003-06:00

This post is a place holder, an entry point if you will, for anyone who would like to pose a question for our group to study. To do so, follow the steps below, and be patient.
Following this post, is an option to add a comment. Click on that link, follow those steps, and submit it.
All comments will be monitored, so you probably won't see your question immediately. However, when it is reviewed, and 'posted' to the page, it will be asked in our Bible study group. Afterwards, the discussion will be uploaded to our church's alternate site, where our study recordings are accessible. Since I am new at this, I believe I can add , in my response post to your comment, a link to the sound file, (*.wma) that contains the discussion. This may be a time consuming, inefficient process, and for that, I apologize. What I am trying to avoid, is that this become an alternate source for answers, in and of itself. What we expect it to be, is a means to hear a Biblical answer to the question. During that process, (asking/posting, waiting for answer to be uploaded, and listening), if anyone should be curious, I would also hope that the Scriptures brought forth in our other recordings might provide answers to other questions, and in doing so, may encourage those to seek their own understanding revealed thropugh His Word.
A 'caveat' to all this, is that, firstly, because the Bible is written for anyone to understand, any answer must be researched, and understood by the one asking the question. We don't have final authority on what the Bible says. That's why you, the one seeking answers, must not rely on 'what we say it says'. Secondly, the purpose of this blog, as well as of us, as a church, is not to 'convert' anyone 'to our way of thinking', We, each, have a will, and a mind; it is the choice, for each of us to make, whether we will 'put on the mind of Christ' or not; and whether we will do the will of Christ, or not. "Not my will, but Thine..." As is recorded, the first Commandment is, "...Love the Lord your God, with all you heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength..." It is in our obedience to the rest of the commandment, "... and (love) your neighbor, as yourself", that we urge each to 'search the scriptures', because that's where LIFE is.
So, dig deep, send your tap root into the depths of the wisdom and knowledge of Christ, which you will find in His Word!