What/Who does God look like?

Posted by Samuel Robles Jr. Labels: , ,

In circles of conversations concerning Christian Anthropology, many offer their thought(s) about the Imago Dei (the image of God). We are made in the image of God. But what does God look like?


Throughout the Bible, God is described with human features (hands and feet); mythology has offered us an image of Zeus, with lightning bolts being thrown from heaven; C.S. Lewis created Aslan, the lion; some claim that they see God when they look at nature.

So who is God in your life? What does God look like to you?

Friday, March 12, 2010 | 0 Comments

Arise Podcast - NEW

Posted by Samuel Robles Jr. Labels: ,


A lot of folks have asked about my sermons being available on line. Well, thanks to the world of podcasting, they are!


Check out the NEW Arise Christian Church Podcast, which features my weekly sermons.
(You will need iTunes to download)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010 | 0 Comments

Wordle

Posted by Samuel Robles Jr. Labels: ,

So, I recently learned of a Wordle. It's a really cool tool that creates a "word cloud" based off of text that you provide it. Any words that are used frequently stand out with a higher font. It's pretty cool.

Here is my Wordle based off of this blog:
This Wordle revealed to me what I unintentionally write about, and brought out some themes that I didn't realize came thru my thoughts. Pretty cool!

I found this tool to be so powerful, that I am using it with the folks of Arise. It's a great way for the church to see how they feel and think about the ministry, and it demonstrates how the people perceive Arise.

Check out Wordle.

Thursday, February 11, 2010 | 0 Comments

6 month reflection

Posted by Samuel Robles Jr.

As Arise Christian Church approaches its 6 month anniversary, it almost seems appropriate that I write theologically about the experience so far, or perhaps give some advice and share some secrets about what I've learned, or write an exegetical reflection. But I am not going to do that. I just want to take a moment and write about how I feel.

1) I feel like I've grown spiritually. As the new church planter and pastor, there's a lot of contact with people who need spiritual guidance. I walk side-by-side with a lot of people, but who walks with me? God does. God demonstrates to me that He fulfills His promises and that He is faithful. I have witnessed God at work in ways I've never seen before. This has drawn me closer to God.

2) I feel happy. While new church planting is a lot of work and can be very stressful, I can honestly say that I am having a lot of fun. In all my years involved in ministry, I have never said that until Arise began. Because it is fun, I am happy.

3) I feel at peace. So much has been done to get Arise to where it is today, but there's still a lot more to do. However, I feel peace because I know God is in control, and I am focused on the mission and calling He has placed before me.

I am humbled that God called me, that God chose me for such a time as this.

(Image by Erik Huber)

Tuesday, February 09, 2010 | 0 Comments

Conversations can be holy moments

Posted by Samuel Robles Jr. Labels: , ,

Earlier this week I had a great conversation about church administration and stewardship with a colleague. My day started off today conversing with a fellow new church pastor about mobile ministry, and tomorrow I will be talking with my coach. In between all of these conversations, are other discussions with various other people. Taking a step back and reflecting on all of these conversations, they were indeed holy moments.


What do I mean by a "holy moment?" I find that in these conversations I experience, what my seminary professor and mentor often mentioned, a "means of grace." Through these conversations, I enter into a space of dialogue where Kingdom building is the foundation. And in these conversations, I can learn something new, hear something new, share my thoughts and ideas, give testimony, discern, challenge myself, disagree, etc. This is indeed a holy moment because I am a different person at the end of the conversation than when I started the conversation. May God be praised!

A lot of people view inquiry and "asking questions" as a weakness. I certainly do not. I find that by asking questions and being open to learn, an opportunity for gaining wisdom and learning something new is of high probability. It does not necessarily mean that one is obligated to give up something of oneself, or one's deepest values and convictions. The way I see it, there's an opportunity for personal growth and strength. How is this a weakness?

Jesus said, "But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart..." (Matt. 15:18) What is in your heart? I gave my heart to the Lord many years ago, and I enjoy Kingdom centered conversations. I wonder what 21st century Christendom would look like if more of our conversations became holy moments.

Thursday, January 28, 2010 | 0 Comments

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