John Simons

ROS: Sermon on the Mount - The Law

One of the passages that impacted me the most during my Retreat of Silence last weekend was the Sermon on the Mount as recounted by Matthew. What probably struck me the most from this passage was the discussion in Matthew 5:17-48 about God’s standards and the Law. The standard that Jesus sets for His followers is not simply to obey the Law. That was the standard that the Jewish leaders of the day set. They made it difficult by creating a system of laws and rules that was nearly impossible to know and understand.
› Continue reading

Retreat of Silence (ROS)

So the big camping trip (see the prior entry) was centered around a retreat of silence. It was, in short, a chance for me to get away from normal life, meditate, study, and pray. Now, in my case, as a Christian, I studied the Bible for quite a long time. Several hours Saturday morning. Another hour or so in the afternoon, and then a little while longer in the evening.

On top of the study time, I spent time in prayer and meditation, especially on Friday night, and a little on Saturday morning.
› Continue reading

Camping

So, what does camping mean to you? I went camping this past weekend, and am surprised at the variety of what people consider camping.

Now mind you, I believe in camping on a budget. Except of course for the fact that in the chaos of packing the car, and getting the kids to let go of me long enough to get anything packed, I managed to forget my pillow. Any my sleeping bag. And several other things that I needed for the weekend. So I had to stop at Target on the way to the campsite to get all the things that I forgot. So much for camping on a budget. But, I digress.
› Continue reading

So, who’s right?

I had a conversation with a friend at work today. As we sat in her office, she told me that her son had asked their pastor about how it is that anyone can start a church. He wanted to know who is right among all the churches in the world. The pastor responded that it was not a question that he could answer “in the line” (as everyone was shaking his hand on the way out of church) and that he would get back with the son to discuss it.

So, who’s right?
› Continue reading