Bible Study 7-15-08

[Kleburg]

As I was sitting staring at the computer screen wondering what has happened to MSC the next screen I clicked on had this bible verse onit and got me to thinking about Jesus and Thomas the verse (which I will post) made me consider how I would feeel if someone came in saying they had seen Our Lord would I doubt them or rejoice with them. To this I'm still considering my response but it also made think about MSC and how we were a great and excited guild at one time and can be again we just to believe in each other and be people and players in God own light. Anyway here is the verse and some question you might consider for yourself. But before you go to the studies may I pass on this little pray I have for MSC and anyone who it touches.
Heavenly Father I would like to say Thank You for placing these people in my life in such a way that I can fell a bit closer to You and Your grace. I would also like to praise You for showing me humility, grace and true love for I know that I'm not perfect and that I will never be but through Your grace I can be in Your persence for ALL eternity. I pray that You will heal everyone that is ailing for they are hurting, that You will ease everyone's burdens for they are overhelmed to no end. I pray this in the Glorious name of Jesus. AMEN

John 20:25 NIV:
So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

Do we ever filter faith through the reason of science?
If we cannot touch, taste, smell, see, hear or measure; we cling to what is tangible, stick to the facts, and overlook the seemingly inexplicable.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things unseen."

Is seeing believing?

Do we need a sign?

What do we require before we will allow ourselves to see that God is real, and all else fleeting?

Would it not be a shame if the reality of God is restricted to times of corporate worship, and laid aside at the church exit on our way out to face the "real" world?

Did we ever stop to consider that the unseen things of God might indeed be measurable, provable, and observable?

Perhaps most people just don´t have what´s needed to measure, prove and observe.
"He who has ears, let him hear."

I believe in MSC will come back to be a shining light and when that day comes let us ALL rejoice with each other in Christ for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light.

[Jason Franklin]

I remember years ago watching the TV show "Cheers." The show depicted a camaraderie that we crave, and seldom find. A few years ago a Christian friend of mine had to admit her alcoholism. After 90 days of detox/rehab, she began AA meetings. She described a level of community there she had never experienced before, not even at church. Since then, many Christian's who battle alcoholism have expressed similar sentiments. This is a sad indictment on the American church today.

"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)

"Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:1-2)

I have been a member of MSC for merely a week. However I have felt greater comradeship in non-Christian guilds I've belonged to on other servers in the same amount of time. I see no guild "chatter" in game. The forum seems largely inactive. From the viewpoint of a newbie, I see little that would attract much less retain new members. Perhaps you are all interfacing with each other in other ways (e.g. personal email, PM, IM etc.). That, however, is not visible love that can be seen by outsiders seeking to break in.

This bible study speaks of proof and evidence for faith. It was Francis of Assisi who said, “Preach the Gospel always and if necessary use words.”

I came to the Blade's Edge server specifically to be a part of a Christ centered guild. I've read a few posts wherein people wondered what happened to MSC and hope for better days. What is your plan to shape those better days? Erwin McManus, pastor of Mosaic in southern California, doesn't tell people to "have a great day." That's too passive, he says. Instead, his encouragement to people is "Make a great day."

Wish not that you had a great guild. Make a great guild.

[Madeline]

You have certainly hit the nail on the head.

Our numbers are so few now - perhaps a handful on a good day - that this guild just can't do guild chatter. Many a time I am on alone - even my large list of friends are offline - and I have recently heard of the summer slump. (No excuse, but that would certainly explain the sparse numbers of people that are not on this guild being gone.)

I too came here specifically to be in a Christian guild. I even changed factions. I used to be *gasp* alliance. When I got here, the guild was slowing down - members having children and dropping off the game entirely, RL issues of all sorts or those looking for something different. At one time we had a total of 5 active members online.

As far as the bible study and the guild - I have been going though a crisis of faith, and miss my friends I met at Celebrate Recovery - something similar to AA, but with a definite Christian theme - and am not attached to a church at the moment (having just moved to a new state this month, and we are truly in the middle of the sticks) - I know that has made me feel detached. Time for me to start actively reading my bible again and find a church (finding a church is like starting a relationship, i have to get to know them from scratch), so I will post progress.





I hope you see me more online now that we are online again - I like to chat, even get killed (I am not having a good day unless I die often with great effect) doing that. And do let me know if you need help - I have alts all over the place and love to use them :)


Just as an aside - make sure your pet doesn't aquire a taste for steak... LOL

[Jason Franklin]

RL definitely takes precedence. I'm a missioary/church planter, married with four kids and a day job as a teacher. I understand very well how WoW takes a back seat to other more important matters. As a teacher though, summers are when I see an increase in my playability. Come Sept 2nd, I'll probably get about two or three hours a week on WoW.

I'll be praying you guys find a church home soon. It's rough looking for a new body to join. I'm also in the sticks. Being almost a mile up in the mountains, I'm pretty much on top of the middle of nowhere. It takes 30 min and crossing a mtn pass just to find a stoplight. The nearest cities of any size are all two hours away...not to mention over the mountains and through the woods. It gets awfully lonely out here.

I'd be happy to research churches in your area, help you out a bit if you want. Pretty used to that. We live in a transitory population area. I'm often helping people find a new church in their new place. PM me (or even email me) your zip if you'd like some help there. I can't obviously help with the friendliness/relational aspect, but I can help weed out some of the wackadoos.

[Uzzo777]

I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Thailand this summer (my 2nd there), and I was amazed at the ability of different denominations to work together, and by the passionate belief of the very small percentage of the population there that are believers. Just to throw another wrench into this discussion, it's interesting to note that there are far less believers in Thailand (a very free country) as there are in all the surrounding closed countries. Says something too about our sense of "community" I think.

[Madeline]

Seems to me that the harder our life is the more we rely on Christ. When things are going well we tend to forget. Free countries don't need Christ like those that are oppressed. After all, that was the mission of Christ - to free the oppressed.

Church life may have to be put on hold for a bit - there are some health issues that are preventing us from leaving the house too much. However, our old church in TX has posted their sermons online (video) and I am still in touch with them. :D

I have noticed an increase in membership - I know I have been inviting at least 3 or 4 new people in the last month. Makes me hopeful. :D