The College Gathering at Grace

AMAZING: Love

2008-10-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

Matthew 19:16-30 “The Rich Young Man”

Matthew’s version starts with “now a man came up to Jesus and asked, ‘Teacher, what good thing must I DO to get eternal life?" He is under the assumption that his eternal security is based on his actions. Eternal life is a commodity for him, something to have in his back pocket for a rainy day. Jesus responds that there is only One who is good. The man has missed the point completely. The only thing that is truly ‘good’ is God. He is the good thing that he must have, not a checklist of successful decisions to obey a set of rules.

But even when it comes to the rules the young man has limits. When Jesus says if you want to enter life, obey the commandments he responds saying, ‘which ones?’ He has his own set of rules within the given set of rules. He’s asking how little do I have to do to get what I want? Jesus only lists 6 commands and he pulls them from three different places in the old testament. Jesus seems to be mocking the man by compiling his own list. Did the young man not realize that this is literally .01% of the over 600 laws God revealed to the Israelites? Yet he thinks he can just obey 5 of them and do enough good to get eternal life? and how the heck can you say I have perfectly kept the law to love your neighbor as yourself?!?!? Who can say I have loved everyone all the time? Always forgiving those who hurt you. Always being patient with those who frustrate you. Always choosing to speak words of life when you want to judge. Always having compassion on those who are in need. Only someone who has no idea what sin or love is can claim this!

Then Jesus gives the man a practical way he can show his obedience to the command to love his neighbors: sell everything you have and give it to the poor. We need to realize that love is not just refraining from doing things that harm someone, it is also actively giving your best to them. And sin is not just the action itself but also the thoughts and feelings behind them. The first 5 commands Jesus lists are all ‘do not do this action’ type of laws. The last one, love your neighbor as yourself, seems to be the only active one. He says this is the command you are supposed to DO. How much and how willing you are to give of yours to others is a great test of the degree of your love. Love is an action, not an avoidance of it.

And why was the young man sad when Jesus said this? Was it because he finally realized how dark his heart was towards others? No. Was it because he wanted to give it all away but couldn’t find the strength? No. Was it because he didn’t think his father would let him do it? No. Was it the peer pressure? No. I believe it was because he had so much to lose. He wasn’t focused on the poor and the potential of what his gift could do, but he was focused on himself and what he would lose.

Ahhh this is what Jesus is consistently saying: you must give up your life if you want to find it! We must die to ourselves before we can be alive in Christ. We must release control over everything. The disciples are astonished and exclaim ‘who then can be saved?!’ How can anyone be saved if obeying the law means our hearts being pure as well? That we need to give our whole lives to God and not just avoiding hurting others? The reality hit them like a weight of bricks: We cannot love enough to please God; but Jesus gives us good news… ‘with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!’ Why? Because God loves us more. He loves us sooo much that he sent Jesus to die for us. Jesus is alluding to himself. His AMAZING love is the way they can be saved. By believing that we cannot do this on our own strength but can only depend on his.

And what can we expect to receive from God for this? More than we can dream or imagine. Can you imagine having 100 times as much as the life you’ve given to God? It’s an impossible amount that we cannot get on our own. He’s saying he can multiply the value of those we love the most and give it to us… what is he talking about? Himself! He is offering them the unconditional love of God which is infinitely higher, wider, deeper and broader. That’s what his love is like….AND we’ll inherit eternal life and live in that love forever!

But first we must be last. We must make ourselves the ones who give greatly if we desire these blessings. He honors the humble and strikes down the selfish. What’s amazing about love that’s focused on you? There’s nothing unique or praiseworthy about that! Why would you deserve anything for caring for yourself? No, the point is ‘all who leave their lives and most prized possessions for my sake, will receive a hundred times what they have given up.’

Ask yourself and the Holy Spirit these questions in prayer:

On what basis do you believe you are going to heaven?

What commandments are you avoiding obeying?

What are some ways ‘loving your neighbor as yourself’ can become more of a reality in your life?

When you give a gift do you think more about what you’re losing or what the other person’s gaining?

Spend 10-15 minutes meditating on the fact that you cannot obey enough laws or love enough to inherit eternal life, but that Jesus died for you anyway

Calendar

2008-05-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Check out the google calendar to the right for updates on what's going on this summer!

College Winter Retreat

2007-11-16T16:10:00.000-08:00

Just confirmed: We're off to the snow in Big Bear on Feb 29-Mar 2 for the annual College Gathering at Grace Winter Retreat. More details to come...

Weekly update: 9/19

2007-09-19T15:20:00.001-07:00

Hi all,

Here is what's happening this week:

Thursday, 9/20 (7 pm) - It's been fun having some new people at our midweek gatherings the last few weeks. I've had a blast hearing everyone grapple with some of Jesus' most dramatic, remarkable, and sometimes confounding statements about himself. Don't worry, this week's text is just as important and applicable. Let's hash it out together. Plus, we're getting good at making the espresso!

Sunday, 9/23 (6 pm) - It's finally here: Grace at Night! Our church's takinga huge step in reaching out to college students by developing a full-on worship service with you guys as the main component. Come check it out, and hang out afterwards in the Underground for coffee, games, and discussion.

College Briefing group picture

2007-09-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

2007-09-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Thanks to all who came to the beach BBQ last Saturday. It was fun to get to know some of you better, even if it came through me freezing at the beach (why do I always forget a sweatshirt when I go to the beach?).

Thursday we're at the Underground for the College Gathering midweek. Come and try out the new espresso maker, meet some new people, and talk about what it means to follow Jesus in your life. If you need a ride from Cal State Long Beach, email Krystal (kdawnm44 at yahoo dot com).

Sunday will be our last College Gathering meeting on Sunday morning. Come at 11 am this Sunday as we continue looking at Jesus in his own words from the book of John. Then...

..next week (9/23) marks our move to Sunday nights as part of Grace at Night. The new evening worship service (designed with college students as a key factor) will be at 6 pm, and the post-service college coffeehouse will go from right after the service until 9 or so. Both Grace at Night and the coffeehouse are going to incorporate the best of Sunday mornings main services and the College Gathering into one delicious, gooey whole. Okay, my metaphor broke down a bit. Hopefully you know what I mean.

Look forward to seeing you on Thursday and/or Sunday!

- Bob

Welcome CSULB students!

2007-08-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new crop of CSULB students! We're amped that you're interested enough in us to check out our blog.

Come check out some of the events we're having in the next couple weeks as a way to get to know us...

Thursday (9/6) – Midweek (7 pm) - Our weekly college Bible study, worship, and fellowship extravaganza. This week we're going night-time Frisbee golfing on-campus at CSULB at 9:30pm.

Saturday (9/8) – Welcome Week Winnie roast at Bolsa Chica beach. You can meet us at the beach, or carpool from campus. Call Bob for details 562 596 1605

Sunday (9/9) – The Gathering at Grace (11 am)

Yes, I know this is from 6 months ago...

2007-08-30T14:33:00.000-07:00

...but I'm a little slow at putting up pictures

We look good...

2007-08-30T14:32:00.000-07:00

Sweet flier

2007-02-14T14:58:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Danny for making this sweet flier.

College Underground

2007-02-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

We've moved into our new home: the Underground. Come check it out this Sunday.

- Bob

Weekly update: 12/4

2006-12-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Thursday, 12/7 - College Gathering midweek: This week we'll be going to see The Nativity Story. We're going to the 7:20 showing at the UA Marketplace in Long Beach. This is the one across the street from the Marina Pacifica (NOT the AMC in the Marina Pacifica - they aren't showing it). The UA Marketplace is on PCH in the same shopping center as Ruby's, Trader Joe's, and CPK. If you need more detailed directions, click here.

The movie is at 7:20, but I'll be at the Golden Spoon in the same shopping center at 6:45 if anyone else wants to go for a pre-movie frozen yogurt. Otherwise, just look for us hanging out in front of the theater at about 7:10 or so.

Sunday, 12/10 - College Gathering Sunday, 11 am: Thanks to everyone who was there yesterday. It was really cool to hear about what God is doing in your lives. Next week we're going to be continuing to talk about how God's story affects our life trajectory and story.

See you all Thursday,

- Bob

Weekly update: 11/27

2006-11-27T14:05:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Midweek Gathering - We're going to be having a game night this Thursday at 7 pm in the Surfside room. Don't even ask about the basement. I'm not sure it will ever be done. I'm starting to think the basement doesn't even exist.

Angel Tree - This Sunday we're going to be taking sign-ups from people in our church to buy gifts for the kids from Angel Tree. If you signed-up to work the table (Ilya, Krystal, Michele), please get there at least 15 minutes before the service ends, so I can explain what to do.

Sunday Gathering - Sunday, 12/3, 11 am: This past week we looked at how our desire to set up intermediaries between us and God creates pathetic outcomes that don't satisfy us. We talked about how that same tendency we saw in Israel comes out in our lives, and I mentioned a prayer project for this week that addresses this issue (the prayer project is typed out below).

Next week we'll continue our series on God's story and our story. Also, Seth has been doing a great job on worship music, so don't miss out on that. Songsheets and everything.

Upcoming: On 12/20 we'll be having an awesome Christmas party at Carrie Luskin's house on Naples island in Long Beach. More details to come.

- Bob

PS. Prayer project from Sunday in response to 1 Samuel 8:
1. Spend some time asking the Lord to show you what need (intimacy, adventure, meaning, relational, etc) is driving you to bang your head into this wall.
2. Ask the Lord to show you the truth of what options are appealing to you at this time. Why are they appealing?
3. Finally, spend some time thanking God he loves you and desires to be in relationship with you. How can this need and situation bring you into a deeper relationship with God?

Weekly update: 11/20

2006-11-20T15:47:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Midweek Gathering - We're not meeting this week. Enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday!

Sunday Gathering - Sunday, 11/19, 11 am: We will be having our normal Sunday gathering. We had a great time yesterday looking at Exodus and our human tendency to want to hide from God, compared to God's desire for us to be intimate and vulnerable with Him. Next week we'll continue to look at ways that humans tend to be confused about God's Story.

Upcoming: On 12/20 we'll be having an awesome Christmas party at Carrie Luskin's house on Naples island in Long Beach. More details to come.

- Bob

Weekly update: 11/13

2006-11-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Midweek Gathering - Thursday, 11/16, 7 pm; Meeting in the north church chapel at the church. This week we're going to be working on a project called "Angel Tree," an outreach program that provides toys for the children of imprisoned parents. It's a great chance to practice what we learned about participating in God's story of love and redemption!

Sunday Gathering - Sunday, 11/12, 11 am: This week we look at what God values in our relationships with the poor. One of the final weeks we're in Room 20 (I hope).

- Bob

Weekly update: 11/6

2006-11-06T16:25:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Midweek Gathering - Thursday, 11/9, 7 pm; Meeting in the north church chapel at the church. As you've been hearing, the college midweek landscape is going to look a bit different.

We're starting that this week with our first experiment in film and faith. No, we aren't watching Veggie Tales or a kids Bible story. We're going to be watching Hotel Rwanda, a emotionally gripping film about what one Christian man did when his country was being wrecked with genocide. Come watch an important film and stay for a brief discussion of how we as Christians should respond to such injustice and pain.

Sunday Gathering - Sunday, 11/12, 11 am: We're finishing up our discussion of connecting our story with God's story (lessons from Genesis). All the good stuff you expect from Sunday Gathering.

Update on the basement: If you're wondering if we'll ever get into our new room (and, trust me, I understand), the answer is, "Soon." Like, Jesus will return "soon." If you would like to accelerate the timeline (of the basement, not Jesus' return), come this Saturday at 8 am (or whenever you wake up) to work on the painting.

For a complete list of what our Thursday night together events will be, check out the blog (gatheringatgrace.blogspot.com).

- Bob

Weekly update: 10/30

2006-10-30T17:07:00.000-08:00

Hello!

Thanks to everyone who came to the main service yesterday. It was supportive to see you all grinning in the back row during my sermon. On to the weekly update...

- Thursday, 11/2, 7 pm; Meeting in room 20 at the church. This is going to be a great time of honoring Travis, Karin, and Elane, while probably laughing quite a bit. Feel free to invite those who have been in the college group in the past few years as well.

- Sunday, 11/5, 11 am: After an on-and-off October, we're back into the swing of things with our series on connecting God's story with our life story. We're still in room 20, which looks sweet with it's makeover.

- Thursday, 11/9, 7 pm: We're going to start a new midweek tradition by watching an important movie (in this case, Hotel Rwanda) and talking about how what it says compares and contrasts with our faith in Christ.

The College Gathering Midweek

2006-10-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

The College Gathering at Grace is about a lot more than just Sunday mornings.
Here's a list of what's coming up during our Thursday nights together for the next few months.

All events are at 7 pm and meet at the Underground (what was formerly the high school room at the church), unless otherwise noted.

10/26 - Harvest party (Underground)

11/2 - Greene's celebration (Underground)

11/9 - "Hotel Rwanda" (Underground)

11/16 - Angel Tree (Underground)

11/23 - Thanksgiving - Not meeting

11/30 - Game night (Underground)

12/7 - "Nativity Story" (Theater TBA)

12/14 - Angel Tree (Underground)

12/21, 12/28, 1/4 - Off for Christmas

1/11 - New Year Party (Location TBA)

1/18 - "Crash" (Underground)

1/25 - Worship night (Underground)

2/1 - Outreach/Service project (TBA)

2/8 - Q & A night on Love and Marriage (Underground)

2/15 - Valentine's Day party (Location TBA)

2/22 - "Walk the Line" (Underground)

3/1 - Intergenerational dance (Location TBA)

Weekly Update: 10/23

2006-10-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

Here's what's going on...

- Thursday, 10/26, 7 pm: Harvest Party at the church. If you haven't been around in a while, this will be a good time to catch up, goof off, and attempt to re-capture our childhood. Good times! (Feel free to put as much (or as little) effort into your costume as you like). If you have any questions, email Melanie (heatwolern@yahoo.com)

- Sunday, 10/29; 11 am: For the College Gathering this week we'll be in the main service to hear Bob (who's that?) preach.

Coming up: Celebration - 11/2, 7 pm; This is going to be a great time of honoring Travis, Karin, and Elane, while probably laughing quite a bit. Feel free to invite those who have been in the college group in the past few years as well.

- Bob

Weekly update: 10/16

2006-10-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Here's what's going on...

- Thursday, 10/19; 7 pm: Midweek gathering at the Greene's. Our last gathering at the Greene's, coupled with our final week in Acts. I sense closure.

- Sunday, 10/22; 11 am: We're back on after a week away. We'll be looking at what happens when we put God first in our life. (We're still in room 20, pending the completion of the room).

Coming up: Harvest Costume Party - 10/26; Costume party, bobbing for apples, etc. If you have any questions, email Melanie (heatwolern@yahoo.com)

Also coming up: Greene's Celebration - 11/2, 7 pm; This is going to be a great time of honoring Travis and Karin, and probably laughing quite a bit. Feel free to invite those who have been in the college group in the past few years as well.

Starting 11/9 we'll be revamping our Midweek time. Stay tuned...

- Bob

Weekly update: 10/9

2006-10-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hello!

The biggest announcement of the week is one of mixed emotion: Travis and Karin Greene are going to be closing out there time as part of the college gathering in the next few weeks. Obviously, we're going to miss them as part of our gatherings. The reason it's "mixed" emotion is because part of the reason they're stepping back from college is because their other ministries at the church are taking off and taking more time.

All that to say, we're going to be enjoying a couple more weeks at the Greene's for our midweek study, then having a sweet celebration of their time with us (I smell party). See below for more details...

Here's an outline of the announcements in handy written form:
- Thursday, 10/12; 7 pm: Midweek gathering at the Greene's. Only two weeks left. Come for little Tyler's antics, stay for the Bible.

- Sunday, 10/15: Due to the Baja mission trip and other church events, there will be no college gathering this Sunday.

Coming up: Harvest Costume Party - 10/26; All the good stuff you would expect out of a Halloween party, without the pagan influence. Costume party, bobbing for apples, dancing, etc. If you have any questions, email Melanie (heatwolern@yahoo.com)

Also coming up: Greene's Celebration - 11/2, 7 pm; This is going to be a great time of honoring Travis and Karin, and probably laughing quite a bit. Feel free to invite those who have been in the college group in the past few years as well.

- Bob

Weekly update: 10/2/06

2006-10-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Here's what's up:

- Thursday, 9/28; 7 pm: Midweek gathering at the Greene's.

- Saturday, 9/30; 9:30 am: Painting at the church. We primed on Saturday; now time to do the main coat. Free pizza for all workers.

- Sunday, 10/1; 11 am: College Gathering at the church. Since the room is getting painted, we'll be meeting in the Offshore Room (right below our normal meeting place).

Coming up: Harvest Costume Party - 10/31; All the good stuff you would expect out of a Halloween party, without the pagan influence. Costume party, bobbing for apples, dancing, etc. If you have any questions, email Melanie (heatwolern@yahoo.com)

Last thing: If anyone wants to work as a babysitter/childcare worker/nanny on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30-11:30 for a program here at the church, please let me know. Yes, you will be paid, though I don't know how much sitting on a baby is worth these days.

- Bob

Weekly update: 9/25

2006-09-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody,

Here's what's going on this week with the College Gathering at Grace Community Church of Seal Beach:

- TODAY, Monday 9/25: I'll be hanging out at CSULB for a couple hours this afternoon, from 2 - 4 pm, in the student union near El Pollo Loco. Would love to hang out with any/all of you who can make it.

- Thursday, 9/28; 7 pm: Midweek gathering at the Greene's. Fun times, fun times.

- Saturday, 9/30; 9:30 am: Workday on our new room at the church. We're going to be painting, mostly, so dress accordingly. Free pizza for all workers.

- Sunday, 10/1; 11 am: College Gathering at the church. We started our new series on Genesis last week. We're exploring how to reconnect God's story with our story.

You guys are awesome. You girls are awesomer.

- Bob

Weekly Update: 9/19

2006-09-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

Howdy (trying a new catchphrase... okay, nevermind)

Here's what's going on with the College Gathering:

- Thursday, 7 pm at the Greene's (4356 Dodgwood Ave; Seal Beach).

- Sunday, 11 am: Sunday gathering - We're still in room 20 for now. We're going to have a work day to paint the Underground in a few weeks. I'll bring some paint swatches on Thursday, if you want to have a say about the colors we use.

- Sunday: Going away party for Heather at Tait's house. We're going to miss you, but we're excited for what God is going to do in and through you, Heather.

Bob

Matrix ping pong

2006-09-11T09:50:00.000-07:00

An oldie but a goodie

Weekly update: 9/11

2006-09-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody,

Here's what's going on with the college gathering this week:

- Thursday, 7 pm at the Greene's (4356 Dodgwood Ave; Seal Beach).

- Sunday, 11 am: Sunday gathering - We're still going to be in room 20 for the next few weeks, until we finish the Underground.

More College Briefing pictures

2006-09-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

College Briefing 2006

2006-09-05T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hello good looking people!

Check out Forest Home's website for mp3's of this weekend's messages.

Weekly update: 9/5

2006-09-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Here's what is going on with the College Gathering at Grace.

- Thursday at the Greene's (4356 Dodgwood Ave; Seal Beach). We're back with the Greene's this week and continuing to look at Acts. Come be a part of the community! (There may even be some Uno afterwards)

- Saturday, 9/9 Workday on the Underground at 9:30 am. We're going to be painting our new room, which was formerly the high school basement. Free pizza for everyone at noon. Obviously, wear clothes you can get paint on.

- Sunday, 9/10 Sunday gathering at 11. You know you missed it last week. We're going to be enjoying our last week in room 20 before moving to the Underground.

- On the horizon:
Sunday, 9/17 - First Sunday meeting in the underground.

Have a great week!

Bob

Pictures from last Sunday's baptism

2006-08-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations again, Amanda.

Weekly update: 8/28

2006-08-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

It was good to see many of you yesterday at church. Congratulations to Amanda for getting baptized!

Here's what's going on this week:

- Thursday at the church, NOT the Greene's. We're going to be watching a movie and hanging out in the soon-to-be-our-very-own underground (the basement where high school meets now). It's going to be fun, though, sadly, less bubbly than with Tyler there.

- Friday we're leaving for College Briefing! If you need a ride to Forest Home (and it's pretty far to walk), we're meeting at the Greene's at noon on Friday to head out. We'll be back around 1 or 2 pm on Monday. In between will be much fun. One update on the what to bring letter: insect repelent, if you hate insects.

- Sunday, 9/3 NO Sunday gathering at 11. If you aren't going to Briefing, know that there will be no Sunday gathering this week. Go pray, take a nap, or just think what might have been if you would have gone to briefing.

- On the horizon:
Saturday, 9/9 - work day on the underground. Come paint some stuff.
Sunday, 9/17 - First Sunday meeting in the underground.

Have a great week!

Bob

Weekly update: 8/21

2006-08-21T12:11:00.000-07:00

Here's what going on with the college gathering:

- This Thursday (8/24) we'll be meeting at the Greene's house (4356 Dogwood; SB). If you've never come midweek, it'd be great to see you there. Or if you've come before, we still like you, too.

- Next Thursday (8/31) we're going to have a movie night at the church in the basement (soon to be renamed the underground). It'll be a fun time to hang out before College Briefing. I'm open to movie suggestions (please no R rated movies - I'm not trying to get fired over here).

- Speaking of College Briefing (9/1-9/4), if you're going you should receive a letter with details about carpooling and what to pack. Call me with questions. Unless the questions are related to girl's bathing suits. I've got nothing there. Also, please let me know when you can leave (preferably via email, so I have a written reference).

See you all on Thursday!

Bob

Admin stuff

2006-08-14T16:41:00.000-07:00

- Because of College Briefing (Sept. 1-4), we won't have our normal Sunday gathering on Sept 3rd. I know, I know, how shocking.

- We're going to work on painting and reformatting the basement into the Underground on Saturday, Sept 9th from 9:30 am until noon. Free pizza and painting.

- Then, since it's going to look spiffy, we're moving to the underground effective September 17th.

A book of helpful comments on Ephesians

2006-08-09T14:16:00.000-07:00

If you're interested in comparing a wise man's comments on Ephesians (namely, John Stott's) with the *ahem* wisdom of our Sunday gathering, check out his books on Ephesians. Here's the amazon link.

The Underground

2006-08-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

September 17th we'll be moving down to the underground for our Sunday morning gathering. It's going to be SWEET.

College Briefing

2006-07-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

Here's all the info you need for College Briefing.

The conference this year is from 9/1-9/4 and the cost is $170. We have a limited number of spots, so we're doing a "first people to get their $50 deposit in wins" thing.

Let me know SOON that you want to go.

Check out the Google calendar!

2006-07-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

There's great info below on the calendar.

Put your birthday in the comments section and I'll add it to the calendar!

Quick hits of note

2006-07-11T17:38:00.000-07:00

- Thursday, 7/13 - Bible study at Bob's house

- Sunday, 7/16 - The Gathering on Sunday starts! We're meeting at 11 am in room 20 at the church. It's going to be a great time. Come this week to get in at the beginning!

- College Briefing is coming up over Labor Day - Please get me your registration slips if you want to go!

Gathering this Thursday at my house

2006-07-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

This Thursday we'll be meeting at my house while the Greenes are gone at their family reunion. The address is 3218 E. 6th St; Long Beach, CA (link to the map). We'll be hanging out from 7 pm until... whenever you all go home.

We're going to have a good time while Christa and Amanda continue their scheming to steal our apartment and kick us out.

- Bob

College Blog

2006-07-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Some people would put together a website. That's too much for me. All I could put together was a blog.

This is going to be a place to be involved in each others' lives, know what's going on, and check out pictures from events.

- Bob