Comments on derek vreeland's blog: Sacred Space

Calvin,Thanks for posting a comment. Contemplation...

2007-08-07T17:23:00.000-05:00

Calvin,

Thanks for posting a comment. Contemplation comes from the Latin word contemplatio meaning "to gaze" or have you said..."to behold."

This is strong in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. I have a Eastern icon of Jesus in my office. Often I just gaze....it is worshipful.

You can read more about my icon here http://www.derekvreeland.com/2007/04/christ-pantocrator-christ-ruler-of-all.html

Dear Pastor Derck,I agree that "y'all" is the best...

2007-08-07T15:26:00.000-05:00

Dear Pastor Derck,

I agree that "y'all" is the best translation of the Greek. God is present when y'all are assembled in prayer and worship in Christ. God is present in the communion. It is good to enter the sacred space of assembled believers with an attitude of contemplation. The best understanding of the Greek word for contemplation is, "to behold." We behold God in quiet contemplation. We can take sacred space anywhere with the attitude of contemplation.

Y'all are welcome to visit our blog at http://blog.livingforgod.net

At His Mercy,

Calvin Wulf
www.livingforgod.net

Shane,"Perpetual revival" and "Kingdom reality" ar...

2007-08-05T15:18:00.000-05:00

Shane,

"Perpetual revival" and "Kingdom reality" are great ways to talk about what we are wanting to live in.

We have to often use new words to talk about old ideas among new Christians.

This is the work of a missional teacher.

g&p

Derek

High there

2007-08-04T09:37:00.000-05:00

High there

I would agree with "not looking for revival to blo...

2007-08-03T23:02:00.000-05:00

I would agree with "not looking for revival to blow though...". That is what I mean by "Kingdom Reality" -- Jesus said, "See things in a new way -- the Kingdom of the heavens (skies) is all around you!"

To live in that reality -- to walk in it -- to breathe it in -- to live out perpetual "revival" in our lives -- it is to know "contented dissatisfaction" -- always full, always wanting more.

One of the dangers of the tarditional use of the word "revival" is that some are looking for that emotional high -- a Holy Ghost buzz if you will. That feeling will come and go -- but to walk in/ live in the "sacred space" or "Kingdom Reality" is a greater constant. At the same time, I do enjoy the spiritually charged "high" times when they come.

I never want to be that person who walks into the house of God and says, "I've pretty much done it all, heard it all, seen it all". As a minister of the Gospel for nearly 20 years now -- I can humbly say, "the more I dig, the more I find -- and God is still as amazing to me now as when I first started!"

God bless.

p.s. I agree with your assessment of the Holmes situation -- but not a bad number 3 guy. And who knows, he might just suprise us all (even in the number 3 slot).

Shane,Revivals of the past are often prophecies fo...

2007-08-03T18:20:00.000-05:00

Shane,

Revivals of the past are often prophecies for the future. And the fulfillment of prophecy is always different than what people think.

So many of the Jews missed Jesus, because their fulfillment of the prophecies concerning Messiah seemed so different to them.

You are right the coming revivals may not look the same, but for me I am not looking for a revival to blow through...I am looking for sacred space in which to VIVE.

I am expecting good things Sunday morning.

I am also expecting good things from the Chiefs too! I don't think Priest has a shot. I think IF he makes the team he will be the number 3 back...behind LJ and Benett.

Derek

It's me again -- the first text was actually Mt. 4...

2007-08-03T11:49:00.000-05:00

It's me again -- the first text was actually Mt. 4:17

God bless.

Pastor Derek,Good answer. I have come to see "sacr...

2007-08-03T11:46:00.000-05:00

Pastor Derek,

Good answer. I have come to see "sacred spaces" in a whole new way these past few years.

In our area -- the Great Revival of 1800 took place. I had the awesome privelege of working (last fall) at the old Bowen Home in Goodlettsville, TN (one of the oldest houses in TN) where the Bowens took in the great Revivalists of that day. Across the street from that house is where a Great Campmeeting took place and consequently a church was born!

Even more amazing to me, is that, my wife's deceased Grandfather was born in that house. And my wife's mother was saved as a twelve-year-old girl on a bridge on the property of the old Campmeeting (the bridge is no longer there). And suddenly, I find myself working there -- immersed in the history of my wife's (and consequently my son's) people.

Jentezen Franklin said it this way, "Just as there was revival life in the old bones of Elisha, there is new life to be found in touching the old bones of revival."
How cool is that?

The "revival" may not look the same -- but there are sacred places as well as sacred spaces.

This is not exactly what you were aiming at per se' -- but closely related.

I have come to see "sacred space" in three ways...

1. Kingdom Reality -- which is all around us (Mt. 4:16)
2. Holy Impressions -- when God's Spirit communes with ours (Isaiah 28:9-11)
3. Thin Spaces (an old Celt concept --old time Pentecostals would say the Holy Spirit's Presence was "so thick you could cut it with a knife" -- not that you'd want to.) It is the place where the heavens and the earth meet. (Gen. 28:16-17).

Thanks for your blogs -- very encouraging -- sometimes challenging. God Bless.

Pastor Shane

p.s. concerning a former blog -- Priest Holmes -- how can we go wrong with a man whose name is "Priest of the Holme"? (sorry preacher humor). Go Chiefs!!!