September Discipline: Reading/Study
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/27/2009
As we near the end of the month of September, we will be wrapping up our blog discussions on the discipline of study.
I don’t know about all of you, but the 30 Days of Red Letters has made such an impact on how much time I’ve spent in the Word these past 27 days. To have a certain verse that I can concentrate on or look back on throughout the day has been so helpful in bringing me back to what is most important in each day. There have been so many times when I have felt rushed, stressed, and tired–but looking at the red letters for that day put everything in perspective and brought me back to why we are given a chance to start over each day.
As we venture out of the discipline of study and move into the discipline of prayer during October, I encourage you to find a way to hold onto a certain verse each day of the month of October, and make scripture something that you can hold onto each day of the year, instead of just diving into the word on Sunday and Wednesday nights.
One of my favorite verses was the red letter verse of the day for September 22nd, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent,” John 6:29.
If we are going to believe in the one that He has sent, I want to be able to know and take cover in the words that He spoke while walking on this earth, and I think one of the best ways to really know the word of God and His Son is to be in it each and every day of the year.
30 Days of Red Letters (Part 5)
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/27/2009
Well this is our final installment of 30 Days of Red Letters. As a church family, our desire is to go deeper in the Word, not just on Sundays but every day of the week. With that goal in mind, we are spending the month of September reading, memorizing, writing about, and reflecting on the words of Jesus. There is a short reading each day, and we encourage you allow these words of Jesus to change you this week.
Here are the readings for this week.
Sunday, September 27th
If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if anyone would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. – Matthew 19:39b-41
Monday, September 28th
I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees the Father doing, because whatever the Father does, the Son does also. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgement to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. – John 5:19-23
Tuesday, September 29th
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moths destroy. For where your treasure is, there your heart is also. – Luke 12:34
Wednesday, September 30th
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. – John 3:16-18
September Discipline: Study/Reading
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/23/2009
I typically give studying a bad rap because it takes time, discipline, and quite frankly, I don’t like the idea of reading for understanding. I’d much rather be talking with real people.
I’ve thought really hard about what it means to me to “study”. There’s definitely more to it than just reading. One thing that’s really fun about studying is how you can read something one time and it means nothing. Then, when you read it again, it means something so powerful it moves you. I often try to interpret what the Bible says and apply it to my life before I even understand it. So my first mission while reading ought to be determining what it actually says. Only after I understand what it’s trying to say should I even attempt to ask what it means to me. I had heard of people going on personal spiritual retreats, but had never done one myself. Preface to this story: I am in no way a Bible scholar or a mountain of spiritual knowledge.
This past weekend I spent two days at a monastery called the Abbey of Gethsemani. By myself. No phone. No iPod. I had only my journal and the books Crazy Love, Fathered by God, and the Bible. Over the course of a normal business day I probably send and receive over 100 emails, 100 texts, and spend upwards of 6 hours on the phone. This Abbey was quite the contrast to my life. I was silent for two days. I read intently, took notes, and prayed.
It’s so tough getting past your own sin to concentrate on the word of God when you’re in that intimate of a setting. I prayed and confessed to God on the drive there, and it was pretty relieving to feel that slide away as I read scripture. I wanted to give Him my time, not Satan. To combat the tendency to wander I had a separate sheet just to jot down stray thoughts and get them off my mind. While I read, I wrote down explanations of verses and thoughts of what they might mean.
It was a great experience, and I can’t wait to do it again. Getting away from my apartment and Nashville was definitely instrumental in the whole process. It was, however, difficult to commit and say I wasn’t going to all the happenings in town. Study has a whole new meaning to me now, and I’m so happy I was able to leave normal life, if only for a brief moment, to hear some of what the Word is trying to say to us today.
30 Days of Red Letters (Part 4)
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/20/2009
If you have not been with us at Ethos the last three weeks then you probably haven’t heard about the 30 Days of Red Letters. As a church family, our desire is to go deeper in the Word, not just on Sundays but every day of the week. With that goal in mind, we are spending the month of September reading, memorizing, writing about, and reflecting on the words of Jesus. There is a short reading each day, and we encourage you allow these words of Jesus to change you this week.
Here are the readings for this week.
Sunday, September 21st
Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you. Away from me you evil doers. – Matthew 7:21-23
Monday, September 21st
I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. – John 3
Tuesday, September 22nd
The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent. – John 6:29
Wednesday, September 23rd
Ask and it will be given to you: seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them to do to you, for this sums up the law and the prophets. – Matthew 6:7-12
Thursday, September 24th
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God: trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms: if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place I am going. – John 14:1-4
Friday, September 25th
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled … blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. – Matthew 5:6
Saturday, September 26th
When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. – John 12:44-46
Want to Volunteer?
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/16/2009
On Sunday, August 30th, more than 200 of you made the commitment to serve as a volunteer at Ethos. People committed to help out with our Welcome Team, Technology Team, Set Up Team, Tear Down Team, Service Team, Kids Team, and much more.
As we continue to put these teams into place we still have several major needs for volunteers.
Technology Team
Our technology team is responsible for everything connected with our Audio and Visual needs at Ethos Church. We still need 4-6 good volunteers that can commit to serving at either the 5 PM or the 7 PM Worship Gatherings. If you are interested in serving on the technology team please email us at (ethoschurch@gmail.com) with the word “tech” in the subject line.
Set Up Team
Our set up team is responsible for setting everything up each week before the 5 PM Worship Gathering. The set up includes: unloading the trailer, setting up the chairs, setting up the tables and communion, and setting up the welcome stations and ethos kids area. We still need 6-8 committed volunteers to help us with the set up team. The set up team arrives at the Cannery at 2:45 pm each Sunday. If you are interested in helping or would like more information please email us at (ethoschurch@gmail.com) with the word “setup” in the subject line.
Finally, beginning in two weeks you will have the opportunity to sign up for any of our volunteer teams on a weekly basis. Thanks for choosing to be a participant in what God is doing, and not simply a spectator. It is an honor to serve with you. See you Sunday.
Need a Seat?
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/16/2009
Man it is hard to adequately describe last Sunday Night. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for our church family. We knew it was going to take a lot of work and sacrifice from a lot of different people in order to make the move from one worship gathering at 6 pm to our new schedule on Sunday Nights (5 PM and 7 PM read more here).
You guys stepped up big time though. We had more than 200 volunteers sign up on Sunday, August 30th. That was huge. Then you guys spent two weeks spreading the word through facebook, email, twitter, and word of mouth. Finally, countless volunteers showed up in droves to help us make the transition this past week. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Most importantly, you invited your friends, and your willingness to make the move to two services has opened up a few seats for your friends who are not connected with a church family. We are still working towards freeing up more space. Thank you for your patience on this.
If you were at our 5 PM service, you know there were about 100 people without seats standing in the back. We still have some room at the 7 PM. It would be great if 50 of you would commit to joining us at 7 PM to help with some of these space issues.
Once again, I can’t thank you enough for your help through all of these transitions. Most importantly, I can’t thank you enough for being on mission with us at Ethos Church. I love that we get to serve alongside one another. love – Dave
If you want to learn more about our transition to two services follow the links below.
Why Two Services (click here)
30 Days of Red Letters (Part 3)
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/14/2009
If you have not been with us at Ethos the last two weeks then you probably haven’t heard about the 30 Days of Red Letters. As a church family, our desire is to go deeper in the Word, not just on Sundays but every day of the week. With that goal in mind, we are spending the month of September reading, memorizing, writing about, and reflecting on the words of Jesus. There is a short reading each day, and we encourage you allow these words of Jesus to change you this week.
Here are the readings for this week.
Monday, September 14th
If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all. – Mark 9:35
Tuesday, September 15th
The most important commandment is this, Hear or Israel, the Lord our God is one. Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul, and with all of your mind, and with all of your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. – Mark 12:29-31
Wednesday, September 16th
I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies: and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. – John 11:25-26
Thursday, September 17th
I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the ate, but climbs in by some other way is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all of his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger: in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice. – John 10:1-5
Friday, September 18th
I am the good shepherd: I know my sheep and my sheep know me–just as the Father knows me and I know the Father — and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life — only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father. – John 10:14-18
Saturday, September 19th
If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. – John 8:31-32
September Discipline: Study/Reading
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/14/2009
Being completely transparent, studying scripture is probably the one thing that I struggle with the most. And the truth is I have no excuse, I have a bible app on my phone so it is literally accessible to me everywhere I go. So why is it so hard for me to just open it up and read? The truth is I am still a very immature Christian and let laziness reign more often than discipline. Also, sometimes I just get overwhelmed. The bible is so stinking big that it sometimes discourages me. But as Sydney said in the last blog, it’s great to just take it a verse at a time if you have to. It’s actually very beneficial to do so in my opinion. Memorizing a verse a day can be very productive to your spirituality because it gives you a chance to meditate and dwell on the scripture at hand and actually apply it to your life.
Why read scripture and study? It’s funny how much of a ‘coincidence’ it is when I don’t spend time in God’s word one week and I encounter great doubt, lack of faith, and discouragement. But when I do spend regular time in God’s word for some strange reason I’m able to face each day with purpose and ambition. I know, crazy right? Romans 12:2 states, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” The bible isn’t a 2000 year old outdated document that dinosaurs read because they’re out of touch with reality. Rather we out of touch with God if we don’t spend time in his word because the bible is the LIVING, BREATHING word of God.
The other day I was talking to Dave about struggles of mine and spirituality in general and as we were talking I had this thought. So often I see “spiritual giants”, so to speak, that seem to have it all figured out. They’re in tune with God’s purpose. They derive exponential amounts of joy through doing God’s will. Everything they do produces fruit 10 fold what they have sewn. I see these people and think, “why can’t I have what they have?! This isn’t fair!” But then I realize that they have spent years, even decades, devoting countless time in prayer, studying, meditation, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines to get to where they are in their relationship with God.
If you’ve never worked hard or applied yourself in any way, would you take a drive down Tyne Boulevard and say, “that’s not fair that they have those nice houses and I don’t”. No. That would be childish. The truth is those people have worked very hard to provide nice homes for their families. The same is true with our spirituality. We have to spend time with God in prayer, meditation, and in his word. In doing so we are building our house upon a rock!
I would like to leave you with this thought. So often I get discoursed when things don’t go my way or I don’t feel God working in my life like I’d like him to. But then I remember that we were made to serve God, not the other way around, and I will serve him no matter what the outcome! I hope you guys have a great week! God Bless!
Bring Somebody
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/10/2009
Who are you bringing with you Sunday Night? This isn’t a rhetorical question. Who have you invited? Have you invited anyone? Spend some time praying about who you should invite this Sunday Night. Then invite them. Don’t wait until Sunday. Go ahead and give them a call right now. The worst thing they can do is say no. That doesn’t seem to bad does it?
See you Sunday. We look forward to meeting your friend.
House Churches Start Tonight
Posted by Dave Clayton on 09/09/2009
That’s right. After a break from House Churches this summer, our house churches start back up tonight. If you have been attending our Sunday Worship Gathering, and are looking for a way to get more involved, we encourage you to become a part of one of our House Churches. Although our Sunday Worship Gatherings provide a wonderful opportunity for us to worship God, share Communion, study the Bible together, and enjoy the fellowship of our entire church family, our House Churches give us the opportunity to build deep relationships with one another in a more intimate setting.
Each House Church consists of 8-12 people. It doesn’t matter if you are white, black, young, old, Christian, or not — you are invited to be a part of a House Church. It is through our House Churches that we eat meals together, pray for one another, spend time in conversation, and serve our city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I become a part of a House Church?
It is simple. You can sign up for a House Church at our Connections Table on any Sunday Night. Email ethoschurch@gmail.com for more information regarding locations.
What can I expect at a typical House Church?
All of our House Churches meet on Wednesday Nights @ 7 pm and are finished by 8:15 pm every week. Every week we read the Bible, pray, and discuss issues in our spiritual journey. Some weeks we share a meal together, and one week out of each month we don’t meet in a home…instead we go out into the city and serve people that aren’t apart of our church.
If I go to a House Church, do I have to participate in the conversation?
No, in fact, lots of people show up for weeks and even months before they feel comfortable talking. House Churches are a place where you can be totally comfortable just being you…if that means you come and go without saying a word, then great. We are glad to have you here.
What parts of Nashville do the House Churches meet?
Hillsboro Village, Green Hills, Crieve Hall, Nipper’s Corner, Hermitage, Cool Springs, Oak Hill, Antioch, Brentwood
How many weeks do House Churches meet?
14 weeks. Then we take a break for the holidays before starting up again in January.
More questions?
Email us at ethoschurch@gmail.com
