From William Willimon’s comments on Acts 20:
This is one of the New Testament’s earliest definite references to weekly Sunday worship. The Christians have continued to gather in the synagogue — unless they have been expelled. But they also apparently gather on Sunday, the first day of the Jewish work week, the day which is for Christians a day of resurrection. The church Luke describes is thus moving toward a distinct day of worship of its own, a day symbolizing clearly that while there is much uniting the church with Judaism there is also much dividing it from Judaism. The day of worship, as well as the stories and actions which occur around the table, constitutes the church as a distinct entity, gives it an identity, keeps reminding the church of who it is. Sunday is the Lord’s Day when Christians gather to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Around the table in the gathering for worship, in the breaking of bread, Christians sustain one another through the presence of God as experienced at the table. As the Reformers agreed, word and sacrament belong together. Here is where the Body of Christ is made visible (1 Cor. 11:17-32). Here is where the Body re-forms, receives nourishment and encouragement in this weekly rhythm of renewal and reiteration of our identity as God’s family.
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How would you like to be in charge of advertising revenues for the network carrying the British Open or the PGA, only to open up your morning paper and find out that Tiger is missing the rest of the year to have knee surgery? Golf right now is feast or famine, depending on whether he is in the tournament. There are lots of good players — but they’re miles from the best player.
Having said that, my prediction from three years ago that he won’t break Nicklaus’s major’s record (18) is safe for now. I made that prediction based on the factors of health, a constant flow of new players, and the sheer difficulty of it. So, what year do you predict that this prediction will be proven wrong?
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We were sound asleep in the little village of Sirince when a blast of noise came up the hillside from the village center. It seems that everyone was gathered around some televisions to watch Turkey’s dramatic comeback victory over Czechoslovakia in the World Cup. I’m not sure we (in the States) have anything to compare to most of the world’s soccer obsession.
Actually, the World Cup is 2010. This is the EuroCup.
It’s still fun, though.
It’s not World Cup time yet.
Typical American….
OK. I could go make a correction above, but I’ll let my ignorance stand. You’re exactly right — typical American.
Mike, you will be wrong in your prediction and here’s why: If you look at the venues for the next 8 majors (starting in ‘09), Tiger has one at most of them (of course Augusta). I predict Augusta 2011. His first there and the one to beat Jack.
Sorry Mike, your prediction about Tiger has never been safe. Once he gets his knee fixed, he has the capability of tying Nicklaus in a twelve month span. I still think he has a genuine slam in him. Did you catch him saying that he hasn’t felt healthy in 10 years. I pity the tour if he ever gets to feeling good.
PGA 2010 he breaks the record.
Eldrick will break Jack’s record in 2013 by once again dominating The Masters. He will win this 20th major later that year at the PGA, then immediately retire and become a commentator for ESPN and ABC.
You heard it here first.
I watched tiger play as a high school student and followed his career at Stanford. I had the same hometown, but I found rooting for Rocco to win. I’m thinking 2011. If a Tiger comes back on at 3/4 that is what beat the tour last week. So. Master’s 2010, US Open (Pebble Beach) 2010, British Open 2010 (Birkdale) 2011 (St Andrews)& PGA Hazeltine 2009(finished 2nd in 02, Rocco 5th). He owns St. Andrews and Pebble Beach and though he’s been beatable at Augusta lately he will have something to prove coming back. And though he would have to be the odds on favorite at Bethpage Black where he won 02 I don’t see him being a hundred percent then.
The good thing about Tiger being out for a year is my Sunday afternoon ritual of falling asleep in front of the TV will now actually get to happen if Johnny Miller would close his trap. Does anyone else notice that Johnny makes most of his comments with a negative slant?
Once again, more muted American self-loathing– this time, comparing our love of football and other nations’ love of soccer. It really is an apples and oranges comparison. American kids grow up playing and following football, baseball, basketball, and a number of other sports, because we have all those choices available. If you’re a kid growing up in Turkey, or Mexico, or Greece, how many sports do you have to choose from? And sure, 100s of thousands pack large stadiums to watch euro cup games– because it’s national teams, playing against each other. That being said, I would wager that more Americans pack college and pro football stadiums on any given fall weekend to cheer on their local teams than all the attendees of this year’s euro cup, combined.
Phil - I think you’re kidding (or seriously in need of a relaxation pill!). That was, of course, the point. We have nothing to compare to that obsession because we have lots of interests. But that’s not like pouring all sports passion into one thing!
Who’s Tiger?
donald! LOLOLOLOL!!!
Hiya Mike - could you drop me a line? I’d like to talk to you about a book review matter…thanks!
If “Sunday is the Lord’s Day when Christians gather to observe the Lord’s Supper,” then what are the implications for the Willowcreek model (that Sundays aren’t for worship but are rather for reaching the unchurched) and for those who are starting Saturday evening assemblies?
For a minute there I thought you had become an LSU fan, Mike! The title of this post sounds like life here in Baton Rouge.
Hello from Leipzig, Germany.
Ok. I ACTUALLY watched the game you referred to! I knew it was the Euro Cup, but I wasn’t going to say anything. But I see from the other comments above that it wouldn’t have been necessary. I decided to keep my mouth shut since I had never heard of the EuroCup until 2 weeks ago. Brenden is now the proud owner of a Germany fussball jersey. He is absolutely LOVING this tournament. He is learning a LOT about this sport and culture from some of the ACU guys who are much more knowledgable than I am. I think they have been surprised by Brenden’s ability to keep asking questions. Kind of like when he was asking you everything in the world at Chris’s football game.
Thanks for the post. It was fun to feel connected for a minute—even though we are worlds away.
—Jana
Good to hear from you, Jana. We miss your family. We brought Chris a Turkey soccer jersey back. Pretty good timing since they’ve claimed some last minute wins in the World, errrr, EuroCup.