Happy New Year!  (Just a few days late…)

This should be the final month in my pursuit of a PhD at Temple University.  The oral defense of my dissertation is scheduled for January 27.  As I bury myself in a re-read of my written work for the 100th time, and continue to find new areas and experts of possible dissension with my position, I am reminded of how many “scholars” exist on some of the most obscure points of theology.  My dissertation suggests that the book of Jude illustrates first century ties between Jewish Apocalypticism and Gnosticism and that the author discerned that Christianity was being used as a catalyst to move from the former to the latter and wrote a letter disputing that move.  Here’s the point: There are actually a lot of people who disagree.  And I didn’t even think anyone cared.

And here’s where this takes me.  While all the scholars and doctors and professors debate the finer points of theology, there is one undeniable existing truth.  God loves me.  He loves me enough to sacrifice his Son for me.  And if that can be our rally cry for 2009 then we can’t go wrong this year.  In a predicted year of doom and gloom we have the greatest source of hope available.  And in 2009 if we can introduce more people to this living hope than ever before, then everyone wins. Even if nobody agrees that Jude wrote a letter against early Gnosticism.

I am excited about our first weekend series of the year.  ”Money: owe nothing but the debt of love.”  These five weeks are about hope and help.  Don’t be deceived into thinking this is about giving and stewardship. This is about giving you and the community helpful resources and God’s view on how to get through tough economic times.  Let’s learn together.

And just two last-minute reminders.  First, please visit our website to nominate candidates for the Governing Board.  You only have until tomorrow and the more suggestions our Nominating Team has to interview the healthier we are as a church.  And secondly, to answer your questions about your Faith Promise contributions, just make your checks out to PAC (or Princeton Alliance Church ) with GCF (Great Commission Fund) noted on the memo line.  And feel free to write one check for all your giving and just note the funds and amounts on the memo line.

See you this weekend.