“Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.” – Psalm 40:4

By Yvette Shin

What if you spent an entire year living as Jesus did? Chances are you would like a lot like the person on your right. He is Dr. Ed Dobson, retired pastor of Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and author of the new book, The Year of Living like Jesus (Zondervan).

On Wednesday, October 21, Reverend Michel Faulkner and the New Horizon Church of New York hosted a free breakfast and book signing event celebrating the book’s October release at Gospel Uptown (2110 7th Avenue at 125th Street). After providing a brief biography and synopsis his book, Dobson answered questions about his experience.

Inspired by A.J. Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically (Simon & Schuster), Dobson decided to pursue a year-long journey of his own attempting to live as Jesus did—eating kosher, growing a beard, observing Shabbat, and following the teachings of the Gospel. Part personal pilgrimage, part social experiment, Dobson chronicles his year of living “Jesus-ly” with dry humor and thoughtful insight.

The self-confessed lover of bacon describes in vivid detail the agony of keeping kosher, a feat especially troublesome when eating out. Dobson encountered circumstances that were not only challenging but also surprising. A non-drinker, Dobson sometimes found himself in a bar consuming alcohol, discussing spiritual matters. “When you’re sipping a beer, it’s disarming,” he muses. After all, Jesus did consume alcohol.

Dobson delved deep into the intricate world of Judaistic traditions by celebrating High Holy days and wearing the tallit katan (a fringed undergarment). More unexpectedly, he explored Catholic and Easter Orthodox prayer traditions, praying the rosary and the Jesus prayer repeatedly during the year.

By far, the most difficult part was adhering to the Gospel. Dobson often found that obeying the teachings of Christ were counter-intuitive and just plain hard, such as giving money to beggars, keeping the speed limit, and loving one’s enemies. While attending the memorial service for his son’s close friend—a soldier killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb—Dobson struggled to love those who were responsible. He obeyed and prayed for those who made, planted and detonated the bomb. He may not have meant it, but he did it.

Probably the most controversial topic in the book is Dobson’s decision to vote Democratic during the most recent presidential election. A life-long Republican, Dobson decided that Obama’s proposed policies were more aligned with the teachings of Jesus.

When asked by Seed contributor Yvette Shin what his message would be to college students, specifically NYU students, who are in a sense embarking on a journey of their own, Dobson had this to say: “Read, study, and try to obey the Bible.” Dobson himself read the Gospels a total of thirty-five times during the year, often listening to them on his iPod and feeling as if he were on the fringes of the crowd listening to Jesus himself. “It was weird,” he adds with a smile. For more information, please visit http://www.livingjesusly.com

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
– Hebrews 11:1

Let’s remember to pray for our struggling brothers and sisters in Chile and Haiti as they fight to overcome the devastation of lost loved onesand displacement from their homes. May we trust God to protect and restore the lives of His people.

Mon (3/1): Monday Fellowship Meeting
Message: “What Are Your Spiritual Vital Signs?” by Dr. William Shin
When: 5:30-7:30pm @ Kimmel room 905
What: The Word, praise, fellowship and free dinner!

Thurs (3/4): Prayer and Praise Night
What: Praise our Lord and pray for NYC!
When: Every Thurs at 7:30-9pm
Where: Children’s Aid Society, 3rd fl, 219 Sullivan St (between West 3rd & Bleecker)

(No mentor bible study this Saturday)

Submissions for the Seed Spring ‘10 issue are due on: March 10th @ 11:59pm! We’d love to hear what you have to say — and we encourage you to share it with all of NYU and NYC! All submissions are welcome. Email your articles/poems/reviews/photos/artwork to: nyuseed@gmail.com

In Christ,
NYU Seed Christian Club & Publication
www.nyuseed.com

The 2nd Five Loaves and Two Fish Chamber Orchestra Benefit Concert

Date: February 27, 2010
Time: 7:30pm
Place: Kirkpatrick Chapel in Rutgers University

Dinner will be provided by New Jersey UBF for those who arrive earlier than 7:30 PM.
Location of dinner:
NJUBF
54 Ray Street
New Brunswick, NJ, 08901

Thurs (2/25): Prayer & Praise Night
What: Prayer, meditation and praise
When: Thurs 7:30pm-9pm @ Children’s Aid Society, 3rd fl.
Where: 219 Sullivan St. between W. 3rd & Bleecker

Have a wonderful, blessed week,
NYU Seed Christian Club & Publication
www.nyuseed.com

This Spring semester is full of some awesome events! Learn the full scoop at our first Monday Fellowship Meeting on January 25th, Kimmel 905 @ 5:30-7pm.

Monday Fellowship – 905 kimmel 5:30-7:30pm
food, fellowship and the word

Thursday Prayer Meeting – Children’s Aid Society 7:30-9pm
a time of prayer, petition and meditation set to music

Saturday Group Bible Study – 13th floor Warren Weaver Hall 3-5pm
textual biblical examination and discussion, every-other-week

Spring Overnight Retreat - February 14-15
Spruce Lake Retreat Center, PA
an opportunity for deep reflection away from the city bustle

Newsletter compilation submission deadline – March 10th
be heard! share your thoughts with the campus through our semesterly publication

Mentorship activities – ongoing
find a mentor or be one