THIS SUNDAY is Palm Sunday and we’ll wrap up our series, The Gospel According to Jacob. We’ll look at Genesis 38, which is all about Jacob’s son, Judah, through whom passes the messianic line, leading all the way to Jesus. Like his dad, Judah is a mess in many ways. Because he’s a mess, he’s someone to whom all of us can relate!
One thing we’ll see is he has a tremendous blind spot. Blind spots are nothing new. We all have them.
Francis Spufford writes about the problem of blind spots: A study by a couple of researchers at the University of Toronto and at James Madison University in Virginia proved something that we may already know. The study, provocatively called “Cognitive Sophistication Does Not Attenuate the Bias Blind Spot,” concluded that we cut ourselves more slack than we give to others. No surprise there, right. But writing about this study in the New Yorker, Jonah Lehrer explains why we do this. He claims that we all have “bias blind spots” because there’s a mismatch between how we evaluate others and how we evaluate ourselves.
Lehrer writes: When considering the irrational choices of a stranger, for instance, we are forced to rely on [how they behave]; we see their biases from the outside, which allows us to glimpse their [errors]. However, when assessing our own bad choices, we tend to engage in elaborate introspection. We [study] our motivations and search for relevant reasons; we lament our mistakes to therapists and ruminate on the beliefs that led us astray.
As an example, if we drive crazy through traffic it’s because we have an important meeting or we don’t do it that often, and so forth. But if someone else cuts us off in traffic there’s one simple, observable explanation: he’s a jerk. Lehrer concludes “[our bias blind spots] are largely unconscious, which means they remain invisible to self-analysis and [resistant] to intelligence.” In other words, being smarter won’t help you see your own junk. As a matter of fact, more intelligence may add to the problem.
Sunday’s going to be a great day to be together for worship, learning, growing in our faith and love for Jesus and others. I look forward to seeing you!
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE, APRIL 19, 7:00 PM: This hour-long service will focus on the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. Invite others with our digital postcard. To do so, just click on the following link: goldcoastchurch.org/goodfridayinvite. Text it, with a personal note, to those in your contacts as well as post it on your social media pages (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 9:15 & 10:45 AM: We’re going to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the difference He makes in our lives! Text our digital postcard to family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors in your contacts to attend as well as post it on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat: goldcoastchurch.org/easterinvite. (You may want to attend the 9:15 am service as the 10:45 am service is usually fuller.) Coffee and donuts will be available between the two services.
HIGHER GROUND HIKE, SATURDAY, APRIL 27: Higher Ground is hosting our first Spring hike at the Mt. McCoy trail in Simi Valley. Spring is here and the hills are alive again! This trail offers panoramic views in all directions, including the views of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, the Channel Islands, Wood Ranch, and Old Boney Mountain. On the trail you’ll see multiple plant life, wildflowers, animal life and birds. A must see for nature lovers and kids! Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Distance: 5 miles | Dogs allowed on leashes Meet at Starbucks in Camarillo at the Las Posas Shopping Center at 8:30 am and will leave as a group by 8:45 am. Good hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera for pictures are recommended. Invite a friend or bring family members to share the experience. A complimentary continental breakfast will be served after the hike. Contact Margie Cantu at 805.660.1187 or mcantu830@verizon.net with any questions.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER, THURSDAY, MAY 2, 6 TO 7 PM: We will gather with other local churches to pray together as the body of Christ at the Oxnard Beach Park, 1601 S. Harbor Blvd., Oxnard. Mark your calendars now! (Paid parking is $1 per hour.)
DAILY BIBLE READING SCHEDULE:
Friday April 12 1 Sam 13; 1 Chr 2-3; 2 Cor 12
Saturday April 13 1 Sam 14; 1 Chr 4; 2 Cor 13
Sunday April 14 1 Sam 15-16; 1 Chr 5; Mt 1
Monday April 15 1 Sam 17; Ps 9; Mt 2
Tuesday April 16 1 Sam 18; 1 Chr 6; Ps 11; Mt 3
Wednesday April 17 1 Sam 19; 1 Chr 7; Ps 59; Mt 4
Thursday April 18 1 Sam 20-21; Ps 34; Mt 5
Friday April 19 1 Sam 22; Ps 17, 35; Mt 6
Saturday April 20 1 Sam 23; Ps 31, 54; Mt 7
Sunday April 21 1 Sam 24; Ps 57-58; 1 Chr 8; Mt 8
Looking forward to celebrating King Jesus with you this Sunday,
Scott