Your Invitation To My Celebration!

What do 365 days, 450 postings, 13,784 visits and one spawn (the Pigskin Preacher) add up to? My one year anniversary as a blogger!

To say 'Happy Anniversary' to me, and to say 'Thank You' to all of you for sharing this journey with me, we're throwing a party! YOU ARE INVITED! We've chosen a place famous for their wild parties. We've invited celebrity guests. We're planning to throw a celebration fitting for such a momentous occasion.

Join us tomorrow, Friday, September 1st, 12 NOON at CHUCK E. CHEESE, South Willow Street in Manchester for the party event of the year! No RSVP is necessary. Just show up. Cardboard-tasting pizza, watered down soda, and game tokens will be plentiful. Party favors and hats, however, will go on a first come first serve basis. After tomorrow, there will be two kinds of people in this world - those who attended the celebration and those who missed out!

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Blog, Blogging, Chuck E. Cheese

Ramping Up To (Some) Revelation pt. 2

Continuing our preparation for studying Revelation chapters 2 & 3, here are some more observations from chapter 1, laying a foundation for us. Today we will consider Revelation 1:4-8

v. 4-8 This is a typical (to the period) greeting for a Greek letter. It states who it is from, who it is addressed to, and includes a glorious preamble.

People have debated the meaning of ‘seven churches’. Because seven is elsewhere (and often in the book of Revelation) symbolic of ‘complete’ or ‘whole’, some suggest a symbolic meaning – to the complete church. Others have pointed out that the seven specific churches addressed are all verified in history as having existed in the period John wrote. Moreover, they point to the specific situations addressed in the seven letters seeming to correspond with actual circumstances known by historians to have existed in each location. Coincidence? Personally, I have no trouble taking this seven as both literal and figurative. Again, I go back to the purpose John wrote – to assure and encourage the church in the face of persecution and trials. For that reason, I agree with those folks who interpret this section as having been addressed to the literal churches in Asia Minor of that time period. Does this mean that it is not also used figuratively of the whole or complete church? Absolutely not. Just as we studied a letter Paul wrote to the church in Corinth and found that it spoke to us some 2000 years and oceans and continents away, so also these words are recorded by God to speak to the church throughout the ages and around the world.

You’ll see another ‘seven’ in verse 4, referring to the ‘seven spirits before His throne’. Most scholars agree that this seven must be a figure of speech referring to the ‘sevenfold’ or complete ministry of the Spirit. Hence, you see the difficulty in interpreting ‘seven’ literally in one part of verse four, and figuratively a sentence later.

God is referred to as ‘the One who is, who was, and who is to come’ in verse 4. This is closely akin to the name He disclosed for Himself in Exodus 3:14-15, ‘I Am’, and indeed is how He declares Himself in verse 8.

Note the descriptive names and terms assigned to Jesus in this preamble. I’ll only list them here. I recommend you spend some time considering each one. It will greatly nourish your soul! I will try to develop each one a bit as we make our way through the series of studies together.

Jesus is: the faithful witness; firstborn of the dead; the ruler of the kings of the earth; Him who loves us; Him who has freed us from our sins by His blood (all in verse 5); Him who has made us to be a Kingdom of Priests (v. 6).

In verse 7 Jesus’ second coming is promised, and again, speaks tremendous comfort to the church. Note that His second coming will be obvious to all.

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Revelation, Church, Ecclesiology

Ramping Up To (Some) Revelation

This coming Sunday we will begin a seven week study through chapters 2 and 3 of the book of Revelation – a series entitled “Letters to the Church”. In this series we will look at seven messages God sent to the churches in Asia Minor somewhere around AD96-100, seeking to understand their relevance then, now and into the future.

Although our concentration will be on chapters 2 and 3, I think there are some helpful observations to be made of chapter 1 before we begin. Today I’ll share some introductory thoughts on Revelation 1:1-3

v. 1-3 In this introduction, John identifies the source of this book’s content, specifies the path by which the message came to him, and stresses the importance of it to believers.

There has been much debate over the meaning of the word ‘soon’ in verse 1. It becomes confusing to us when we consider other time references in Scripture like ‘in the last days’ and ‘the last hours’. The questions become: Did these things take place in the past? Are they still yet future? Did some of them happen in the past and are some of them yet future? Just where do we find ourselves in the timeline? Herein lays the problem in interpreting much of Revelation.

Question: How would the original hearers in these seven churches have understood John? They would have understood him to mean that these things were on their horizon, and indeed, they did experience a tremendous upturn in persecution. This, then, would give me some of my basis for understanding Revelation – as having been given to the church militant to reassure and encourage them. As we get into the next section tomorrow, the very names and descriptive terms used of Jesus all lend strength, I think, to my understanding. More on this tomorrow.

One last thought: Note the phrase ‘take to heart what is written’ in verse 3. So often I think that people approach Revelation in an esoteric sense. John wrote that believers could take to heart what was written – that it would make a difference in their lives.

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Revelation, Ecclesiology, Church

Thought Provocation / Discussion Fodder

Christians giving Christianity a bad name? I ran across this piece today. It is one in a developing series blogger Steve Sjogren is working through. It speaks particularly of the bad taste some Christians leave in the mouths of those involved in the service industries. Several here at CCA employed in the industry have shared stories with me that concur. What are your experiences? Does this article hit you between the eyes?

A thing of the past? This article suggests that folks are shedding their wristwatches in lieu of their cellphones telling them what time it is. Remember when cellphones used to be... phones? Interestingly, I made a decision to wear my wristwatch less over the summer (relax, you'll notice I wear it every Sunday when I preach!), not in favor of the clock on my cellphone but because my girls teased me about the unsightly tan lines on my wrist.

Ah, my subscription expired! I heard today that the September issue of Christianity Today has a great article on the appeal of Calvinism among many younger evangelicals. I've got to go get a copy. Anyone read the article? What's it say? Over at Jesus Creed, Scot McKnight describes Calvinism as 'doxologically intoxicating' to the Y.E. crowd. I like the term.

Is faith making us fat? Check this. This columnist thinks so.

Thoughts to offer on any of this? Me? I'm going to belly up to the bar of doxological intoxication! Drinks are on me!

Whole Bunch Of W.O.W.

This week's WOW (Website of the Week) will actually be three... three for the price of one! Such a deal.

The story is told that a new minister of the gospel asked an experienced mentor which commentaries and reference volumes he should collect. The mentor answered, 'Sell all that you have and buy Spurgeon'. I would heartily agree. There is nothing like the 'Prince of Preachers' for daily thought provocation and devotional reading. This site offers up Morning and Evening, a classic work by Spurgeon, as well as little e-votional thoughts for the day. Enjoy!

Solomon's Porch is one of those 'Emergent Churches' people are talking about as being heretical. I was hunting around their blogs and found this great (read GREAT!) resource page. One of the staples of truly emerging ecclesiology is NOT a forsaking of the great heritage of our faith, but a tremendous appreciation for it. Check this site which lists what they refer to as 'the best teachers' for those growing in their faith to consult. I have a tough time crying 'heresy' here! While you're there, note the paragraph about Eutychus' Window on the left side. Great stuff!

Now that we've consulted the Prince of Preachers and some of the greatest Christian minds of all time to nourish our spiritual lives, I feel it incumbent upon me to share with you a link that will open to you one of the most informed Pro-Football minds the world has ever known (that would be ME). Yep, it's a shameless plug... visit my Pigskin Preacher blog with regularity and be on top of the 2006 NFL Season. The blog includes weekly reviews, weekly predictions and even a Sunday, football themed, sermonette. Now where else would you find all that?

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Spurgeon, Emergent Church, NFL, NFL Blogs, Pigskin Preacher

S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y... NIGHT!

Ya, so it was a hit for the Bay City Rollers 30 years ago. Tell me you didn't have the lunch box and watch their Saturday morning cartoon!

As you prepare your heart to worship the Lord tomorrow morning, consider the make up of the body of Christ. Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave and free (as the NT breaks it down), this tremendous work of art is painted by our God in broad strokes - the Body! You are a crucial part. I am a crucial part. Without each other, the body suffers.

Give 1 Corinthians 16 a read tonight. We'll be considering that text together in the morning, bringing to an end our study through 1 Corinthians. Having started all the way back in January - we've made it!

Shari and the music team will lead us into the Lord's presence with a few new hymn arrangements off the newest Passion album, as well as a couple Chris Tomlin favorites and others. Come ready to sing.

I look forward to worshipping the Lord together in the morning.

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, 1 Corinthians, 1 Cor. 16, Ecclesiology, Church

Ode To Pluto

And then there were 8... Pluto was demoted yesterday. No longer a planet, it is now deemed an 'icy dwarf'. My world's messed up today. There have always been 9 planets - in fourth grade my teacher Mr. Van Auken marked one of my exam questions wrong when I said there were 8. I want a recount! There have also always only been seven dwarfs. Sleepy, Grumpy, Dopey... and Icy? No way. That sounds more like the name of a Spice Girl than a Dwarf.

Then there's the term 'Dwarf' itself. That's offensive. Perhaps something more politically correct like 'diminutively-statured astral mass' would be better.

I'm normally not a conspiracy theorist, but I do have to question the timing of this move. School teachers all over our country have either just gone back or preparing to go back to school for the new year. Think of their having to remove those outdated Solar System maps and models and update them at the last minute. Panic! Hysteria! Why couldn't this move have been made in June?

Think also about all the astrology readings that have been amiss over the years. Those folks promise to read the aligment of the planets. AHA! It ain't a planet, you sorceress-hoser! It's a Dwarf! Shows how much you know! If I consorted with those kinds of folks, I'd be calling an attorney.

I hate to be the one to sound the discrimination horn, but has anyone else noticed that Pluto has that oblong orbit thing going on? Its orbit isn't shaped like that of all the other planets. Discrimination. I don't know about you, but I long for the day when a planet will not be judged for the measurement of its trajectory, but for the content of its character. Someone should call Jesse Jackson.

Finally, I bet Al Gore will surface somewhere soon, blaming the whole thing on Global Warming. Pluto WAS a planet, you see, until Soccer Mom's and their eco-killing SUV's, and the Bush Administration, and their neglect, reduced it to space ice.

Along The Way Book Review

When I've reviewed books in this space before it has always been by finishing the book and reflecting back over it as a whole. I've decided to try something new. I've just begun reading a new book and thought I'd post my thoughts as I make my way through it - or as we say around here - along the way. So here goes part one of many...

Emerging Churches by Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger

I've read the first 65 pages of this book, subtitled "Creating Christian Community in Post-modern Culture". I'm pretty engaged. I'm guessing if you think on 'ecclesiology' or church in culture it would give you some thought provocation too. The authors begin with a chapter looking at culture in the 21st century. Judging by my experience, the take is pretty good. They delve into where church has been mis-engaging with culture as we've moved from modern era to post-modern era. They support their assertions by quoting renowned 'Emerging Church' voices from the U.S. and the U.K. at each point.

In demonstrating that the church has been mis-engaging , the statement is made: "Culture (the unchurched world) 'gets' that Jesus was for the marginalized and the oppressed. It is the church that needs to be trained to look at Jesus again." To support that statement they quote a study done recently in Seattle that showed 95% of unchurched folks hold a favorable view of Jesus - rather it is the church they dislike, for they do not readily see the church living out his teachings.

The authors next get into defining the emerging church. This part ought to be interesting as it seems that 10 people asked would offer 10 different definitions. They offer these bullet point identifiers: (1) They identify with the life of Jesus; (2) They transform the secular realm; (3) They live highly communal lives. I am looking forward to the next few chapters as they promise to add meat to those bones.

Darinisms where the emerging church is concerned:
We often take that word emerging and think of emerging out of something, leaving it behind and forsaking it. I wonder, what if we considered emerging into something? Thoughts?

Study Thru The Gospel Of Mark

Just a reminder: Daryl Erickson and I will be leading a weekly study through the Gospel of Mark on Thursday evenings at 7pm beginning Thursday September 7th here at Christ's Church.

The materials we will use are called 'It's In The Book' and are produced by Community Bible Study. Our group is coming together nicely! Please fill out a card to register so we will be prepared with the right amount of materials for everyone.

Our group will meet from 7 to 8:30 on Thursday evenings and that time-frame will allow for a little praise music at the beginning, small group discussion through the materials, prayer and a very brief closing thought on the text from either me or Daryl.

As I've mentioned, Mark's gospel is a thrilling record to study - very fast paced and 'encounter' rich. I hope you'll make plans to be a part of this group!

Further Discussion On Blog Postings

Concerning some Christian musicians and their reluctance to be labeled 'Christian artists' (posted on 8/22), I believe I understand. First, let me own the fact that I am sometimes uncomfortable with the label 'Christian'. I'll assure you that I am one! However, it is people on television news, usually whacko-extremist folks, that have defined 'Christianity' for unbelievers in our times. Where music and the arts are concerned, I think it can cut both ways. Not only can the audience have a negative judgment of the artist for being labeled 'Christian', more often than not Christianity puts an undue burden on the artists. To me this all revolves around the old 'sacred vs. secular' debate - and you all know how I tire of those distinctions! I absolutely love the quote, 'Christian by faith, not genre' where the arts are concerned.

One more thought on this matter. My friend Radioactive Jam introduced me to a close personal friend of his, who happens to be a legitimate rock star. This man loves the Lord, but when I spoke with him it was very obvious to me he had been abused by the church over the years. You see, he is an artist. The fact that many of his songs had 'spiritual overtones' but didn't contain a gospel presentation, and his concerts didn't look like an evangelistic crusade, the church really had no use for him. I'd go so far as to say those years of the church judging him have taken their toll. The good news (read Gospel) is that God hasn't turned His back on this guy. He's still the apple of His Father's eye.

On the posting concerning the decline of mainline churches and denominations (posted on 8/19), I thought the article was very thought provoking. As I said in the posting, the portion that really resonated with me was Donald Miller's suggestion that the church that is able to be "nimble in their organization and their response to culture" is the church that is growing across America. This has been our experience right here in our setting. Those churches living by the words "We've never done it this way before" are dying by them. I am so thankful to be a part of a pioneering-minded body of folks like we have here at Christ's Church! Our challenge: nimbleness! (Is that a real word?)

Lastly, concerning Scot McKnight's statement on the Emergent Movement (posted on 8/17), I loved it. So many critics question the theology of the Emerging Movement. I don't believe there is A theology. People from different theological positions make up the Emerging Church. I think the discussion should center around the philosophy more than the theology - I see them as two different things. A great place to begin these conversations would be over the word 'missional'.

So, any more thoughts on any of these from your corner of the conversation?

Technorati Tags: Christianity, Culture, Ecclesiology, Denominations, Emergent, Emerging Church, Emerging Movement, Missional

Further Discussion On 1 Cor. 13 & 14

A number of folks have been involved in further conversation over our studies of 1 Corinthians 13 and 14 the last few days. Here are some of the questions that have been raised and my thoughts in response.

Doesn't 1 Cor. 13:8 teach that tongues is no longer an active gift? I don't think that verse says that tongues is no longer an active gift. It does say that tongues (as all other gifts) are temporal, in making the point that love is eternal. Notice that word 'but'. Do you see the point Paul is making with the contrast? There are a couple of things that we need to determine to understand verse 8 better. Let me ask those questions.
(1) Is it only 'revelatory' gifts that Paul is referring to here in verse 8, or all gifts? It appears that Paul has singled out these few revelatory gifts (prophecy, tongues & knowledge) in verse 8. However, if you look at the context Paul seems to be speaking of all gifts as temporal.
(2) What is 'that which is perfect' in verse 10 referring to? Some have argued that this refers to when the canon of Scripture was completed. I find that unsupportable in Scripture, as nowhere else is this event pointed to or spoken of as being an expectation. I think the only way to view it is that it speaks of Christ's return, when indeed, gifts will no more be needed for building up (edifying) the body.

Did you say that the gift of tongues is only mentioned here in 1 Corinthians? What about passages in Acts? What I said was that the Greek word 'glossa' that is translated 'tongues' here is only used by Paul - 21 times in these three chapters, 12, 13 & 14, and 3 other times in all the rest of his Epistles. Those other three times, I also said, do not refer to the gift of tongues, but are figures of speech, such as in saying, 'every tongue will confess'. I shared this point about the infrequency of this word being used in hopes of warning us today, as Paul was warning the believers in Corinth long ago, not to put an undue emphasis on the spiritual gift of tongues, as many in Pentecostal circles have in our times.

Did we ever establish whether the gift of tongues refers to an unitelligible language or intelligible foreign languages? As I mentioned Sunday, this is a matter of great debate. Those who stand on the side of 'ecstatic utterances' or unintelligible language point to 1 Corinthians 13 and its mention of 'tongues of angels' and in chapter 14 where it speaks of a language that is unintelligible to men, and 'by the Spirit'. Those who stand on intelligible foreign languages point to the Day of Pentecost account in Acts 2, where people all heard the message proclaimed in their native tongue. They'd perhaps also point to the end of the passage in chapter 14 where foreign languages are mentioned. I'd have to say we did not answer the question of one or the other, and offer that this is a mystery we will likely not solve this side of heaven.

Is tongues the sign of Baptism of the Spirit? First, lets look at what was before us - a study of 1 Corinthians. As you look through this letter, there is nothing to support (or even hint) that this was Paul's teaching. I'll go so far as to tell you that I don't believe Scripture teaches that tongues are a sign of Spirit Baptism, in fact I believe that's a theological misunderstanding - but, because we are in the process of studying 1 Corinthians, I'll leave that for another blog entry.

So, where are you in your consideration of these passages? Courage enough to chime in?

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, 1 Cor. 13, 1 Cor. 14, Tongues, Spiritual Gifts, Baptism of the Spirit

Thought Provocation / Discussion Fodder

Check this outtake of an article on Christian bands:
In 2004, popular band Switchfoot’s frontman Jon Foreman claimed to be “Christian by faith, not by genre.” "We've always been very open and honest about where the songs are coming from. For us, these songs are for everyone. Calling us 'Christian rock' tends to be a box that closes some people out and excludes them. And that's not what we're trying to do. Music has always opened my mind — and that's what we want." Likewise, Eisley, a band who previously toured with Switchfoot, believe that their music doesn’t necessarily need to be about God in order for the members themselves to be truly considered Christians. According to their website, “the members of Eisley have all been raised to have a deep faith in their Creator, God, and Saviour.” Their faith is something they consider “personal and something that should be lived out as an example, not shoved onto others.” Like Switchfoot, Eisley doesn’t want to exclude any group of people that might be interested in their music, which is why they did not sign to a Christian record label.
What do you think?

Marc over at Purgatorio makes me laugh. Check this cute emergent spoof.

In entertainment news, Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels has announced full-scale changes are in the works at SNL. Several cast members are being let go, and auditions for new cast members will be held next week. You can read about it here. Who do you know that would be a great addition to SNL?

The Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile is celebrating its 70th birthday! No kidding, someone thought that it would be a great idea to bolt a giant hotdog to a chassis and drive it around town in 1936. I still don't think it's a good idea. Of course, I'd drive a hotdog before I'd drive a Dodge - probably better performance too.

Speaking of birthdays, I am closing in on one year as a blogger. August 31st is Interactive Sermon's birthday. It all started with a little post entitled 'A Christian Ought To Look Like A Christian... Yeesh!' What kind of fitting celebration shall we throw?

W.O.W. ~ Website Of The Week

I've decided to add a new weekly feature here at Interactive Sermon - W.O.W. (Website of the Week). Each week I will include a website (or two or three) that I've run across and found to be creative, helpful, humorous or just down right ridiculous. If you run across a potential W.O.W drop it to me in an email. If I put up a site you suggested, you will win one million dollars... well not really, but I will mention you as having discovered the W.O.W.

Ran across a reference to 'Armor Of God PJ's' this morning. I decided to take a look at their website. It's my website of the week. Check it out, and then order up your PJ's. I'm ordering mine!
http://www.armorofgodpjs.com/

For Our Saturday Night Readers

As we prepare our hearts to gather and worship the Lord in the morning, you can get an advance look at the sermon text by reading through 1 Corinthians 14:1-25. You can take it a bit further by reviewing chapters 12, 13 and all of 14, as they form the greater context for our study.

Peter has a great group of musicians ready to lead us into the Lord's presence, and he's selected a great list of songs to help us consider God - who He is and what He's done.

I hope that you've considered heading over to Ron and Jan James' place in Stoddard after the service tomorrow for a great time of fellowship. The James were a part of CCA a number of years ago before they built their home on the lake in Stoddard. This weekend each year is a lot of fun - a great chance to get to know other CCA folks, and Ron and Jan. Bring along something to toss on the grill and a swimsuit if you like.

I look forward to worshipping the Lord and fellowshipping with you tomorrow!

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, 1 Cor. 14

Denomination Demolition?

Continuing conversations on ecclesiology (the study of the church), I ran across this article speaking of the decline in mainline protestant denominations over the last several years. I found much in the article to be thought provoking.

I particularly agree with this section of the article: Donald Miller, a professor of religion at the University of Southern California and author of Reinventing American Protestantism, said growing churches are "nimble" in their organization and their response to changes in U.S. culture. By contrast, he said, mainline denominations are "encrusted in bureaucracy" and slow to change.

Give it a read and let me know what you think. What has been your experience with denominations?

Technorati Tags: Ecclesiology, Denominations, Church

Finally! An Effective Use Of Condoms

For years we've known that condoms are not entirely effective at preventing the spread of AIDS and other STD's. Yet, because communicating the only way that is perfectly effective - abstinence - is viewed by many as 'religious proselytizing', we've continued to promote condoms around the globe.

Let me promote condoms for a moment. Take a look at this article. I believe this is a fine use for condoms, and, if worn consistently WILL stop the spread of STD's (because it will likely bring an end to your being asked out on a date). Talk about effective prophylactics!

I know, I know... balloon animals are next! Can you make me a poodle?

What do you think? Ready to order your fall fashions?

Technorati Tags: Safe Sex, Condoms, Abstinence, Prophylactic Fashion

Laughing With Them, Not At Them

The folks at Addison Road posted this clip of a trainwreck during a worship song on Sunday morning. This is humorous to me (and will be to our musicians) as we've all experienced these moments while we're attempting to make everything as distraction free as possible up front. I give Addison Road credit for being able to laugh at themselves - and thanks for allowing us to laugh with them.

Technorati Tags: Church Humor, Worship Music, Capo

Thought Provocation / Discussion Fodder

What do you think of this statement from Scot McKnight?
"the EM [emerging movement] is a missionally shaped ecclesiology that seeks to unite Christians for the sake of unleashing the gospel to change the world, rather than a theological movement designed to demand conformity on specific theological issues."

Do we suffer from an STD? Here's a post from MMI that made me go, 'hmmm'.

You know that I love my daily dose of Purgatorio. Check this 'Snakes on a Plane' spoof here. While I was there this morning I recalled one of my all time favorite Purgatorio pieces, 'You Might Be Emerging'. I was blown away to see the folks at Purgatorio include me now in their blogroll. Awesome! Pass Purgatorio on to your friends for me!

We all regret that the church and Christendom has lost much of the moral influence in our society that it held in earlier years. This article, however, interested me. It seems to me that while the church may have lost moral influence on society, there is still some respect of the church in the nation's conscience. Notice how this article makes it pretty clear that the Feds don't want to be on the evening news storming the sanctuary of a church. Interesting.

For any of you interested in politics (I'm a closet politics observer), this story is very interesting to me. Although Joe Lieberman and I don't share political ideologies, he is a man that I respect. Having lost the Democratic Primary, he now appears to be on the winning track as an Independent, and there are even significant Republicans behind him - President Bush, so far, has not endorsed the Republican candidate in the race. Hmmm.

Still a very sad story... 10 years later. The murderer of Jon Benet Ramsey has been arrested and confessed to the crime. I won't bother linking up the story as you can find it on any news aggregate site at the moment. I was so sure the parents were guilty. Oops. Guess that's why I'm not an investigator. Kudos to the authorities for not having given up. I'll bet they'll love to get acquainted with this child killer in prison.

So, thoughts? Discussion? On any of these? Talk to me!

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Emerging Church, Emergent, Ecclesiology, Purgatorio, Church, Politics

What's In A Name?

Since I've arrived here at Christ's Church in January of 2000 (as you will notice in this very sentence), I have rarely used the words 'of Amherst' in our church name. I've simply referred to it as 'Christ's Church'. I don't have any real aversion to mentioning the Amherst part of it - I live in Amherst and love (read LOVE) my community. But, somehow when I consider that a large part of our congregation comes from Milford, Merrimack, Bedford, Wilton, Brookline, Hollis, Manchester, Nashua and Hudson, referring to us being 'of Amherst' doesn't right.

Semantics, you say? Okay, what if it were the word 'Church' that I dropped? (I wouldn't dream of dropping the 'Church', by the way.)

I ran across this article today. A very large and popular church in Oregon has done just that - dropped the word 'Church' from its name, logo, letterhead and media. What really interested me is that we know this church and this pastor. Ted Roberts has been here with us in New Hampshire many times, working with us in the development of Pure Desire ministry, FMO and FWO groups.

So, what do you think? An 'unchurch' church? What do you think of Pastor Ted Roberts' explanation of the change? I'll chime in with my comments a little later.

Technorati Tags: Church, Interactive Sermon

Two Approaches

Give a read to this snippet of a book I'm reading called Faith, God & Rock-n-Roll, and let me know what you think. I'm interested in your opinion.

A nationally known Christian minister organized a boycotting and letter campaign to pressure advertisers to withdraw their business from networks carrying the Howard Stern Radio Show. He used his own broadcasts and mailings in a sustained attempt to limit Stern's market by informing advertisers of what the 'King of all Media' was all about.

A nationally know music group, POD, whose members are all devout Christians, were booked to appear as guests on Sterns show, and during the program actually earned grudging respect from him in the process.

The members of POD believe in the same God as the nationally known minister, yet their tactics could not have been more different. One was reactionary, demanding that those who offered offensive views be silenced, albeit through the legitimate process of moral peer pressure. The other was rooted in the kind of aggressive and confrontational strategy that found early leaders of the Christian faith repeatedly called upon to defend their beliefs before others hostile to their faith.

Howard Stern probably never met the minister protesting against his show. He may never have heard of him. But, it is unlikely that he will ever forget POD.

The tired old idea that withdrawal and separation somehow transform a culture was being frontally challenged by the members of POD.

Click 'comment' below. What do you think?

Technorati Tags: Christianity, Evangelism, Culture, P.O.D., Howard Stern

Real Life Hero

While we were on vacation, Shari and I saw Oliver Stone's new movie World Trade Center. I was pleasantly surprised by this movie - considering Stone's history for including political views and controversy in his films and his very liberal political and social views - this film was different. In the end Christianity, the role of husbands, fathers and families were all portrayed in a very good light. It was a good story, and a true to the events story, to come out of ground zero's rubble.

This morning I saw this article about one of the real life heroes who is portrayed in the film, although when they were filming, very little was known about the man other than the name 'Sgt. Thomas'. The world needs more heroes like Sgt. Thomas and Staff Sgt. Karnes. And if it's not too soon for you to 'return to ground zero', I'd recommend the movie.

Technorati Tags: Movie Review, World Trade Center, Heroes

Monologue To Dialogue

You can find my notes for yesterday's study and an audio file of the message in the right hand menu. What were your thoughts on 1 Corinthians 13? How did the text touch your heart?

Consider verse 8. Paul speaks of 'revelatory' gifts ceasing to exist. Do you think this speaks of tongues, prophecy and wisdom in our day? Does this mean that they have ceased to exist already? Take a look at verse 10. What is meant by 'perfection' coming? Has this happened already? If not, when will it happen?

Go ahead, chime in. Let's dialogue.

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, 1 Cor. 13, Spiritual Gifts, Tongues, Prophecy, Wisdom

The Emerging Church & Historical Creeds

Scot McKnight posted this on his blog 'Jesus Creed' today. I found this to be an interesting article. I'll tell you I really agree with Scot's thoughts, especially that first paragraph. What do you think?

Technorati Tags: Emerging Church, Creeds

For Our Saturday Night Readers

I am so thrilled to be home and preparing to worship with my church family in the morning. As good as it is to be away for a bit, for me it is always better to come home!

As we prepare our hearts to worship our God, you might be blessed to read through 1 Corinthians 13. It is a familiar passage - 'the love hymn', some call it. You might also glance back through chapter 12 and look ahead to chapter 14, as the overall context of these three chapters will be in view of our consideration of His word in the morning.

Mike has got a great list of songs picked out for us to unite our hearts and voices in praise. I know that the list includes 'In The Secret' and 'This Is Our God'.

I look forward to seeing you in the morning!

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, 1 Corinthians 13, Love, Spiritual Gifts

Ready, Set, Go

Tonight is our last in North Carolina. Tomorrow morning we head north. It has been a really good trip. We made the rounds today, saying goodbye to Terry (the peanut man) and spending our last afternoon on the river, and our last evening by the swimming pool.

I dread tomorrow for the pace with which it will begin. I've enjoyed a week and a half of falling out of bed when I want to; slowly starting my day by the lake with a cup of coffee, my bible and journal; making breakfast; and sliding into the day's activities. Tomorrow will be different. I'll be up very early preparing the camper for the road. I'll be packing and loading gear. I'll be looking at my watch (which I have not seen since I left Amherst) trying to make it out of here early enough to make it to Virginia by nightfall.

Ah, but I am very excited about being home. I look forward to worshipping with my church family again. I am looking forward to the fall and many of the new ministry opportunities. I guess I'd sum it up by saying - my tanks are full again.

Now if only the camper would fold itself up.
See you Sunday!

Up With The Son (and His Sun)

The mornings here are wonderful. I've been getting up early and enjoying the quiet and solitude. I've watched the sun cut through the mountain haze. Beautiful times! This year there are a lot of geese on the lake. I think they are among the most useless creatures God created - all they do is eat, do what comes naturally after one eats, and make this horrible honking noise. But, as I read of God's majesty this morning in the Scriptures, something of His sense of humor dawned on me with all the geese in the back ground.

In Mark's gospel I've spent a couple days now pondering part of chapter 4 where Jesus delivers the parable of the sower. It's really not about the sower, but the soil. For years I had believed that we, good little Christ-followers that we are, must be the good soil. Looking at it anew this trip, I think we, the church in our day and age, resemble more closely the third soil He mentions. I mean, when I take an honest look at my life I don't see a harvest 30, 60 or 100 times multiplied. Do you? Rather, I see God's work in my life as having to compete with so much stuff - thorns is a good word - of other affections. So, I've been wondering and praying - what would it look like to see my life move more and more from third soil to good soil? Then praying, 'God will You move my life from third soil to good soil?'

Click comments and tell me what you think of the parable of the sower as recorded in Mark's gospel. I've got a date with the river in a few minutes.

Rivers Edge To Poolside

The second week of vacation dawned today. Josh and Jen left for home. Our friends the Diaz family will be here one more day and then it will be just us the rest of the way. Having friends with us has been great, but I am sort of craving the time alone now with my girls.

The river has been very calm this trip, and we've been taking full advantage. We've been in it every day. When we have had enough of the current, we have retreated to the swimming pool. We are all sufficiently waterlogged. The forecast has called for rain every day and we have yet to see one drop! It is remarkable.

In my quiet times I've been continuing through Mark's gospel. I've been really enjoying the time. I also began working on 1 Corinthians 13 (for this coming Sunday's message). The quiet has been very good for my writing too. I've managed to write a lot in my journal, complete a number of postings to my football blog (Have you checked it out yet? Click here to see it.) I've been writing a little football/sermonette for Sundays since I've started the blog. It has been a challenge for me to work a little of my faith into football humor. I've also finished a couple new songs now.

Last but not least, I began reading '1776' by David McCollough. You may recall that I loved McCollough's book 'John Adams'. This one has all the makings of being another favorite. I'll keep you posted.

Can it get any better? My God. My family. A river. A pool. My bible. My guitar. A good book - and time to enjoy them all. I highly recommend this to others!

The River Wild

Another wonderful day on the river yesterday saw Dave go over a waterfall on a tube... well sort of, I mean, he started on the tube, and both he and the tube definitely went over, they just didn't end up together after it was all over. Dave is fine. In fact, so fine that he left this morning. Said something about Daytona Beach... sand and no waterfalls. Josh and Jen (friends from Florida) have settled into the camping and tubing routine nicely. Josh took the first major spill down a waterfall yesterday and came up no worse for it. It was a glorious back somersault. He asked me, 'did it look good?' Yep! It did. Wish I had it on video. He's a trooper. He was headed over more falls as the day went on.

Josh is the youth pastor at Immanuel PCA in Deland, FL where I started in youth ministry 15 years ago. It is really cool to have he and Jen here. Conversations about theology, church and life in general are a lot of fun.

I've been able to finish a new song and make progress on one that I've been playing with for a while. It's those early mornings with Habakkuk by the lake, I think.

It looks like rain today, so we might be having a slow paced time in the laundry-mat and at a local mall to avoid the weather. Still, a wonderful time for me with the girls. And, afterall, a little rain will make the rivers run a little wilder.

In the word I've been enjoying Habakkuk as I mentioned. I've also been reading thru the gospel of Mark in preparing for our new small group in the fall. Boy, Mark wastes no words - he moves from one setting to the next with lightning speed. Are you planning to be a part of our study thru Mark in the fall? Got Small Group?

Technorati Tags: Tubing, Vacation, Habakkuk, Gospel of Mark

Chronicles of North Carolina

Greetings from the beautiful Blue Ridge. We've enjoyed wonderful weather here thus far in spite of the fact that there has been rain in the forecast. Yesterday was a great day on the river with the family. The water level is low, so the tubing wasn't the best, but the swimming and playing were fantastic. We did manage to get Dave to tube over one water fall, though it was only about a foot high. Today I am hoping to see some rougher water.

We concluded our day yesterday with a visit to the farmer's market to get some fresh veggies for supper. The folks here take life at such a slow pace, it is admirable to me. Life should be enjoyed. Everyone you here meet enters into conversation with you. It can take you 20 minutes to buy a bell pepper, but I ask, isn't that the way it should be?

Speaking of bell peppers, we bought a purple one yesterday. Other than in the children's word play, (pick a peck of purple peppers), I didn't know they really existed. After carving it up for my Ka-bobs last night I can tell you... tastes like chicken (actually, tastes like a green pepper).

I've had some wonderful time in the Word these last few mornings. I've been reading Habakkuk. I love this book because he is a prophet who says what I think. If you look at those first two chapters he is asking God how it can be that God isn't riding in to fix things, and how it is that God can allow the good folks to suffer. Chapter three starts to look like a wonderful Psalm of praise. Habakkuk goes on to conclude that God is indeed God, and that the stories of God's faithfulness in the past are more than enough to bring him to awe. And then he proclaims that he will look forward with great expectation to the ministry of the Lord being renewed in his day. I often feel like this. When I look at my friend John and his battle with cancer; or when I sit with a young friend without a family of his own; or when I view injustice - big or small, I find myself pleading, 'how long, Lord?' Yet, like Habakkuk, I come back around to that place of knowing, without a doubt, that God is God. Great little book!

Well, it's time for me to hit the river. My behind isn't sore yet... must mean I haven't done any serious tubing yet!

What have you been reading lately in God's word?