For Our Weekend Readers

World Communion Weekend ~ Sunday, October 1st is celebrated by the church around the world as 'World Communion Sunday'. Beginning in 1936 in the Presbyterian Church, the first Sunday in October every year was set aside as a day for the church to especially consider their connection as the Body of Christ with other believers around the world as we partake in the Eucharist. Since that time many denominations and independent congregations globally have joined in. So this weekend, brothers and sisters around the world in different cultures will be worshipping at the Lord's Table. This weekend (both Saturday night and Sunday morning) at Christ's Church, come prepared to Commune with the Lord - and with the Body of Christ around the world! It might be a blessing for you to give 1 Corinthians 11:23-29 and Ephesians 2:11-22 a read as you prepare your heart.

As we come together at Christ's Church to worship, Jesse has a great music set planned to usher us into the Lord's presence. We will sing music by Jeff Deyo and David Crowder among others. For those who have been in the 'Calvinism Conversation' here on the blog - I see that 'Wholly Yours' is on the list. What timing, eh?

We will study together the fourth of the 'Letters to the Church' in Revelation 2, this week it's Thyatira in 2:18-29. As I've been saying each week, it might be a blessing for you to glance back thru Revelation 1 and the first 17 verses of chapter 2, just to have a clear view of the overall context as we study.

I hope you will consider venturing out tonight (Saturday at 5:30pm) to try our new service schedule. Of course, our children's programs Kid's Connection and Little Kid's Connection run tomorrow (Sunday at 10am). Whether I see you tonight or tomorrow, I look forward to worshipping the Lord together with you - and the church around the world!

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Revelation 2, World Communion Sunday, David Crowder Band

And Still More...

Food for thought on our Calvinism topic. Christianity Today posted an article that was referenced in a study I mentioned at the start of this conversation (see 'Hope For My Baptist Friends' posted on September 19th) on a growing interest in Reformed Theology among younger evangelicals. Interesting reading on this subject.

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Calvinism, Reformed Theology

Calvinism's TULIP pt. 3

Now, on to the effects…

David Crowder’s recent release ‘A Collision’ carries the subtitle 3+4=7. He explains this formula to represent the collision between God’s Divinity and man’s depravity. (If you have a few moments on your hands, his website offers a pop-up window that has a song-by-song explanation of the album. It’s a very interesting read, both thought provoking and humorous, as we would expect from Crowder. To find the window, go to his main page here and then click on the little ‘A Collision’ album cover on the right side of the screen.)

For my thinking, the effects of Total Depravity, and more particularly God’s intervening in my total depravity to regenerate me (bring me to life), are the beautiful collision Crowder sings about. One example: In the song ‘Wholly Yours’ – a song we’ve sung often at Christ’s Church – we sing ‘from the broken earth, flowers come up, pushing thru the dirt’. In poetic terms, that is life springing fourth from where there is no life – the collision of our depravity and His Divinity.

That beautiful collision, Divinity having been added – better having remedied – my depravity, guarantees my hope. I cannot lose my salvation. It was accomplished in the collision. I was regenerated (brought to life). Am I confusing you?

You see if it began with my choice, as some who oppose the doctrine of Total Depravity assert, than it could logically be undone by my choice too. I mean, if I ‘choose to believe in Christ’, seems to reason that I could at some point ‘choose not to believe’. If I grabbed the ladder (going back to part 2), who’s to say I couldn’t at some point let go?

But if God did the first work, God’s Divinity has brought me to life – I cannot fall away. It doesn’t matter what I do, actually (bet that statement will scare folks, huh?), because it is not ME who has saved ME. It’s Him.

Further, as Radio Active Jam suggested in comments on Part 2, the effects of my depravity extend beyond my ‘inability to choose Christ’ apart from His enabling. I am also not capable of following after Christ apart from His giving new life and grace. We’ll develop this more as we go on, but suffice to say here that His Divinity not only awakens me but also sustains me, so that it doesn’t matter what I do (I know, I said it again just for shock value!), it’s about what He’s done and what He’s doing in me.

{In my best cheesy announcer voice} BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!
Next, we’ll move on the ‘U’. Can’t wait, eh?

Technorati Tags: Calvinism, Total Depravity, A Collision, Eternal Security, Assurance of Salvation

What's On My Mind?

Another journey into the crooked channels of... my thinking.

My Savior, My God – the Aaron Schust arrangement of the hymn ‘I Am Not Skilled To Understand’. I am going to include it tonight in the song set before the Bible Study on Mark.

Ugh! The Bible Study on Mark – Where did I leave my lesson?

Terri, Bindi and Bob Irwin – family of the ‘Crocodile Hunter’ Steve Irwin, who died a few weeks ago. I saw the Barbara Walters interview with Terri last night and cried my eyes out. It all reminds us again of how brief life really is. I applaud Steve. He is gone, but his wife remembers him as her ‘prince’ and his daughter remembers him as ‘my hero’. Crikey! What legacy will I leave?

7-11 – as in the convenience store chain. I read yesterday that they’ve decided to end their business relationship with Citgo (owned by the government of Venezuela). Do you buy that it has nothing to do with Venezuelan Thug, I mean Dictator, Hugo Chavez’s comments about President Bush last week? I don’t. Now, if we could only find another source for the 1.5 million barrels of oil we order from the Thug every day…

Purgatorio! – I haven’t whined about it on the blog yet, but the fact is that my two main daily-read blog favorites both went on sabbatical at the same time this month. Cruel. Purgatorio is back today! Yes!!

What's on your mind, today?

Technorati Tags: Gospel of Mark, Steve Irwin, Purgatorio

More Food For Thought On Our Topic

As we continue in this conversation on Calvinism’s TULIP, I’ve run across a few resources you might take a look at for further consideration and thought provocation.

Scot McKnight at Jesus Creed has begun a review of a book entitled Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities, that he says spells out the differences (and similarities) between Calvinism and Arminianism. Scot’s review of the book is thought provoking. Travel down the page to find the articles.

Scott Arnold, who has joined our conversation (and is lovingly referred to around here as ‘the guy in the suit’), has some great thoughts on the subject posted on his blog, Christian Telegram. Scott adds the Biblical texts right into the body of his postings for easy reference. Travel down the page to specific articles he posted on the five-points earlier in September.

And for general fun (and meat) on all topics Calvinistic, the Calvinist Gadfly blog is worth a look. I can easily get lost in his blogroll… so I only go there when I have a definite cut-off time to bring me back to the responsibilities that await me.

Hope you enjoy!

Theology Incarnate

You can find my notes from last weekend's study here and an audio file of the message here, or you can access both thru the right hand menu.

I'm interested to hear your thoughts on my using the phrase 'Theology Incarnate'. The word theology literally translates 'God-words', and is used referring to the study of God. I came up with the phrase (not sure if others have used it as well) in conversations with many of you over the last few months concerning ministry of the church into the 21st century / post-modern culture. My thinking is that the church has been teaching theology, learning theology, studying theology, arguing theology and etc., when what I believe the world needs more than any and all of those is to have theology with skin - God-words lived out before them - or, in a term, theology incarnate.

Help me move monologue to dialogue. Give the message a listen or the notes a read and share your thoughts. How have the studies thus far in Revelation 2 struck you? Ephesus? Smyrna? Pergamum?

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Revelation 2, Theology Incarnate

Calvinism's TULIP pt. 2

A few more thoughts on the ‘T’ (Total Depravity) before we move on the ‘U’.

Before we proceed, you know that here at Interactive Sermon I want to offer much for little. I will include here proper definitions and usages of the words ‘affect’ and ‘effect’ that are commonly misunderstood and wrongly applied across the blogoshere!

Affect – (v) to impress, move, touch, stimulate or influence
Effect – (n) a consequence, result or outcome; (v) to cause or bring about

Darinism: a pretty good rule of thumb in choosing between these two words in writing is to consider whether or not the heart is involved. Did you notice how the definition of ‘affect’ is more a matter of being persuaded, whereas ‘effect’ is more mechanical? A hint for remembering this tip is that ‘affect’ is the root of the word ‘affection’ which poetically speaks of the heart.

So what does my conviction that the Bible teaches ‘Total Depravity’ mean to me? How, beyond giving me an appetite for arguing with Arminians, does this affect me? What are the effects upon my life and relationship to God and others? (Voila! See that?)

Okay, tonight we’ll do ‘affects’. Tomorrow will follow the ‘effects’.

My recognition of my total inability to choose God, and God’s love overcoming that need in ‘regenerating’, or making me alive to hear and receive the good news, affects my heart to worship Him. I truly see Him as the sole reason I am alive in Christ. I suppose those who do not hold the doctrine of Total Depravity would say the same things: that they are given to worship Him for saving them and that they would give Him full credit for their salvation. But, consider this subtle difference: In my equation, it is God who first chose me, and therefore I fall down in awe of Him. In their reasoning, to some extent, they first chose God.

Consider for a moment a Billy Graham Crusade. At every one of these events there is a moment when Dr. Graham offers an invitation for people to ‘slip out of your seats and make your way right here to the platform’, an opportunity for them to publicly choose to receive the gospel. Each time, in stadiums filled with many thousands of people, hundreds begin the trek out of the bleachers and onto the field. Take any two of those people for example: both came as unbelievers; both heard the exact same message with their ears; one chose to trust Christ that night, the other didn’t. Tell me what happened there? Was it that one was a little smarter than the other? One was a better listener? One was a better person? One was more vulnerable? More needy? What was it?

You and I are that guy or gal. We heard the gospel. Was it that we were smarter than another? Was it that the person who shared it with us was better than others? All of this is ridiculous to me. I know in my heart that what happened was that God made me ‘alive’ to hear His call. That affects me. I have to live my life in response.

So, what do you think?

Technorati Tags: Calvinism, TULIP, Total Depravity, Soteriology, Gospel

W.O.W. (Website of the Week)

This week's W.O.W. comes to you in the category of a website that is growing on me. The title initially drew me to the site when I saw it listed in the blogroll of another site I frequent. It's really aimed at people in church administration, I think. But, what I find is that they offer some thought provocation on the main page that may interest others, and that there are often some more little gems in links and such if you spend a few minutes poking around. So, give Church Marketing Sucks a look and let me know what you think.

Technorati Tags: Blogs, Christian Blogs, Church Marketing Sucks

Thought Provocation & Discussion Fodder

A few have asked about my brother Dave. I just spoke to him on the phone. He's doing very well, and will likely be going home tomorrow from the hospital. He is expecting to preach next Sunday at Covenant. He had some difficulty over the last few days with things that were peripheral to the kidney removal - problems with IV's and Pic-lines, etc. But today he's feeling much better. Thanks for your continued prayers. Oh, and the kidneys they removed - about 20 pounds (not 40 as we had initially heard). They were the size of professional footballs. For comparison sake, a healthy kidney is measured in ounces, not pounds, and is the size of a closed fist. Pretty amazing, huh?

Silly activists! Roaches aren't animals! The PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) are all up in arms over a theme park's Halloween promotion that involves idiots eating cockroaches. This story is funny to me on all sides - the morons who want to eat roaches, and the morons who are protesting it.

French Intelligence (careful with the jokes) reports that Osama bin Laden is dead. Here's the report. Saudi Arabian Intelligence denies this. Here's my thinking: In 2001 the man pretty much ran the country of Afghanistan with his evil buddies. Today, he lives in a network of holes, and once a year or so sends up a cassette message or a vhs tape that says he's alive and that Americans can all expect to die any moment. Let's analyze this a moment. He's in a network of holes... he's a worm. He's in charge there, so he's king of the worms. He sends up cassettes. That means he's moved beyond 8-tracks and vinyl, but still lives about 20 years behind the rest of us. He uses vhs, so his library of films to watch while he resides in his hole is limited. His plans to do in the western world are failing left and right. I'd say he has been 'dead' for quite some time. I tell you what we really need to worry about: PETA becoming angered that we're harming the worm!

For Our Weekend Readers

What a great weekend to gather and worship the Lord! For those preparing their hearts for gathering to worship, know that Peter and the team are preparing a great set of music to lead us in praise and adoration. Among the songs on the list is Tim Hughes' 'Here I Am To Worship'. I love the lyrics of that song because it summarizes what Jesus did and does for us, and then causes me to consider in my heart how I respond.

If you're looking to get a headstart on the sermon text, we will consider Rev. 2:12-17. Once again, I'd suggest a review of chapter 1, and maybe a quick read thru the first 11 verses of chapter 2 just to set the stage a bit.

Tonight (Saturday) is also our second week in the new Saturday night service era. I hope that you will consider coming to church tonight. If you do, use the evening service opportunity to invite friends or family along. Shari and I are using these evening opportunities to make an evening of it with friends - worship... pizza... sharing life!

Whether I see you tonight at 5:30pm or tomorrow morning at 10am, I look forward to worshipping our God together!

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Rev. 2:12-17

More Thoughts On Revelation 1, 2 & 3

A few weeks ago when we started our study in Revelation I encouraged folks to take a little time considering the various terms and titles that are used to describe the Lord. During the first couple of studies we've seen how the self-description Jesus gives very particularly spoke to the situations the church recipients found themselves facing. Have you given any thought to those descriptives yet?

As a pastor and as one who loves the church, the phrase He uses in 2:1 is encouraging. It roughly translates (my paraphrasing) 'the One who holds ministers in my hand and the One who is present in and among the church'. The Bible speaks of Jesus as being the Head of the Body, the Church. I am reassured that He is not detached from the Body or distant from it.

A couple of times in chapter one God reassures us of His being past, present and future. Jesus applies that language to Himself in 2:8 - the first and last, etc. This past week with a couple of my friends having pretty serious health concerns, and a couple of situations in my life that were growing increasingly frustrating, this description of my God brought me encouragement. Nothing surprises Him. He knows the beginning and end.

How have the different titles or descriptions spoken to your heart these last few weeks? How might they as we go forward?

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, God, Jesus, Revelation, Rev. 2

Calvinism's TULIP pt. 1

So begins my very basic walk thru the five-points of Calvinism. I hope to share, in very abbreviated form, the thoughts behind each of the points and then to discuss some of the implications of those beliefs on everyday faith and life. First, the 'T'.

The first letter of the acrostic TULIP refers to 'Total Depravity'.

Calvinists believe that the Bible teaches that human beings, apart from God's intervention, are by nature not inclined to love God or to seek Him, but are rather inclined to pursue their own interests and to reject God. In other words, humanity is 'totally depraved'.

Those who oppose this view would argue that human beings can, of their own free-will, choose to seek and to love God.

Someone once used a little illustration to explain it that goes like this: A man is laying at the bottom of a drinking well. The man is 'dead'. In other words, if someone were to lower a ladder to him, he cannot grab hold of it and climb out. He is dead. You can lower ladders, ropes or paramedics to him... he's completely unable to respond. This illustrates the view of Total Depravity. The man represents (here's a big theological word for you) 'unregenerate' man. In other words, man before coming to faith, or however you want to phrase it. The ladder represents the gospel being offered to him. So, in the picture, the man cannot choose to receive the gospel because he is spiritually dead. What, then, would it take for the dead man in the well to be rescued? First he must be regenerated, or made alive again. So the Total Depravity view says that man cannot choose to accept the gospel until God first does a regenerating work in his heart. Get it?

The opposing view would have the man in the well crippled, not dead. Those who oppose Total Depravity would likely agree that God needs to do a work first - but they would view that first work of God as the 'lowering of the ladder' in the above illustration. They see man as crippled in that well, so unable to crawl out on his own, yet capable of making a choice to 'grab the ladder'. Or in other words, to accept (or reject) the gospel of their own free will as it is offered.

A good Calvinist would point to a number of Bible passages, including Genesis 6:5, Jeremiah 13:23, John 6:44, Romans 3:10-11 & 8:7-9, 1 Cor. 2:14, and Ephesians 2:3.

So chew on it a bit. I'll have a bit more to offer on Total Depravity later and then we'll move on to the 'U'.

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Calvinism, Total Depravity

Thought Provocation & Discussion Fodder

Christian voters are upset and this piece says that many are threatening to stay home this upcoming election. How do you feel about this? Share your thoughts and I'll chime in with mine in a bit.

This from just up the road... appears School Officials, Parents and Students are battling over the definition of 'appropriate dance'. What is your thinking on this? Again, I'll sound off in a little while.

Popeye lied. He, of enlarged forearm fame, used to say, "It's good for yuz!" as he swallowed cans of spinach. Never believe a drunken sailor! I knew there was a reason I don't eat spinach. On a serious note: they appear to be connecting a couple more deaths to tainted spinach.

Ran across this earlier today. Technology! America has the fastest growing obesity rate in the world... and HP has the solution. I chuckle at our vanity as a human race.

Technorati Tags: Christian Voters, High School Dances, Spinach, e-Coli, Obesity

How Do I Comment?

A few people have mentioned to me that they have had difficulty commenting on the blog. My friend Don has made a little flash tool to demonstrate how you can post a comment using the 'anonymous' portal. Click here to view the flash tool, or find it in the right hand menu.

I would encourage you if you use the 'anonymous' portal to comment, unless you truly desire your comment to be anonymous, that you would 'sign' your name at the end of the comment so we will know who has posted those thoughts.

I look forward to your joining the conversation. Thanks!

What's On My Mind?

Here’s a glimpse into the warped world of my thinking. These are the things rattling around in my thoughts this afternoon. Proceed with caution.

My brother Dave – as I type this he is in surgery in Florida having his bad/old kidneys removed. It was back in November that they plumbed a good/new kidney in. I’m guessing it’s a union thing that makes them finish the job at a later date.

Pope Benedict – let me put this in perspective for you: The Muslim world is angry that the Pope made comments that insinuate their religion has a bent towards violence… so they’re threatening to kill him. Duh?

Confetti – thanks Red for cleaning up the remaining evidence of last weekend’s cannon shot for me. How cool is it that I pastor the only church in NH that owns a confetti cannon?

Supper – I’m stinking hungry. Maybe I should get something to grill tonight?

Mark 1:41 – from CBS this morning and tomorrow night’s study as well. Jesus ‘had compassion’ and then He ‘reached out His hand and touched’ the leper. Blows me away! Jesus’ love broke the law in that instant.

Momentary anxiety – will people reading my blog be concerned that I mentioned thinking about supper before the Bible verse? Scandalous!

Gives way to a smile – people who really know me would be concerned if I listed the Bible verse before supper!

So what's been on your mind today?

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Pope Benedict, Islam, Jesus, Steak, Mark 1:41

Friends Don't Let Friends Become Arminian!

You’ll notice my tongue-in-cheek advisory label on the right hand column just under the picture. I know – I’m so funny! I thought it would be good to start our conversation about Calvinism with a few very basic terms and how they’re related to one another. After that, we’ll launch into the ‘five points’ of Calvinism and talk about why they are important for us to consider, and how the consideration of all of this matters. So, here go a few terms:

Calvinism – Wikipedia defines Calvinism as ‘a system of Christian theology and an approach to Christian life articulated by John Calvin and subsequently by his successors.’ This second part, ‘by his successors’ is where it gets squirrelly. But we’ll talk about that all that in good time. For now, know that Calvinism is popularly summarized by ‘five points’ or five theological assertions that can be remembered by the acronym TULIP: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints. One last note: Calvin himself never used this TULIP model, it was created years after his death by the Synod of Dort to combat Arminianism.

Arminianism – Arminianism is defined as ‘a school of theological thought founded by Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius’, that actually shares some of the same tenants as Calvinism (bet ya’ didn’t know that!), but differs significantly on two points: predestination and salvation.

Reformed Theology – a term that roughly equates to Calvinism. This definition, by the way, is a Darinism. There is probably some reformed theology purist out there who would protest my definition – but, it’s my blog. They can write their definitions on their blogs.

Darinism – not to be confused with Calvinism or Arminianism, a Darinism is simply a thought from the head of Darin (scary, I know) that probably doesn’t rest on the most solid foundation or studious exegesis, but sounds good anyway, to my feeble thinking.

Still with me? More around the corner…

Technorati Tags: Theology, Calvinism, Arminianism, Reformed Theology

Hope For My Baptist Friends

This morning I ran across this article at MMI - a recent survey reports 10% of Southern Baptist Pastors are willing to identify themselves as 'five-point Calvinists'. I've been teasing my friends in Baptist Colleges and Seminaries for years that one day they'll see the light. The light appears to be dawning. I found the paragraph near the end of the article which attributes the change to the younger pastors and teachers in the Southern Baptist Convention especially interesting.

Some of you are asking yourselves, 'What is a Calvinist?' or 'Am I one?' or, most probably, 'Why do I care?' With that in mind, I've decided to post a few articles here on the five points, or five theological positions that make up a Calvinistic theological understanding. I'll get the first one up either later today or tomorrow. So, be looking for those articles, and be courageous enough to chime in with your thoughts or struggles with the statements and my comments.

Watch, also, for my new advisory label to appear very soon, as I bring on 'Reformed Content'.

Technorati Tags: Calvinism, Reformed Theology

A Countdown, A Cannon & Baptisms

If you arrived late at either service you missed the debut of the countdown. You'll have to be sure to be on time next weekend.

The brave souls to try our first ever Saturday evening worship service were greeted by a double barrel of confetti during the celebratory song, 'You're So Good'. We've officially kicked-off the Saturday night Worship Service. I hope you'll consider venturing out to try it next weekend. No cannons, I promise.

Sunday afternoon many CCA family and friends gathered at the lakefront beach in Merrimack where the Champagnes live. Thanks Don and Kathy for your hospitality! What a great time of fellowship. The afternoon was particularly joyous for me, as my sister-in-law Erica was baptized! What a great occasion. And the water wasn't that cold (says the guy who only had to go waist deep).

Thanks to all who worked behind the scenes to pull off our first weekend with the new schedule. I know that you all made sacrifices, and I appreciate it very much.

As for the study in Revelation 2:8-11, my notes and an audio file of the message are available in the right hand menu. I'd love it if you would turn the monologue into dialogue by chiming in. What interested you in the text this weekend?

W.O.W. (Website of the Week)

The idea behind 'W.O.W.' here at Interactive Sermon is to serve up a variety of websites - the good, the bad and the ugly, for conversation sake. Sometimes I'll offer up a site that I found humorous (Salvation Jammies, for instance) and sometimes I'll offer up a site that I find inspiring (the Daily Dose of Spurgeon, etc.).

Every now and then I suppose I'll share a site that I find disturbing. That is the category that this site from Westboro Baptist Church falls into. WARNING: This site contains graphic language. Perhaps you've heard of this church before. They're on the news somewhat often for their protests at the funerals of our K.I.A. service men and women from Iraq.

Why do I share this site with you? To share a graphic example of how wrong 'Christianity' can become if we misplace the object of our faith - Christ. I'll warn you again - this site is unsettling! If you do click on the link, note how twisted the truth has become in their thinking. Then join me in praying for these folks.

Technorati Tags: Westboro Baptist Church, Christianity

For Our Weekend Readers

As we prepare our hearts to worship as the Body of Christ this weekend, we come into our first weekend with the new worship service schedule. Remember, today (Saturday) at 5:30pm and tomorrow (Sunday) at 10am.

Peter and members of the music team will be settling into the new schedule as well this weekend. They have a great set of music ready for us, including 'You're So Good', 'Grace Like Rain' and 'My Savior, My God'. I hope you're ready to sing!

I will be continuing our study in Revelation 2. This week we will consider the letter sent to the church at Smyrna - the persecuted church - in 2:8-11. Once again, a quick read back thru chapter 1 of Revelation would be a good primer to our study this weekend. As always, my notes and audio file will be posted here for you in a day or so.

If you have the afternoon or evening available to you, I hope you'll give the Saturday evening service a try. Invite a friend out for the evening... a worship service followed by a pizza and conversation somewhere could be a real opportunity to share the love of Christ with someone.

Whether you come Saturday or Sunday, I look forward to worshipping the Lord together with you!

Technorati Tags: Revelation 2:8-11, Saturday Worship Service

3 Chords Debut

3 Chords & A Cloud of Dust played last night at the Londonderry Senior Center. From 'I Saw Her Standing There' to 'Wish You Were Here', we rocked the old folks! The night ended with a couple of ladies dancing to Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the crowd roaring at our rendition of Britney Spears' 'Hit Me Baby One More Time'.

This is a sampling of what was heard around the room: "Where's the bathroom?" "Do you guys take requests?" "I think the one in the middle is kinda cute." "Christmas lights? It's September!" "I thought AC/DC was playing tonight." "It was like Karaoke... but not that good."

So there you have it. The Seniors at the Londonderry Senior Center have spoken. The reviews are in. 3 Chords will be coming to a (starved for talent) pub near you soon.

Technorati Tags: 3 Chords & A Cloud of Dust, 3 Chords, World Tour

3 Chords & A Cloud of Dust

You could catch a sneak-peek at my new band '3 Chords & A Cloud of Dust' tonight. Rumor has it that we will step up to an open mic at a fund raising event for Alzheimers being held at the Londonderry Senior Center on Mammoth Rd. The event is a Coffee House organized by Visiting Angels, a senior adult home care agency. It is a free event. Donations will be accepted.

All jokes aside about our having chosen a retirement home for this outing... we have some fun stuff on the list, some of my originals, some of Dave's originals, and a few favorites from the 60's, 70's and 80's as well. How about some music from the Beatles to Britney Spears, Stevie Ray Vaughn to Boy George? Yep, you'll have to see it to believe it.

Tonight, 7:30pm at the Londonderry Senior Center. Take 101 to South Willow. Head south on South Willow past 'Olive Garden' and bear left at the fork. Pass 'The Yard' restaurant and Mammoth Rd will come up on your right. The Londonderry Senior Center is on your right.

Ch Ch Ch Changes!

Christ's Church begins our new worship schedule tomorrow! Our Saturday Evening service will begin at 5:30pm. Our Sunday morning service will start at 10am. Both services will be identical in content, except that our children's programs Kid's Connection and Little Kid's Connection will only be offered on Sunday mornings. Both services, however, will offer a nursery for babies and toddlers.

Let me encourage you to take advantage of the Saturday night opportunity. Were you to invite a friend or family members to come to church with you, the opportunity to go out for supper or to invite folks back to your home after the service is rich. Many times we speak of friends we would like to invite to church, or that we would like to be more intentional about spending time with - this can be a great catalyst.

As for this first Saturday night service - you know we have some special things in the works to kick it off.

Thought Provocation & Discussion Fodder

Father & Son ~ Here is a story written in the LATimes about Calvary Chapel founder Chuck Smith and his son, also a pastor Chuck Smith Jr. It seems over the years their theology has moved in different directions resulting in father and son disassociating their ministry and theological views. It's a long article, but worth the read. In order to read it you will have to register with LATimes, though it is free - they just want to spam you. I find it rather sad and troubling. How does it strike you?

I Wanna See Jesus Lifted High! ~ Returning to another of those strange Jesus sightings (you may recall the 'sheet metal Jesus' and so on), this one may get clearer as the night goes on. Seems folks are upset about it. What do you think?

Technorati Tags: Ecclesiology, Chuck Smith Sr., Dog The Bounty Hunter, Jesus
The Dog was collared ~ My favorite t.v. star, and brother-in-Christ, Duane 'Dog' Chapman was arrested yesterday. Here's the article. It seems he's been arrested for arresting a bad guy. What's the world coming to? Now they're putting the good guys in jail. The good news: As the star of cable t.v.'s top rated television show, Dog can afford good lawyers.

Thought Provocation & Discussion Fodder

Please pray for Robert Webber. Author of one of my favorite books, The Younger Evangelicals, seminary professor and one of the driving forces behind AEF - the call to an Ancient Evangelical Future, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. For thought provocation, give this 'Call to an Ancient Evangelical Future' a read when you have a few minutes and let me know what you think.

Ready for a change? Saturday at 5:30pm we will kick off our new weekend service schedule with the first Saturday night service in the history of CCA. A number of folks are saying they like the idea. I'm interested to hear from folks as we give this schedule a try. Will you be venturing out Saturday night? We have a couple of new wrinkles and surprises in store for the brave souls who do.

A new concern for me when I travel is what to do with my blog. While many people are worried about getting care for their pets or perhaps having their paychecks direct deposited while they're away, I've added worries of losing blog readers and visitors when my blog goes dormant. Here's an article I ran across on the reality of blogs in hibernation. What do you think? How badly did last week's inactivity here affect you and the frequency with which you stop in?

For those who are wondering where this year's football articles are, I'm posting them at the Pigskin Preacher blog hosted by the Tampa Tribune Online service. Check this blog throughout the season - Sunday's Sermon, Tuesday Morning Quarterback and a Thursday Weekly Picks articles are regulars and I'll augment it with little news items and quips as they occur to me. While I'm at it, let me ask you to (1) drop me a comment or two there as you're able and to (2) tell any and all of your football friends to check that blog. I'm trying to get word out that it exists! Thanks!

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Blogging, Robert Webber, Pigskin Preacher

Interactive Sermon Exclusive!

Cross Dressing Pastor Revealed!

Pastor Darin Shaw was photographed last weekend in pink lingerie and slippers while attending a party where many of the guests were consuming alcohol. While wearing this outfit he parodied a secular song written by Barry Manilow entitled 'I Write The Songs'. Many members of the audience whistled and shouted as Pastor Darin appeared. During the performance of the song, singing lyrics he had altered for the occasion, Darin spoke of Hobo's (housing, income and traditional transportation challenged people) and Drag Queens. It is reported that Pastor Darin winked at the audience as he sang the phrase Drag Queens. As the performance came to a close, he offered a feminine curtsey to the crowd. Stay tuned for the latest developments in the aftermath.

In all seriousness, this was one of the many spoofs we pulled on my Mom during her surprise 75th birthday party, 'This Is Your Life' celebration. As you might imagine, people were rolling out of their seats during this routine. My nephew John was next to me in Hobo costume playing his guitar. If videotape surfaces of this routine... I'll be destroying it! But, I thought the goatee went nicely with the apparel.

For fun: See how many offenses you can find in this picture and paragraph that would have me run out of fundamentalist churches... and welcomed in some other churches.

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Church Discipline, Hobo, Scandal

What A Week!

Greetings Friends! Thanks for your patience with my week of silence here at Interactive Sermon. What a week it was, as my family gathered to celebrate Mom's 75th birthday. I emceed the 'This Is Your Life' surprise party we had for her. Suffice to say, Mom was very happy to see many friends from her high school days, every stop along her life, and family members near and far, gathered in her honor. Later today I'll try to post one incriminating photo someone snapped of me... that might surprise you!

Check back in a bit...

Week One NFL Picks

Greetings folks! A few of you will be looking for my weekly NFL football picks. This year I'm posting them on my official Pigskin Preacher blog with Tampa Bay Online. If you click here you will find my picks for this Opening Weekend's games. Good news Pats fans... we're gonna take care of Buffalo!

My 2006 NFL Preview/Forecast is also ready. You'll find it in the right hand menu. Check out my forecast, and my picks for this weekend, and let me know where you think I'm wrong.

Thought Provocation & Discussion Fodder

Here's a quote from Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. It encourages me. "Accept that your life is abnormal. Nothing about life as a ministry leader—from its emotional toll to relational demands and constant interruptions—is normal. Accepting that you are a freak with a freakish life will help you not to freak out.” What do you think?

Believe it or not, another high profile baseball player has admitted to taking steroids. This guy I just cannot believe! What next? Read the shocking transcript here.

Coming attractions: Be on the lookout for my official 2006 NFL Forecast later today. We will have it available later today, and then you can amaze your friends by telling them how their favorite teams will finish the year before the season even begins. Also, I've heard from a number of people that they've had difficulty posting a comment to my blogs (both Interactive Sermon and Pigskin Preacher). Later this week I will post an article walking you step by step through the process of posting comments to both. How can we have a good discussion if you cannot get your opinions in?

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Jesus Freak, Charlie Brown, Pigskin Preacher

Monologue to Dialogue

Sunday we began a seven week study through the letters to the seven churches recorded in Revelation 2 & 3. You can listen to an audio file of the message by clicking here, and you can look over my notes on 2:1-7 here. Of course, both the audio and notes for each week's message are also available in the right hand menu.

What were your thoughts on the study? The text? Did you read thru the 'Ramping Up' pieces I posted last week? What did you think of those observations? I'm hoping with this series that you will help me turn monologue into dialogue. Click comments and chime in.

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Revelation 2:1-7, Ecclesiology

W.O.W. (Website of the Week)

No kidding, I have trouble saying this and keeping a straight face. Good that I'm typing it, eh?

PILE DRIVIN' FOR JESUS!

Check out this week's W.O.W. The Christian Wrestling Federation. It's not a joke... okay, I'll quit laughing! So, check out the site. Be sure to click on the 'Meet the CWF' and see the bios.

For Our Saturday Night Readers

As we prepare to worship the Lord together tomorrow morning, remember to prepare your heart to worship at the Lord's Table. We will celebrate Communion together.

Peter and the team have prepared some very fitting music for a Communion Sunday, including All Creatures of Our God And King and Agnus Dei. I hope you're ready to unite your voice with the heavenly host tomorrow!

Tomorrow we will begin a seven week series considering the letters to the seven churches recorded in Revelation chapters 2 & 3. If you'd like to look in advance at the text we will study together, give Revelation 2:1-7 a read. It would be a great idea to read chapter 1 also, as it lays the foundation. I've also posted three articles here on the blog with my observations over chapter 1.

As always, I look forward to worshipping with you in the morning!

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Rev. 2:1-7, Communion

Ramping Up To (Some) Revelation pt. 3

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 1:9-20. Tomorrow morning we will study 2:1-7 together at Christ's Church.

1:9-10 – This is the section where John explains to us his commission to write Revelation and the process by which he came into possession of this message.

In verse 9, John begins very humbly, acknowledging that he is just like those reading his words, ‘your brother, companion’ and so on. We also learn that John had been exiled to Patmos for his faith, giving us the personal backdrop against which John saw his vision and recorded it.

John describes an experience he had one Lord’s Day that he describes as being ‘in the Spirit’. He seems to have become rather unaware of his physical surroundings and ushered into an experience where he saw but not with his physical eyes, and heard but not with his physical ears. It is in this dream, vision or trance that John was told to write down what he saw for the seven churches in Asia Minor.

In verses 12-16 John describes what he saw. We greatly benefit from carefully reading these few verses. Pay particular attention to the many uses of the word ‘like’ in John’s descriptions. Many studying Revelation have become engrossed with interpreting even the smallest details; i.e. the meaning of the golden sash, the significance of the word wool, etc. My perspective on this is that John is given a glimpse into something very extraordinary and he is, as I expect we all would be, grasping for words and terms that will adequately describe the scene – ‘it was brilliant… like the brightest light… the most precious stone… - much more than giving us a list of hidden code that we are to decipher. In apocalyptic literature (see Daniel and parts of Isaiah and Ezekiel for Biblical examples), such vivid descriptive terms are common.

Note the two ‘sevens’ mentioned in this passage: the seven lampstands and the seven stars. It is interesting that John described these two aspects of his vision in clarity, i.e. he doesn’t say, ‘they were like lampstands’ or ‘they were like stars’. In verse 20 John records that he was told the significance of these two sights, the seven stars are ‘angels’ (literally ‘messengers’) of the churches and the seven lampstands refer to the churches themselves.

Finally, observe that many of these descriptive words and terms will be revisited throughout the balance of Revelation. The best interpreting tool in studying the book of Revelation, is Revelation!

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, Revelation, Ecclesiology

One Cheesy Celebration!

Have you heard that it is my blogiversary?

Shari, the girls and I, and some of our friends gathered to celebrate in Cheesy fashion.

Thanks to all of you who dropped in on my celebration this afternoon. It was a great time. Nice of the Merrimack School System to declare today a holiday in honor of my blogiversary - allowing the Nichols family to attend. Daphne, Rand, Grady and Tighe... thanks for dragging your dad, Dave, out. Jackie thanks for scoring all the Chuck E-tickets and for the wonderful gifts. Christine, thanks for giving up your study time. If your professor asks why you didn't study, tell him it was my blogiversary. He'll understand. He's probably heard of me, no? Jim, Erica, Emma and Joey - thanks for adding my party into your busy schedule today. It means a lot to have shared it with you! And Nick - thanks for attracting all the babes. You're a chick-magnet, dude!

Congratulations to Mike for winning the hard-fought SkeeBall tournament over Germaine that went right down to the wire. For that he will be paid N$100. YES! Thanks G, for letting Mike win.

The one downside of the afternoon was that we were unable to have the Whack-A-Mole contest we had planned. It seems that the PETA people got to Chuck E. Cheese and the Whack-A-Mole was replaced by a more animal friendly Pet-A-Shark game. Pet a shark? I don't think so. Most of them are flaming dispensationalists, you know! Unable to violently accost Moles, Mike and I turned our attention to shooting bear cubs and Bambi in an Extreme Hunting video game. We did get to shoot at Prairie Dogs... and they look kind of like Moles when they pop up put of the ground.

So, my first year of blogging ends with a perfectly fitting celebration! Thanks to Chuck for the hospitality... that's me and the Cheese in the picture. If you didn't make it out, well mark your calendar for next September 1st. Plans are underway.

Seriously - thanks to you all for a great first year!

Technorati Tags: Interactive Sermon, blogiversary, Whack-A-Mole, dispensationalism