In the UK recently, 1500 children under 10 were asked "What's the very best thing in the world?" Here are the top ten answers, starting with the most common answer:
1. Being a celebrity
2. Good looks
3. Being rich
4. Being healthy
5. Pop music
6. Families
7. Friends
8. Nice food
9. Watching films
10. Heaven/God
As I look at those results, I wonder about several things.
First, I wonder what our future holds in store for us. Although these are children from the UK, I can't imagine American children's answers would be much different. When being famous, looking good, and having money are the best things in the world, what does that do to our culture? Should celebrities have special treatment simply for being famous? What other values will be compromised to achieve fame? Are those who are less attractive, less wealthy, and unknown to be pushed aside for our personal gain?
I also wonder where the church is in the midst of this craziness. Have we become so self-absorbed in building our church buildings (which are often monuments to us as much or more than they are to God), creating flashy programs (which seem an awful lot like pop culture activities), and showing how "good" we are (by hiding our sins or being so "tolerant" that we ignore God's word), that we have missed out on being salt and light?
One last thing I wonder is if we realize the battle we are in. Now, I am not naive or myopic enough to say that this is the only "culture war" in the history of the church. Frankly, I am getting weary of the "End Times" folks who think this is all a sign that the end is near. Have you ever studied the history of the Roman Empire? I am not a expert in history, but I know enough to know that the church was in a culture war while Peter, Paul, and the other apostles still walked the earth.
While the end of time as we know it may be around the corner, that isn't the point. The point is that God has called us to be faithful regardless of the calendar. We are in a battle. It is a fight; and it's not just a fight to get people into heaven. It is a battle to take back the ground that was lost in the Garden of Eden.
Sin has brought self-centered and prideful darkness to this creation that was pure. And contrary to many Evangelicals, we are not called to board a ship to be taken away from this evil world. We are called to disembark in this world for a battle to bring God's grace and mercy. The call of Christ is a rescue mission, but our self-centered, individualistic society has trained us that the rescue is for the sole purpose of getting us out of this sin-filled, evil world. The real rescue mission is one that followers of the Christ are called to join in. We must go into the world and rescue those who are suffering.
We must rescue those who seek relief by intoxicating their bodies to dull the pain and hurt.
We must rescue those who seek relief by surrendering their bodies sexually to receive love and acceptance.
We must rescue those who seek relief in a few minutes of fame to mask their insecurities.
We must rescue those who seek relief in social status to hide their fears of inadequacy.
We must rescue those who seek relief in getting attention because they feel unloved
We must rescue those who seek relief in material wealth because they are poor in spirit.
We are surrounded by people in need of rescue. And if the truth be told, we are all still in a state of needing rescued. Not the kind of rescue that comes from shallow religion, strict doctrine, and pew-sitting Christianity. This is only the kind of rescue that comes from engaging in the work of the Kingdom of God and living out the mission of Jesus in each one of our lives. Now that's the best thing in the world to me.
shine!
Jason
Monday, December 18, 2006
The best thing in the world
In the UK recently, 1500 children under 10 were asked "What's the very best thing in the world?" Here are the top ten answers, starting with the most common answer:
1. Being a celebrity
2. Good looks
3. Being rich
4. Being healthy
5. Pop music
6. Families
7. Friends
8. Nice food
9. Watching films
10. Heaven/God
As I look at those results, I wonder about several things.
First, I wonder what our future holds in store for us. Although these are children from the UK, I can't imagine American children's answers would be much different. When being famous, looking good, and having money are the best things in the world, what does that do to our culture? Should celebrities have special treatment simply for being famous? What other values will be compromised to achieve fame? Are those who are less attractive, less wealthy, and unknown to be pushed aside for our personal gain?
I also wonder where the church is in the midst of this craziness. Have we become so self-absorbed in building our church buildings (which are often monuments to us as much or more than they are to God), creating flashy programs (which seem an awful lot like pop culture activities), and showing how "good" we are (by hiding our sins or being so "tolerant" that we ignore God's word), that we have missed out on being salt and light?
One last thing I wonder is if we realize the battle we are in. Now, I am not naive or myopic enough to say that this is the only "culture war" in the history of the church. Frankly, I am getting weary of the "End Times" folks who think this is all a sign that the end is near. Have you ever studied the history of the Roman Empire? I am not a expert in history, but I know enough to know that the church was in a culture war while Peter, Paul, and the other apostles still walked the earth.
While the end of time as we know it may be around the corner, that isn't the point. The point is that God has called us to be faithful regardless of the calendar. We are in a battle. It is a fight; and it's not just a fight to get people into heaven. It is a battle to take back the ground that was lost in the Garden of Eden.
Sin has brought self-centered and prideful darkness to this creation that was pure. And contrary to many Evangelicals, we are not called to board a ship to be taken away from this evil world. We are called to disembark in this world for a battle to bring God's grace and mercy. The call of Christ is a rescue mission, but our self-centered, individualistic society has trained us that the rescue is for the sole purpose of getting us out of this sin-filled, evil world. The real rescue mission is one that followers of the Christ are called to join in. We must go into the world and rescue those who are suffering.
We must rescue those who seek relief by intoxicating their bodies to dull the pain and hurt.
We must rescue those who seek relief by surrendering their bodies sexually to receive love and acceptance.
We must rescue those who seek relief in a few minutes of fame to mask their insecurities.
We must rescue those who seek relief in social status to hide their fears of inadequacy.
We must rescue those who seek relief in getting attention because they feel unloved
We must rescue those who seek relief in material wealth because they are poor in spirit.
We are surrounded by people in need of rescue. And if the truth be told, we are all still in a state of needing rescued. Not the kind of rescue that comes from shallow religion, strict doctrine, and pew-sitting Christianity. This is only the kind of rescue that comes from engaging in the work of the Kingdom of God and living out the mission of Jesus in each one of our lives. Now that's the best thing in the world to me.
shine!
Jason
1. Being a celebrity
2. Good looks
3. Being rich
4. Being healthy
5. Pop music
6. Families
7. Friends
8. Nice food
9. Watching films
10. Heaven/God
As I look at those results, I wonder about several things.
First, I wonder what our future holds in store for us. Although these are children from the UK, I can't imagine American children's answers would be much different. When being famous, looking good, and having money are the best things in the world, what does that do to our culture? Should celebrities have special treatment simply for being famous? What other values will be compromised to achieve fame? Are those who are less attractive, less wealthy, and unknown to be pushed aside for our personal gain?
I also wonder where the church is in the midst of this craziness. Have we become so self-absorbed in building our church buildings (which are often monuments to us as much or more than they are to God), creating flashy programs (which seem an awful lot like pop culture activities), and showing how "good" we are (by hiding our sins or being so "tolerant" that we ignore God's word), that we have missed out on being salt and light?
One last thing I wonder is if we realize the battle we are in. Now, I am not naive or myopic enough to say that this is the only "culture war" in the history of the church. Frankly, I am getting weary of the "End Times" folks who think this is all a sign that the end is near. Have you ever studied the history of the Roman Empire? I am not a expert in history, but I know enough to know that the church was in a culture war while Peter, Paul, and the other apostles still walked the earth.
While the end of time as we know it may be around the corner, that isn't the point. The point is that God has called us to be faithful regardless of the calendar. We are in a battle. It is a fight; and it's not just a fight to get people into heaven. It is a battle to take back the ground that was lost in the Garden of Eden.
Sin has brought self-centered and prideful darkness to this creation that was pure. And contrary to many Evangelicals, we are not called to board a ship to be taken away from this evil world. We are called to disembark in this world for a battle to bring God's grace and mercy. The call of Christ is a rescue mission, but our self-centered, individualistic society has trained us that the rescue is for the sole purpose of getting us out of this sin-filled, evil world. The real rescue mission is one that followers of the Christ are called to join in. We must go into the world and rescue those who are suffering.
We must rescue those who seek relief by intoxicating their bodies to dull the pain and hurt.
We must rescue those who seek relief by surrendering their bodies sexually to receive love and acceptance.
We must rescue those who seek relief in a few minutes of fame to mask their insecurities.
We must rescue those who seek relief in social status to hide their fears of inadequacy.
We must rescue those who seek relief in getting attention because they feel unloved
We must rescue those who seek relief in material wealth because they are poor in spirit.
We are surrounded by people in need of rescue. And if the truth be told, we are all still in a state of needing rescued. Not the kind of rescue that comes from shallow religion, strict doctrine, and pew-sitting Christianity. This is only the kind of rescue that comes from engaging in the work of the Kingdom of God and living out the mission of Jesus in each one of our lives. Now that's the best thing in the world to me.
shine!
Jason
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Relevant AND Resolute
How do we stay relevant to the culture around us while remaining resolute in our faith? This is a question that most honest Christians wrestle with. There are so many approaches.
On one extreme, we can say that culture is worthless so we withdraw and become monks who never interact with the culture around us.
On the other extreme are those who submerse themselves in culture and look for God in everything, regardless of the content that surrounds it.
How do we find a balance?
I don't have the answer, but I am on the journey.
While I acknowledge that we must be able to connect with those who don't know God, we must be careful to not be influenced. I know Christians who listen to all kinds of popular music to be relevant and connect with the culture. But I see many of these same people begin to exhibit the values of the culture in their life. What message does that send? When we allow the culture to shape our thinking, how does that match up with Paul's words in Romans 12?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
We must always be searching for ways to touch the lives of those around us while living out the Kingdom of God.
There are always extremes people seem to be drawn towards...
What was the social gospel of the 70's all about? I believe it was an overreaction to the disconnected, "self-righteous" religion of the early 20th century. When Christians think they are better than everyone else and look down on others, the natural overreaction is to serve the lower classes while forgetting about purity.
This is what today's relevant movement seems to be about. I think there are some noble causes and concerns, and I share the concern. But what about purity?
I would also agree that many Christians, even today, worry so much about their own holiness that they miss Jesus' call to bring the Kingdom to earth. They would rather sit in a Christian bookstore, reading Christian novels, and listening to Christian music. And then they get in their car, drive home, and relax in their home while people around the world (and in their own community) suffer.
Don't get me wrong. I really enjoy Christian music and literature. But if we settle into our Christian ghettos and never spread the Kingdom of God, we are missing an important part of Jesus' call.
At the same time, there are other Christians who seem to worry so much about fitting in that they miss another part of the call. They sit in Starbucks, listening to top 40 music, and reading whatever is trendy at the moment. They get in their car, dial up some hip-hop in their iPod, and rush home to see the newest episode of their favorite show.
There is nothing inherently evil about enjoying today's culture. But can we get so comfortable in this world that we invest more energy in fitting in than reaching out?
Neither approach is completely wrong, but both seem to miss the point.
At my point on the journey it seems we need to seek a balance. We must protect our hearts and minds from the influence of culture while still engaging and connecting with those around us. But this hard work. It requires thought and diligence. It may require more effort than many want to give. (This might include me, if I am to be honest.)
I think that for most of my Christian walk I have tended to live in the Christian ghetto. I still listen to Christian music. But I acknowledge there is plenty of "good" stuff in the "secular" world. As if there are really two worlds.
Which leads me to a temporary side bar. I don't really think there is such a thing as "Christian" and "secular." Those might be two ends of a spectrum, but they are not separate worlds. Need an example? How do you explain a preacher who teaches that if we follow God, we will be blessed with money and possessions? Sounds like a secular Christianity to me. Or how about the musician who praises God when they win their Grammy, but his next album talks about exploiting women. Sounds like secular with a dose of Jesus.
Is God at work in the lives of those who live in the "secular" world? I absolutely believe He is. Can God send a message through those who are not really all that faithful and dedicated? Isn't that the basic message of much of the Old Testament?
But was God's message to the Israelites to continue fitting in with the culture around them to be relevant? I don't think so. I acknowledge that this is a new Covenant, but has God's nature or character changed?
No, we are no longer called to destroy our enemies. (Although American Christianity seems to endorse a continuation of the Crusades.) But we are still called to change our "enemies," not to fit in.
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
So after a few bunny trails, I return to the question at hand. How can we be both relevant and resolute?
There is no simple answer. There is no formula. But the most concise answer might be Micah 6:8. No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. The questions we must all wrestle with are right in this passage.
What does it mean to do right?
What does it mean to love mercy?
What does it mean to walk humbly with your God?
I believe that in the answer to these three questions we answer the question of relevance versus resoluteness. Here we can find the way to be in the world but not of the world. Here we can pursue the path that God has called each of us to travel.
But it's not always easy to see. People for thousands of years have been seeking the path. And all of us have missed the point in someway. And in the future, if not today, people will consider the path we chose and see the error of our ways.
But isn't that part of the hope of the cross. Jesus didn't die so we could live a perfect life. His sacrifice enables us to pursue that path without fear of failure. We don't have to get it all right. That's the joy of the cross! Because when we are set free to learn from our failures and improve on the journey, then God's glory will truly be revealed and the Kingdom of God will be set loose here on earth.
shine!
Jason
On one extreme, we can say that culture is worthless so we withdraw and become monks who never interact with the culture around us.
On the other extreme are those who submerse themselves in culture and look for God in everything, regardless of the content that surrounds it.
How do we find a balance?
I don't have the answer, but I am on the journey.
While I acknowledge that we must be able to connect with those who don't know God, we must be careful to not be influenced. I know Christians who listen to all kinds of popular music to be relevant and connect with the culture. But I see many of these same people begin to exhibit the values of the culture in their life. What message does that send? When we allow the culture to shape our thinking, how does that match up with Paul's words in Romans 12?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
We must always be searching for ways to touch the lives of those around us while living out the Kingdom of God.
There are always extremes people seem to be drawn towards...
What was the social gospel of the 70's all about? I believe it was an overreaction to the disconnected, "self-righteous" religion of the early 20th century. When Christians think they are better than everyone else and look down on others, the natural overreaction is to serve the lower classes while forgetting about purity.
This is what today's relevant movement seems to be about. I think there are some noble causes and concerns, and I share the concern. But what about purity?
I would also agree that many Christians, even today, worry so much about their own holiness that they miss Jesus' call to bring the Kingdom to earth. They would rather sit in a Christian bookstore, reading Christian novels, and listening to Christian music. And then they get in their car, drive home, and relax in their home while people around the world (and in their own community) suffer.
Don't get me wrong. I really enjoy Christian music and literature. But if we settle into our Christian ghettos and never spread the Kingdom of God, we are missing an important part of Jesus' call.
At the same time, there are other Christians who seem to worry so much about fitting in that they miss another part of the call. They sit in Starbucks, listening to top 40 music, and reading whatever is trendy at the moment. They get in their car, dial up some hip-hop in their iPod, and rush home to see the newest episode of their favorite show.
There is nothing inherently evil about enjoying today's culture. But can we get so comfortable in this world that we invest more energy in fitting in than reaching out?
Neither approach is completely wrong, but both seem to miss the point.
At my point on the journey it seems we need to seek a balance. We must protect our hearts and minds from the influence of culture while still engaging and connecting with those around us. But this hard work. It requires thought and diligence. It may require more effort than many want to give. (This might include me, if I am to be honest.)
I think that for most of my Christian walk I have tended to live in the Christian ghetto. I still listen to Christian music. But I acknowledge there is plenty of "good" stuff in the "secular" world. As if there are really two worlds.
Which leads me to a temporary side bar. I don't really think there is such a thing as "Christian" and "secular." Those might be two ends of a spectrum, but they are not separate worlds. Need an example? How do you explain a preacher who teaches that if we follow God, we will be blessed with money and possessions? Sounds like a secular Christianity to me. Or how about the musician who praises God when they win their Grammy, but his next album talks about exploiting women. Sounds like secular with a dose of Jesus.
Is God at work in the lives of those who live in the "secular" world? I absolutely believe He is. Can God send a message through those who are not really all that faithful and dedicated? Isn't that the basic message of much of the Old Testament?
But was God's message to the Israelites to continue fitting in with the culture around them to be relevant? I don't think so. I acknowledge that this is a new Covenant, but has God's nature or character changed?
No, we are no longer called to destroy our enemies. (Although American Christianity seems to endorse a continuation of the Crusades.) But we are still called to change our "enemies," not to fit in.
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
So after a few bunny trails, I return to the question at hand. How can we be both relevant and resolute?
There is no simple answer. There is no formula. But the most concise answer might be Micah 6:8. No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. The questions we must all wrestle with are right in this passage.
What does it mean to do right?
What does it mean to love mercy?
What does it mean to walk humbly with your God?
I believe that in the answer to these three questions we answer the question of relevance versus resoluteness. Here we can find the way to be in the world but not of the world. Here we can pursue the path that God has called each of us to travel.
But it's not always easy to see. People for thousands of years have been seeking the path. And all of us have missed the point in someway. And in the future, if not today, people will consider the path we chose and see the error of our ways.
But isn't that part of the hope of the cross. Jesus didn't die so we could live a perfect life. His sacrifice enables us to pursue that path without fear of failure. We don't have to get it all right. That's the joy of the cross! Because when we are set free to learn from our failures and improve on the journey, then God's glory will truly be revealed and the Kingdom of God will be set loose here on earth.
shine!
Jason
Relevant AND Resolute
How do we stay relevant to the culture around us while remaining resolute in our faith? This is a question that most honest Christians wrestle with. There are so many approaches.
On one extreme, we can say that culture is worthless so we withdraw and become monks who never interact with the culture around us.
On the other extreme are those who submerse themselves in culture and look for God in everything, regardless of the content that surrounds it.
How do we find a balance?
I don't have the answer, but I am on the journey.
While I acknowledge that we must be able to connect with those who don't know God, we must be careful to not be influenced. I know Christians who listen to all kinds of popular music to be relevant and connect with the culture. But I see many of these same people begin to exhibit the values of the culture in their life. What message does that send? When we allow the culture to shape our thinking, how does that match up with Paul's words in Romans 12?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
We must always be searching for ways to touch the lives of those around us while living out the Kingdom of God.
There are always extremes people seem to be drawn towards...
What was the social gospel of the 70's all about? I believe it was an overreaction to the disconnected, "self-righteous" religion of the early 20th century. When Christians think they are better than everyone else and look down on others, the natural overreaction is to serve the lower classes while forgetting about purity.
This is what today's relevant movement seems to be about. I think there are some noble causes and concerns, and I share the concern. But what about purity?
I would also agree that many Christians, even today, worry so much about their own holiness that they miss Jesus' call to bring the Kingdom to earth. They would rather sit in a Christian bookstore, reading Christian novels, and listening to Christian music. And then they get in their car, drive home, and relax in their home while people around the world (and in their own community) suffer.
Don't get me wrong. I really enjoy Christian music and literature. But if we settle into our Christian ghettos and never spread the Kingdom of God, we are missing an important part of Jesus' call.
At the same time, there are other Christians who seem to worry so much about fitting in that they miss another part of the call. They sit in Starbucks, listening to top 40 music, and reading whatever is trendy at the moment. They get in their car, dial up some hip-hop in their iPod, and rush home to see the newest episode of their favorite show.
There is nothing inherently evil about enjoying today's culture. But can we get so comfortable in this world that we invest more energy in fitting in than reaching out?
Neither approach is completely wrong, but both seem to miss the point.
At my point on the journey it seems we need to seek a balance. We must protect our hearts and minds from the influence of culture while still engaging and connecting with those around us. But this hard work. It requires thought and diligence. It may require more effort than many want to give. (This might include me, if I am to be honest.)
I think that for most of my Christian walk I have tended to live in the Christian ghetto. I still listen to Christian music. But I acknowledge there is plenty of "good" stuff in the "secular" world. As if there are really two worlds.
Which leads me to a temporary side bar. I don't really think there is such a thing as "Christian" and "secular." Those might be two ends of a spectrum, but they are not separate worlds. Need an example? How do you explain a preacher who teaches that if we follow God, we will be blessed with money and possessions? Sounds like a secular Christianity to me. Or how about the musician who praises God when they win their Grammy, but his next album talks about exploiting women. Sounds like secular with a dose of Jesus.
Is God at work in the lives of those who live in the "secular" world? I absolutely believe He is. Can God send a message through those who are not really all that faithful and dedicated? Isn't that the basic message of much of the Old Testament?
But was God's message to the Israelites to continue fitting in with the culture around them to be relevant? I don't think so. I acknowledge that this is a new Covenant, but has God's nature or character changed?
No, we are no longer called to destroy our enemies. (Although American Christianity seems to endorse a continuation of the Crusades.) But we are still called to change our "enemies," not to fit in.
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.†(2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
So after a few bunny trails, I return to the question at hand. How can we be both relevant and resolute?
There is no simple answer. There is no formula. But the most concise answer might be Micah 6:8. No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. The questions we must all wrestle with are right in this passage.
What does it mean to do right?
What does it mean to love mercy?
What does it mean to walk humbly with your God?
I believe that in the answer to these three questions we answer the question of relevance versus resoluteness. Here we can find the way to be in the world but not of the world. Here we can pursue the path that God has called each of us to travel.
But it's not always easy to see. People for thousands of years have been seeking the path. And all of us have missed the point in someway. And in the future, if not today, people will consider the path we chose and see the error of our ways.
But isn't that part of the hope of the cross. Jesus didn't die so we could live a perfect life. His sacrifice enables us to pursue that path without fear of failure. We don't have to get it all right. That's the joy of the cross! Because when we are set free to learn from our failures and improve on the journey, then God's glory will truly be revealed and the Kingdom of God will be set loose here on earth.
shine!
Jason
On one extreme, we can say that culture is worthless so we withdraw and become monks who never interact with the culture around us.
On the other extreme are those who submerse themselves in culture and look for God in everything, regardless of the content that surrounds it.
How do we find a balance?
I don't have the answer, but I am on the journey.
While I acknowledge that we must be able to connect with those who don't know God, we must be careful to not be influenced. I know Christians who listen to all kinds of popular music to be relevant and connect with the culture. But I see many of these same people begin to exhibit the values of the culture in their life. What message does that send? When we allow the culture to shape our thinking, how does that match up with Paul's words in Romans 12?
And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
We must always be searching for ways to touch the lives of those around us while living out the Kingdom of God.
There are always extremes people seem to be drawn towards...
What was the social gospel of the 70's all about? I believe it was an overreaction to the disconnected, "self-righteous" religion of the early 20th century. When Christians think they are better than everyone else and look down on others, the natural overreaction is to serve the lower classes while forgetting about purity.
This is what today's relevant movement seems to be about. I think there are some noble causes and concerns, and I share the concern. But what about purity?
I would also agree that many Christians, even today, worry so much about their own holiness that they miss Jesus' call to bring the Kingdom to earth. They would rather sit in a Christian bookstore, reading Christian novels, and listening to Christian music. And then they get in their car, drive home, and relax in their home while people around the world (and in their own community) suffer.
Don't get me wrong. I really enjoy Christian music and literature. But if we settle into our Christian ghettos and never spread the Kingdom of God, we are missing an important part of Jesus' call.
At the same time, there are other Christians who seem to worry so much about fitting in that they miss another part of the call. They sit in Starbucks, listening to top 40 music, and reading whatever is trendy at the moment. They get in their car, dial up some hip-hop in their iPod, and rush home to see the newest episode of their favorite show.
There is nothing inherently evil about enjoying today's culture. But can we get so comfortable in this world that we invest more energy in fitting in than reaching out?
Neither approach is completely wrong, but both seem to miss the point.
At my point on the journey it seems we need to seek a balance. We must protect our hearts and minds from the influence of culture while still engaging and connecting with those around us. But this hard work. It requires thought and diligence. It may require more effort than many want to give. (This might include me, if I am to be honest.)
I think that for most of my Christian walk I have tended to live in the Christian ghetto. I still listen to Christian music. But I acknowledge there is plenty of "good" stuff in the "secular" world. As if there are really two worlds.
Which leads me to a temporary side bar. I don't really think there is such a thing as "Christian" and "secular." Those might be two ends of a spectrum, but they are not separate worlds. Need an example? How do you explain a preacher who teaches that if we follow God, we will be blessed with money and possessions? Sounds like a secular Christianity to me. Or how about the musician who praises God when they win their Grammy, but his next album talks about exploiting women. Sounds like secular with a dose of Jesus.
Is God at work in the lives of those who live in the "secular" world? I absolutely believe He is. Can God send a message through those who are not really all that faithful and dedicated? Isn't that the basic message of much of the Old Testament?
But was God's message to the Israelites to continue fitting in with the culture around them to be relevant? I don't think so. I acknowledge that this is a new Covenant, but has God's nature or character changed?
No, we are no longer called to destroy our enemies. (Although American Christianity seems to endorse a continuation of the Crusades.) But we are still called to change our "enemies," not to fit in.
Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.†(2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
So after a few bunny trails, I return to the question at hand. How can we be both relevant and resolute?
There is no simple answer. There is no formula. But the most concise answer might be Micah 6:8. No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. The questions we must all wrestle with are right in this passage.
What does it mean to do right?
What does it mean to love mercy?
What does it mean to walk humbly with your God?
I believe that in the answer to these three questions we answer the question of relevance versus resoluteness. Here we can find the way to be in the world but not of the world. Here we can pursue the path that God has called each of us to travel.
But it's not always easy to see. People for thousands of years have been seeking the path. And all of us have missed the point in someway. And in the future, if not today, people will consider the path we chose and see the error of our ways.
But isn't that part of the hope of the cross. Jesus didn't die so we could live a perfect life. His sacrifice enables us to pursue that path without fear of failure. We don't have to get it all right. That's the joy of the cross! Because when we are set free to learn from our failures and improve on the journey, then God's glory will truly be revealed and the Kingdom of God will be set loose here on earth.
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
iGod
Let me begin by saying that I am an imperfect sinner who struggles with many of things that bother me. I swim in the dirty water that I deplore. I am guilty of the things that upset and disappoint me. So this does not come from one who thinks he has it all together. Rather, these are the words of a fellow man who falls short of the glory of God.
As I write these words I look on my desk and see my iPod plugged into my iHome. While not playing anything at the moment, it could be turned on and I could select from thousands of things to listen to. And if there is nothing there, I could go online and download just about anything I want within seconds.
Have we done the same with God?
Just think about it.
How many of us take our iGod and choose the one we want?
Feeling like you want to fit in with your friends today? Grab your iGod and select the "God in a Box" who will silently stay in your back pocket at school or work while you tell off-color jokes, make fun of the person everyone laughs at, or lie and cheat to get ahead.
Maybe you want to be a trendy Christian. Grab iGod and dial up the "God who likes the music, regardless of the lyrics." Didn't God give that person the ability to play like that? This musician claims to be a follower of Jesus. He talks about God when he accepts his Grammy. He even has a song with a spiritual reference. Can we just overlook the fact that he has three other songs that degrade women and glorify greed? I just want to fit in.
Want to be the churchy Christian? This is where you put your iGod on shuffle. Whenever you get around those church people it's time to act all holy. Sure, you might have been out drinking last night. Maybe on Friday night you were playing cards and winning money while taking advantage of your friends. You could have been using that girlfriend of yours to please yourself. You brushed off the student or coworker that looked lonely. But now it's Sunday morning. Time to sing the hymns, bow the head, and take communion.
Then there are more subtle choices like "Happy Christian." This is where your iGod playlist changes. You have struggles and hurts, but when you get around your Christian friends you smile and say everything is great. It could be pride. Maybe it's fear of embarrassment or rejection. Whatever it is, we serve the "everything is great on the outside" God while we are dying on the inside.
What about the secular/spiritual setting on your iGod? This is where we act like our two worlds are not connected. Spirituality is a private matter. Sure, I live a moral life, but other than that God is a personal thing. Never mind what Jesus said about losing my life for the sake of Gospel. He was taking to martyrs. That rich young ruler that Jesus told to sell everything. He was just making a point.
Wait...one more. Does your iGod have a playlist called "God is another hobby?" This is one of the most popular downloads. I can get up every morning at 6:00am or stay after school for two hours for a sport. I will spend hours and even entire weekends hunting, fishing, or playing golf. It is nothing to spending Sunday afternoons watching football. But you want me to give up a few hours a month to serve the homeless? Do I have to "go to church" Wednesday night? It's been a busy week. I don't really have time to get up 20 minutes earlier to pray. I was up late last night watching a good movie.
Frankly, I am tired of my iGod. I want to put it away and live a dedicated life. I don't want to care whether or not I am dressed fashionably while some people in Oakland County would just like to have a coat. I get mad at myself for watching even an hour of television while people within walking distance of my house barely have food to eat. I am frustrated that I am in more conversations about sports and entertainment than I am about the power of God. I get discouraged that we often spend more time figuring out where to eat out on Sunday afternoons than finding someone to have in our home who can't afford a meal. Have we become so absorbed in the consumerism around us that we want God at our disposal like a service technician?
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that entertainment or clothing anything else in our culture is inherently sinful, but are we serving the wrong gods? Is it not backwards when we compliment someone more about the way they are dressed than the way they serve? Is it not upside down when we spend one hour serving the poor and hours upon hours serving ourselves at restaurants, stores, move theaters, and in front of the TV?
Jesus did not come to give us a comfortable, enjoyable life. He came to give us life abundant. I don't think He ever imagined that abundance would mean big houses, nice cars, and big bank accounts. I think He had in mind hearts full of compassion, people seeking joy in simplicity, and hands reaching out to others. The abundant life is not about us; it never was intended to be about us. It is about loving God and loving others. It is about laying down our life so that someone else's life could be better.
Is "The American Dream" what has spoiled our view of God? Has Manifest Destiny created a consumeristic God? Has the American "God" become a God of capitalism and individualism? Has the God who has always valued community become of God of commodity? Is the Way of selflessness become a way of selfishness? Do we serve with our lives or do we serve to help justify our lifestyle and feel better about ourselves?
I think about people like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King and weep at the kind of follower of Jesus I am. The more I get to know Jesus, the more I realize how little I really follow Him. I feel like Peter, who followed at a distance, but was willing to deny Jesus when it interfered with his comfort.
I am more and more convinced every day we as a people of God need to spend more time with Jesus. Sure, this involves time in the Bible and time in prayer. But it is much more than that. We follow a man who didn't have a place to lay His head, didn't worry about owning much of anything, and was willing to stand up for what was right, regardless of the circumstances. We follow this man, Jesus, by building bigger and bigger houses, gathering as many possessions as we can, and compromising our principles when necessary. Are we following or just admiring from a distance?
My biggest fear in life is that I am just admiring while pretending to be a follower. I want to pick up my cross, but often I am afraid to lay down the things that I am already holding in my hands. What I am learning is that ultimately, it's not about what you own...it's about what owns you.
shine!
Jason
As I write these words I look on my desk and see my iPod plugged into my iHome. While not playing anything at the moment, it could be turned on and I could select from thousands of things to listen to. And if there is nothing there, I could go online and download just about anything I want within seconds.
Have we done the same with God?
Just think about it.
How many of us take our iGod and choose the one we want?
Feeling like you want to fit in with your friends today? Grab your iGod and select the "God in a Box" who will silently stay in your back pocket at school or work while you tell off-color jokes, make fun of the person everyone laughs at, or lie and cheat to get ahead.
Maybe you want to be a trendy Christian. Grab iGod and dial up the "God who likes the music, regardless of the lyrics." Didn't God give that person the ability to play like that? This musician claims to be a follower of Jesus. He talks about God when he accepts his Grammy. He even has a song with a spiritual reference. Can we just overlook the fact that he has three other songs that degrade women and glorify greed? I just want to fit in.
Want to be the churchy Christian? This is where you put your iGod on shuffle. Whenever you get around those church people it's time to act all holy. Sure, you might have been out drinking last night. Maybe on Friday night you were playing cards and winning money while taking advantage of your friends. You could have been using that girlfriend of yours to please yourself. You brushed off the student or coworker that looked lonely. But now it's Sunday morning. Time to sing the hymns, bow the head, and take communion.
Then there are more subtle choices like "Happy Christian." This is where your iGod playlist changes. You have struggles and hurts, but when you get around your Christian friends you smile and say everything is great. It could be pride. Maybe it's fear of embarrassment or rejection. Whatever it is, we serve the "everything is great on the outside" God while we are dying on the inside.
What about the secular/spiritual setting on your iGod? This is where we act like our two worlds are not connected. Spirituality is a private matter. Sure, I live a moral life, but other than that God is a personal thing. Never mind what Jesus said about losing my life for the sake of Gospel. He was taking to martyrs. That rich young ruler that Jesus told to sell everything. He was just making a point.
Wait...one more. Does your iGod have a playlist called "God is another hobby?" This is one of the most popular downloads. I can get up every morning at 6:00am or stay after school for two hours for a sport. I will spend hours and even entire weekends hunting, fishing, or playing golf. It is nothing to spending Sunday afternoons watching football. But you want me to give up a few hours a month to serve the homeless? Do I have to "go to church" Wednesday night? It's been a busy week. I don't really have time to get up 20 minutes earlier to pray. I was up late last night watching a good movie.
Frankly, I am tired of my iGod. I want to put it away and live a dedicated life. I don't want to care whether or not I am dressed fashionably while some people in Oakland County would just like to have a coat. I get mad at myself for watching even an hour of television while people within walking distance of my house barely have food to eat. I am frustrated that I am in more conversations about sports and entertainment than I am about the power of God. I get discouraged that we often spend more time figuring out where to eat out on Sunday afternoons than finding someone to have in our home who can't afford a meal. Have we become so absorbed in the consumerism around us that we want God at our disposal like a service technician?
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that entertainment or clothing anything else in our culture is inherently sinful, but are we serving the wrong gods? Is it not backwards when we compliment someone more about the way they are dressed than the way they serve? Is it not upside down when we spend one hour serving the poor and hours upon hours serving ourselves at restaurants, stores, move theaters, and in front of the TV?
Jesus did not come to give us a comfortable, enjoyable life. He came to give us life abundant. I don't think He ever imagined that abundance would mean big houses, nice cars, and big bank accounts. I think He had in mind hearts full of compassion, people seeking joy in simplicity, and hands reaching out to others. The abundant life is not about us; it never was intended to be about us. It is about loving God and loving others. It is about laying down our life so that someone else's life could be better.
Is "The American Dream" what has spoiled our view of God? Has Manifest Destiny created a consumeristic God? Has the American "God" become a God of capitalism and individualism? Has the God who has always valued community become of God of commodity? Is the Way of selflessness become a way of selfishness? Do we serve with our lives or do we serve to help justify our lifestyle and feel better about ourselves?
I think about people like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King and weep at the kind of follower of Jesus I am. The more I get to know Jesus, the more I realize how little I really follow Him. I feel like Peter, who followed at a distance, but was willing to deny Jesus when it interfered with his comfort.
I am more and more convinced every day we as a people of God need to spend more time with Jesus. Sure, this involves time in the Bible and time in prayer. But it is much more than that. We follow a man who didn't have a place to lay His head, didn't worry about owning much of anything, and was willing to stand up for what was right, regardless of the circumstances. We follow this man, Jesus, by building bigger and bigger houses, gathering as many possessions as we can, and compromising our principles when necessary. Are we following or just admiring from a distance?
My biggest fear in life is that I am just admiring while pretending to be a follower. I want to pick up my cross, but often I am afraid to lay down the things that I am already holding in my hands. What I am learning is that ultimately, it's not about what you own...it's about what owns you.
shine!
Jason
iGod
Let me begin by saying that I am an imperfect sinner who struggles with many of things that bother me. I swim in the dirty water that I deplore. I am guilty of the things that upset and disappoint me. So this does not come from one who thinks he has it all together. Rather, these are the words of a fellow man who falls short of the glory of God.
As I write these words I look on my desk and see my iPod plugged into my iHome. While not playing anything at the moment, it could be turned on and I could select from thousands of things to listen to. And if there is nothing there, I could go online and download just about anything I want within seconds.
Have we done the same with God?
Just think about it.
How many of us take our iGod and choose the one we want?
Feeling like you want to fit in with your friends today? Grab your iGod and select the "God in a Box" who will silently stay in your back pocket at school or work while you tell off-color jokes, make fun of the person everyone laughs at, or lie and cheat to get ahead.
Maybe you want to be a trendy Christian. Grab iGod and dial up the "God who likes the music, regardless of the lyrics." Didn't God give that person the ability to play like that? This musician claims to be a follower of Jesus. He talks about God when he accepts his Grammy. He even has a song with a spiritual reference. Can we just overlook the fact that he has three other songs that degrade women and glorify greed? I just want to fit in.
Want to be the churchy Christian? This is where you put your iGod on shuffle. Whenever you get around those church people it's time to act all holy. Sure, you might have been out drinking last night. Maybe on Friday night you were playing cards and winning money while taking advantage of your friends. You could have been using that girlfriend of yours to please yourself. You brushed off the student or coworker that looked lonely. But now it's Sunday morning. Time to sing the hymns, bow the head, and take communion.
Then there are more subtle choices like "Happy Christian." This is where your iGod playlist changes. You have struggles and hurts, but when you get around your Christian friends you smile and say everything is great. It could be pride. Maybe it's fear of embarrassment or rejection. Whatever it is, we serve the "everything is great on the outside" God while we are dying on the inside.
What about the secular/spiritual setting on your iGod? This is where we act like our two worlds are not connected. Spirituality is a private matter. Sure, I live a moral life, but other than that God is a personal thing. Never mind what Jesus said about losing my life for the sake of Gospel. He was taking to martyrs. That rich young ruler that Jesus told to sell everything. He was just making a point.
Wait...one more. Does your iGod have a playlist called "God is another hobby?" This is one of the most popular downloads. I can get up every morning at 6:00am or stay after school for two hours for a sport. I will spend hours and even entire weekends hunting, fishing, or playing golf. It is nothing to spending Sunday afternoons watching football. But you want me to give up a few hours a month to serve the homeless? Do I have to "go to church" Wednesday night? It's been a busy week. I don't really have time to get up 20 minutes earlier to pray. I was up late last night watching a good movie.
Frankly, I am tired of my iGod. I want to put it away and live a dedicated life. I don't want to care whether or not I am dressed fashionably while some people in Oakland County would just like to have a coat. I get mad at myself for watching even an hour of television while people within walking distance of my house barely have food to eat. I am frustrated that I am in more conversations about sports and entertainment than I am about the power of God. I get discouraged that we often spend more time figuring out where to eat out on Sunday afternoons than finding someone to have in our home who can't afford a meal. Have we become so absorbed in the consumerism around us that we want God at our disposal like a service technician?
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that entertainment or clothing anything else in our culture is inherently sinful, but are we serving the wrong gods? Is it not backwards when we compliment someone more about the way they are dressed than the way they serve? Is it not upside down when we spend one hour serving the poor and hours upon hours serving ourselves at restaurants, stores, move theaters, and in front of the TV?
Jesus did not come to give us a comfortable, enjoyable life. He came to give us life abundant. I don't think He ever imagined that abundance would mean big houses, nice cars, and big bank accounts. I think He had in mind hearts full of compassion, people seeking joy in simplicity, and hands reaching out to others. The abundant life is not about us; it never was intended to be about us. It is about loving God and loving others. It is about laying down our life so that someone else's life could be better.
Is "The American Dream" what has spoiled our view of God? Has Manifest Destiny created a consumeristic God? Has the American "God" become a God of capitalism and individualism? Has the God who has always valued community become of God of commodity? Is the Way of selflessness become a way of selfishness? Do we serve with our lives or do we serve to help justify our lifestyle and feel better about ourselves?
I think about people like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King and weep at the kind of follower of Jesus I am. The more I get to know Jesus, the more I realize how little I really follow Him. I feel like Peter, who followed at a distance, but was willing to deny Jesus when it interfered with his comfort.
I am more and more convinced every day we as a people of God need to spend more time with Jesus. Sure, this involves time in the Bible and time in prayer. But it is much more than that. We follow a man who didn't have a place to lay His head, didn't worry about owning much of anything, and was willing to stand up for what was right, regardless of the circumstances. We follow this man, Jesus, by building bigger and bigger houses, gathering as many possessions as we can, and compromising our principles when necessary. Are we following or just admiring from a distance?
My biggest fear in life is that I am just admiring while pretending to be a follower. I want to pick up my cross, but often I am afraid to lay down the things that I am already holding in my hands. What I am learning is that ultimately, it's not about what you own...it's about what owns you.
shine!
Jason
As I write these words I look on my desk and see my iPod plugged into my iHome. While not playing anything at the moment, it could be turned on and I could select from thousands of things to listen to. And if there is nothing there, I could go online and download just about anything I want within seconds.
Have we done the same with God?
Just think about it.
How many of us take our iGod and choose the one we want?
Feeling like you want to fit in with your friends today? Grab your iGod and select the "God in a Box" who will silently stay in your back pocket at school or work while you tell off-color jokes, make fun of the person everyone laughs at, or lie and cheat to get ahead.
Maybe you want to be a trendy Christian. Grab iGod and dial up the "God who likes the music, regardless of the lyrics." Didn't God give that person the ability to play like that? This musician claims to be a follower of Jesus. He talks about God when he accepts his Grammy. He even has a song with a spiritual reference. Can we just overlook the fact that he has three other songs that degrade women and glorify greed? I just want to fit in.
Want to be the churchy Christian? This is where you put your iGod on shuffle. Whenever you get around those church people it's time to act all holy. Sure, you might have been out drinking last night. Maybe on Friday night you were playing cards and winning money while taking advantage of your friends. You could have been using that girlfriend of yours to please yourself. You brushed off the student or coworker that looked lonely. But now it's Sunday morning. Time to sing the hymns, bow the head, and take communion.
Then there are more subtle choices like "Happy Christian." This is where your iGod playlist changes. You have struggles and hurts, but when you get around your Christian friends you smile and say everything is great. It could be pride. Maybe it's fear of embarrassment or rejection. Whatever it is, we serve the "everything is great on the outside" God while we are dying on the inside.
What about the secular/spiritual setting on your iGod? This is where we act like our two worlds are not connected. Spirituality is a private matter. Sure, I live a moral life, but other than that God is a personal thing. Never mind what Jesus said about losing my life for the sake of Gospel. He was taking to martyrs. That rich young ruler that Jesus told to sell everything. He was just making a point.
Wait...one more. Does your iGod have a playlist called "God is another hobby?" This is one of the most popular downloads. I can get up every morning at 6:00am or stay after school for two hours for a sport. I will spend hours and even entire weekends hunting, fishing, or playing golf. It is nothing to spending Sunday afternoons watching football. But you want me to give up a few hours a month to serve the homeless? Do I have to "go to church" Wednesday night? It's been a busy week. I don't really have time to get up 20 minutes earlier to pray. I was up late last night watching a good movie.
Frankly, I am tired of my iGod. I want to put it away and live a dedicated life. I don't want to care whether or not I am dressed fashionably while some people in Oakland County would just like to have a coat. I get mad at myself for watching even an hour of television while people within walking distance of my house barely have food to eat. I am frustrated that I am in more conversations about sports and entertainment than I am about the power of God. I get discouraged that we often spend more time figuring out where to eat out on Sunday afternoons than finding someone to have in our home who can't afford a meal. Have we become so absorbed in the consumerism around us that we want God at our disposal like a service technician?
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying that entertainment or clothing anything else in our culture is inherently sinful, but are we serving the wrong gods? Is it not backwards when we compliment someone more about the way they are dressed than the way they serve? Is it not upside down when we spend one hour serving the poor and hours upon hours serving ourselves at restaurants, stores, move theaters, and in front of the TV?
Jesus did not come to give us a comfortable, enjoyable life. He came to give us life abundant. I don't think He ever imagined that abundance would mean big houses, nice cars, and big bank accounts. I think He had in mind hearts full of compassion, people seeking joy in simplicity, and hands reaching out to others. The abundant life is not about us; it never was intended to be about us. It is about loving God and loving others. It is about laying down our life so that someone else's life could be better.
Is "The American Dream" what has spoiled our view of God? Has Manifest Destiny created a consumeristic God? Has the American "God" become a God of capitalism and individualism? Has the God who has always valued community become of God of commodity? Is the Way of selflessness become a way of selfishness? Do we serve with our lives or do we serve to help justify our lifestyle and feel better about ourselves?
I think about people like Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King and weep at the kind of follower of Jesus I am. The more I get to know Jesus, the more I realize how little I really follow Him. I feel like Peter, who followed at a distance, but was willing to deny Jesus when it interfered with his comfort.
I am more and more convinced every day we as a people of God need to spend more time with Jesus. Sure, this involves time in the Bible and time in prayer. But it is much more than that. We follow a man who didn't have a place to lay His head, didn't worry about owning much of anything, and was willing to stand up for what was right, regardless of the circumstances. We follow this man, Jesus, by building bigger and bigger houses, gathering as many possessions as we can, and compromising our principles when necessary. Are we following or just admiring from a distance?
My biggest fear in life is that I am just admiring while pretending to be a follower. I want to pick up my cross, but often I am afraid to lay down the things that I am already holding in my hands. What I am learning is that ultimately, it's not about what you own...it's about what owns you.
shine!
Jason
Monday, November 20, 2006
Life flashing before my eyes...
This past weekend I had one of those encouraging, emotional, reaffirming, sad, joyful, and fun experiences. I was at the Belpre Youth Rally. I saw people from almost every part of my full-time ministry experience...
There were adults and teenagers from Amherst.
There was a teenager from Amherst who is also a student at OVU.
There were adults, kids, and teenagers from Belpre.
There were college students from OVU.
There was a teenager from Belpre who is a student at Rochester College.
There were college students from the Rochester Church.
There were admissions counselors I have known for years.
There were OVU employees.
I think that just about covers it all.
It was one of those times where God allows you to see how many lives you have touched. Although I played such a small part in many of these people's lives, it is still cool to see how God uses us.
Even more encouraging to me is how much all of the people I saw this weekend have impacted my life. Seeing so many friends was like stepping back and looking at a mosaic of the people who have helped shape my faith.
When I pulled away from the Belpre Youth Rally it was time to return to where God has brought me to, but for a few days in November I was able to look back at the last seven years of my life and see how God shapes a man using the people around him.
To everyone I saw this weekend who reads this I want to say "Thank you."
Thank you for showing me what it means to be faithful.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be loving.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be kind.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be passionate about God.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be a friend.
shine!
Jason
There were adults and teenagers from Amherst.
There was a teenager from Amherst who is also a student at OVU.
There were adults, kids, and teenagers from Belpre.
There were college students from OVU.
There was a teenager from Belpre who is a student at Rochester College.
There were college students from the Rochester Church.
There were admissions counselors I have known for years.
There were OVU employees.
I think that just about covers it all.
It was one of those times where God allows you to see how many lives you have touched. Although I played such a small part in many of these people's lives, it is still cool to see how God uses us.
Even more encouraging to me is how much all of the people I saw this weekend have impacted my life. Seeing so many friends was like stepping back and looking at a mosaic of the people who have helped shape my faith.
When I pulled away from the Belpre Youth Rally it was time to return to where God has brought me to, but for a few days in November I was able to look back at the last seven years of my life and see how God shapes a man using the people around him.
To everyone I saw this weekend who reads this I want to say "Thank you."
Thank you for showing me what it means to be faithful.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be loving.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be kind.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be passionate about God.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be a friend.
shine!
Jason
Life flashing before my eyes...
This past weekend I had one of those encouraging, emotional, reaffirming, sad, joyful, and fun experiences. I was at the Belpre Youth Rally. I saw people from almost every part of my full-time ministry experience...
There were adults and teenagers from Amherst.
There was a teenager from Amherst who is also a student at OVU.
There were adults, kids, and teenagers from Belpre.
There were college students from OVU.
There was a teenager from Belpre who is a student at Rochester College.
There were college students from the Rochester Church.
There were admissions counselors I have known for years.
There were OVU employees.
I think that just about covers it all.
It was one of those times where God allows you to see how many lives you have touched. Although I played such a small part in many of these people's lives, it is still cool to see how God uses us.
Even more encouraging to me is how much all of the people I saw this weekend have impacted my life. Seeing so many friends was like stepping back and looking at a mosaic of the people who have helped shape my faith.
When I pulled away from the Belpre Youth Rally it was time to return to where God has brought me to, but for a few days in November I was able to look back at the last seven years of my life and see how God shapes a man using the people around him.
To everyone I saw this weekend who reads this I want to say "Thank you."
Thank you for showing me what it means to be faithful.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be loving.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be kind.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be passionate about God.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be a friend.
shine!
Jason
There were adults and teenagers from Amherst.
There was a teenager from Amherst who is also a student at OVU.
There were adults, kids, and teenagers from Belpre.
There were college students from OVU.
There was a teenager from Belpre who is a student at Rochester College.
There were college students from the Rochester Church.
There were admissions counselors I have known for years.
There were OVU employees.
I think that just about covers it all.
It was one of those times where God allows you to see how many lives you have touched. Although I played such a small part in many of these people's lives, it is still cool to see how God uses us.
Even more encouraging to me is how much all of the people I saw this weekend have impacted my life. Seeing so many friends was like stepping back and looking at a mosaic of the people who have helped shape my faith.
When I pulled away from the Belpre Youth Rally it was time to return to where God has brought me to, but for a few days in November I was able to look back at the last seven years of my life and see how God shapes a man using the people around him.
To everyone I saw this weekend who reads this I want to say "Thank you."
Thank you for showing me what it means to be faithful.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be loving.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be kind.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be passionate about God.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be a friend.
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Still a political science junkie
Here I am watching FoxNews to see the results of the election. As much as I have distanced myself from politics, it is still a mild passion for me. But this is the key to keeping your sanity in the midst of the craziness. God will keep working no matter who controls Congress.
So many people, even Christians, place so much of their hope in the outcome of elections. Don't get me wrong. If we feel like a candidate supports our views we should vote for them. It is our responsibility as citizens to vote.
However, our faith should never be in who is President or controls Congress. Our ability to follow God is not dictated by what political party is in the majority.
I will probably make more comments after the election results are finalized, but I am tired and need to get to bed soon. Who will be in control when the dust clears? Republicans? Democrats? How about God?
shine!
Jason
So many people, even Christians, place so much of their hope in the outcome of elections. Don't get me wrong. If we feel like a candidate supports our views we should vote for them. It is our responsibility as citizens to vote.
However, our faith should never be in who is President or controls Congress. Our ability to follow God is not dictated by what political party is in the majority.
I will probably make more comments after the election results are finalized, but I am tired and need to get to bed soon. Who will be in control when the dust clears? Republicans? Democrats? How about God?
shine!
Jason
Still a political science junkie
Here I am watching FoxNews to see the results of the election. As much as I have distanced myself from politics, it is still a mild passion for me. But this is the key to keeping your sanity in the midst of the craziness. God will keep working no matter who controls Congress.
So many people, even Christians, place so much of their hope in the outcome of elections. Don't get me wrong. If we feel like a candidate supports our views we should vote for them. It is our responsibility as citizens to vote.
However, our faith should never be in who is President or controls Congress. Our ability to follow God is not dictated by what political party is in the majority.
I will probably make more comments after the election results are finalized, but I am tired and need to get to bed soon. Who will be in control when the dust clears? Republicans? Democrats? How about God?
shine!
Jason
So many people, even Christians, place so much of their hope in the outcome of elections. Don't get me wrong. If we feel like a candidate supports our views we should vote for them. It is our responsibility as citizens to vote.
However, our faith should never be in who is President or controls Congress. Our ability to follow God is not dictated by what political party is in the majority.
I will probably make more comments after the election results are finalized, but I am tired and need to get to bed soon. Who will be in control when the dust clears? Republicans? Democrats? How about God?
shine!
Jason
Monday, October 02, 2006
It doesn't affect me?
In the last week, there have been three fatal school shootings. I am sure that even now the debate is renewing. Why? How? Here are a few of my reflections.
I am pretty tired of this philosophy that our children (and adults for that matter) can listen to whatever they want and not be affected. Personally, I take that as a cop-out because people either lack the courage to stand up for what is right or they don't want to give up the entertainment they enjoy.
Don't think I am trying to be the thought police or go for censorship. It's not the government's job to pick up where parents and other community leaders are dropping the ball. If the church would do it's job, we wouldn't need the government providing day care, welfare, and so many other services that God's people should be engaged in. But that's a different subject for another time.
Back to this entertainment thought. Do we really think our children can listen to whatever they want and not be affected? Here are the lyrics for this week's Billboard Top 5:
WARNING: There is some explicit language in the songs below! I have left them unedited for you to see what many of our youth are listening to.
------------------------------------------------
Sexy Back (Justin Timberlake) #1
[Verse 1]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
I think you're special whats behind your back
So turn around and ill pick up the slack.
Take em' to the bridge
[Bridge]
Dirty babe
You see these shackles
Baby I'm your slave
I'll let you whip me if I misbehave
It's just that no one makes me feel this way
Take em' to the chorus
[Chorus]
Come here girl
Go ahead, be gone with it
Come to the back
Go ahead, be gone with it
VIP
Go ahead, be gone with it
Drinks on me
Go ahead, be gone with it
Let me see what you're working with
Go ahead, be gone with it
Look at those hips
Go ahead, be gone with it
You make me smile
Go ahead, be gone with it
Go ahead child
Go ahead, be gone with it
And get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it
Get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it
[X6]
Get your sexy on
[Verse 2]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
Come let me make up for the things you lack
Cause your burning up I gotta get it fast
Take em' to the bridge
[Bridge]
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
If that's your girl you better watch your back
Cause she'll burn it up for me and that's a fact
Take em' to the chorus
[Chorus]
----------------------------------------
Money Maker (Ludacris featuring Pharrell) #2
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Verse 1:]
Shake shake shake your money maker
Like you were shakin it for some paper
Took your mama 9 months to make ya
Might as well shake what ya mama gave ya
You ... you lookin good in them jeans
I bet you look even better with me in between
I keep my mind on my money, money on my mind
But yous a hell of a distraction when you shake your behind
I got * on my right side pourin some cups
My whole hood is to my left and they aint giving a fuck
So feel free to get lose and get carried away
So by tomorrow you forgot what you was sayin today
But don't forget about this feeling that im making you get
And all the calories you burn from me making you sweat
The mile high points you earn when we taking my jet
And how everywhere you turn I'll be making you wet..
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Verse 2:]
Switch, switch, switch it from right to left and..
Switch it till you running right out of breath and..
Take a break until you ready again and..
You can invite over as many friends as..
Ya want to, but i really want you
Just be thankful that Pharrell gave you somethin to bump to...HEYY
Luda...Im at the top of my game
You want my hands from the bottom to the top of your brain
And I...just wanna take a lil ride on your curves
And get erotic giving your body just what it deserves and..
Let me give you some swimming lessons on the penis
Backstroke, breaststroke, stroke of a genius...YUPP
Call me the renaissance man
Get up and i stay harder than a cinder block mannn....HEYY
Im just a bedroom gangster
And i been meanin to tell ya that i really must thank ya when ya..
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Verse 3:]
Rock rock rock it and make it work girl
Please dont stop it until it hurt girl
You..you been lookin a little tipsy
So if you could jus shake it a little this wayy
See ima member of the BBC
The original bread winna of DTP
And you the center of attention thats distracting this war
Cuz everybody in the camp is like OH MY GODD..she could
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
--------------------------------------
How to Save a Life (The Fray) #3
Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And pray to God he hears you
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he'll say he's just not the same
And you'll begin to wonder why you came
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life
How to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life
---------------------------------------
London Bridge (Fergie) #4
Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit
When I come to the clubs, step aside
Pop the seeds, don't be hating me in the line
V.I.P because you know I gotta shine
I'm Fergie Ferg
Give me love you long time
All my girls get down on the floor
Back to back drop it down real low
I'm such a lady but I'm dancing like a ho
Because you know what, I don't give a fuck
So here we go!
[Chorus (x2)]
How come every time you come around
My London London Bridge want to go down
Like London London want to go down
Like London London be going down
Drinks start pouring
And my speech start slowing
Everybody start looking at you
The Grey Goose got the girl feeling loose
Now I wishing that I didn't wear these shoes
It's like everytime I get up on the dude
Papparazzi put my business in the news
And I'm gonna get up out my face (oh, shit)
Before I turn around and spray your ass with mace (oh, shit)
My lips make you want to have a taste (oh, shit)
You got that? I got the bass
[Chorus x2]
---------------------------------------
Lips of An Angel (Hinder) #5
honey why you calling me so late?
It's kinda hard to talk right now
Honey why are you crying is everything okay
I gotta whisper cause I can't be too loud
Well, my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
It's funny that you're calling me tonight
And yes I've dreamt of you too
And does he know you're talking to me
Will it start a fight
No I don't think she has a clue
Well my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
(And I never wanna say goodbye)
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
honey why you calling me so late?
---------------------------------------
This begs a few questions for me...
Is it any wonder that teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are everywhere?
Is it any wonder that divorce rates have gone up?
Is it any wonder that teenagers are more depressed than ever?
Is it any wonder that respect seems to have faded away?
Is it any wonder that this generation feels lost, lonely, and abandoned?
Which leads me to my other point. Most of the blame is not on the youth. We listen to what we let them listen to. We give them too many adult freedoms without adult guidance. We invest time in our own careers, hobbies, and desires and leave them without much time and direction.
It seems like many parents would rather have a promotion at work than dinner with their family.
It seems like many dads would rather play golf with their buddies than spend time with their son or daughter.
Families spend hours staring at a TV rather than looking at each other and talking.
What happens when the captain leaves the cockpit of a plane? The same thing that happens when parents abandon leadership of their families. Crash!
Granted, parents often face financial struggles and difficulties. But do families really NEED a fancy car, a big house, or a HDTV? Are those things really more important than family time?
I know there are single moms and families that struggle to make end meet. Sometimes the situation makes it nearly impossible to have quality family time. But isn't that where the church should be there to help out and make up the difference? But other than saying hello on Sunday morning are we there to help single moms? Are we there to lend a hand to families in need?
I will be the first to step up and claim falling short. I know I am not doing as well as I should. But it's time for all of us to step up our efforts. It's time to stop letting the entertainment industry shape and form our children. It's time to take the power away from MTV and iPods. It's time we spend more time with our children so WE can shape their minds and hearts.
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. (Romans 12:2)
"A tree is identified by its fruit. Make a tree good, and its fruit will be good. Make a tree bad, and its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned." -Jesus (quoted from Matthew 12:33-37)
Would you rather your son spend an hour talking to you about how to treat young ladies or get advice by listening to the artists above? Or, who do you want teaching your daughter how to treat and use her body? It's your call.
shine!
Jason
I am pretty tired of this philosophy that our children (and adults for that matter) can listen to whatever they want and not be affected. Personally, I take that as a cop-out because people either lack the courage to stand up for what is right or they don't want to give up the entertainment they enjoy.
Don't think I am trying to be the thought police or go for censorship. It's not the government's job to pick up where parents and other community leaders are dropping the ball. If the church would do it's job, we wouldn't need the government providing day care, welfare, and so many other services that God's people should be engaged in. But that's a different subject for another time.
Back to this entertainment thought. Do we really think our children can listen to whatever they want and not be affected? Here are the lyrics for this week's Billboard Top 5:
WARNING: There is some explicit language in the songs below! I have left them unedited for you to see what many of our youth are listening to.
------------------------------------------------
Sexy Back (Justin Timberlake) #1
[Verse 1]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
I think you're special whats behind your back
So turn around and ill pick up the slack.
Take em' to the bridge
[Bridge]
Dirty babe
You see these shackles
Baby I'm your slave
I'll let you whip me if I misbehave
It's just that no one makes me feel this way
Take em' to the chorus
[Chorus]
Come here girl
Go ahead, be gone with it
Come to the back
Go ahead, be gone with it
VIP
Go ahead, be gone with it
Drinks on me
Go ahead, be gone with it
Let me see what you're working with
Go ahead, be gone with it
Look at those hips
Go ahead, be gone with it
You make me smile
Go ahead, be gone with it
Go ahead child
Go ahead, be gone with it
And get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it
Get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it
[X6]
Get your sexy on
[Verse 2]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
Come let me make up for the things you lack
Cause your burning up I gotta get it fast
Take em' to the bridge
[Bridge]
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
If that's your girl you better watch your back
Cause she'll burn it up for me and that's a fact
Take em' to the chorus
[Chorus]
----------------------------------------
Money Maker (Ludacris featuring Pharrell) #2
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Verse 1:]
Shake shake shake your money maker
Like you were shakin it for some paper
Took your mama 9 months to make ya
Might as well shake what ya mama gave ya
You ... you lookin good in them jeans
I bet you look even better with me in between
I keep my mind on my money, money on my mind
But yous a hell of a distraction when you shake your behind
I got * on my right side pourin some cups
My whole hood is to my left and they aint giving a fuck
So feel free to get lose and get carried away
So by tomorrow you forgot what you was sayin today
But don't forget about this feeling that im making you get
And all the calories you burn from me making you sweat
The mile high points you earn when we taking my jet
And how everywhere you turn I'll be making you wet..
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Verse 2:]
Switch, switch, switch it from right to left and..
Switch it till you running right out of breath and..
Take a break until you ready again and..
You can invite over as many friends as..
Ya want to, but i really want you
Just be thankful that Pharrell gave you somethin to bump to...HEYY
Luda...Im at the top of my game
You want my hands from the bottom to the top of your brain
And I...just wanna take a lil ride on your curves
And get erotic giving your body just what it deserves and..
Let me give you some swimming lessons on the penis
Backstroke, breaststroke, stroke of a genius...YUPP
Call me the renaissance man
Get up and i stay harder than a cinder block mannn....HEYY
Im just a bedroom gangster
And i been meanin to tell ya that i really must thank ya when ya..
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Verse 3:]
Rock rock rock it and make it work girl
Please dont stop it until it hurt girl
You..you been lookin a little tipsy
So if you could jus shake it a little this wayy
See ima member of the BBC
The original bread winna of DTP
And you the center of attention thats distracting this war
Cuz everybody in the camp is like OH MY GODD..she could
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
--------------------------------------
How to Save a Life (The Fray) #3
Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And pray to God he hears you
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he'll say he's just not the same
And you'll begin to wonder why you came
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life
How to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life
---------------------------------------
London Bridge (Fergie) #4
Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit
When I come to the clubs, step aside
Pop the seeds, don't be hating me in the line
V.I.P because you know I gotta shine
I'm Fergie Ferg
Give me love you long time
All my girls get down on the floor
Back to back drop it down real low
I'm such a lady but I'm dancing like a ho
Because you know what, I don't give a fuck
So here we go!
[Chorus (x2)]
How come every time you come around
My London London Bridge want to go down
Like London London want to go down
Like London London be going down
Drinks start pouring
And my speech start slowing
Everybody start looking at you
The Grey Goose got the girl feeling loose
Now I wishing that I didn't wear these shoes
It's like everytime I get up on the dude
Papparazzi put my business in the news
And I'm gonna get up out my face (oh, shit)
Before I turn around and spray your ass with mace (oh, shit)
My lips make you want to have a taste (oh, shit)
You got that? I got the bass
[Chorus x2]
---------------------------------------
Lips of An Angel (Hinder) #5
honey why you calling me so late?
It's kinda hard to talk right now
Honey why are you crying is everything okay
I gotta whisper cause I can't be too loud
Well, my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
It's funny that you're calling me tonight
And yes I've dreamt of you too
And does he know you're talking to me
Will it start a fight
No I don't think she has a clue
Well my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
(And I never wanna say goodbye)
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
honey why you calling me so late?
---------------------------------------
This begs a few questions for me...
Is it any wonder that teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are everywhere?
Is it any wonder that divorce rates have gone up?
Is it any wonder that teenagers are more depressed than ever?
Is it any wonder that respect seems to have faded away?
Is it any wonder that this generation feels lost, lonely, and abandoned?
Which leads me to my other point. Most of the blame is not on the youth. We listen to what we let them listen to. We give them too many adult freedoms without adult guidance. We invest time in our own careers, hobbies, and desires and leave them without much time and direction.
It seems like many parents would rather have a promotion at work than dinner with their family.
It seems like many dads would rather play golf with their buddies than spend time with their son or daughter.
Families spend hours staring at a TV rather than looking at each other and talking.
What happens when the captain leaves the cockpit of a plane? The same thing that happens when parents abandon leadership of their families. Crash!
Granted, parents often face financial struggles and difficulties. But do families really NEED a fancy car, a big house, or a HDTV? Are those things really more important than family time?
I know there are single moms and families that struggle to make end meet. Sometimes the situation makes it nearly impossible to have quality family time. But isn't that where the church should be there to help out and make up the difference? But other than saying hello on Sunday morning are we there to help single moms? Are we there to lend a hand to families in need?
I will be the first to step up and claim falling short. I know I am not doing as well as I should. But it's time for all of us to step up our efforts. It's time to stop letting the entertainment industry shape and form our children. It's time to take the power away from MTV and iPods. It's time we spend more time with our children so WE can shape their minds and hearts.
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. (Romans 12:2)
"A tree is identified by its fruit. Make a tree good, and its fruit will be good. Make a tree bad, and its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned." -Jesus (quoted from Matthew 12:33-37)
Would you rather your son spend an hour talking to you about how to treat young ladies or get advice by listening to the artists above? Or, who do you want teaching your daughter how to treat and use her body? It's your call.
shine!
Jason
It doesn't affect me?
In the last week, there have been three fatal school shootings. I am sure that even now the debate is renewing. Why? How? Here are a few of my reflections.
I am pretty tired of this philosophy that our children (and adults for that matter) can listen to whatever they want and not be affected. Personally, I take that as a cop-out because people either lack the courage to stand up for what is right or they don't want to give up the entertainment they enjoy.
Don't think I am trying to be the thought police or go for censorship. It's not the government's job to pick up where parents and other community leaders are dropping the ball. If the church would do it's job, we wouldn't need the government providing day care, welfare, and so many other services that God's people should be engaged in. But that's a different subject for another time.
Back to this entertainment thought. Do we really think our children can listen to whatever they want and not be affected? Here are the lyrics for this week's Billboard Top 5:
WARNING: There is some explicit language in the songs below! I have left them unedited for you to see what many of our youth are listening to.
------------------------------------------------
Sexy Back (Justin Timberlake) #1
[Verse 1]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
I think you're special whats behind your back
So turn around and ill pick up the slack.
Take em' to the bridge
[Bridge]
Dirty babe
You see these shackles
Baby I'm your slave
I'll let you whip me if I misbehave
It's just that no one makes me feel this way
Take em' to the chorus
[Chorus]
Come here girl
Go ahead, be gone with it
Come to the back
Go ahead, be gone with it
VIP
Go ahead, be gone with it
Drinks on me
Go ahead, be gone with it
Let me see what you're working with
Go ahead, be gone with it
Look at those hips
Go ahead, be gone with it
You make me smile
Go ahead, be gone with it
Go ahead child
Go ahead, be gone with it
And get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it
Get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it
[X6]
Get your sexy on
[Verse 2]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
Come let me make up for the things you lack
Cause your burning up I gotta get it fast
Take em' to the bridge
[Bridge]
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
If that's your girl you better watch your back
Cause she'll burn it up for me and that's a fact
Take em' to the chorus
[Chorus]
----------------------------------------
Money Maker (Ludacris featuring Pharrell) #2
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Verse 1:]
Shake shake shake your money maker
Like you were shakin it for some paper
Took your mama 9 months to make ya
Might as well shake what ya mama gave ya
You ... you lookin good in them jeans
I bet you look even better with me in between
I keep my mind on my money, money on my mind
But yous a hell of a distraction when you shake your behind
I got * on my right side pourin some cups
My whole hood is to my left and they aint giving a fuck
So feel free to get lose and get carried away
So by tomorrow you forgot what you was sayin today
But don't forget about this feeling that im making you get
And all the calories you burn from me making you sweat
The mile high points you earn when we taking my jet
And how everywhere you turn I'll be making you wet..
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Verse 2:]
Switch, switch, switch it from right to left and..
Switch it till you running right out of breath and..
Take a break until you ready again and..
You can invite over as many friends as..
Ya want to, but i really want you
Just be thankful that Pharrell gave you somethin to bump to...HEYY
Luda...Im at the top of my game
You want my hands from the bottom to the top of your brain
And I...just wanna take a lil ride on your curves
And get erotic giving your body just what it deserves and..
Let me give you some swimming lessons on the penis
Backstroke, breaststroke, stroke of a genius...YUPP
Call me the renaissance man
Get up and i stay harder than a cinder block mannn....HEYY
Im just a bedroom gangster
And i been meanin to tell ya that i really must thank ya when ya..
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Verse 3:]
Rock rock rock it and make it work girl
Please dont stop it until it hurt girl
You..you been lookin a little tipsy
So if you could jus shake it a little this wayy
See ima member of the BBC
The original bread winna of DTP
And you the center of attention thats distracting this war
Cuz everybody in the camp is like OH MY GODD..she could
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
--------------------------------------
How to Save a Life (The Fray) #3
Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And pray to God he hears you
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he'll say he's just not the same
And you'll begin to wonder why you came
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life
How to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life
---------------------------------------
London Bridge (Fergie) #4
Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit
When I come to the clubs, step aside
Pop the seeds, don't be hating me in the line
V.I.P because you know I gotta shine
I'm Fergie Ferg
Give me love you long time
All my girls get down on the floor
Back to back drop it down real low
I'm such a lady but I'm dancing like a ho
Because you know what, I don't give a fuck
So here we go!
[Chorus (x2)]
How come every time you come around
My London London Bridge want to go down
Like London London want to go down
Like London London be going down
Drinks start pouring
And my speech start slowing
Everybody start looking at you
The Grey Goose got the girl feeling loose
Now I wishing that I didn't wear these shoes
It's like everytime I get up on the dude
Papparazzi put my business in the news
And I'm gonna get up out my face (oh, shit)
Before I turn around and spray your ass with mace (oh, shit)
My lips make you want to have a taste (oh, shit)
You got that? I got the bass
[Chorus x2]
---------------------------------------
Lips of An Angel (Hinder) #5
honey why you calling me so late?
It's kinda hard to talk right now
Honey why are you crying is everything okay
I gotta whisper cause I can't be too loud
Well, my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
It's funny that you're calling me tonight
And yes I've dreamt of you too
And does he know you're talking to me
Will it start a fight
No I don't think she has a clue
Well my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
(And I never wanna say goodbye)
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
honey why you calling me so late?
---------------------------------------
This begs a few questions for me...
Is it any wonder that teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are everywhere?
Is it any wonder that divorce rates have gone up?
Is it any wonder that teenagers are more depressed than ever?
Is it any wonder that respect seems to have faded away?
Is it any wonder that this generation feels lost, lonely, and abandoned?
Which leads me to my other point. Most of the blame is not on the youth. We listen to what we let them listen to. We give them too many adult freedoms without adult guidance. We invest time in our own careers, hobbies, and desires and leave them without much time and direction.
It seems like many parents would rather have a promotion at work than dinner with their family.
It seems like many dads would rather play golf with their buddies than spend time with their son or daughter.
Families spend hours staring at a TV rather than looking at each other and talking.
What happens when the captain leaves the cockpit of a plane? The same thing that happens when parents abandon leadership of their families. Crash!
Granted, parents often face financial struggles and difficulties. But do families really NEED a fancy car, a big house, or a HDTV? Are those things really more important than family time?
I know there are single moms and families that struggle to make end meet. Sometimes the situation makes it nearly impossible to have quality family time. But isn't that where the church should be there to help out and make up the difference? But other than saying hello on Sunday morning are we there to help single moms? Are we there to lend a hand to families in need?
I will be the first to step up and claim falling short. I know I am not doing as well as I should. But it's time for all of us to step up our efforts. It's time to stop letting the entertainment industry shape and form our children. It's time to take the power away from MTV and iPods. It's time we spend more time with our children so WE can shape their minds and hearts.
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. (Romans 12:2)
"A tree is identified by its fruit. Make a tree good, and its fruit will be good. Make a tree bad, and its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned." -Jesus (quoted from Matthew 12:33-37)
Would you rather your son spend an hour talking to you about how to treat young ladies or get advice by listening to the artists above? Or, who do you want teaching your daughter how to treat and use her body? It's your call.
shine!
Jason
I am pretty tired of this philosophy that our children (and adults for that matter) can listen to whatever they want and not be affected. Personally, I take that as a cop-out because people either lack the courage to stand up for what is right or they don't want to give up the entertainment they enjoy.
Don't think I am trying to be the thought police or go for censorship. It's not the government's job to pick up where parents and other community leaders are dropping the ball. If the church would do it's job, we wouldn't need the government providing day care, welfare, and so many other services that God's people should be engaged in. But that's a different subject for another time.
Back to this entertainment thought. Do we really think our children can listen to whatever they want and not be affected? Here are the lyrics for this week's Billboard Top 5:
WARNING: There is some explicit language in the songs below! I have left them unedited for you to see what many of our youth are listening to.
------------------------------------------------
Sexy Back (Justin Timberlake) #1
[Verse 1]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
I think you're special whats behind your back
So turn around and ill pick up the slack.
Take em' to the bridge
[Bridge]
Dirty babe
You see these shackles
Baby I'm your slave
I'll let you whip me if I misbehave
It's just that no one makes me feel this way
Take em' to the chorus
[Chorus]
Come here girl
Go ahead, be gone with it
Come to the back
Go ahead, be gone with it
VIP
Go ahead, be gone with it
Drinks on me
Go ahead, be gone with it
Let me see what you're working with
Go ahead, be gone with it
Look at those hips
Go ahead, be gone with it
You make me smile
Go ahead, be gone with it
Go ahead child
Go ahead, be gone with it
And get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it
Get your sexy on
Go ahead, be gone with it
[X6]
Get your sexy on
[Verse 2]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
Come let me make up for the things you lack
Cause your burning up I gotta get it fast
Take em' to the bridge
[Bridge]
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
I'm bringing sexy back
Them other boys don't know how to act
If that's your girl you better watch your back
Cause she'll burn it up for me and that's a fact
Take em' to the chorus
[Chorus]
----------------------------------------
Money Maker (Ludacris featuring Pharrell) #2
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Verse 1:]
Shake shake shake your money maker
Like you were shakin it for some paper
Took your mama 9 months to make ya
Might as well shake what ya mama gave ya
You ... you lookin good in them jeans
I bet you look even better with me in between
I keep my mind on my money, money on my mind
But yous a hell of a distraction when you shake your behind
I got * on my right side pourin some cups
My whole hood is to my left and they aint giving a fuck
So feel free to get lose and get carried away
So by tomorrow you forgot what you was sayin today
But don't forget about this feeling that im making you get
And all the calories you burn from me making you sweat
The mile high points you earn when we taking my jet
And how everywhere you turn I'll be making you wet..
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Verse 2:]
Switch, switch, switch it from right to left and..
Switch it till you running right out of breath and..
Take a break until you ready again and..
You can invite over as many friends as..
Ya want to, but i really want you
Just be thankful that Pharrell gave you somethin to bump to...HEYY
Luda...Im at the top of my game
You want my hands from the bottom to the top of your brain
And I...just wanna take a lil ride on your curves
And get erotic giving your body just what it deserves and..
Let me give you some swimming lessons on the penis
Backstroke, breaststroke, stroke of a genius...YUPP
Call me the renaissance man
Get up and i stay harder than a cinder block mannn....HEYY
Im just a bedroom gangster
And i been meanin to tell ya that i really must thank ya when ya..
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Verse 3:]
Rock rock rock it and make it work girl
Please dont stop it until it hurt girl
You..you been lookin a little tipsy
So if you could jus shake it a little this wayy
See ima member of the BBC
The original bread winna of DTP
And you the center of attention thats distracting this war
Cuz everybody in the camp is like OH MY GODD..she could
[Hook:]
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
I see you on my radar
Don't you act like you dont hear
She...
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
[Pharrell:]
Shake your money maker
Like somebody boutta pay ya
Don't worry about them haters
Keep your nose up in the air
[Ludacris:]
You know I got it
If you want it, come get it
Stand next to this money
Like - ey ey ey
--------------------------------------
How to Save a Life (The Fray) #3
Step one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defense
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to God he hears you
And pray to God he hears you
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he'll say he's just not the same
And you'll begin to wonder why you came
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life
How to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life
---------------------------------------
London Bridge (Fergie) #4
Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit
When I come to the clubs, step aside
Pop the seeds, don't be hating me in the line
V.I.P because you know I gotta shine
I'm Fergie Ferg
Give me love you long time
All my girls get down on the floor
Back to back drop it down real low
I'm such a lady but I'm dancing like a ho
Because you know what, I don't give a fuck
So here we go!
[Chorus (x2)]
How come every time you come around
My London London Bridge want to go down
Like London London want to go down
Like London London be going down
Drinks start pouring
And my speech start slowing
Everybody start looking at you
The Grey Goose got the girl feeling loose
Now I wishing that I didn't wear these shoes
It's like everytime I get up on the dude
Papparazzi put my business in the news
And I'm gonna get up out my face (oh, shit)
Before I turn around and spray your ass with mace (oh, shit)
My lips make you want to have a taste (oh, shit)
You got that? I got the bass
[Chorus x2]
---------------------------------------
Lips of An Angel (Hinder) #5
honey why you calling me so late?
It's kinda hard to talk right now
Honey why are you crying is everything okay
I gotta whisper cause I can't be too loud
Well, my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
It's funny that you're calling me tonight
And yes I've dreamt of you too
And does he know you're talking to me
Will it start a fight
No I don't think she has a clue
Well my girl's in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak
And I never wanna say goodbye
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
(And I never wanna say goodbye)
But girl you make it hard to be faithful
With the lips of an angel
honey why you calling me so late?
---------------------------------------
This begs a few questions for me...
Is it any wonder that teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases are everywhere?
Is it any wonder that divorce rates have gone up?
Is it any wonder that teenagers are more depressed than ever?
Is it any wonder that respect seems to have faded away?
Is it any wonder that this generation feels lost, lonely, and abandoned?
Which leads me to my other point. Most of the blame is not on the youth. We listen to what we let them listen to. We give them too many adult freedoms without adult guidance. We invest time in our own careers, hobbies, and desires and leave them without much time and direction.
It seems like many parents would rather have a promotion at work than dinner with their family.
It seems like many dads would rather play golf with their buddies than spend time with their son or daughter.
Families spend hours staring at a TV rather than looking at each other and talking.
What happens when the captain leaves the cockpit of a plane? The same thing that happens when parents abandon leadership of their families. Crash!
Granted, parents often face financial struggles and difficulties. But do families really NEED a fancy car, a big house, or a HDTV? Are those things really more important than family time?
I know there are single moms and families that struggle to make end meet. Sometimes the situation makes it nearly impossible to have quality family time. But isn't that where the church should be there to help out and make up the difference? But other than saying hello on Sunday morning are we there to help single moms? Are we there to lend a hand to families in need?
I will be the first to step up and claim falling short. I know I am not doing as well as I should. But it's time for all of us to step up our efforts. It's time to stop letting the entertainment industry shape and form our children. It's time to take the power away from MTV and iPods. It's time we spend more time with our children so WE can shape their minds and hearts.
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. (Romans 12:2)
"A tree is identified by its fruit. Make a tree good, and its fruit will be good. Make a tree bad, and its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good words from a good heart, and an evil person produces evil words from an evil heart. And I tell you this, that you must give an account on judgment day of every idle word you speak. The words you say now reflect your fate then; either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned." -Jesus (quoted from Matthew 12:33-37)
Would you rather your son spend an hour talking to you about how to treat young ladies or get advice by listening to the artists above? Or, who do you want teaching your daughter how to treat and use her body? It's your call.
shine!
Jason
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Student Small Groups
I am so completely pumped about our Student Small Groups. In less than two weeks we will have over 20 volunteers working with around 70 students. Every Wednesday night these groups will meet in various places at the church building to engage in study, sharing, and prayer. I know that God is going to accomplish great things through these groups.
Please be in prayer for the adults and students that will be a part of this ministry. I know that it will be challenging at times, but I also know it will be very rewarding. I believe that small groups will be the most powerful and significant part of our student ministry from this point forward.
shine!
Jason
Student Small Groups
I am so completely pumped about our Student Small Groups. In less than two weeks we will have over 20 volunteers working with around 70 students. Every Wednesday night these groups will meet in various places at the church building to engage in study, sharing, and prayer. I know that God is going to accomplish great things through these groups.
Please be in prayer for the adults and students that will be a part of this ministry. I know that it will be challenging at times, but I also know it will be very rewarding. I believe that small groups will be the most powerful and significant part of our student ministry from this point forward.
shine!
Jason
Monday, September 18, 2006
What ever happened to holiness?
Yesterday I taught the high school class and our topic was holiness. Actually, the title of the lesson was "God's Most Frightening Feature." This lesson has really been picking at me since yesterday and caused me to ask the question above. What ever happened to holiness?
In the rush to be relevant, tolerant, and trendy, many churches and Christians have lost a grip on the holiness of God. Think about it. Think about a lot of the worship songs that are coming out. How many of them sound like secular love songs with God serving as the boyfriend? This love affair with a "warm, fuzzy" God paints only part of the picture.
Now, before you think I am some right-wing, moralist, fundamentalist, hear me out. I agree we need to reach out to people where they are. I am 100% behind grace. There is no way we can reach the lost if we condemn them for the situation they find themselves in. My concern is not with the lost, but with the ones that call themselves saved.
While there are probably a hundred reasons for the demise of holiness, let me ponder a few.
One of the first things I would consider is the whole idea of Americanized Christianity. You know the kind I am talking about. It's the one where your baptism stamps your passport for heaven. The one that has 5 steps to salvation. The one that is packaged neatly and can be picked up at your local Barnes & Noble. The one that produces love songs for Jesus. Need I say more?
When we begin to look at following Jesus as an individual event as opposed to a community endeavor we lose something. Being a Christ-follower suddenly becomes all about me and not about others. It's about what I need to do to get into heaven, not who I need to be to bring heaven to earth. Me. Me. Me. Didn't the apostle John write, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."? (see John 3:30)
Which brings me to my second thought. Now, this is where I get into one of those chicken and the egg discussions. What came first, Americanized, individualized Christianity, or consumerism? Or did they both feed off of each other? I ask this question, because wasn't our country founded on individual liberty? So I struggle to see what came first. An economy with "God-given" liberty or a religion where you pick your type of God. Is either really that healthy? Or are both a unhealthy marriage of spirituality and materialism?
All that to say that holiness is not Christianity on our terms. It isn't something where we have wiggle room. We can't pick and choose on holiness.
This has nothing to do with worship styles, translations of the Bible, or even what church you attend. It has everything to do with what your life looks like the 165 hours a week you are not in a building that our society calls a church. It has to do with the words you use. The choices you make. The way you treat others. The things you allow to shape your mind and heart. The people you allow to become your closest friends. The time you spend developing your relationship with God.
Consumerism has unfortunately become the air we breathe. We worry more about how people look when they worship than how people dress and cause their fellow Christians to struggle with lust. We worry more about the color of the carpet that why the skin color of most of the people in our church is the same. We worry more about what the Bible class teacher says than whether or not we even open our Bibles at home.
Our society has turned church into McReligion. The kind where you order what you want, consume it, and you're done with it by the time you get to your next stop. Church is for Sundays. It doesn't matter what my life looks like on Monday as long as I look right on Sundays. I can treat people how ever I want at work as long as I take Communion. I can lie, steal, or cheat to get ahead in school as long as I show up for youth group. I can ignore my neighbor in need as long as I throw a few bucks in the collection plate.
What happened to holiness? What happened to staying pure physically, emotionally, and mentally? What happened to keeping ourselves separate from the ways of the world? What happened to looking so different from the world that we would be persecuted, put down, and abused?
I think that many have traded in the old rugged cross for the little plastic one on the end of a necklace. What would Jesus do?
shine!
Jason
In the rush to be relevant, tolerant, and trendy, many churches and Christians have lost a grip on the holiness of God. Think about it. Think about a lot of the worship songs that are coming out. How many of them sound like secular love songs with God serving as the boyfriend? This love affair with a "warm, fuzzy" God paints only part of the picture.
Now, before you think I am some right-wing, moralist, fundamentalist, hear me out. I agree we need to reach out to people where they are. I am 100% behind grace. There is no way we can reach the lost if we condemn them for the situation they find themselves in. My concern is not with the lost, but with the ones that call themselves saved.
While there are probably a hundred reasons for the demise of holiness, let me ponder a few.
One of the first things I would consider is the whole idea of Americanized Christianity. You know the kind I am talking about. It's the one where your baptism stamps your passport for heaven. The one that has 5 steps to salvation. The one that is packaged neatly and can be picked up at your local Barnes & Noble. The one that produces love songs for Jesus. Need I say more?
When we begin to look at following Jesus as an individual event as opposed to a community endeavor we lose something. Being a Christ-follower suddenly becomes all about me and not about others. It's about what I need to do to get into heaven, not who I need to be to bring heaven to earth. Me. Me. Me. Didn't the apostle John write, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."? (see John 3:30)
Which brings me to my second thought. Now, this is where I get into one of those chicken and the egg discussions. What came first, Americanized, individualized Christianity, or consumerism? Or did they both feed off of each other? I ask this question, because wasn't our country founded on individual liberty? So I struggle to see what came first. An economy with "God-given" liberty or a religion where you pick your type of God. Is either really that healthy? Or are both a unhealthy marriage of spirituality and materialism?
All that to say that holiness is not Christianity on our terms. It isn't something where we have wiggle room. We can't pick and choose on holiness.
This has nothing to do with worship styles, translations of the Bible, or even what church you attend. It has everything to do with what your life looks like the 165 hours a week you are not in a building that our society calls a church. It has to do with the words you use. The choices you make. The way you treat others. The things you allow to shape your mind and heart. The people you allow to become your closest friends. The time you spend developing your relationship with God.
Consumerism has unfortunately become the air we breathe. We worry more about how people look when they worship than how people dress and cause their fellow Christians to struggle with lust. We worry more about the color of the carpet that why the skin color of most of the people in our church is the same. We worry more about what the Bible class teacher says than whether or not we even open our Bibles at home.
Our society has turned church into McReligion. The kind where you order what you want, consume it, and you're done with it by the time you get to your next stop. Church is for Sundays. It doesn't matter what my life looks like on Monday as long as I look right on Sundays. I can treat people how ever I want at work as long as I take Communion. I can lie, steal, or cheat to get ahead in school as long as I show up for youth group. I can ignore my neighbor in need as long as I throw a few bucks in the collection plate.
What happened to holiness? What happened to staying pure physically, emotionally, and mentally? What happened to keeping ourselves separate from the ways of the world? What happened to looking so different from the world that we would be persecuted, put down, and abused?
I think that many have traded in the old rugged cross for the little plastic one on the end of a necklace. What would Jesus do?
shine!
Jason
What ever happened to holiness?
Yesterday I taught the high school class and our topic was holiness. Actually, the title of the lesson was "God's Most Frightening Feature." This lesson has really been picking at me since yesterday and caused me to ask the question above. What ever happened to holiness?
In the rush to be relevant, tolerant, and trendy, many churches and Christians have lost a grip on the holiness of God. Think about it. Think about a lot of the worship songs that are coming out. How many of them sound like secular love songs with God serving as the boyfriend? This love affair with a "warm, fuzzy" God paints only part of the picture.
Now, before you think I am some right-wing, moralist, fundamentalist, hear me out. I agree we need to reach out to people where they are. I am 100% behind grace. There is no way we can reach the lost if we condemn them for the situation they find themselves in. My concern is not with the lost, but with the ones that call themselves saved.
While there are probably a hundred reasons for the demise of holiness, let me ponder a few.
One of the first things I would consider is the whole idea of Americanized Christianity. You know the kind I am talking about. It's the one where your baptism stamps your passport for heaven. The one that has 5 steps to salvation. The one that is packaged neatly and can be picked up at your local Barnes & Noble. The one that produces love songs for Jesus. Need I say more?
When we begin to look at following Jesus as an individual event as opposed to a community endeavor we lose something. Being a Christ-follower suddenly becomes all about me and not about others. It's about what I need to do to get into heaven, not who I need to be to bring heaven to earth. Me. Me. Me. Didn't the apostle John write, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."? (see John 3:30)
Which brings me to my second thought. Now, this is where I get into one of those chicken and the egg discussions. What came first, Americanized, individualized Christianity, or consumerism? Or did they both feed off of each other? I ask this question, because wasn't our country founded on individual liberty? So I struggle to see what came first. An economy with "God-given" liberty or a religion where you pick your type of God. Is either really that healthy? Or are both a unhealthy marriage of spirituality and materialism?
All that to say that holiness is not Christianity on our terms. It isn't something where we have wiggle room. We can't pick and choose on holiness.
This has nothing to do with worship styles, translations of the Bible, or even what church you attend. It has everything to do with what your life looks like the 165 hours a week you are not in a building that our society calls a church. It has to do with the words you use. The choices you make. The way you treat others. The things you allow to shape your mind and heart. The people you allow to become your closest friends. The time you spend developing your relationship with God.
Consumerism has unfortunately become the air we breathe. We worry more about how people look when they worship than how people dress and cause their fellow Christians to struggle with lust. We worry more about the color of the carpet that why the skin color of most of the people in our church is the same. We worry more about what the Bible class teacher says than whether or not we even open our Bibles at home.
Our society has turned church into McReligion. The kind where you order what you want, consume it, and you're done with it by the time you get to your next stop. Church is for Sundays. It doesn't matter what my life looks like on Monday as long as I look right on Sundays. I can treat people how ever I want at work as long as I take Communion. I can lie, steal, or cheat to get ahead in school as long as I show up for youth group. I can ignore my neighbor in need as long as I throw a few bucks in the collection plate.
What happened to holiness? What happened to staying pure physically, emotionally, and mentally? What happened to keeping ourselves separate from the ways of the world? What happened to looking so different from the world that we would be persecuted, put down, and abused?
I think that many have traded in the old rugged cross for the little plastic one on the end of a necklace. What would Jesus do?
shine!
Jason
In the rush to be relevant, tolerant, and trendy, many churches and Christians have lost a grip on the holiness of God. Think about it. Think about a lot of the worship songs that are coming out. How many of them sound like secular love songs with God serving as the boyfriend? This love affair with a "warm, fuzzy" God paints only part of the picture.
Now, before you think I am some right-wing, moralist, fundamentalist, hear me out. I agree we need to reach out to people where they are. I am 100% behind grace. There is no way we can reach the lost if we condemn them for the situation they find themselves in. My concern is not with the lost, but with the ones that call themselves saved.
While there are probably a hundred reasons for the demise of holiness, let me ponder a few.
One of the first things I would consider is the whole idea of Americanized Christianity. You know the kind I am talking about. It's the one where your baptism stamps your passport for heaven. The one that has 5 steps to salvation. The one that is packaged neatly and can be picked up at your local Barnes & Noble. The one that produces love songs for Jesus. Need I say more?
When we begin to look at following Jesus as an individual event as opposed to a community endeavor we lose something. Being a Christ-follower suddenly becomes all about me and not about others. It's about what I need to do to get into heaven, not who I need to be to bring heaven to earth. Me. Me. Me. Didn't the apostle John write, "He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less."? (see John 3:30)
Which brings me to my second thought. Now, this is where I get into one of those chicken and the egg discussions. What came first, Americanized, individualized Christianity, or consumerism? Or did they both feed off of each other? I ask this question, because wasn't our country founded on individual liberty? So I struggle to see what came first. An economy with "God-given" liberty or a religion where you pick your type of God. Is either really that healthy? Or are both a unhealthy marriage of spirituality and materialism?
All that to say that holiness is not Christianity on our terms. It isn't something where we have wiggle room. We can't pick and choose on holiness.
This has nothing to do with worship styles, translations of the Bible, or even what church you attend. It has everything to do with what your life looks like the 165 hours a week you are not in a building that our society calls a church. It has to do with the words you use. The choices you make. The way you treat others. The things you allow to shape your mind and heart. The people you allow to become your closest friends. The time you spend developing your relationship with God.
Consumerism has unfortunately become the air we breathe. We worry more about how people look when they worship than how people dress and cause their fellow Christians to struggle with lust. We worry more about the color of the carpet that why the skin color of most of the people in our church is the same. We worry more about what the Bible class teacher says than whether or not we even open our Bibles at home.
Our society has turned church into McReligion. The kind where you order what you want, consume it, and you're done with it by the time you get to your next stop. Church is for Sundays. It doesn't matter what my life looks like on Monday as long as I look right on Sundays. I can treat people how ever I want at work as long as I take Communion. I can lie, steal, or cheat to get ahead in school as long as I show up for youth group. I can ignore my neighbor in need as long as I throw a few bucks in the collection plate.
What happened to holiness? What happened to staying pure physically, emotionally, and mentally? What happened to keeping ourselves separate from the ways of the world? What happened to looking so different from the world that we would be persecuted, put down, and abused?
I think that many have traded in the old rugged cross for the little plastic one on the end of a necklace. What would Jesus do?
shine!
Jason
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Shhhh....
Imagine a place of peace for you.
Is it sitting in a small boat in the middle of a secluded lake?
Is it the back porch of a cabin in the woods?
Is it a bike ride through the country?
What is that place for you?
Close your eyes for about 30 seconds and just focus on that place.
(If you didn't stop and close your eyes, read the sentence above and follow directions. LOL)
OK. Why do we long for peace? Why do we long for a time of quiet? I believe that God placed that desire for quiet so that we would have times to listen for Him to speak. Consider this exchange between Elihah and the LORD.
"Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:11-13)
I firmly believe that God speaks to us often. He may not speak audibly, but by the Spirit He longs to speak to our hearts and minds. He wants to meet us in those quiet places. Why else would the Psalmist write, "Be silent, and know that I am God!"?
This week the Rochester teens are participating in a Media Fast. (Therefore many of them may not see this until next week.) This is a week where we have dedicated ourselves to not watch TV or movies, not listen to music (other than praise and worship), and not browse the internet or spend significant time chatting. It is a time to turn off a lot of the "noise" that crowds our minds and drowns out the voice of the Lord.
I want to invite you to join us on this journey. If you are reading this weeks later, make an effort to engage in your own media fast. Take time to be silent and know that He is God.
If you are participating or do participate in a media fast I would love to hear back from you when it is over. How did you hear God's voice in those times of quiet? What impact did it have on your walk with God?
If you have any other questions about the Media Fast, please feel free to email me. May God be glorified in all that you do, say, and think.
shine!
Jason
Is it sitting in a small boat in the middle of a secluded lake?
Is it the back porch of a cabin in the woods?
Is it a bike ride through the country?
What is that place for you?
Close your eyes for about 30 seconds and just focus on that place.
(If you didn't stop and close your eyes, read the sentence above and follow directions. LOL)
OK. Why do we long for peace? Why do we long for a time of quiet? I believe that God placed that desire for quiet so that we would have times to listen for Him to speak. Consider this exchange between Elihah and the LORD.
"Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:11-13)
I firmly believe that God speaks to us often. He may not speak audibly, but by the Spirit He longs to speak to our hearts and minds. He wants to meet us in those quiet places. Why else would the Psalmist write, "Be silent, and know that I am God!"?
This week the Rochester teens are participating in a Media Fast. (Therefore many of them may not see this until next week.) This is a week where we have dedicated ourselves to not watch TV or movies, not listen to music (other than praise and worship), and not browse the internet or spend significant time chatting. It is a time to turn off a lot of the "noise" that crowds our minds and drowns out the voice of the Lord.
I want to invite you to join us on this journey. If you are reading this weeks later, make an effort to engage in your own media fast. Take time to be silent and know that He is God.
If you are participating or do participate in a media fast I would love to hear back from you when it is over. How did you hear God's voice in those times of quiet? What impact did it have on your walk with God?
If you have any other questions about the Media Fast, please feel free to email me. May God be glorified in all that you do, say, and think.
shine!
Jason
Shhhh....
Imagine a place of peace for you.
Is it sitting in a small boat in the middle of a secluded lake?
Is it the back porch of a cabin in the woods?
Is it a bike ride through the country?
What is that place for you?
Close your eyes for about 30 seconds and just focus on that place.
(If you didn't stop and close your eyes, read the sentence above and follow directions. LOL)
OK. Why do we long for peace? Why do we long for a time of quiet? I believe that God placed that desire for quiet so that we would have times to listen for Him to speak. Consider this exchange between Elihah and the LORD.
"Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:11-13)
I firmly believe that God speaks to us often. He may not speak audibly, but by the Spirit He longs to speak to our hearts and minds. He wants to meet us in those quiet places. Why else would the Psalmist write, "Be silent, and know that I am God!"?
This week the Rochester teens are participating in a Media Fast. (Therefore many of them may not see this until next week.) This is a week where we have dedicated ourselves to not watch TV or movies, not listen to music (other than praise and worship), and not browse the internet or spend significant time chatting. It is a time to turn off a lot of the "noise" that crowds our minds and drowns out the voice of the Lord.
I want to invite you to join us on this journey. If you are reading this weeks later, make an effort to engage in your own media fast. Take time to be silent and know that He is God.
If you are participating or do participate in a media fast I would love to hear back from you when it is over. How did you hear God's voice in those times of quiet? What impact did it have on your walk with God?
If you have any other questions about the Media Fast, please feel free to email me. May God be glorified in all that you do, say, and think.
shine!
Jason
Is it sitting in a small boat in the middle of a secluded lake?
Is it the back porch of a cabin in the woods?
Is it a bike ride through the country?
What is that place for you?
Close your eyes for about 30 seconds and just focus on that place.
(If you didn't stop and close your eyes, read the sentence above and follow directions. LOL)
OK. Why do we long for peace? Why do we long for a time of quiet? I believe that God placed that desire for quiet so that we would have times to listen for Him to speak. Consider this exchange between Elihah and the LORD.
"Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:11-13)
I firmly believe that God speaks to us often. He may not speak audibly, but by the Spirit He longs to speak to our hearts and minds. He wants to meet us in those quiet places. Why else would the Psalmist write, "Be silent, and know that I am God!"?
This week the Rochester teens are participating in a Media Fast. (Therefore many of them may not see this until next week.) This is a week where we have dedicated ourselves to not watch TV or movies, not listen to music (other than praise and worship), and not browse the internet or spend significant time chatting. It is a time to turn off a lot of the "noise" that crowds our minds and drowns out the voice of the Lord.
I want to invite you to join us on this journey. If you are reading this weeks later, make an effort to engage in your own media fast. Take time to be silent and know that He is God.
If you are participating or do participate in a media fast I would love to hear back from you when it is over. How did you hear God's voice in those times of quiet? What impact did it have on your walk with God?
If you have any other questions about the Media Fast, please feel free to email me. May God be glorified in all that you do, say, and think.
shine!
Jason
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
That's Entertainministry!
Am I the only one who thinks it is maddening to reach people for Jesus by seeing who can put on the best performance? But isn't that really what most of youth ministry has become?
Who can have the coolest name?
Who has the flashiest logo?
Who has the best band?
Whose teen room looks the coolest?
Which group does the best ski/rafting/fill-in-the-blank trip?
Now, before you run off and accuse me of advocating boring speakers, irrelevant lessons, and no fun, hear me out. I am all about having fun while we live for and learn about Jesus. I think Jesus enjoyed life. As a matter of fact, didn't He tell us following Him would bring more abundant life? Of course. But here is the question of the hour...what did this life look like?
Did His abundant life come by seeing how much entertainment we could shove in our lives? Did it come by going on trips designed to entertain? Did Jesus get a rush by riding roller coasters, watching movies, or taking excursions? (I'll give you a minute to refer to the Gospels if you need to.) I don't see any of that in the Bible.
The last time I checked, the abundant life Jesus spoke of consisted of serving others, putting your life on the line for the outcast, and giving up everything else for the sake of following Jesus. I doesn't seem as though many youth ministries are buying into that model.
Let's consider what Jesus might embrace...
Racing down a river in a raft or reaching inner-city children?
Movie nights or a night in prayer?
Lock-in or looking for ways to serve senior citizens?
Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with having fun. Buy how much more fun (and abundant) is it to enjoy life while aiding God in redeeming creation? Why not find the kind of peace and fulfillment Jesus talks about in His "Sermon on the Mount?"
From what I see, most youth ministries look more like another club at school than they do a movement going against the grain of culture. They seem more concerned with how many students come to an event than how many students are transformed to look like Jesus.
I will conceed that most youth ministries do strive to "convert" students. But convert them to what? A self-serving experience that says we can still have our life but come to church events and worship? A club where we feel good because we go to church. A place where sins often reigns 153 hours a week and Jesus makes an appearance the other three?
I know I am being hard on my vocation. And I will readily admit that many of the things I have said above are self-condemning. I am not innocent at all in regards to the way I "do" ministry. I still struggle with the balance between relevance and faithfulness. I often wonder if I am too hardcore or if I am selling out to society's expectations and norms.
The bottom line is this. Jesus did not ever want us to look like culture. He did not come so we could feel good in the midst of our sinfulness. Jesus never intended following Him to be a self-help adventure or a chance to just escape Hell. No way. No how.
Jesus calls us to something much more profound and life changing. We are challenged to engage this world of darkness to bring light. And when youth ministry doesn't look much different than the rest of a teen's world and doesn't challenge young people to find their identity in Jesus, what kind of light is that? Who wants to subject themselves to more rules and waking up early on Sundays while they don't significantly change the way they live the rest of the week?
When youth ministry strives to create churchgoers, good citizens, or someone who saves sex until marriage, we have completely missed the point. Jesus wants radicals. People who buck the status quo. People who live in contrast to the self-centered, consumeristic world we find ourselves submursed in.
Hey! This makes me think about the experience of baptism. When we dedicate ourselves to God in baptism we are submursing ourselves into a new world. A new way of living. A new appraoch to life. We are making Christ our LORD and Savior. When Jesus calls Himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life, He is not only talking about a path to heaven. He is talking about a new path here on earth. The Way to restore creation to the way God intended. The Truth about what is really important. The Life that is abundant here and in the world to come.
It's time for youth ministry to get out of the recreation business and into the transformation business. Let's stop worrying about how many teens we can entertain and start worrying about how many teens we can change. Now there's a cross I'm ready to bear.
shine!
Jason
Who can have the coolest name?
Who has the flashiest logo?
Who has the best band?
Whose teen room looks the coolest?
Which group does the best ski/rafting/fill-in-the-blank trip?
Now, before you run off and accuse me of advocating boring speakers, irrelevant lessons, and no fun, hear me out. I am all about having fun while we live for and learn about Jesus. I think Jesus enjoyed life. As a matter of fact, didn't He tell us following Him would bring more abundant life? Of course. But here is the question of the hour...what did this life look like?
Did His abundant life come by seeing how much entertainment we could shove in our lives? Did it come by going on trips designed to entertain? Did Jesus get a rush by riding roller coasters, watching movies, or taking excursions? (I'll give you a minute to refer to the Gospels if you need to.) I don't see any of that in the Bible.
The last time I checked, the abundant life Jesus spoke of consisted of serving others, putting your life on the line for the outcast, and giving up everything else for the sake of following Jesus. I doesn't seem as though many youth ministries are buying into that model.
Let's consider what Jesus might embrace...
Racing down a river in a raft or reaching inner-city children?
Movie nights or a night in prayer?
Lock-in or looking for ways to serve senior citizens?
Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with having fun. Buy how much more fun (and abundant) is it to enjoy life while aiding God in redeeming creation? Why not find the kind of peace and fulfillment Jesus talks about in His "Sermon on the Mount?"
From what I see, most youth ministries look more like another club at school than they do a movement going against the grain of culture. They seem more concerned with how many students come to an event than how many students are transformed to look like Jesus.
I will conceed that most youth ministries do strive to "convert" students. But convert them to what? A self-serving experience that says we can still have our life but come to church events and worship? A club where we feel good because we go to church. A place where sins often reigns 153 hours a week and Jesus makes an appearance the other three?
I know I am being hard on my vocation. And I will readily admit that many of the things I have said above are self-condemning. I am not innocent at all in regards to the way I "do" ministry. I still struggle with the balance between relevance and faithfulness. I often wonder if I am too hardcore or if I am selling out to society's expectations and norms.
The bottom line is this. Jesus did not ever want us to look like culture. He did not come so we could feel good in the midst of our sinfulness. Jesus never intended following Him to be a self-help adventure or a chance to just escape Hell. No way. No how.
Jesus calls us to something much more profound and life changing. We are challenged to engage this world of darkness to bring light. And when youth ministry doesn't look much different than the rest of a teen's world and doesn't challenge young people to find their identity in Jesus, what kind of light is that? Who wants to subject themselves to more rules and waking up early on Sundays while they don't significantly change the way they live the rest of the week?
When youth ministry strives to create churchgoers, good citizens, or someone who saves sex until marriage, we have completely missed the point. Jesus wants radicals. People who buck the status quo. People who live in contrast to the self-centered, consumeristic world we find ourselves submursed in.
Hey! This makes me think about the experience of baptism. When we dedicate ourselves to God in baptism we are submursing ourselves into a new world. A new way of living. A new appraoch to life. We are making Christ our LORD and Savior. When Jesus calls Himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life, He is not only talking about a path to heaven. He is talking about a new path here on earth. The Way to restore creation to the way God intended. The Truth about what is really important. The Life that is abundant here and in the world to come.
It's time for youth ministry to get out of the recreation business and into the transformation business. Let's stop worrying about how many teens we can entertain and start worrying about how many teens we can change. Now there's a cross I'm ready to bear.
shine!
Jason
That's Entertainministry!
Am I the only one who thinks it is maddening to reach people for Jesus by seeing who can put on the best performance? But isn't that really what most of youth ministry has become?
Who can have the coolest name?
Who has the flashiest logo?
Who has the best band?
Whose teen room looks the coolest?
Which group does the best ski/rafting/fill-in-the-blank trip?
Now, before you run off and accuse me of advocating boring speakers, irrelevant lessons, and no fun, hear me out. I am all about having fun while we live for and learn about Jesus. I think Jesus enjoyed life. As a matter of fact, didn't He tell us following Him would bring more abundant life? Of course. But here is the question of the hour...what did this life look like?
Did His abundant life come by seeing how much entertainment we could shove in our lives? Did it come by going on trips designed to entertain? Did Jesus get a rush by riding roller coasters, watching movies, or taking excursions? (I'll give you a minute to refer to the Gospels if you need to.) I don't see any of that in the Bible.
The last time I checked, the abundant life Jesus spoke of consisted of serving others, putting your life on the line for the outcast, and giving up everything else for the sake of following Jesus. I doesn't seem as though many youth ministries are buying into that model.
Let's consider what Jesus might embrace...
Racing down a river in a raft or reaching inner-city children?
Movie nights or a night in prayer?
Lock-in or looking for ways to serve senior citizens?
Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with having fun. Buy how much more fun (and abundant) is it to enjoy life while aiding God in redeeming creation? Why not find the kind of peace and fulfillment Jesus talks about in His "Sermon on the Mount?"
From what I see, most youth ministries look more like another club at school than they do a movement going against the grain of culture. They seem more concerned with how many students come to an event than how many students are transformed to look like Jesus.
I will conceed that most youth ministries do strive to "convert" students. But convert them to what? A self-serving experience that says we can still have our life but come to church events and worship? A club where we feel good because we go to church. A place where sins often reigns 153 hours a week and Jesus makes an appearance the other three?
I know I am being hard on my vocation. And I will readily admit that many of the things I have said above are self-condemning. I am not innocent at all in regards to the way I "do" ministry. I still struggle with the balance between relevance and faithfulness. I often wonder if I am too hardcore or if I am selling out to society's expectations and norms.
The bottom line is this. Jesus did not ever want us to look like culture. He did not come so we could feel good in the midst of our sinfulness. Jesus never intended following Him to be a self-help adventure or a chance to just escape Hell. No way. No how.
Jesus calls us to something much more profound and life changing. We are challenged to engage this world of darkness to bring light. And when youth ministry doesn't look much different than the rest of a teen's world and doesn't challenge young people to find their identity in Jesus, what kind of light is that? Who wants to subject themselves to more rules and waking up early on Sundays while they don't significantly change the way they live the rest of the week?
When youth ministry strives to create churchgoers, good citizens, or someone who saves sex until marriage, we have completely missed the point. Jesus wants radicals. People who buck the status quo. People who live in contrast to the self-centered, consumeristic world we find ourselves submursed in.
Hey! This makes me think about the experience of baptism. When we dedicate ourselves to God in baptism we are submursing ourselves into a new world. A new way of living. A new appraoch to life. We are making Christ our LORD and Savior. When Jesus calls Himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life, He is not only talking about a path to heaven. He is talking about a new path here on earth. The Way to restore creation to the way God intended. The Truth about what is really important. The Life that is abundant here and in the world to come.
It's time for youth ministry to get out of the recreation business and into the transformation business. Let's stop worrying about how many teens we can entertain and start worrying about how many teens we can change. Now there's a cross I'm ready to bear.
shine!
Jason
Who can have the coolest name?
Who has the flashiest logo?
Who has the best band?
Whose teen room looks the coolest?
Which group does the best ski/rafting/fill-in-the-blank trip?
Now, before you run off and accuse me of advocating boring speakers, irrelevant lessons, and no fun, hear me out. I am all about having fun while we live for and learn about Jesus. I think Jesus enjoyed life. As a matter of fact, didn't He tell us following Him would bring more abundant life? Of course. But here is the question of the hour...what did this life look like?
Did His abundant life come by seeing how much entertainment we could shove in our lives? Did it come by going on trips designed to entertain? Did Jesus get a rush by riding roller coasters, watching movies, or taking excursions? (I'll give you a minute to refer to the Gospels if you need to.) I don't see any of that in the Bible.
The last time I checked, the abundant life Jesus spoke of consisted of serving others, putting your life on the line for the outcast, and giving up everything else for the sake of following Jesus. I doesn't seem as though many youth ministries are buying into that model.
Let's consider what Jesus might embrace...
Racing down a river in a raft or reaching inner-city children?
Movie nights or a night in prayer?
Lock-in or looking for ways to serve senior citizens?
Don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with having fun. Buy how much more fun (and abundant) is it to enjoy life while aiding God in redeeming creation? Why not find the kind of peace and fulfillment Jesus talks about in His "Sermon on the Mount?"
From what I see, most youth ministries look more like another club at school than they do a movement going against the grain of culture. They seem more concerned with how many students come to an event than how many students are transformed to look like Jesus.
I will conceed that most youth ministries do strive to "convert" students. But convert them to what? A self-serving experience that says we can still have our life but come to church events and worship? A club where we feel good because we go to church. A place where sins often reigns 153 hours a week and Jesus makes an appearance the other three?
I know I am being hard on my vocation. And I will readily admit that many of the things I have said above are self-condemning. I am not innocent at all in regards to the way I "do" ministry. I still struggle with the balance between relevance and faithfulness. I often wonder if I am too hardcore or if I am selling out to society's expectations and norms.
The bottom line is this. Jesus did not ever want us to look like culture. He did not come so we could feel good in the midst of our sinfulness. Jesus never intended following Him to be a self-help adventure or a chance to just escape Hell. No way. No how.
Jesus calls us to something much more profound and life changing. We are challenged to engage this world of darkness to bring light. And when youth ministry doesn't look much different than the rest of a teen's world and doesn't challenge young people to find their identity in Jesus, what kind of light is that? Who wants to subject themselves to more rules and waking up early on Sundays while they don't significantly change the way they live the rest of the week?
When youth ministry strives to create churchgoers, good citizens, or someone who saves sex until marriage, we have completely missed the point. Jesus wants radicals. People who buck the status quo. People who live in contrast to the self-centered, consumeristic world we find ourselves submursed in.
Hey! This makes me think about the experience of baptism. When we dedicate ourselves to God in baptism we are submursing ourselves into a new world. A new way of living. A new appraoch to life. We are making Christ our LORD and Savior. When Jesus calls Himself the Way, the Truth, and the Life, He is not only talking about a path to heaven. He is talking about a new path here on earth. The Way to restore creation to the way God intended. The Truth about what is really important. The Life that is abundant here and in the world to come.
It's time for youth ministry to get out of the recreation business and into the transformation business. Let's stop worrying about how many teens we can entertain and start worrying about how many teens we can change. Now there's a cross I'm ready to bear.
shine!
Jason
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Seeking identity
Everyone wants it. People will pay great money for it. People will steal for it. People will lie to get it. People will give up their dignity to maintain. People will sacrifice their purity to keep it. People will give away almost anything else to have this one thing.
Identity.
As I write this I find myself in the midst of an identity recalibration. I am really not sure what else to call it. It's not a crisis. It's not a total change. It is a recalibration; an adjustment.
My identity is in Jesus, by what that means is certainly changing. It is changing away from things like how I do church and what I believe about a thousand different "doctrines." This is hard, because "church" is my employer. It is my job. And that creates a extra set of expectations and issues. It is a blessing and a curse. (Well, curse might be a bit strong, but I hope you get the idea.)
God is shaping more and more into finding my identity in the person of Jesus Christ. Not in the church. Not in my faith. Not in my spiritual disciplines and habits. Simply in Jesus.
I am a part of a faith community who has tended to seek it's identity in the way we "do church." It has affected the way we interpret texts. It impacts our approach to life. In a practical way it affects the way we live our lives. I have seen plently of people who will fight to the death for the way we do church, but the rest of their life tends to look very little like what Jesus talks about throughout the Gospels.
The problem is that many (in and out of our specific religious tribe) have made church a part of their identity instead of making Jesus their ONLY identity. This mindset has allowed many Christians to be faithful on Sunday mornings while mistreating employees, friends, and family on Monday. It creates situations where teenagers praise Jesus on Wednesday night and sleep with their boyfriend on Friday night. It makes it "OK" for us to put a few dollars in the contribution plate while ignoring our neighbor who needs food or clothing. I could go on and on, but the point is this: when our identity is in anything other that Jesus Himself, our life will be filled with inconsistancy and identity confusion.
I say all this above because at many points along my walk I have been that person. And, to be honest, parts of me continue to be that person. But God has really worked on me over the last couple of months and started opening my eyes to what I could be. He is showing me that identity anywhere but in His Son is selling ourselves short. It is a problem that started in the Garden of Eden and continues today.
I have plenty more to say, but I will stop for now. I just want to encourage you to pray about where you seek your identity. Is it in your job? Your friends? Your possesions? Your boyfriend/girlfriend? Your music? Your spouse? Or one of a hundred other places?
Seek your identity in the one place that the One who made you wants to find it: Jesus Christ.
shine!
Jason
Identity.
As I write this I find myself in the midst of an identity recalibration. I am really not sure what else to call it. It's not a crisis. It's not a total change. It is a recalibration; an adjustment.
My identity is in Jesus, by what that means is certainly changing. It is changing away from things like how I do church and what I believe about a thousand different "doctrines." This is hard, because "church" is my employer. It is my job. And that creates a extra set of expectations and issues. It is a blessing and a curse. (Well, curse might be a bit strong, but I hope you get the idea.)
God is shaping more and more into finding my identity in the person of Jesus Christ. Not in the church. Not in my faith. Not in my spiritual disciplines and habits. Simply in Jesus.
I am a part of a faith community who has tended to seek it's identity in the way we "do church." It has affected the way we interpret texts. It impacts our approach to life. In a practical way it affects the way we live our lives. I have seen plently of people who will fight to the death for the way we do church, but the rest of their life tends to look very little like what Jesus talks about throughout the Gospels.
The problem is that many (in and out of our specific religious tribe) have made church a part of their identity instead of making Jesus their ONLY identity. This mindset has allowed many Christians to be faithful on Sunday mornings while mistreating employees, friends, and family on Monday. It creates situations where teenagers praise Jesus on Wednesday night and sleep with their boyfriend on Friday night. It makes it "OK" for us to put a few dollars in the contribution plate while ignoring our neighbor who needs food or clothing. I could go on and on, but the point is this: when our identity is in anything other that Jesus Himself, our life will be filled with inconsistancy and identity confusion.
I say all this above because at many points along my walk I have been that person. And, to be honest, parts of me continue to be that person. But God has really worked on me over the last couple of months and started opening my eyes to what I could be. He is showing me that identity anywhere but in His Son is selling ourselves short. It is a problem that started in the Garden of Eden and continues today.
I have plenty more to say, but I will stop for now. I just want to encourage you to pray about where you seek your identity. Is it in your job? Your friends? Your possesions? Your boyfriend/girlfriend? Your music? Your spouse? Or one of a hundred other places?
Seek your identity in the one place that the One who made you wants to find it: Jesus Christ.
shine!
Jason
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