Thursday, December 17, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Volunteering
It looks like we're going to begin serving with Cornerstone Assistance Network here in Fort Worth. They do homelessness prevention, help with groceries, help integrate people back into society after being incarcerated, GED classes, adopt a family, resale shop, and lots of other good stuff. Let us know if you're interested in joining with us in this.
canetwork.org
canetwork.org
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
The Insufficiency of Christ
One of the things I enjoyed from Don Miller's talk the other night was his speaking of how we were not created to be completely satisfied in just God. We're in need of other folks. He gave the illustration of the garden of eden and how Adam was lonely there with just God. So God kept creating. It reminded me of a blog I wrote a few years ago along the same lines. I thought I'd repost it in light of this.
The Insufficiency of Christ
(reposted from 2/7/07)
Jesus is not sufficient. It’s true. Jesus is not all I need. I’ve heard people talk about the “sufficiency of Christ" and about how God is all we should need or want. The truth is, it just isn’t so. So, you over there raising your hands and singing, “You’re all I want. You’re all I’ve ever needed…” Shut up. You’re lying. And to the girl who has given up dating because she wants to prove that Jesus is all she needs… stop. You are robbing people of yourself. If Jesus was really all we needed, no one would ever get married. To the American who consumes with little thought of conservation and reuse because God will provide for the poor… stop. You are the resource many are waiting on. Jesus isn't going to magically provide for their needs as you ignore them. To the missionary from Michigan that came to my old church and spoke about how hungry children need the word of God more than food… stop. Needs must be met with real food and not just spiritual thought.
Jesus told Satan, “Man does not live on bread alone.” Conversely, it is also true that man does not live on God alone. Jesus demonstrates this when he breaks his 40 days in the wilderness fast. He could not just hang out with God forever and neglect everything else. It’s just part of humanity. We need things other than God. We need food, love, shelter, clothing… you know… the stuff Maslow talks about. And this isn’t a bad thing. This doesn’t somehow diminish God’s glory. God created us that way and that’s the way we function.
I can see the objections coming, “What about the garden of eden?” “But God can provide for all our needs.” Blah, blah, blah. Yeah... first, lets not base our ideas of reality upon a utopian idea like Eden. Secondly, it’s quite convenient to talk about God meeting our needs here in America while just south of the border we have children dying from malnutrition and lack of clean drinking water in Mexico. How’s God doing at meeting their needs? (ouch.)
No, God created us to be dependent creatures. Yes, we are dependent. ( It’s quite humorous when we act like we’re these autonomous and independent things that need nothing and no one. The reality is that these people who are so called "independent" place their trust in the power of work and the dollar bill more than God.) Part of worship is recognizing who we are in relation to God. So we must recognize our dependency in order to live lives that are pleasing to God.
This dependency works two ways. We give and we take. We are in need of love from others. We need their words, touch, and protection. And so we receive from them as if receiving from God. But we must also give. We must not overuse or abuse our neighbors across the border or even across the street. We have to question whether living with our wants may rob someone else of their needs. It even works the same way with the earth itself. We take from it, but the question is what are we putting back? Are we simply depleting? We are dependent upon others and other things and they are dependent upon us. And that’s the way God made it.
It is irresponsible of us to act like we need nothing in this world but Jesus. It is even more immoral to act like we don't have a responsibility to helping our brothers and sisters out. We can't use the excuse that "God will meet their needs." Yes, God has created a means to supply our needs. But that means is quite oftentimes me and you. We cannot simply be sponges that suck everything up. We must give back and pour out.
So rejoice in your dependency. Squeeze your friends tight when you hug them. Savor that sip of ice water. Slurp the cereal loud. Sleep an extra half hour. You’re in need and it’s all right.
The Insufficiency of Christ
(reposted from 2/7/07)
Jesus is not sufficient. It’s true. Jesus is not all I need. I’ve heard people talk about the “sufficiency of Christ" and about how God is all we should need or want. The truth is, it just isn’t so. So, you over there raising your hands and singing, “You’re all I want. You’re all I’ve ever needed…” Shut up. You’re lying. And to the girl who has given up dating because she wants to prove that Jesus is all she needs… stop. You are robbing people of yourself. If Jesus was really all we needed, no one would ever get married. To the American who consumes with little thought of conservation and reuse because God will provide for the poor… stop. You are the resource many are waiting on. Jesus isn't going to magically provide for their needs as you ignore them. To the missionary from Michigan that came to my old church and spoke about how hungry children need the word of God more than food… stop. Needs must be met with real food and not just spiritual thought.
Jesus told Satan, “Man does not live on bread alone.” Conversely, it is also true that man does not live on God alone. Jesus demonstrates this when he breaks his 40 days in the wilderness fast. He could not just hang out with God forever and neglect everything else. It’s just part of humanity. We need things other than God. We need food, love, shelter, clothing… you know… the stuff Maslow talks about. And this isn’t a bad thing. This doesn’t somehow diminish God’s glory. God created us that way and that’s the way we function.
I can see the objections coming, “What about the garden of eden?” “But God can provide for all our needs.” Blah, blah, blah. Yeah... first, lets not base our ideas of reality upon a utopian idea like Eden. Secondly, it’s quite convenient to talk about God meeting our needs here in America while just south of the border we have children dying from malnutrition and lack of clean drinking water in Mexico. How’s God doing at meeting their needs? (ouch.)
No, God created us to be dependent creatures. Yes, we are dependent. ( It’s quite humorous when we act like we’re these autonomous and independent things that need nothing and no one. The reality is that these people who are so called "independent" place their trust in the power of work and the dollar bill more than God.) Part of worship is recognizing who we are in relation to God. So we must recognize our dependency in order to live lives that are pleasing to God.
This dependency works two ways. We give and we take. We are in need of love from others. We need their words, touch, and protection. And so we receive from them as if receiving from God. But we must also give. We must not overuse or abuse our neighbors across the border or even across the street. We have to question whether living with our wants may rob someone else of their needs. It even works the same way with the earth itself. We take from it, but the question is what are we putting back? Are we simply depleting? We are dependent upon others and other things and they are dependent upon us. And that’s the way God made it.
It is irresponsible of us to act like we need nothing in this world but Jesus. It is even more immoral to act like we don't have a responsibility to helping our brothers and sisters out. We can't use the excuse that "God will meet their needs." Yes, God has created a means to supply our needs. But that means is quite oftentimes me and you. We cannot simply be sponges that suck everything up. We must give back and pour out.
So rejoice in your dependency. Squeeze your friends tight when you hug them. Savor that sip of ice water. Slurp the cereal loud. Sleep an extra half hour. You’re in need and it’s all right.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Help
So we need some help. We're looking to try to get some bikes, fix them up, and donate them to kids. Our problem is we don't have any place to store and work on said bikes. So do you know of any place we can store them? Know someone who might? A garage? Empty building? Warehouse? Just something we can lock and has electricity would be nice. Help us out please.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Movement Playlist
A few weeks ago, my wife Jackie asked everyone in the group to pick two or three songs that affect them spiritually. They didn't necessarily need to be "Christian" songs (whatever that is), but songs that add to our understanding of God or help bring us into His presence. Songs that give us the warm-fuzzies. Songs that ask questions or cry out for salvation. Songs that help illuminate the world for us.
When everyone submitted their songs, Jackie made a mix CD of all the songs and gave a copy to everyone in the group. The idea was to help bring us closer together as a community of believers. By listening to this playlist during the week, it helps us think of one another and pray for each other.
Each song on the diverse playlist is as unique to the CD as each one of us is to the group. We each have our own personalities, strengths, weaknesses, struggles, questions, observations, and forms of service. This CD is small way of helping us be the church during the week, instead of just every Sunday night. Thank God for music!
Movement Playlist:
1. Messes of Men - mewithoutYou (John)
2. A Little Less Conversation - Elvis Presley (Adam N.)
3. Man of No Reputation - Rich Mullins (Jennifer)
4. The World Can Wait - Over The Rhine (Jackie)
5. Secret of the Easy Yoke - Pedro The Lion (Adam S.)
6. Small Enough - Nichole Nordeman (Katie)
7. C-Minor - mewithoutYou (John)
8. Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground - Blind Willie Johnson (Brad)
9. Change in My Life - John Pagano (Adam N.)
10. Free - Ginny Owens (Katie)
11. I See You - Rich Mullins (Jennifer)
12. Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape - Underoath (John)
13. On Your Wings - Iron & Wine (Jackie)
14. In A Sweater Poorly Knit - mewithoutYou (Adam S.)
15. Oh Comely - Neutral Milk Hotel (Adam S.)
16. Come On Up To The House - Tom Waits (Brad)
When everyone submitted their songs, Jackie made a mix CD of all the songs and gave a copy to everyone in the group. The idea was to help bring us closer together as a community of believers. By listening to this playlist during the week, it helps us think of one another and pray for each other.
Each song on the diverse playlist is as unique to the CD as each one of us is to the group. We each have our own personalities, strengths, weaknesses, struggles, questions, observations, and forms of service. This CD is small way of helping us be the church during the week, instead of just every Sunday night. Thank God for music!
Movement Playlist:
1. Messes of Men - mewithoutYou (John)
2. A Little Less Conversation - Elvis Presley (Adam N.)
3. Man of No Reputation - Rich Mullins (Jennifer)
4. The World Can Wait - Over The Rhine (Jackie)
5. Secret of the Easy Yoke - Pedro The Lion (Adam S.)
6. Small Enough - Nichole Nordeman (Katie)
7. C-Minor - mewithoutYou (John)
8. Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground - Blind Willie Johnson (Brad)
9. Change in My Life - John Pagano (Adam N.)
10. Free - Ginny Owens (Katie)
11. I See You - Rich Mullins (Jennifer)
12. Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape - Underoath (John)
13. On Your Wings - Iron & Wine (Jackie)
14. In A Sweater Poorly Knit - mewithoutYou (Adam S.)
15. Oh Comely - Neutral Milk Hotel (Adam S.)
16. Come On Up To The House - Tom Waits (Brad)
Friday, September 4, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Myth of a Christian Nation
This week I finished reading a book by Dr. Gregory Boyd called "The Myth of a Christian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power is Destroying the Church". Below is an interesting and/or provocative quote from the book.
"What if the energy and resources used to preserve and tweak the civil religion was rather spent feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, befriending the drug addict, and visiting the prisoner? What if our focus was on sacrificing our resources to help inner-city schools and safety houses for battered women? What if our concern was to bridge the ungodly racial gap in our country by developing friendships and collaborating in endeavors with people whose ethnicity is different than our own? What if instead of trying to defend our religious rights, Christians concerned themselves with siding with others whose rights are routinely trampled? What if instead of trying to legally make life more difficult for gays, we worried only about how we could affirm their unsurpassable worth in service to them?
In other words, what if we individually and collectively committed ourselves to the one thing that is needful--to replicating the loving sacrifice of Calvary to all people, at all times, in all places, regardless of their circumstances or merit? What if we just did the kingdom?
This is far more difficult than merely protecting the civil religion, which perhaps partly explains why so many prefer focusing one the civil religion. Doing the kingdom always requires that we bleed for others, and for just this reason, doing the kingdom accomplishes something kingdom-of-the-world activity can never accomplish. It may not immediately adjust people's behavior, but this is not what it seeks to accomplish. Rather, it transforms people's hearts and therefore transforms society." (Pgs. 115-116)
"What if the energy and resources used to preserve and tweak the civil religion was rather spent feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, befriending the drug addict, and visiting the prisoner? What if our focus was on sacrificing our resources to help inner-city schools and safety houses for battered women? What if our concern was to bridge the ungodly racial gap in our country by developing friendships and collaborating in endeavors with people whose ethnicity is different than our own? What if instead of trying to defend our religious rights, Christians concerned themselves with siding with others whose rights are routinely trampled? What if instead of trying to legally make life more difficult for gays, we worried only about how we could affirm their unsurpassable worth in service to them?
In other words, what if we individually and collectively committed ourselves to the one thing that is needful--to replicating the loving sacrifice of Calvary to all people, at all times, in all places, regardless of their circumstances or merit? What if we just did the kingdom?
This is far more difficult than merely protecting the civil religion, which perhaps partly explains why so many prefer focusing one the civil religion. Doing the kingdom always requires that we bleed for others, and for just this reason, doing the kingdom accomplishes something kingdom-of-the-world activity can never accomplish. It may not immediately adjust people's behavior, but this is not what it seeks to accomplish. Rather, it transforms people's hearts and therefore transforms society." (Pgs. 115-116)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
God Even Provides Blogs.
Ok...so I am guilty of not writing down my job this week, and forgot to blog until today. I apologize to everyone. Last night I was winding down for the night, and all of a sudden I remembered. I started racking my brain, thinking what could I write about, what has happended this week that affected me in my walk. I walked into the living room where Brad was reading something on the laptop. He told me that Carley, his little sister texted him to read a passage yesterday, and he had forgotten until just now. The passage was Matthew 6:25-34. Here it is:
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
OK, so God can text us to get the message across. I've read that passage so many times before, but I had not read it recently. I have been worried all week about how were going to pay all the bills, much less on time. How were going to get groceries, or gas. We both get paid at the end of the week, but how are we going to make it. Yesterday, I was even moaning and groaning about my clothes. This passage serves as a reminder that God will take care of us. And he has. He even graciously gave me source material for my blog.
But then I started thinking about other people in the world. I am lucky to have all that I do compared with some lesser fortunate people. I have a home, unlike the people who stay on the streets all day, and only can come in to sleep in a shelter where many others come. If I am hungry, I have food I can eat. And a closet full of clothes that are clean. I have been more than taken care of. I have been guilty of needing too much. God always seems to provide for me, but I feel like I don't offer anything to Him. I try to be a good follower, but oftentimes I feel like that isn't enough. If God is providing for me and Brad, shouldn't we turn around and provide the same for others who have even less?
There is a story that was featured on Texas Country Reporter recently. It's probably my favorite story on there (it even beats out Skipboot!) It talks about the Nubian Queen, a restaurant and lady in Austin, TX. The Nubian Queen (I forgot her real name) is a woman operating this restaurant in the lower level of her small house. She is the cook, waiter, and manager. She cooks up all different kinds of Southern and Creole food, and waits for the customers. She is busy. She told the camera that she used to be homeless, until a nice person vouched for her, and helped her buy her home. The only thing she could do for money was cook, so she started her restaurant. She also told the camera, that the most important thing she does is what she does out the back door. The camera caught homeless people and less fortunate people from the neighborhood going up to her back door, and she would give them a free meal. She said that God had provided so much for her, that all of her profits go to the back door. She didn't have the best equipment, nice, new clothes, or even a new house, but she was giving all that she had to the people at the back door. She was satisfied with not having more than what she needed. And God had provided for her what she needed in order to bless others.
If God provided for her, and she can bless others, then surely Brad and I, or anyone can be a blessing in someone's life with what we have. So thank you God, for showing us that we are not as bad off as we think we are, and that we need to provide for others as you have provided for us.
"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
OK, so God can text us to get the message across. I've read that passage so many times before, but I had not read it recently. I have been worried all week about how were going to pay all the bills, much less on time. How were going to get groceries, or gas. We both get paid at the end of the week, but how are we going to make it. Yesterday, I was even moaning and groaning about my clothes. This passage serves as a reminder that God will take care of us. And he has. He even graciously gave me source material for my blog.
But then I started thinking about other people in the world. I am lucky to have all that I do compared with some lesser fortunate people. I have a home, unlike the people who stay on the streets all day, and only can come in to sleep in a shelter where many others come. If I am hungry, I have food I can eat. And a closet full of clothes that are clean. I have been more than taken care of. I have been guilty of needing too much. God always seems to provide for me, but I feel like I don't offer anything to Him. I try to be a good follower, but oftentimes I feel like that isn't enough. If God is providing for me and Brad, shouldn't we turn around and provide the same for others who have even less?
There is a story that was featured on Texas Country Reporter recently. It's probably my favorite story on there (it even beats out Skipboot!) It talks about the Nubian Queen, a restaurant and lady in Austin, TX. The Nubian Queen (I forgot her real name) is a woman operating this restaurant in the lower level of her small house. She is the cook, waiter, and manager. She cooks up all different kinds of Southern and Creole food, and waits for the customers. She is busy. She told the camera that she used to be homeless, until a nice person vouched for her, and helped her buy her home. The only thing she could do for money was cook, so she started her restaurant. She also told the camera, that the most important thing she does is what she does out the back door. The camera caught homeless people and less fortunate people from the neighborhood going up to her back door, and she would give them a free meal. She said that God had provided so much for her, that all of her profits go to the back door. She didn't have the best equipment, nice, new clothes, or even a new house, but she was giving all that she had to the people at the back door. She was satisfied with not having more than what she needed. And God had provided for her what she needed in order to bless others.
If God provided for her, and she can bless others, then surely Brad and I, or anyone can be a blessing in someone's life with what we have. So thank you God, for showing us that we are not as bad off as we think we are, and that we need to provide for others as you have provided for us.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Christmas in July
Greetings from the first annual Nicholson family "Christmas in July." Today there is no snow, and it's 85 degrees and sunny here in St. Louis. There are no trees to decorate, and I haven't heard a single verse of "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer." Perfect!
Living in Texas with my family in Indiana and Missouri means that it is the rare occasion that we are all able to gather together. In fact, today Jennifer and I had our first chance ever to spend time alone with our 8-year-old niece this afternoon.
It was a fun time talking with Ashtyn as we played our round of miniature golf, and it was really the first time that we had ever spoken with her after the divorce her parents went through. It was difficult to hear this little girl speaking about how hard it was when she first learned that her parents were divorcing, and how she wished that they were all still together. My heart melted.
The gift exchange was fun. We gave our two nieces (ages 8 and 4) some stuff, with an afterthought gift of tiny stuffed dogs. Their favorite gifts, of course? The puppies.
Mom's playing her handheld Tetris game. My brother and Dad are learning to play the new Tiger Woods golf for the Wii on my Dad's system. Jennifer's reading (Harry Potter, of course). And I'm here blogging. We're being a family. Nothing special, just some time together. Learning from and about each other. Laughing at and with each other. Making memories.
God has blessed us ("every one!"). May God bless you and your family in this time of celebration.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Life is Hard...Hopelessness is a Choice
Here is a profound statement: there are times when life is hard. Life is hard when you apply sunscreen three times in two hours and still leave the river with a terrible sun burn. Life is hard when your car starts making a knocking sound and you still have to get to work everyday. Life is hard when the electricity bill comes after a month of 100+ degree heat. Life is hard when a dear friend seems to have made incredibly disappointing choices that affect so many people around her, and you are left, with many others, to pick up the pieces. Life is hard when a loved one develops what seems to be an incurable infection that make take her life. Life is hard when... (add your own struggles and disappointments here.)
The preceding statements could lead to a deep and profound discussion surrounding the meaning of life? When will the economy improve? Why do we really need money anyway? Why do people make choices that deeply hurt other people? How do you make the choice for another person to stop treating the infection and let it run its course? Why do loved ones - or anyone for that matter - have to die? If God is a loving God, then why is life hard?
I certainly cannot answer these questions with any kind of depth and significance in a blog post. But here are a few thoughts I am having right now. Life is a series of crossroads. And while it may be the challenges of life that push us to the crossroads, once we are there we have a choice to make. Will we choose hopelessness or will we choose hope? The sunburn will eventually heal - hope for that day to come soon. The car can be taken to a shop and be fixed - hope for opportunities to invite others to serve you. Money is only money and even though it seems to be so necessary for life on earth, hope for appreciation of simplicity in this life and abundance in life that is to come. Other people will make bad choices that directly affect you - choose to view the situation as an opportunity to grow and to share hope with others who are hurting. Everyone is going to die - some people actually get to make choices about death and some die unexpectedly. Either way, the important choices are not necessarily those that we make at the edge of death but those that we make every day when life is hard. Choose hope - choose eternal life - choose to live as a child of God. Then, when life does come to an end, there is only hope in what is to come.
The preceding statements could lead to a deep and profound discussion surrounding the meaning of life? When will the economy improve? Why do we really need money anyway? Why do people make choices that deeply hurt other people? How do you make the choice for another person to stop treating the infection and let it run its course? Why do loved ones - or anyone for that matter - have to die? If God is a loving God, then why is life hard?
I certainly cannot answer these questions with any kind of depth and significance in a blog post. But here are a few thoughts I am having right now. Life is a series of crossroads. And while it may be the challenges of life that push us to the crossroads, once we are there we have a choice to make. Will we choose hopelessness or will we choose hope? The sunburn will eventually heal - hope for that day to come soon. The car can be taken to a shop and be fixed - hope for opportunities to invite others to serve you. Money is only money and even though it seems to be so necessary for life on earth, hope for appreciation of simplicity in this life and abundance in life that is to come. Other people will make bad choices that directly affect you - choose to view the situation as an opportunity to grow and to share hope with others who are hurting. Everyone is going to die - some people actually get to make choices about death and some die unexpectedly. Either way, the important choices are not necessarily those that we make at the edge of death but those that we make every day when life is hard. Choose hope - choose eternal life - choose to live as a child of God. Then, when life does come to an end, there is only hope in what is to come.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Great advertisement ideas
I saw an article on CNN.com about a church in Tennessee that decided it would be a good idea to post this sign in front of its church building. In awe of their boldness, I thought of some other slogans that Jenn and I might put on a sign in front of our house in an effort to reach the lost.
What do we think about these?
Jesus hates people that aren't like me
We're an equal opportunity church: We hate the sin AND the sinner
We're willing to cast the first stone
I'm open to other suggestions. Please help!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
I Think This is Beautiful...
"But He will pity us, He who pitied all men and understood all men and all things, He alone is the judge. In that day He shall come and ask: 'Where is the daughter who gave herself for a harsh and consumptive stepmother and the little children of another? Where is the daughter who showed compassion to that filthy drunkard, her earthly father, and did not shrink from his beastliness?' And He will say, 'Come unto Me! I have already forgiven thee...I have forgiven thee...Thy sins, which are many, are forgiven, for thou didst love much...' And He shall judge all men, and forgive them, the good and the evil, the wise and the humble...And when He has done with all men, then shall He summon us also: 'Come forth,' He will say 'ye also, ye drunkards, ye weaklings, ye infamous, come forth!' And we shall come forth without shame and stand before Him. And He will say: 'Ye are swine! ye are made in the image of the beast and bear his mark; yet come ye also unto Me!' And the wise and learned shall say: 'Lord, why dost Thou receive these?' And He shall say: 'I receive them, oh ye learned ones, inasmuch as not one of these has deemed himself worthy...' And He will stretch out His arms to us, and we shall fall at His feet and weep, and we shall understand all things. The we shall understand...and all shall understand...Lord, Thy kingdom come!"
-From Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
-From Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Thursday, June 11, 2009
One idea for summer activities...
I saw this online last week and thought this might be a great way that we, too, could change the world by following in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace.
Pastor Invites People to Bring Guns to Church
Thursday, June 04, 2009
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Kentucky pastor is inviting people to bring their guns to church to celebrate the Fourth of July and the Second Amendment.
New Bethel Church is welcoming "responsible handgun owners" to wear their firearms inside the church on June 27, a Saturday.
An ad says there will be a handgun raffle, patriotic music and information on gun safety.
Church pastor Ken Pagano says guns must be unloaded and private security will check visitors. He says recent church shootings make it necessary to promote safe gun ownership.
Marian McClure Taylor is executive director of the Kentucky Council of Churches.
She says churches work to prevent violent harm and promote peace, but most "allow for arms to be taken up under certain conditions."
Pastor Invites People to Bring Guns to Church
Thursday, June 04, 2009
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Kentucky pastor is inviting people to bring their guns to church to celebrate the Fourth of July and the Second Amendment.
New Bethel Church is welcoming "responsible handgun owners" to wear their firearms inside the church on June 27, a Saturday.
An ad says there will be a handgun raffle, patriotic music and information on gun safety.
Church pastor Ken Pagano says guns must be unloaded and private security will check visitors. He says recent church shootings make it necessary to promote safe gun ownership.
Marian McClure Taylor is executive director of the Kentucky Council of Churches.
She says churches work to prevent violent harm and promote peace, but most "allow for arms to be taken up under certain conditions."
Thursday, May 28, 2009
True Fiction vs. False Reality
As you are all aware, we are living in the age of reality television. It is one of the most popular forms of entertainment today. Millions of people tune in each week to watch their favorite "reality stars" either contend in increasingly Machiavellian competitions and/or get into fights with one another. I am not necessarily bringing this subject up to condemn all such programming, but simply to observe the way it can sometimes affect us.
When done well, art (specifically film and TV) can change us. It can make us think, bring us closer to one another or to God, or simply help us empathize with people we could have never imagined. Great art utilizes all the tools of character and conflict to put a spotlight on human interaction. Great art creates believable, interesting characters that we can see ourselves in. We can look at Harry Potter or Tony Soprano or Cinderella and put ourselves in their shoes. Whether they are heroes or villains we can recognize their hopes, dreams, and personality traits and identify with them. These characters not only reveal the humanity of the viewer but that of the artist as well. Great artists want to share stories that elevate us or challenge us to examine ourselves.
I place this in contrast to much of reality TV. Networks love these shows because they are quickly and cheaply produced. They are cranked out one after another but often feature nothing more than temporary entertainment. The process is backwards, in a sense. These shows feature "real" people in "real" situations, but these situations are still staged and edited for television. Since all entertainment is based on conflict, the show creators must strip away the slow and boring parts, creating false tension and reducing three-dimensional people into one-dimensional heroes and villains in the process.
At this point you're probably asking: "I THOUGHT THIS WAS A CHURCH BLOG! WHAT THE HECK DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH JESUS?" Well, everything. The art and entertainment we consume affects our heart. It affects our view of God's people and creation.
Let's look at a recent example: John & Kate Plus 8. Unless you've been living under a rock, you're probably aware of who they are. According to various news reports, Jon and Kate Gosselin (admitted Christ-followers both) are having marital difficulties. It's all over the place: on TV, the internet, and in print media. And to make matters more complicated, people are taking sides in this very personal conflict.
I feel that as Christians we must step up and be examples. We must recognize the situation and pray for the parties involved. (Question: How often do we pray for famous people?) We must realize that we don't have all the answers to take sides, nor do we need to. After all, we are only seeing one (or several) days' worth hugs, kisses, spats, and slaps boiled down to a single episode. We are getting news from tabloid reports concerned not with the welfare of the relationship, but with selling more issues. We need to be careful with our judgements.
I'm not trying to blog about this from a self-righteous standpoint. I'm as guilty as anyone. I gossip every day, often without even being aware of it. But Jesus has put this on my heart recently. I feel we should look to art to help encourage and improve us, and use our newly-found empathy and love to help the broken-hearted and disillusioned.
Instead, the combination of fast technology and short attention spans have made it easier for us to pass judgement and condemnation in quick glances without realizing the results. Again, it is not my intention nor my place to condemn a whole section of American culture. I just fell that art and entertainment reveal a lot about the condition of our hearts, and it's important to guard them carefully.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Blogging
I've never blogged before. I think that I once commented on a blog a couple of years ago, but that's the extent of my blog-posting experience before today. It's not that I have anything against blogging, but it's more that I'm mostly indifferent to the idea. In fact, I don't have much energy for living in the virtual world of blogging, tweeting and writing on personal facebook walls.
It's not that I don't care about what is happening in the lives and thoughts of others. It's more that I don't understand the need for everyone to know everything that I think, believe or do. Who really needs to know the regularity of my bowel movements or that I know the proper use of their/they're/there? It's nouveau narcissism where everyone with a keyboard and a modem can update the world about personal trivia that others rarely want or need to know. And yet, here I am posting my own thoughts for the entire world to read. Suerly the world will rest better tonight because I have contributed a few more words into the abyss of cyberspace.
Really, though...
Why should anyone care what is happening in my world? For that matter, why should I care about what is happening outside myself?
We care because we know that while we may live by ourselves that we cannot thrive on our own. We care because deep down we know that we need the strength that comes from others.
We care because we need each other.
We're online because we're seeking something that we cannot provide ourselves. We search the internet because we need to connect to the surrounding universe that seems simultaneously so close and so distant. We reach out in hopes that something can reach back to us.
And yet we try to portray to everyone we meet that we can do it all on our own. We pretend as if there's an "S" emblazoned on our blue undershirts that enables us to be the first people in history who can fly solo through life. But just as Superman has his Kryptonite, we too have our weaknesses that we can't overcome on our own. And when we fail to seek help, we crumble emotionally, physically and spiritually.
As a community, we must hold each other accountable to living a real life with one another. Seek help when you need it. So often we do not have what we need because we do not ask. And in matters where you are doing well, offer what you can do for the rest of us.
Let's make that the blog of our Movement. Let it become the tweet of our community.
I think we'll be surprised as to who and how many people might be following our blogs. On and off line.
It's not that I don't care about what is happening in the lives and thoughts of others. It's more that I don't understand the need for everyone to know everything that I think, believe or do. Who really needs to know the regularity of my bowel movements or that I know the proper use of their/they're/there? It's nouveau narcissism where everyone with a keyboard and a modem can update the world about personal trivia that others rarely want or need to know. And yet, here I am posting my own thoughts for the entire world to read. Suerly the world will rest better tonight because I have contributed a few more words into the abyss of cyberspace.
Really, though...
Why should anyone care what is happening in my world? For that matter, why should I care about what is happening outside myself?
We care because we know that while we may live by ourselves that we cannot thrive on our own. We care because deep down we know that we need the strength that comes from others.
We care because we need each other.
We're online because we're seeking something that we cannot provide ourselves. We search the internet because we need to connect to the surrounding universe that seems simultaneously so close and so distant. We reach out in hopes that something can reach back to us.
And yet we try to portray to everyone we meet that we can do it all on our own. We pretend as if there's an "S" emblazoned on our blue undershirts that enables us to be the first people in history who can fly solo through life. But just as Superman has his Kryptonite, we too have our weaknesses that we can't overcome on our own. And when we fail to seek help, we crumble emotionally, physically and spiritually.
As a community, we must hold each other accountable to living a real life with one another. Seek help when you need it. So often we do not have what we need because we do not ask. And in matters where you are doing well, offer what you can do for the rest of us.
Let's make that the blog of our Movement. Let it become the tweet of our community.
I think we'll be surprised as to who and how many people might be following our blogs. On and off line.
A Transforming Gospel
There is ultimately no justification for a private piety that doesn't work out in actual mission, just as there is ultimately not justification for people who use their activism in the social, cultural, or political sphere as a screen to prevent them from facing the same challenges wihtin their own lives--the challenge, that is, of God's kingdom, of Jesus's lordship, and of the Spirit's empowering. If the gospel isn't transforming you, how do you know that it will transform anything else?
NT Wright (Surprised by Hope, 270)
NT Wright (Surprised by Hope, 270)
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Ideal
I think there's a tendency to sometimes romanticize new forms of church. "If only we could get in a true community." Or "Things would be different if we only did things this way." If only we were in charge, we would get it right. The grass is always greener on the other side. The truth is we will always struggle to live faithfully, no matter how big, small, or unique one's community is. The desire for something better is healthy, but it must take on flesh and not just words.
The problem with the church has always been the same: it's made up of people. People who are selfish, lazy, and sinful. (That's pretty redundant, eh?) The true community wars against this as a collective. It speaks in unity against apathy and calls us to something better we are by ourselves. If it fails to do this, it ceases to be a true community.
May we never be so arrogant as to think we can solve all the problems. But may we not be so foolish as to cease to push for something better than what we are now.
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Saturday, 6pm at Trinity Park for trash pick up.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
the cross
Last night Brad mentioned that we may have become numb to the death of Jesus. From the earliest age we hear about how Jesus died for us. We read about it. We talk about it. We see pictures. We act it out. It seems quite obvious to me that we have become immune to the sting of the murder of Jesus. Every year we have to really contemplate hard in order for it to have as much of an effect.
I think this should bring to light the manner we talk and teach about Jesus. There's something inconsistent at best when churches question whether to show a PG-13 movie at a youth function due to possible violence; but then each year we gather around to put on a singing production where we recreate a vicious murder scene in real life. One of the most barbaric and torturous scenes that made men turn their heads and we proudly put this on display in our churches every year. Ketchup, whips, and thorns. (And we wonder why we have no voice to speak to gratuitous violence.) We don't stick anything on the church door saying, "extreme displays of brutality, torture, murder, and gore. Viewer discretion is advised." Instead we invite second graders to watch and then explain that they're the cause of why Jesus had to die. We would never let our kids see a video of a lethal injection much less a beheading. So why a crucifixion?
It's not that we should be ashamed of the death of Jesus. It's just that we should recognize it for the disgusting and deprave thing it is. We can't tell our kids they shouldn't go see rated R movies and then have the church buy out the theatre for the rated R Passion of the Christ. We have to act with a little more integrity I think. Perhaps then we may actually cringe when we think of the sheer evil and gross display of blood lust that took place so long ago with the murder of Jesus. Maybe then we may approach the cross with a little more caution and humility. Maybe then we wouldn't be quite so numb to the death of Jesus and possibly our own sin.
I think this should bring to light the manner we talk and teach about Jesus. There's something inconsistent at best when churches question whether to show a PG-13 movie at a youth function due to possible violence; but then each year we gather around to put on a singing production where we recreate a vicious murder scene in real life. One of the most barbaric and torturous scenes that made men turn their heads and we proudly put this on display in our churches every year. Ketchup, whips, and thorns. (And we wonder why we have no voice to speak to gratuitous violence.) We don't stick anything on the church door saying, "extreme displays of brutality, torture, murder, and gore. Viewer discretion is advised." Instead we invite second graders to watch and then explain that they're the cause of why Jesus had to die. We would never let our kids see a video of a lethal injection much less a beheading. So why a crucifixion?
It's not that we should be ashamed of the death of Jesus. It's just that we should recognize it for the disgusting and deprave thing it is. We can't tell our kids they shouldn't go see rated R movies and then have the church buy out the theatre for the rated R Passion of the Christ. We have to act with a little more integrity I think. Perhaps then we may actually cringe when we think of the sheer evil and gross display of blood lust that took place so long ago with the murder of Jesus. Maybe then we may approach the cross with a little more caution and humility. Maybe then we wouldn't be quite so numb to the death of Jesus and possibly our own sin.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Good Friday
This Friday at 8.
Gathering of Darkness.
Food and Liturgy.
Contact us for more information.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
For give us our debts as we forgive our debtors
I watched the news in dismay. People going bankrupt. People losing their homes. People losing jobs. Darkness has gripped a nation it seems. And yet I look around me at so much wealth. I was watching Dateline. A woman stands in her opulent kitchen with solid oak cabinets and granite countertops and tells the reporter about how the credit card bills are mounting and they may have to file for bankruptcy. Cut scene to the same woman playing with child in their upstairs playroom. Along the wall are cubbies of toys. The baby crawls around in the midst of a sea of battery powered gadgets and Chinese manufactured plastics not sure which to play with. There’s something wrong here.
I grew up with a stuffed monkey. For Christmas I got a big wheel, a $50 plastic tricycle. I had no idea we didn't have much money. Jump back a couple generations. What did those children have? What type of credit crisis did our grandparents face? Let’s jump across the sea or over a border. Have you ever been to one of these places that don't live the same lifestyle as America? One of the most striking things for me when visiting these places is that children smile in the midst of abject poverty. Their happiness is not linked to their stuff.
Somehow we’ve gotten off course. Somehow we’ve fallen prey to a society that defines us by what we consume, collect, and possess. We’re not broke. We’re just in debt. And what advice can followers of Jesus offer? I’m afraid very little. We are surrounded by churches that have taken out million dollar loans on buildings. Our families sit in our pews and pay a tithe while upside down in luxury vehicles. We live and spend in the same way as the people who believe that once we die, there’s nothing more. “The one with the most toys wins.” And our response?
Now I understand the need to go into debt at times. School loans. Mortgages. Car loans. Emergencies happen. Yet when I look around I see commercials for “no payments for 12 months.” I hear the whispers of instant gratification and the allure of luxury. I feel the tremors of addicts needing their fix of societal approval and their daily $5 lattes. We have traded in living a life of contentment for a race… a chase… a desperate attempt to continually consume to fill some void or achieve acceptance. We have neglected the words of Jesus. We don’t recognize the eternal. We just see here and now. Scratch the itch or quench my thirst. The slogans: “Have it your way.” “Your world delivered.” “I’m lovin’ it.” “Just do it.” As long as I can pay the minimum balance. As long as it satisfies my current want. Then we jump, swipe, or check out. Food. Drink. Sex. Lust. Laziness. Wasteful spending. They’re all abused in this disease of instant gratification.
Some of my friends live down the road and they’re considered strange. They share. They don’t have many things most people consider necessities. But they pull together to demonstrate a different type of lifestyle and to tell a different story. People look at them as if they’re weird. Their kitchen doesn’t have oak cabinets or granite countertops, but it may have a few drunkards and unemployed folks. (At least a couple that don’t live there anyway.) Perhaps it’s strange to take care of others and live generously. But I want to be more like them than like the norm.
Generosity is only available to those who have something to give away. Therefore our goal should not just be debt free, but to be generous. To live in such a way that we’re not a burden on others, but that we can lift others up as well. We don’t lift them up because they deserve it or because we’re somehow noble. We are generous because we have experienced generosity. We have experienced the forgiveness of our debts in more than just monetary ways.
The early scriptures write about this Jewish practice of “Jubilee.” It was a period when all debts were supposed to be forgiven and everyone was supposed to start again level. Crazy, I know. Most scholars don’t think it was ever put into practice. But Jesus came proclaiming a new Jubilee and it’s one that I have participated in. It’s one that I hope I may live out as well. I have experienced how debts being forgiven in Jesus. Jesus is this guy that I’m convinced came not only to forgive, but to save. It's not just removing, but adding something.
And so I’m back to where I began. I'm reminded that we must strive to live debt free monetarily. But we mustn’t think that we are ever really debt free. We are indebted to those around us and before us. How will I ever repay my parents for their time invested in me? How do I ever pay back love shown to me by my friends and neighbors? How do I adequately pay back someone for standing by me? Money is shallow and empty in comparison. In life I am a debtor to so many beautiful people. And so I’m challenged to live richly towards others not only with my money, but also with my time and love.
I feel I’m incredibly inadequate though. I’m not sure I can ever fulfill that want that a new car or fancy new TV may fill in the life of someone else. But then I’m not sure those things really ever fulfill anything either. The only thing I’ve found rest in is trying to get my mind around what Jesus means by life eternal. It’s knowing that the temporary will fade away and will take all this shit around us with it. During this Lenten I find comfort in knowing that it’s okay to go without. It’s okay to do without something that I may desire. And in light of Jesus I’m reminded that it’s not just about doing without something I can’t afford or don’t need per se, but about redirecting that to think about people other than myself. Perhaps if I can get over my own selfish wants, I may then have a good start to be able to love and live a little better towards someone else.
I grew up with a stuffed monkey. For Christmas I got a big wheel, a $50 plastic tricycle. I had no idea we didn't have much money. Jump back a couple generations. What did those children have? What type of credit crisis did our grandparents face? Let’s jump across the sea or over a border. Have you ever been to one of these places that don't live the same lifestyle as America? One of the most striking things for me when visiting these places is that children smile in the midst of abject poverty. Their happiness is not linked to their stuff.
Somehow we’ve gotten off course. Somehow we’ve fallen prey to a society that defines us by what we consume, collect, and possess. We’re not broke. We’re just in debt. And what advice can followers of Jesus offer? I’m afraid very little. We are surrounded by churches that have taken out million dollar loans on buildings. Our families sit in our pews and pay a tithe while upside down in luxury vehicles. We live and spend in the same way as the people who believe that once we die, there’s nothing more. “The one with the most toys wins.” And our response?
Now I understand the need to go into debt at times. School loans. Mortgages. Car loans. Emergencies happen. Yet when I look around I see commercials for “no payments for 12 months.” I hear the whispers of instant gratification and the allure of luxury. I feel the tremors of addicts needing their fix of societal approval and their daily $5 lattes. We have traded in living a life of contentment for a race… a chase… a desperate attempt to continually consume to fill some void or achieve acceptance. We have neglected the words of Jesus. We don’t recognize the eternal. We just see here and now. Scratch the itch or quench my thirst. The slogans: “Have it your way.” “Your world delivered.” “I’m lovin’ it.” “Just do it.” As long as I can pay the minimum balance. As long as it satisfies my current want. Then we jump, swipe, or check out. Food. Drink. Sex. Lust. Laziness. Wasteful spending. They’re all abused in this disease of instant gratification.
Some of my friends live down the road and they’re considered strange. They share. They don’t have many things most people consider necessities. But they pull together to demonstrate a different type of lifestyle and to tell a different story. People look at them as if they’re weird. Their kitchen doesn’t have oak cabinets or granite countertops, but it may have a few drunkards and unemployed folks. (At least a couple that don’t live there anyway.) Perhaps it’s strange to take care of others and live generously. But I want to be more like them than like the norm.
Generosity is only available to those who have something to give away. Therefore our goal should not just be debt free, but to be generous. To live in such a way that we’re not a burden on others, but that we can lift others up as well. We don’t lift them up because they deserve it or because we’re somehow noble. We are generous because we have experienced generosity. We have experienced the forgiveness of our debts in more than just monetary ways.
The early scriptures write about this Jewish practice of “Jubilee.” It was a period when all debts were supposed to be forgiven and everyone was supposed to start again level. Crazy, I know. Most scholars don’t think it was ever put into practice. But Jesus came proclaiming a new Jubilee and it’s one that I have participated in. It’s one that I hope I may live out as well. I have experienced how debts being forgiven in Jesus. Jesus is this guy that I’m convinced came not only to forgive, but to save. It's not just removing, but adding something.
And so I’m back to where I began. I'm reminded that we must strive to live debt free monetarily. But we mustn’t think that we are ever really debt free. We are indebted to those around us and before us. How will I ever repay my parents for their time invested in me? How do I ever pay back love shown to me by my friends and neighbors? How do I adequately pay back someone for standing by me? Money is shallow and empty in comparison. In life I am a debtor to so many beautiful people. And so I’m challenged to live richly towards others not only with my money, but also with my time and love.
I feel I’m incredibly inadequate though. I’m not sure I can ever fulfill that want that a new car or fancy new TV may fill in the life of someone else. But then I’m not sure those things really ever fulfill anything either. The only thing I’ve found rest in is trying to get my mind around what Jesus means by life eternal. It’s knowing that the temporary will fade away and will take all this shit around us with it. During this Lenten I find comfort in knowing that it’s okay to go without. It’s okay to do without something that I may desire. And in light of Jesus I’m reminded that it’s not just about doing without something I can’t afford or don’t need per se, but about redirecting that to think about people other than myself. Perhaps if I can get over my own selfish wants, I may then have a good start to be able to love and live a little better towards someone else.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A People Called Movement
Hello! Allow us to introduce ourselves. We are Movement. We are a community of Jesus followers. We are a diverse people from diverse backgrounds. We meet in Fort Worth on a weekly basis to share life, read scripture, ask questions, and encourage one another. I suppose you could call us an organic church or house church if you're really into labels. But we just want to be known as part of the church scattered around the world.
We welcome anyone and everyone to join us at any time. You're welcome to come and be a tourist and see what this looks like. Or feel free to dive right in and play a role in our community. Our gatherings vary in substance from week to week. We typically share a meal and then spend time talking. The agenda changes each week, but it typically is centered on sharing life, prayer, scripture, and a period of reflection. There is no single leader in charge, instead everyone plays a vital role in bringing something to the table.
If you're interested in meeting with us or just hanging out, leave a comment and let us know. We'll get in contact with you and work something out. We'd love to buy you a drink and have a chat with you. We look forward to crossing paths with you.
We welcome anyone and everyone to join us at any time. You're welcome to come and be a tourist and see what this looks like. Or feel free to dive right in and play a role in our community. Our gatherings vary in substance from week to week. We typically share a meal and then spend time talking. The agenda changes each week, but it typically is centered on sharing life, prayer, scripture, and a period of reflection. There is no single leader in charge, instead everyone plays a vital role in bringing something to the table.
If you're interested in meeting with us or just hanging out, leave a comment and let us know. We'll get in contact with you and work something out. We'd love to buy you a drink and have a chat with you. We look forward to crossing paths with you.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
This is Great...
I'm not sure who this guy is but he speaks the truth...
It's true... and therefore funny. It's funny, cause it's true. from Behind the Scenes on Vimeo.
It's true... and therefore funny. It's funny, cause it's true. from Behind the Scenes on Vimeo.
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