2 Perspectives

#1 I love Radiohead.

#2 I am concerned about global humanitarian issues.

#3 I am an American, which means I am part of the biggest consuming culture in world history.

This video is startling...

Things You Don't Say to Your Wife

Thanks to Ryan and Jamie, I have some new video fodder for you. From my experiences, I think what he's singing is true...and funny!

Bumper Sticker Theology

I am reading What's So Amazing About Grace by Phillip Yancey, and I'm absolutely loving it. There's a brilliant story about a young, white pastor living in the South during the Civil Rights era. He succintly puts the Gospel in 10 words when challenged by an atheist. "We're all bastards, but God loves us anyway."

The words are powerful, but the story that Yancey shares from it is beyond powerful. It was amazing, and I'll be sharing it it an upcoming sermon series about Grace.

10 Word Gospel...That wasn't bad for 10 words. Here are some fellow bloggers who are trying to capture the Gospel 10 words.

I guess I've always had a problem with what I call "bumper sticker" theology. It's not that I need some erudite, uber-intelligent description of the Gospel. Not at all. In fact, I believe Max Lucado is one of the best theologians of my day, and he has been called "too simple", "shallow", "Gospel-lite."

My problem with bumper sticker theology is that it so often fails to capture the entire Good News of God. Jesus had some AMAZING sound bites: "I cam to seek and to save the lost."; "For God so loved the world..."; "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of people."; "I am the way, the truth, and the life...". Yet, with it stands that Jesus kept giving sound bites...There was never ONE that captured it all.

There's no one parable...No one Gospel viewpoint...No one Epistle letter that captures the Gospel. So why do we continue to try to "give the Gospel in 10 words or less."

It seems to me that this is a part of the Western world's sickness of "Now." We want it quick and now, and we don't want it to challenge us too much, so keep it short!!!

So, if you want to see my theology on a bumper sticker on my car...well, I'm going to need a bigger car.

Fun with David Crowder

OK, seriously, this is funny...

A Week Off

It was great to have a week off doing a whole lot of nothing, but as I'm settling back into the office, I am finding a large stack of messages from people asking for financial assistance.

Wouldn't it be nice if bills and payments took a week off? Wouldn't it be nice if everyone had a job that paid the bills! Wouldn't it be nice if everyone felt a strong need to work for a paycheck?

Times are hard. Speaking with another local pastor, our discussion quickly went to how many people are coming to us for assistance. I don't think many have a clue. The numbers are truly overwhelming. My heart goes out to those needing help...and those who have become dependent upon handouts (even as they admittedly frustrate me).

God I pray for a week off from financial debts and burdens for those in need. Be their provider. Be our God. Thank you for work. Thank you for the generosity of those who give that others might have food on their table, running water, and electricity. Thank you for your love. Amen.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen IMAX

Wow. Talk about eye candy...and, no, I'm not talking about Megan Fox.

To be honest, I'm not sure eye candy even works...It was more like eye frappe! Once the previews were over, Transformers never stopped moving. I'm fairly sure the entire movie was shot by a cocaine addict. From the actual camera angles moving constantly, to the lack of a central focusing point, the screen was buzzing with motion.

A few points that struck me in this movie:

1. Doing the right thing is often costly, but always is the best thing. From Optimus' sacrifice to Sam's choices, it was good to see a movie advocating that we choose the better option for others.
2. The Pyramids are still one of the greatest engineering feats of human history. So much so that we moderns want to believe that aliens did it to make us feel better about building crappy stuff with all the technology and power equipment we have.
3. There are way too many wimpy "boy" male lead-roles in Hollywood. Come one Shia, get some chest hair and be a man!
4. I'll never look at wrecking balls the same way ever again...
5. While denouncing violence, the movie spends over two hours using violence to rake in millions...as a critic said, "There was enough firepower used in the special effects to take over a small country."
6. Overall, it was OK. It was incredibly shallow in thought, coherence, and plot. I'm not sure there was any character development, but, wow, the special effects were spectacular.

Mountain T.O.P., Isaiah, & Beyond

Mountaint T.O.P. mission trip with our youth went really well. Stephanie and I, both, were able to go, and we enjoyed the experience. It was a refreshing experience for us as a couple as well as a great way to spend time with our youth.

Sometimes, when you live in a golden castle, you forget the value of gold. Living with such a wonderful wife, it's easy to take her for granted. My personal experience from the trip was a renewed appreciation for my beautiful wife and her heart.

Yesterday was Isaiah's 4th birthday, too! Such a big man! I took some time to spend with family. We ate at a McDonald's playplace (Isaiah's vocal request whenever we eat out), and we played during the afternoon. For the party we went to Chucky-Cheese's, and Mommy had made a birthday cake with Spiderman on it. He told us repeatedly "Thank you" and that he enjoyed his birthday. As a parent that melts your heart...to have your child truly appreciate gifts and love. It was a great day.

My hope is to get some pics up soon, too!