Another Year Older

In just a few short hours, May 19th will be upon us. Meaning I will have been on earth for 24 years.

I have just completed another semester of college which means I lack like one year before getting my undergrad ministry degree!

So where am I going? I feel held back like I could be doing so much more. My personal ministry goal is to reach people who have been so put off by Christianity and the Church. Yet, I feel like I am not gathering results. I am ready to see things change. I am ready to do what it takes, apologize (as in my previous blog) to anyone who needs it and completely reshape Christianity. I feel called to be a change maker. Not just another guy sitting back in a regular ministry position. I am ready to shake things up. I want to be apart of something so large that completely turns the Christian faith upside down within the next thirty years.

….so how do I get there? Not sure but as long as you read this blog you will be on this journey with me.

Is It Too Late To Apologize?

Is It Too Late To Apologize?

Recently, me and a friend from my past were having a coffee at a local cafe. The subject of Jerry Falwell came up in our conversation and we decided something. If we could take all of the talking heads who represent Christianity on a worldwide level and separate their political / moral opinions from their ministry work then all would be well. However, it is utmost impossible to do this.

Recently, James Dobson made some more comments about homosexuals in regard to the hate speech bill. I don’t need to open up a discussion on that as many other bloggers have already opened that can of worms.

Donald Miller details in his memoir Blue Like Jazz an event in which a confession booth was set up at a liberal festival. People would enter the booth and Christians would then apologize to that stranger regarding Falwell, political Christians; they even went far enough back to apologize for the crusades!

So let me ask this… Is it too late to apologize? Has enough damage been done in the name of Christ that we cannot undo it? Certainly I want to do everything that I can to undo any thing negative that has been done in the name of Christ. Anyone that I meet in person, I always make it clear that I am not one of ‘those Christians’ when they bring up Robertson, Falwell and the like.

I hope that we begin to turn a new leaf. Thirty years from now, I’d love to see a Christianity that is more concerned with sharing the love of Christ with people than giving an opinion on CNN. For now, I’ll continue to make it clear who I am when I am engaged in conversation with someone outside the Christian faith. ….I’ll also be sure to apologize for all the things fellow believers have done to turn others away from Christ.

Lifeline

I was doing my usual routine at the gym a few days ago and heard a song from one of my favorite secular bands. Papa Roach’s newest single, “Lifeline” was blasting through the gym’s audio system as the video played on a screen above me. I noticed an older woman raising her hands during the chorus as she would proclaim “yes Jesus!”. I began to think, that even though this band is explicitly secular, God could be working through their music.

I always love hearing secular songs that bring me to affirm my faith and I especially love those songs who are written by people who I consider to be ’seekers.’ I am going to leave my readers with a copy of the lyrics and allow comments on what the song means to you. As it is with all good art, various people should develop various different interpretations. Feel free to share your interpretation as a comment. Rock on….

Lifeline (Papa Roach)

When I was a boy
I didn’t care ’bout a thing
It was me and this world and a broken dream
I was blaming myself
for all that was going wrong

I was way out there
on the wrong side of town
and the ones that I loved
I started pushing ‘em out
then I realized
That it was all my fault

(Chorus)
I’ve been looking for a lifeline
for what seems like a lifetime
I’m drowning in the pain
breaking down again
looking for a lifeline

So I put out my hand
and I asked for some help
we tore down the walls I built around myself
I was struck by the light
and I fell to the ground

I’ve been looking for a lifeline
for what seems like a lifetime
I’m drowning in the pain
breaking down again
looking for a lifeline

Is there anybody out there?
Can you pull me from this ocean of despair?
I’m drowning in the pain
breaking down again
looking for a lifeline

You know a heart of gold
wont take you all the way
And in a world so cold
its hard to keep the faith
Im never gonna fade away!

Yeah!
I’ve been looking for a lifeline
for what seems like a lifetime
I’m drowning in the pain
breaking down again
looking for a lifeline

Is there anybody out there?
Can you pull me from this ocean of despair?
I’m drowning in the pain
breaking down again
looking for a lifeline

Spirituality According to Family Guy

Family Guy is not typically the show that one would go to for spiritual insight. Sure it is sometimes lewd and inappropriate yet, occasionally the writers of the show can take the viewer for a ride.

In a recent episode Peter (the main character) runs into Jesus Christ at a used record store. Jesus is working there and claims to be there to just check up on things here on earth. However, no one notices that it is Him besides Peter.

This has got me thinking. If Jesus came back just to check on things (now, the second coming would be obvious to us believers.. don’t get me wrong).. but if Jesus came back and attempted to blend in within our culture, would anyone notice Him?

Would conservative talking heads doubt His sovereignty because he is not waging war on the middle east?

Would extreme liberals doubt His validity because he does not approve of their sin?

Would the legalistic people run and hide when they realize that Jesus never meant to uphold their agendas?

This is all speculation but I really think that the average person (Christian and non-Christian) would be astounded at the real Jesus when they encounter Him.

Just some thoughts to mull over this holiday when we are thinking about the incarnation of God’s Son.

Silly Galatian Church

Judging is an issue that can become like a thin ice under a Christian’s feet. Many people have a problem differing between judging, accountability and straight up legalism. However, this blog is not about accountability nor is is about legalism. This blog is simply about judging. I prepared this in hopes of turning it into a short non-fiction piece. However, now is the time to let this metaphorical cat out of it’s bag. As Christians, we are called to love everyone; hands down. Regardless of that person’s faith, belief system or morals we are to love them. When people judge, it is a form of hatred. There can be no love involved with human judgment.

The Apostle Paul writes:

“Oh, foolish Galatians! What magician has cast an evil spell on you? For you used to see the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death as clearly as though I had shown you a signboard with a picture of Christ dying on the cross. Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Of course not, for the Holy Spirit came upon you only after you believed the message you heard about Christ. Have you lost your senses? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?” (Galatians 3:1-3, NLT)

It is obvious that Paul was upset with the Galatian people, and for good reason. These people were trying to live a pure life on their own without calling upon the name of Christ for transformational purposes. To me, this sounds like so many of the independent country churches around here. They create unreal standards in order to improve their relationship with God. If only these people could understand that they have it completely backwards! Improve your relationship with God and allow HIM to transform your life. Avoiding rock music and movie theaters will not earn you crowns in heaven! Allowing Christ to transform your life and help you to live more like Him is what will earn your heavenly treasures!

The sad thing is that the people who need to listen to the Apostle Paul when he writes to an ancient church will never get it. They simply will not see how their church is acting exactly like the Galatian church!

Let me share some thoughts from this passage:

1. The Holy Spirit lives in those who have truly accepted Christ’s payment for sin. Living a pure life does not come instantaneous to many. Instead it is a constant growth process. Through prayer, fellowship with like minded belivers and scripture reading, transformation can come more easily.

2. Only those with the Holy Spirit can be expected to live remotely moral lives. Therefore we cannot judge the actions of the “unsaved” people around us.

3. We must admit to God and one another that we are not perfect and that we rely on his grace. In other words, if you as a Christian think you are perfect, you are wrong. Church is and must be a place where no perfect people are allowed.

4. In admitting that we are not perfect ourselves we can no longer judge the actions of the “saved” people around us. There are Biblical absolutes. Without a doubt there are some things that the Bible demands that we do. However, at the same time there are some grey areas that simply are not addressed by the Bible. We can no longer judge people based on these grey areas. At the same time we cannot judge the status of someone’s salvation based on how they treat a Biblical absolute. We must love them, help them see the right way, and pray for their spiritual development.

Jay Bakker notes in his autobiography, “Son of a Preacher Man,” that “As Galatians 6:1-3 directs, when we see hurting people, we need to love them no matter what, because we’re all struggling with something.”

Just to give you, the reader, something to think about; examine the verse I used at the beginning as paraphrased by Eugene Peterson in ‘The Message’ and instead of “Galatians” put your name into the mix:

“You crazy Galatians! Did someone put a hex on you? Have you taken leave of your senses? Something crazy has happened, for it’s obvious that you no longer have the crucified Jesus in clear focus in your lives. His sacrifice on the cross was certainly set before you clearly enough.

Let me put this question to you: How did your new life begin? Was it by working your heads off to please God? Or was it by responding to God’s Message to you? Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. If you weren’t smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it? Did you go through this whole painful learning process for nothing? It is not yet a total loss, but it certainly will be if you keep this up!”

It Is Upon Us

It is finally that time of the year. The time of the year where I try most to avoid Friendly Shopping Center, Four Seasons Mall and all of West Wendover Avenue is upon us.

People become insane earlier and earlier each year. They become so focused on what gifts they are going to buy and what deals they are going to grab. Therefore, in the mad rush they drive as if they are not blessed with a brain between their ears.

“So what Jason? You have just stated the obvious, deal with it.” That is what most of you are thinking in your head or saying to your computer. Well let me explain…..
Christmas becomes a time where instead of loving our fellow man, we push them aside on black friday for a $3 mixer or toaster. We blow our horn at those who don’t immediately accelerate once the light turns green. Should it be this way? I think not.

Christmas is about a resolution between God an man. A bridge of salvation that would only be possible because of Christ’s incarnation.

Now, I am not anti-gift. However, when you are out shopping, please remember to love one another. Also remember that love is not based on the amount of money you spend. The economy is in the crapper and honestly there are people who could use your money to fight poverty, aids, etc.. Does your dad really need that piano key neck tie? Probably not. There are creative gifts you can buy. For around $100 you can purchase a cow for a village to provide them with year round milk! Just search online and find something creative.

Day Two, NCCA

Sorry for the delayed post. We got home last night from Charlotte and I went to bed in preparation for setting up for church at the theater this morning.

Day Two was a little bit better than Day One of the National Conference on Christian Apologetics. We heard from Josh McDowell, who brought a really relevant way of looking at truth. I will write an entire blog about that sometime in the future. Chuck Colson on the other hand was not relevant. He gave a talk about how bad our world is; taking a slam at the emerging church ‘doctrine.’ He, like many, are just misinformed. The emerging churches have no core doctrine of their own. For example, Encounter is an emerging church that is part of the Southern Baptist convention and therefore affirms the Baptist faith and message. Colson, is way off base and honestly is not establishing a good ministry to reach emerging generations.

Gary Habermas spoke about the resurrection. He proved that one could prove the resurrection without using the Bible. It was very interesting, very informative and very practical. We heard some other speakers as well but I don’t know their names or anything about them. At around 4:15 Lee Strobel closed the day with some practical information on how one can use the proof for Jesus in order to engage seekers.

Overall, I am disappointed at this conference. There was too much ‘preachy’ talk. Too many speakers made political slurs (Colson especially). Not enough actual information and a complete lack of relevance for the year 2008. I hate it. They need to realise that not all Christians are Republican clones who listen to holy music and live in a box separate from the world! This could really have been something amazing and could have been used to make a huge impact. Instead, it reflected our current state in the church… old, stubborn and bland.

Day One, NCCA

So I am here in Charlotte, NC sitting in a fabulous room at the Hilton University. Not only is it the number one rated hotel in Charlotte but we purchased tonight’s stay for $45 on priceline! Also, we somehow got upgraded to a deluxe room. Go figure.

Day one of the National Conference on Christian Apologetics has been pretty good. It is not quite what I expected but good all together. Dad, however, noted that this conference is sorta like promise keepers for 100 year olds.

The Location: The host church apparently has a multi-million dollar building and seems to operate more like a country club than a church. I mean, who wouldn’t join a church with a full gym featuring top of the line equipment? The cost to join a health club these days is outrageous! The worship music is bland. Lead by a group of church attendees all dressed to attend a wedding; the music sounds as if the 1980’s returned with it’s brand of contemporary church music. No one at the host church goes out of their way to welcome you and there is a lot of fakeness all around.

The Speakers: Tonight we heard from Hank Hanegraaff, James Dobson and Erwin Lutzer. Let me remain on record by stating that I do not like James Dobson. He has done a lot for the kingdom; some good and some bad. However, he just rubs me the wrong way. I guess people like him though because humans have this desire to be told what to do. Plain and simple, some people want someone to tell them how to raise their kids, what to watch on tv and what they should be doing in their free time. I on the other hand do not! Jesus guides my decisions on every level. I would never leave it up to Dr. Dobson to tell me how I should live my life.

Hank Hanegraaff was decent tonight. He did not offer much apologetics in his message as I had expected. He spoke about revelation. My dad fell asleep. That should tell you all you need to know.

Erwin Lutzer ended the night and he was the best speaker there. He is hands down a great speaker. He spoke about Oprah and the new age guests that she features on her show. He offered a lot of information and it may be worth purchasing his book on the subject. The main thing I hated about tonight was the alter call. If you are attending a conference on Christian apologetics you probably would already be a Christian. This type of event is to equip those in ministry not to evangelize.

That is about all I can unpack from today’s sessions. I am sure I’ll be back tomorrow night to unpack the rest of the conference.

Exclusive Church

Several years ago my family was involved with a wealthy Southern Baptist Church that was located nearby a wealthy neighborhood as well as a lower class neighborhood. This church decided to build a “family life center”; a glorified gym made out of bricks. An unspeakable amount of money was spent on this structure and all members were pushed to make a donation. However, when the idea was brought to the church, my family asked questions and found out the dirty truth.

This church refused to let the neighborhood kids come in and play basketball during a free gym time. This church also refused to participate in a local church alliance that brings in homeless people to church gyms for a place to sleep. Hands down, this gym was not meant for outreach. This gym was intended for the well-to-do members of this well-to-do church to gather and socialise.

Shortly after the building was complete I got the go-ahead to plan a rock concert to be held in this gym. The idea behind it was pure outreach. The bands were booked, the sound system was arranged, the concert was promoted; a week before showtime the church pulled the plug on the event. It was obvious as to why. They did not want a certain type of people brought into their church. They did not want outsiders coming into their church.

This church is exclusive…

If the church is supposed to do the will of God, why are so many churches so exclusive? As a model of Christ we should welcome anyone and everyone with open arms. Not only that, but we as the institutional church should stay current enough that outsiders are curious enough to visit our church. Sometimes this can mean weeding out ‘comfortable Christians’ who like things the way they are. Ministry to the emerging generation cannot be done if we are scared of change. There is a lot of talk about change in our country right now. However, I know of one institution that needs change more than anything: THE CHURCH.

The church cannot stay on the same path that it is on. The average church is attracting comfortable Christians. The majority of growing churches in America are growing because of church transfers rather than because of evangelistic growth. That should be our first warning that some thing is going wrong.

Who cares if you don’t like the music? It has to be appealing to outsiders. Who cares if you don’t like the preaching style? It has to be appealing to outsiders. Who cares if you want to wear a suit? Your suit is going to scare away outsiders! None of these traditions are Biblical. Tradition has to fly out the door and allow room for true Biblical outreach and welcoming.

We cannot sit here and be silent. We have to stop being daycares for comfortable Christians. It is time for the church to change. Sincere Christ-followers need to be built up and get ready to bring about a new revolution. The goal is in sight, lets reach it.

Dangerous Politics

This is not technically a political blog. I have already written a blog about who I am voting for and stated my reasons. This is a blog about what is currently going on within the Christian community that is causing division and bringing about negative connotations in the minds of outsiders; of course I am talking about politics.

Christ-followers are out of control this election year; more so than in previous elections. I have received numerous mailings instructing me on WHO to vote for. Sadly, these mailings are from Christian ministries, most of which are a part of a larger organism that operates under non-profit status. I am sick and tired of people telling each other who to vote for. I admit that I’ve been guilty of it this year; in that I am passionate. However, for the first time in many years I feel that this election is the least cut and dry. I feel that in many areas it is a struggle for a Christ-follower to vote for McCain. In many areas it is also a struggle for a Christ-follower to vote for Obama. People are looking at the candidate and getting behind the lesser of the two evils this election year.

What I do not like is how dogmatic people of faith are about their candidate! I think everyone needs to have an opinion. However, when Christ-followers are on national television giving that opinion it can do damage to the kingdom of God. That is really all I can say. Let me leave you with some text regarding these political ‘God imposters’ from one of my favorite authors:

“There are, after all, a lot of people who don’t believe in God because they can’t reconcile their idea of Him with the idea presented on television. By that I mean televangelists and conservative talking heads who confuse good-ol’-boy politics with Christian spirituality. [...] The whole scene reminds me of all the crap Jesus was up against, having to overcome the unkindness and unfairness, immorality and injury done by the squeaky-wheel religious leaders of the day. [...] Just this morning I watched a fellow on his Christian show talk about what we should be doing in Iraq, how we should be starving out clerics and sending more troops to shoot more bullets and drop more bombs. He’s a preacher, for crying out loud. Why doesn’t he just tell people about Jesus? If I weren’t a Christian, and I kept seeing Christian leaders on television more concerned with money, fame, and power than with grace, love and social justice, I wouldn’t want to believe in God at all. I really wouldn’t. The whole thing would make me want to walk away from religion altogether because their god must be an idiot to see the world in such a one-sided way. The god who cares so much about getting rich must not have treasures in heaven, and the god so concerned with getting even must not have very much patience, and the god who cares so much about the West must really hate the rest of the world, and that doesn’t sound like a very good god to me. [...] You know, the real problem with God-imposters is that they worship a very small god, a god who exists simply to validate their identities. This god falls apart as soon as you touch him, as soon as you start asking very basic questions about the sanctity of all human life, the failure of combat mentality, and the lustful love of power.” (from Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller, pg 27-29)