Saturday, May 28, 2005
Predestination / Freewill - Pt.1
Tomorrow morning my Pastor is dealing with what will probably be, for him, one of the toughest messages he's ever preached: Predestination vs. Freewill.
That's huge, especially for a seeker-targeted church.
I am interested to see what he has to say, even though I pretty much already know the direction he's going in (an advantage to being the Programming Director)... but I am still very interested to hear his message. I've not known a preacher before him who could so well straddle the lines of an argument and speak Biblical truth in a manner that even those who disagree will still hear his words. He's an amazing communicator... mostly because he communicates with such heart, passion, fervor, and truth.
I'm not sure he'll rock my world tomorrow. I'm not sure he'll change my point of view. I am sure that I will be challenged, and I'm praying that everyone else is too.
Most Pastors/Theologians will understand this statement, few else will initially see the truth in it: Where you stand on the issue of Predestination/Freewill defines your philosophy of ministry.
Almost everything that we do and think in ministry is an outgrowth of our core beliefs on this issue. How you fulfill the Great Commission, your definition (and purpose of) the Church, how Sunday services are programmed, missions and outreach practices, etc. all can be traced back to this one issue.
Many choose to ignore it because its difficult to understand and causes so much division in the Body of Christ.
I say: that is PRECISELY the reason why we should face it head on.
Stay tuned.
posted by Kevin at 5/28/2005 10:32:00 PM
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Friday, May 27, 2005
Eddie Albert Passes
I'm not sure where actor Eddie Albert will spend the afterlife... though I do hope I'll see him again...
I post this because, well, he and his show holds a special place in my heart. Dad always loved it, and my love for it was renewed when TVLand brought it back last year. It got me through my season of unemployment.
Frankly, I had no idea that Mr. Albert was still alive. But he was, suffering under the ravages of Alzheimers until the age of 99. Amazing.
Green acres is the place for me.
Farm livin' is the life for me.
Land spreadin' out so far and wide.
Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside.
New York is where I'd rather stay.
I get allergic smelling hay.
I just adore a penthouse view.
Dah-ling I love you but give me Park Avenue
....The chores
....The stores
....Fresh air
....Times Square
You are my wife.
Good bye, city life.
Green Acres we are there.
posted by Kevin at 5/27/2005 10:16:00 PM
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Thursday, May 26, 2005
Communion
The lights dimmed, the Pastor moved to the floor, and the tradition that has endured in all churches through all ages began. I'd experienced it countless times before... but tonight, it was, different.
I grew up in church; been going all my life.
The Lord's Supper, as we typically called it, always happened in the same way. My family and I'd show up early for church on those evenings. Dad was a deacon, you see. In the kitchen was typically where they prepared 'the elements' (as they were affectionately called). It was a process that they took seriously and did mostly in seclusion though I'm not exactly sure why.
I can still remember the few times I was able to watch the process unfold... peering over the edge of the counter as my dad and the other men went about their tasks. First, bright and shiny silver trays were brought out of a secluded corner cabinet. Sometimes they polished the trays, sometimes they did not. They came in two sizes, the smaller of which held the bread and the larger held the wine... er, grape juice. Some churches use grape juice so as to not cause anyone to fall off the bandwagon, as it were. We used grape juice because that's exactly what they used in the Bible at the Last Supper (or so they preached, a lot, but that's a post for another day). Anyway...
Next a box of tiny clear-plastic cups was brought out. I always wondered why they were so small. Hundreds of them were shoved into correspondingly-shaped holes in the large trays. The fun part was coming now... getting that juice into all of those tiny little cups. For this task there were several cool different instrument. One was plastic bottle made of mostly-opaque white plastic. It looked pretty cheap but had a neat spout that extended at a steep downward angle 4 or 5 inches beyond the screw-lid. The other bottle was obviously more expensive. Made of glass and stainless steel, it looked more like an old-time perfume bottle than a juice dispenser. It had a long spout like the first bottle (though made of metal), but this one had a long plastic tube with a large ball at the end, just right for squeezing with one hand and pumping juice from the bottle to the cups.
This ritual took a bit of time and was very methodical. It always put me in a trance to watch them slowly circle through the trays, filling the cups with the deep violet juice. Next came the bread. I always had issues with the bread. It looked stale, and tasted worse. I couldn't imagine who would bake this stuff, let alone eat it. Just a bunch of crumbs, it seemed. The Pastor always called it 'unleavened'. Even after I found out what it meant, it didn't make much sense to me.
Then the deacons would stack the trays into a formation that reminded me of the Tower of Babel, and they'd all be carried to a linen-covered table in front of the sanctuary altar. There it would sit, taunting us kids, throughout the serve until the time of communion at the close.
During Communion, the piano would play as the trays were passed (much like offering plates) through the rows. Only those who'd been baptized were supposed to participate. I seem to recall that you had to be a member also, though I could be wrong on that point. Once you had your 'elements' you had to hold them till it was time to 'take' them. i also hated this part... the waiting. Would I spill my cup accidentally? Sometimes they were deadfully full. Would my more-like-paste-than-bread substance melt in my sweaty palm before I got in my mouth? So many things to worry about.
Then the Pastor would read a passage from the Last Supper section of the gospels... he'd hold up his cup and say "This is my blood" ... yada, yada, yada... "Do this in remembrance of me?" Then we'd drink the juice. He'd then do the same with the bread, lifting it high. Then we'd eat it too upon command. We'd sing a short hymn then go out into the night.
This happened several times a year, always in the same way.
______________________
Fast forward to 2004, my first communion at Mountaintop.
I had no idea what to expect. The Pastor came out with a basket and a few large cups, looking more like the holy grail from the Indiana Jones than any of the plastic cups I remembered.
I knew this was going to be different.
The Pastor pulled a piece of bread from the basket. It was as big as my head! He held it up, speaking a few words that were familiar to me, and 'broke' the bread... ripping it into 2 pieces. It was leavened! Was this Biblical?!?! That was my first thought. But that was not to be my only surprise.
Next the chalice was lifted and he spoke a few more familiar words. Then he invited the congregation to come to the altar to take communion. I had NEVER seen anything like this before (in a Protestant church). Leavened bread... one cup..... and we had to come forward for it rather than it coming to us?!?!?!?!
What followed was one of the most spiritual moments of my life. One by one, they came and ripped a piece of bread from the loaf, dipped it in the chalice, then took Communion there at the altar... both elements at once, intertwined one with another. (I said a short prayer thanking God we weren't actually drinking from the same cup, only dipping from it).
______________________
That's how I've experienced Communion these past 10 months. It's been revolutionary in my life and walk. No longer is Communion a chore, but an act of faith and grace.
I sit on the front row for most services now. I've been afforded the opportunity of having an integral part on our worship experience. This allows me to watch Communion from up-close.
Some people cry... others reflect... a few stop at the altar... most seem to experience, quite simply, relief and restoration. Their faces betray their souls.
Last night, though, I was reminded of what a special time Communion really is. It was business as usual, until a lady in the line surprised the Elder serving communion as well as those standing nearest her.
She took a piece of the bread, well enough, but rather than dip it into the chalice of grape juice, she grabbed the cup from the Elder's hands and drank directly from it. At first, I was bit appalled... or should I say grossed out. But that emotion was fleeting as compassion and love fell over me for this lady who's story I did not know.
She was obviously new to Communion, at least the way we do it. I was quickly flooded with memories of own first communion at Mountaintop, and how awkward it was for me. I would have never thought to have drank directly from the cup... but that was never my tradition... apparently at some point in the past it was a part of hers.
That moment will always stick out in my mind as one of the most special Communion moments I've ever experienced (even though it did not directly involve me). What a better picture of Communion could there be than someone who is so obviously fresh to it.
posted by Kevin at 5/26/2005 06:37:00 PM
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Tuesday, May 24, 2005
The Return of the Prodigal Son
The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming, by former Harvard Professor and eventual Pastor of a L'Arche home for mentally handicapped people Henri Nouwen, is a spiritual adventure story. A chance encounter with a poster depicting a detail of Rembrandt's The Return of the Prodigal Son set in motion a chain of events that enabled Nouwen to redefine and claim his vocation late in his life. In this book, which interweaves elements of art history, memoir, Midrash, and self-help, Nouwen brings the parable to life with empathic analyses of each character. Nouwen's absorption in the story (and the painting) is so complete that the father's challenge to love the son, and the son's challenge to receive that love, become Nouwen's own. And Nouwen's writing is so clear and his tone is so appealingly frank and humble that readers--no matter how far from home--will find hope for themselves in the prodigal peace Nouwen ultimately achieves.
Since an amazing worship segment at a Willow Creek conference, I have been enthralled with this painting by Rembrandt (Return of the Prodigal Son). They wove a song, drama, and painting together into a beautifully crafted moment... which they are extremely good at doing.
In an upcoming service we are discussing the prodigal son, and I was reminded of this piece. I suggested it to the Programming Team and the Pastor pretty muck jumped at the thought of using the painting, mostly because of this book by Henri Nouwen. I'd never heard of the book, so I bought it and read it today.
phenomenal.
I've fallen in love with this painting, not to mention the writings of the late Dr. Nouwen. With all of this new information, we must now re-think the entire service and find ways to use this painting to help communicate where our Pastor is heading in his sermon.
Not surprisingly, I'm pretty excited to see this service unfold.
posted by Kevin at 5/24/2005 11:53:00 PM
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Monday, May 23, 2005
It's the end
Petra is calling it quits. For 33 years, the Christian rock band Petra has been doing their thing. That will end this year.
Most of you have no idea who they are, even more don't care. And to me, that's the point.
They've long since slipped into the oblivion of the machine that is the Christian Music Industry.
I could try and explain to you why this is such a big deal to me, but I can't really put it into words. Unless you grew up in the Christian Subculture, you can't fully comprehend the importance of this band.
In this article, legendary founder/writer/guitarist Bob Hartman says they are being forced to quit, in large part, because dealing with the Christian music industry in the U.S. had become such an uphill battle. "It has become increasingly harder to get concert bookings in the U.S.," Hartman said. "We don't play enough to support everyone. We have to seek other income as it is." How sad is that? No one is asking them to play anymore. Not even the summer festivals want them!!
Says the band's manager, "The problem with Christian radio is that it's funded by your 'soccer moms,' 25 to 35-year-old women. They are the ones who contribute most of the donations to radio stations. And they tend to not want to support a lot of rock acts." That is SO true in Christian radio. That is precisely why all of the Christian radio stations today are automatons that seem as sanitized as a boring Baptist church service. (No offense to my Baptist buds).
"There's nothing else we can do, we'd been having trouble reaching our target demographic in an increasingly radio-driven industry," continued the band manager.
Said Justin Murr, a rocker from another (younger) band, "Christian radio and Christian media turned their backs on Petra. Instead of applauding them for their years of ministry, for reaching the lost, and for encouraging the believers, they told Petra they didn't matter."
John Schlitt, longtime lead singer of Petra, "I know I'm sort of tired with the whole industry. I'm tired of dealing with the record company, I'm tired of dealing with management, I'm tired of dealing with booking agents, I'm tired of hearing excuses." When asked how he saw Petra fitting into the history of Christian music, he answered, "There are books about the history of Christian music that hardly mention Petra. I find that very hurtful. But you know what? Everybody has an opinion. I really think Petra's ministry with or without me has been a trendsetter. It has helped developed Christian music as it is today. "
Schlitt continues, "I think that's true. I think Petra's ministry and its choices in business have been influential. A lot of great bands now will tell you that. The real Christian bands out there will tell you 'If it weren't for Petra, we probably wouldn't be doing this.' What a thrill, man."
It saddens me that he had to qualify his statement by saying "real" Christian bands.
I've worked in the radio industry, and I've been a fan of Petra for over half their career. I've grown up inside the Christian Subculture... AND I HATE IT.
Oh to God that the ministry was more important than the business. Oh to God that the proclamation was more important than the bottom line.
But we've cooked our gooses, as it were.
The American Dream has ended up turning us all into financial whores. We'll do anything for the almighty dollar, spitting in the face of the Almighty Father.
We've made religion a huge financial success in all walks of life. There is money to be made if you are willing to compromise.
But I fear we've sold our soul in the process.
..... goodbye Petra. You will be missed.
posted by Kevin at 5/23/2005 11:26:00 PM
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Is it just me
Is it just me, or am I the last person in the world concerned with theology? Is there anyone out there who is capable of separating their own opinion (and concept of truth) from a valid and cogent biblical worldview.
OK, I know I'm not the only person... and I've already lost most of you anyway. So let's just cut to the chase. Here is my frustration...
I've been reading a LOT lately. Not reading books so much as blogs (and that may be my downfall).
There is so much terrible misinformation out there. And worse, there is is so much bad theology. Christian-eze, as I call it, that passes itself off as good biblical sense, which upon close inspection is anything but.
Thanks to the magic of RSS feeds and an aggregator I've been watching a number of blogs recently. And most of you are crazy. I still love you, but you really need to watch yourselves. You know who you are...
(ok, you don't know who you are... and I don't intend to name names)
Anyway. I'm amazed at the amount of secular humanism that I've found in the blogs of strong Christians. I'm perplexed at the relativism I'm seeing in people with the best intentions. And most frightening of all, I am appalled at the number of times I've seen someone take their own opinion and then find some obscure out-of-context Bible reference to support it... or even worse, give opinion, passing it off as biblical, when in reality it's nearly heretical. That happens all the time too.
Now, Don't get me wrong. I know the nature of blogs. And I know they're opinion pieces, not doctoral theses.
BUT COME ON! Pay attention to what you are writing.
Here is some practical advice... especially for those who may not have a PhD in a religious field... Before you write anything about the church, Christians, or Christendom in general, ask yourself exactly what part of the Bible you would use to back up these statements. Think through what comments you make about the church, and God, and how they both interact on this earth.
I'll promise to do the same. But I won't promise to continue avoiding the issue and I'm not going to continue avoiding commenting directly on these posts much longer. We are moving from the era of grace to law, and I am about to start taking theoblogical hostages. :)
Be warned.
posted by Kevin at 5/23/2005 12:00:00 AM
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Wednesday, May 18, 2005
"Preach the Word"
MOVING TOWARD AN APPROPRIATE CONTEXT FOR MEDIA IN CHRISTENDOM
This is the last on any media subject for awhile... but I need to be sure that I've put out everything that is currently on my mind concerning the matter.
I've been chewing on this one for some time, years in fact, and in final preparations for tonight's sermon on the Prophetic books I finally found what is, for me, the final nail in the proverbial coffin.
I doubt Christ would have used Media if it were to have been available to him in the First Century.
Or, let me take it from a different angle: Precisely because it was not available in the First Century, leads me to believe that it is not the 'holy grail' of communication devices.
Now this may frustrate some and infuriate others. But I ask for a few moments that we simply think logically about the issue.
Here goes...
- Christ came when the time was right. The Bible clearly states that Christ came at the appointed time, when everything necessary for his success was in place. Not a moment too soon nor too late (Rom 5:6, Gal. 4:4-5, etc.). If He'd of honestly thought that his message could have been better communicated with these tools, then He'd surely have not come until their invention. Being God, I like to think He could have made that happen too.
- We cannot assume that because Christ primarily used images and metaphors in his spoken communication, that he would have used other forms of communication like projectors and powerpoint. That is faulty logic and demeans us all. These forms of communication are VERY different in nature and really have little do with each other. One uses the 'eye gate' to inform. The other uses the 'ear gate' to create images in the 'mind gate'.
- There seems to be a pattern here in Scripture. In Genesis, God spoke the world into existence. He did not draw it into existence, nor did He paint it into being. By speech, He carried out the most amazing act of creation and communication ever. While this seems stupid, it is an important point.
- Paul tells us to "Preach the Word" in Second Timothy, a letter containing his final words before execution. Study that verse and those that surround it carefully. He is speaking of the spoken word and other forms of communication are not necessarily inferred in the context. I think the principle applies to other forms of communicating the message of the Word. But as a primary meaning, we must assume that the spoken (preached) word usurp other means of communication.
- Most convincing to me though, is the example found through the Old Testament prophets. Of these 17 books, which make up 20% of the canon, all of them deal with God's changing form of communication. Some might call it Dispensationalism, others just call it good sense. Either way, God's form of communication was changing. Early in the OT, God made His presence known. Think of Him visiting the Garden of Eden, walking with Enoch, visiting Job and his friends, raining brimstone on Sodom, leading the Exodus through clouds and fire, burning false prophets and sacrifices with flames from heaven in Elijah's day, etc. God got involved in VERY visual ways... but now, by the time the Prophets come on the scene, God seems to be pulling farther and farther away. He seemed... distant. The prophets were calling for miraculous displays of His power, like in Moses' day. But history records that even with this first-person visual reminder of God's presence, Israel STILL rebelled. Now, through the Prophets, God was turning instead to the power of the spoken word. It would seem that God did not (and does not) consider mere words to be an inferior form of proof or communication. He used it successfully through the age of prophets, Christ employed it as the basis of His communication, and preachers/proclaimers since then have used the to draw billions to Christ.
That being said, I love media.
I love to use it to help proclaim the message of the gospel. But the media is not the message, and many times the media only destroys the message. We must be careful with it, it is a powerful thing. Used correctly and carefully, media can aid in our efforts to communicate. But when wielded with improper care, it can suck the life out of the message... or worse, become the message itself.
Few wrestle with these issues anymore. Most churches, and church media people, blindly follow whatever new technology, theory, or method comes along. They justify their conscience by convincing themselves that Christ would have used media in a similar way... and even worse, they operate under the 'by any means necessary' mindset.
The Bible makes it clear over and again, the end does NOT justify the means.
Let's face it: Media is not a necessary tool for communicating the gospel. Many times, it's not even a better tool for communicating the gospel. In fact, it might be a detriment. But the first step to harnessing it for good is not allowing it to become more important than the message or the messenger.
I say: Use media, use it a LOT. But don't let it replace the written and spoken Word of God Almighty. They are not in any way equal. To say otherwise is blasphemy.
If there is another way to get the message out other than media, use it instead.
posted by Kevin at 5/18/2005 11:48:00 PM
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Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Church is NOT an option
Jared over at TruePravda typically has deep and insightful fodder... the theologian in me enjoys an occasional read of his blog.
Today, he posted on a subject that I have been mulling over recently: Jane Fonda and Moby's Christianity. You should read the post. Here is an excerpt from his conclusion... after giving some very powerful data to support it:
"Call me Ishmael, but Moby’s belief/action system seems far removed from biblical Christianity. In fact both Jane Fonda and Moby appear to have each created their own religion. In Fonda’s case, she molds Christianity to reflect her feminist beliefs. Moby simply adapts Christianity to his own warped celebrity worldview.
While both Fonda and Moby seek to disassociate themselves from the church, they still want to associate themselves with the head of the church, Jesus Christ. In doing this, they remove themselves from any authority that is outside of themselves. They make Jesus into what they want him to be, which in the case of Jane Fonda and Moby appears to be little more than a name dropped to achieve some sense of social credibility. Jesus still carries a bit more credibility in our culture than Krishna.
A year ago I wrote about the dangers of churchless Christianity. Fonda and Moby are exemplars extraordinaire. God did not create us to go it alone."
While both Fonda and Moby seek to disassociate themselves from the church, they still want to associate themselves with the head of the church, Jesus Christ. In doing this, they remove themselves from any authority that is outside of themselves. They make Jesus into what they want him to be, which in the case of Jane Fonda and Moby appears to be little more than a name dropped to achieve some sense of social credibility. Jesus still carries a bit more credibility in our culture than Krishna.
A year ago I wrote about the dangers of churchless Christianity. Fonda and Moby are exemplars extraordinaire. God did not create us to go it alone."
posted by Kevin at 5/10/2005 08:16:00 PM
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