Bobby's Adventures

"Love Wins" & Baskin-Robbins

2011-03-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

Love Wins and Baskin-Robbins

Like you, hell is disturbing to me. Like you, i dont want anyone to go there. Like you, i've been blessed by Rob Bell's ministry over the years. Like you, i like Rob Bell. I like the Nooma series. I like his focus on expanding the kingdom of heaven on earth via practical and holistic means. In regards to the book, there's more i like than not. But, i do not like his recent departure from the historic and biblical view of salvation. Contemplative or not, his ambiguity is potentially misleading.

Like Baskin-Robbins, there are a lot of different flavors within Christianity and everyone has a favorite. Personally, I like that there’s such diversity and liberty on the non-essential elements within Christianity. And yet to be labeled “ice cream” there are a few necessary ingredients. Likewise, to label oneself as a follower of Jesus implies a few necessary ingredients one of which is a biblical view on the doctrine of salvation. It was to Nicodmemus, that Jesus, not once, but twice said. “you must be born again” (John 3:3, 7). When the Philippian jailer asked, “what must I do to be born again?” The answer was “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Jesus and the Apostles were very straightforward with how one is born again. Bell isn’t.

As expected the book lives up to being a quick (198 pgs) but thought-provoking read. You'll find yourself saying, "that's a good point", "That too is a good point". You'll laugh, smirk, and at points you'll probably be convicted; i was. There are both "ouch" and "amen" moments. For the most part i greatly enjoyed it and say Amen to brining heaven to earth. However, I've actually been more perplexed with his interviews than the book itself. "Love Wins", btw, has over 300 questions. Thus we must be careful in distinguishing between the two. I get that he’s being artistic and working his trademark contemplative “Socratic” style, but herein lies the problem with the “we’re all just trying to figure it out together” approach that’s so popular within the emergent church movement. He’s not a kid in youth camp sincerely asking, “What happens to people who don’t accept Jesus as Savior?” Rather he’s a seminary-trained pastor of what’s considered an evangelical mega church. Tens of thousands listen to his podcasts and read his books. Not that we ever stop learning, nor ever fully comprehend all that is God, but shouldn’t a senior pastor have figured out and clearly espouse essential Christian doctrine? Yes, is the correct answer (1 Tim. 3:15).

When it comes to the doctrine of salvation, there’s no wiggle room (cf. John 14:6, Rev. 20:15). In my opinion, "Love Wins" mishandles passages like the story of the Rich Man & Lazarus in Luke 16. Likewise, the difficult passages such as Gen. 19, Mt. 25, Gal. 1, and Rev. 20 are not fully exegeted within their context. By contrast, in Matthew 18:9 you can practically hear the urgency in the intonation of Jesus pleading with his listeners to do whatever it takes to avoid hell. Bell doesn’t. In the end, the Gospel story, as it’s been preached for thousands of years, is a love story. Sure, its been mishandled and abused by various methodologies and messengers. Too many know Christianity by what it stands against rather than what its for. This bathwater, no doubt, needs to be changed but not the baby.

BTW, actually i still like Rob Bell; just disagree with how he's handling not "a", but "The" most important issue facing humanity.
Due to his vagueness, I should also add that, for the record, i'm not quite ready to label him a heretic. I am however, greatly concerned with how (thus far) he's handled himself in interviews regarding universalism (salvation applies to all) and the doctrine of salvation which is the Essential Ingredient to following Jesus-salvation.

As the angel said at that first Christmas, “I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all people. For unto you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). And so, may you “contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).

Precious?

2010-11-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15 is a verse you've probably heard before and its one that i've even quoted at funerals I've officiated. But, very little seemed precious to me on Oct 19, 2010 when my precious mother went to heaven. I've completed over 125 hours of post grad study, mostly in theology, read the bible cover to cover numerous times and so i know all of the right answers but now the verse seemed to haunt me. For most of my life the Grim Reaper has been kept at bay; it was always someone else. now it was me. Over the years ive even come across people who are angry at God due to a loss yet if it were ever up to us i doubt if we would ever want to lose anyone we love. Earlier this week i was cleared to mountain bike "beginner" trails and so it was on thanksgiving day that i chose to burn a few carbs on the promenade trail in the mcdowell mountains. I had it all to myself. Near a summit, just yards away, several harris hawks were enjoying the thermals and seemingly enjoying the trail and views along with me. i stopped to try and take a photo but they were camera shy and glided over the range, out of sight. But while stopped i chose to enjoy the view (all of the verde river basin, all of fountain hills, and most of Scottsdale). and the verse came back. My mom (Shirley) and i regularly talked about heaven and she had often told me that when she went to heaven to remember that i'd always know where to find her. There on that trail the verse went from my head to my heart as i owned that God was (and always is) in control. He knows all the whys and, whether i like it or not, He's always right on time. Instead of continuing to bemoan her graduation i began to marvel at how fortunate she is to be in the Celestial city and at how blessed I am to be able to one day join her. I know where the Promenade trail leads. But, more importantly I also know where the Jesus trail leads. Jesus always leads to Heaven. He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6). I know where she's at and i know exactly where to find her. I am one day closer.

in awe in Turkey

2010-05-31T09:02:00.001-07:00

Any preconceived notions I might have had about Turkey; i.e. shish ka bobs, hookah, muslim calls to prayer and burqas were proved terribly wrong. Not only was the country full of great food, and breath taking scenery (see my albums on facebook), but many of the young people were as hip and stylish as anyone in Malibu or Manhattan. The country of course is home to vibrant and diverse culture and cuisine (Arab, Mediterranean, European) yet, it was absolutely mind blowing how surrounded I was by biblical, religious, and spiritual history.
Ararat, The plains of Shinar (Nimrod), the Hittites, Antioch, Constantinople, Ephesus, Colosse, Galatia, etc… How did we forget? Over time, and due to many conquests, genocide, and persecution this Biblical world has nearly perished from our collective memories, forgotten by all but a few historians and tour guides. Yet, not completely. Standing in the ruins of Ephesus reminded me that God speaks through history. The spiritual investment by Paul & John here resulted in the evangelization of the entire province of Asia (see Acts 19:1-10, 20; 1 Corinthians 16:9). In Miletus I was reminded of how heavy Paul’s heart must have been as he said farewell to the elders of the Ephesian church when he said, “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there” (Acts 20:22); they tried to kill him there btw. These guys were spiritual studs. They were willing to lay down their lives and their luxuries for the Great Commission. They are still around. I was blessed to meet several gentle but bold leaders who knowing the risks involved told me, “Yes we are willing to die for Jesus.” May we not only recover our spiritual memory of what God has done, but may we also make the most of the present. Carpe diem. “…making the best use of your time because the times are evil.” Ephesians 5:16

Haiti: 5 loaves and 2 fish

2010-01-30T09:42:00.000-08:00

In January i was invited to serve as a relief worker in Haiti. I can speak for both pastors Terry Crist and Tom Moffett when i say that It was both exhausting and exhilarating. I still have a lot of mixed emotions not to mention a heavy heart. There was the frustration of bureaucracy and the joy of delivering food. There was chaos and desperation that I’ve (no hyperbole) never seen before. We were in two food riots, their capitol is in ruins (imagine seeing the white house and U.S. capitol destroyed), and yet we also saw the power of the Church. God brings order out of chaos and while it is never pleasant, as leaders I’ve noticed that often He will put us in situations to help alleviate the chaos. For me, there were two notable highlights. First, in order to reduce the risk of disease, Tom and I dug a latrine at a refugee camp. Without asking, within minutes we had a small army of Haitian volunteers helping us make our own gravel, pushing wheel barrels, and using their hands as shovels.

Sometimes ministry is like Jesus feeding the 5,000. We are told that upon seeing the desperation of the crowds that Jesus "had compassion" (Mt 14:14) and instructed His disciples to feed them. I get the theology but for the first time in my life I finally related to Philip’s analysis in that we were in a glass half empty, make that three-fourths empty scenario. It was simply overwhelming, yet as Jesus taught by example, you have to start somewhere and with something. You have to start with what you have; 5 loaves and 2 fish. God is always able to work miracles and bring a little heaven to earth with what little we can offer. No matter how overwhelming it may seem to you simply start with what you have.

Secondly, on a lighter note, immediately across from the destroyed capitol and palace there was another refugee camp where people were washing themselves and rummaging through debris for whatever they could find. I came across a group of Haitian boys lazily kicking around worn out soccer ball that you could practically see through. I went up and asked if I could join them and got in a few good kicks. Because I was the only white guy around they started calling me "Beck-ham" and started laughing when I miss-hit a header that sent the ball into the street. It was a blessing to see their big smiles at my ineptness. Sometimes, a handshake, a “good morning” to a stranger, even a smile can minister to someone. By doing so God will multiply our loaves and fish in ways that will bring some heaven to earth we may never see.

a Leper's Thanksgiving

2009-11-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

Recently I was watching an episode of “No Reservations” (a program on the travel channel) in which Anthony Bourdain (the host) was in Columbia. Throughout the episode the Columbians were expressing and showing Bourdain how “thankful” they were that things there had changed…that things were so much better from the years when the drug cartels had operated without restraint. At a party Bourdain made a comment that I thought was obvious, yet insightful, “people who’ve been through hard times really know how to party” he said.

Luke (17) records the account of ten lepers who met Jesus and had a life-changing encounter with Jesus; they were all healed! Lepers were alienated in every way. They couldn’t participate in the synagogue or festivals, had to cry out “unclean”, and maintain a distance of 100 paces from the clean. In addition to this, while a misnomer, leprosy (in some ways like AIDS in the 90s) carried a bit of a spiritual and moral stigma with it. They were outcasts.

Surprisingly, out of the ten only one returned to thank Jesus. Have you ever wondered what happened to the other nine? Me too. Luke doesn’t reveal their reasons and so we can only speculate, but…let’s speculate. Maybe:

· One waited to see if the cure was real.  
· One said he would see Jesus later and thank Him then. 
· Another decided that he had never really had leprosy.
- One thought he probably would have gotten well anyway through a new holistic process. 
-Still another said, “I have so much to do. Jesus will understand.”
-One said, “Actually, I wasn’t as bad as the others.”
-Another said, “I should’ve never had leprosy in the first place”
-
To me, what’s most interesting is that Jesus actually takes notice of their absence. I mean, Jesus, i.e., God noticed! God noticed that nine didn’t give thanks.
But one was different. The Bible says, “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed…” Most English versions translate the verse as saying that he saw he was healed. The Greek word used is “eido” and it’s a little broader than visual sight and means to know, see, and/or perceive. The thankful one took the time to note that he had been blessed. He realized that something wonderful had happened to him. He was sensitive to the power of Christ working in his life. He “saw” that he was healed, he turned back and glorified God.

His perception had entirely changed.

In addition to all that we have to thankful for this Thanksgiving, I want to also encourage you to “see” all that God has done in your life. Visit again in your mind the place where you first met God and His mercy and grace and in addition to everything else, be sure to give thanks for how He’s saved you. Because of Jesus, you’ve come so very far. Because of Jesus we see differently. Because of Jesus we should know how to party. Happy Thanksgiving.

Left Behind in Argentina

2009-08-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Its true...several Sundays ago (Aug 2) they forgot about me and i got left behind all by myself at a Christian campground.

i had a lot of different feelings about it. i have often wondered what it was like for Adam to have the whole planet to himself and it simply wasnt the same without the people. when i realized what had happened; seeing the final bus leave and no one at the cottage beside me i walked over to where we ate etc. To a degree, it was very serene being there all by myself. Not even
"Smiley" the dog was to be found. On the way back it was truly like a movie set for "Lord of the Rings". It was getting dark, the trees didnt have any leaves and i heard a hawk or something screech just like a Ring Wraith :0 i quickened my pace just a little. when i got back to my lodge I was amused to find that a cat had some how found a way in!! it was just sitting there on the couch enjoying the fire and i thought, i might as well too. i put some wood on the fire, played with the cat some and watched the flames. i was thinking that a campfire is sort of like ancient television in that you just sit there watching the different hues in the colors, listen to the sounds of the wood crackling, and enjoy its warmth.

At this point i realized that it was official: i'd been left behind! i actually practiced my message (that i gave on Aug 8/9 at CoG), did my devotions, journaled, prayed out loud, and took a nap. i let the cat stay in and every now and then it would climb on to my lap as if to say, "its ok". About two hours into it the people who supervise the place came over and asked in spanish, "why are you still here?" i used every spanish word i knew and they returned a few minutes later with some mate, dessert, and a phone. the only phone numbers i knew were jorge's home number and that of the church and no one answered at either. the only consolation i had was knowing that I Knew that Jorge Knew that i was supposed to speak at church. So, i surmised, at Some point Someone would notice that i wasnt there! but then i had a mini panic attack and thought "but maybe they will think there was a mix up and that i was at one of the other sites...castillo or rivadavia!" :O being tired from praying and preaching to the cat, at that point i contemplated just taking a long hot shower and going to bed. i'm serious.

but right about this time, as i was taking off my shoes, the cat looked up from the sofa at me and meowed as if to say, "its going to be ok." Now i know that this part sounds cheezy and as syrupy as a the ads for a marriage conference but here's what's interesting-i had no food for the cat. all it wanted really was my attention-my time. at that point the Holy Spirit hit me like a mike tyson punch or an andy roddick serve..."Hey Bobby, I just want some of your time. I just want some of your attention, that's all" And so there, in Maximo Paz, all by myself except for the cat, which i named "Tiggerina", and God i spent some time just sitting by the fire and listening to God. Approximately one hour later Mariano showed up.

"And He (Jesus) said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest awhile." Mark 6:31

AntiSemitism and Evil

2009-06-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

There's only about 12 maybe 15 million Jews on a planet of over 6 Billion and yet every day i hear about them or Israel in the news. There's hardly a month that goes by that i dont hear about the holocost, anti-semitism, or terrorist-type attacks against them. I know that like any culture/society they are not perfect and yet...why? Why do we keep hearing about such a small people group? I mean in comparison it would be like hearing about connecticut and the people who live there every day. When i was in Auschwicz i learned that in his final days hitler actually turned the heat up on the prisoners there, i.e. knowing the americans were coming from the west and russians from the east he tried to kill as many as he could. i think that perhaps one of the reasons that there's such widespread anti-semitism is that if they are wiped off the planet, as some desire to do, it makes God a liar in that there are still some unfulfilled prophecies for the jewish people that have yet to be fulfilled. thus, i wonder if this is why satan is so dedicated to their destruction. just a thought.

A Haunted Palm Sunday

2009-04-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

I went to Auschwitz today. The Auschwitz! I walked through the legendary "gate of death". the barbed wire is still there. I saw the train station depot where their personal belongings were taken from them, where they were stripped naked; and i saw the crematoriums where the ill, children, pregnant women, and anyone who was considered unfit for labor were sent to their deaths in the gas chambers. and i saw the gas chambers too and the holes in the ceiling where the gas came in. it was simply too much. too much. the amazing thing to me about this was that it was palm sunday. i didnt intentionally plan it that way but it was the only day i could work it in. and i recalled the love that Jesus has for us. as redundant as it is..."for God so loved the world that He gave His only Son..." God had led israel out of captivity our of sin. He told them that if they would follow Him that they would be blessed and that if they didnt that they'd find themselves in captivity again. The reason i believe that much of the history of israel is also included in the Scriptures is because, you see, their story is our story. There's actually a much more powerful oppressor than pharaoh or the babylonians. its sin. During the Babylonian captivity the prophets began to speak of a new type of exodus that was coming and they referred to it as "the way".

While Israel is in Babylon Isaiah says, “…prepare the way …make a straight path for the highway of our King.” Isa 40:3 He says that this Exodus is for everyone. In Isa 40:5. He says, while they are still in Babylon, get this now, while they are slaves in bablyon God even says “shout it with joy. Send it to the ends of the earth.”Isa 48:20]

Why shout it to the ends of the earth? Because! Because God is not just talking about the Babylonians he’s talking about a liberation from the real oppression-Sin. And so they can begin to dream of a way home. A deliverance from all oppression: physical and spiritual. But there has to be someone qualified to lead the way. Jesus is the Way (John 14:6). happy Easter from a train in Prague.

risks

2009-01-23T22:32:00.001-08:00

this is from a book i have been reading and wanted to share it with you. it's from a guy in his twenties who actually worked with mother theresa a little and started his own inner city ministry in philly:

"Some Christians take such few risks, its no wonder people have a hard time believing in heaven. Sometimes people ask me if I'm scared living in the inner city. I usually reply I'm more scared living in the suburbs. The Scriptures say that we should not fear those things which can destroy the body but destroy the soul (Mt. 10:28). While the ghettos may have their share of violence and crime, the suburbs are the home of the more violent subtle demonic forces -numbness, complacency, comfort-and these can eat away at our souls.

Whenever people asked Mother Theresa about her work in Calcutta, how it was going, what life was like, she would say, 'Come an see'. I was ready to see Christianity lived out. I did some homework and figured out that i needed to call (her) at 2AM and that call would cost $4 a minute. (I called). I was expecting to hear a formal greeting: 'Missionaries of Charity, how can we help you?' Nope. I just heard a raspy old voice on the other end mutter 'Hullo'. Thinking I had the wrong number with the tab rolling at $4 a minute, I said, "Hello I'm calling from the United States trying to reach Mother Theresa or the Missionaries of Charity.' On the other end I head the muffled old voice say, "This is the Missionaries of Charity and this is Mother Theresa'. My initial reaction was 'Yeah right and I'm the pope.' But I held back. She asked how long we wanted to stay and I told her we'd like to spend the summer. "that's a long time" she said. Or two to three weeks I said. Heck, two to three hours (with her) seemed nice. She said, 'No, come for the summer. Come." Come? Where would we eat or sleep? So, I asked her: "Mother Theresa, where would we eat or sleep?" She didnt worry a lot about that. She said, 'God takes care of the lilies and the sparrows, and God will take care of you. Just come.'

-Irresistible Revolution

Christmas Cards from God (my version)

2008-12-06T11:49:00.000-08:00

Christmas Cards from God

Dear Lonely Heart,
“Its not good to be alone.” I was the one who said those words immediately after I created the first human, and so I know that they apply to you as well. I was the one who created you with a longing for relationship. So, when you feel disconnectedness of isolation over Christmas - as you are feeling right now, I know why you feel that way. I see this and I have heard all of your prayers. But don’t forget that I’m with you always (Mt. 28:20) and that I love you.

Dear Unhealthy,
You never thought it would happen to you, did you? For so many years your body always did what you needed…your body did what you wanted it to do, but this Christmas it seems different. I need you to know that I understand the limitation of the human body. I created it.. I created it as your temporary housing for your soul and in heaven you’ll have a glorified body. But between now and then, no matter what set backs your body may have, remember that I dwell with you. In fact you are my temple. (1 Cor. 3:16).

Dear Busy,
Whenever I look at you, I see a blur of activity with a contrail of exhaustion. You seem to have less and less time for me; and thus less time for the things that are important to Me. I admire your drive but what you are looking for will never come your way by adding more things to your plate, or by pleasing more people, I know the way to the still waters and I know the way to the the truly greener pastures (Ps. 23:2 ). Trust me, before its too late.

Dear Independent,
Believe it or not, I actually like your self-discipline and your determination. My problem is that you do not acknowledge me as the source (James 1:17). You’ve taken my gifts, built yourself a great life, and ignored me. Yet I actually have plans for you that would blow you away! But you are so self-absorbed there’s not any room for my grace and power to operate. So, this Christmas I’d like to ask a gift from you; a thank you. And I’d simply like to be included in your plans.

Dear Guilty,
What you did was wrong. You know it, I know it. But my Son was born to die for these wrongs (Lk. 2:10, 11) and that includes what you did. My grace can allow you to enjoy this Christmas. So stop beating yourself up over it. If you ask I will forgive you. It’s the best gift of all and the one gift you’ll never want to return.

Dear Backslidden,
When you first began to wander away from me you probably had no idea that you would wind up in a spiritual ditch and here it is Christmas. It has been hard for me to watch you lose your way over the years. You are far from home. I miss you. But you can come home tonight. The light is on for you and I have left a key for you under the mat. Nothing would make me happier than to see you home for Christmas. Come home. I’m waiting for you. (Lk. 15:20).

Dear Blessed,
Enjoy my goodness this Christmas! I’m happy to see you joyful! The rekindled relationship, romance, the new baby I gave you, your material blessings. There is a time for dancing and this is one of them. Thank you for keeping your eyes on me. I’ve seen all that you’ve been doing for Me, You’ve kept you ears attentive to me this past year and I’ve noticed (2 Chron. 16:9). I’ve seen your faithfulness, your giving, your service and I have even more blessings in store for you.

Still Giving?

2008-10-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

I regularly meet with other pastors and ministry leaders and the story is the same. numbers are up and great things are happening but...giving is down. obviously this reflects a change in our economy and in some ways, in the natural world, the american church is hurting because God's people are hurting. But, it brings up a great question-giving.

We have all been asked, from time to time, to give to charity or to some worthy cause. Our first thought is to determine if it’s a worthy cause. Why is generosity such an obstacle for so many? Granted, at some point in life you have probably been burned, conned, lied to, manipulated, or tricked. Yet, still, for many it is simply the result of own selfishness and fears. This is probably why so many people are a little uneasy with it.

Most Americans desire and work towards a certain quality of life and in the natural world, giving anything away is seemingly defeating the purpose. C. S. Lewis said, “For many of us the obstacle to charity lies not in our luxurious living or desire for more money, but in our fear—fear of insecurity.” Solomon offers sound advice when it comes to generosity, and he does it by contrasting three analogies.

Investing Instead of Hoarding 11:1-2

“Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after
many days.” (Eccl 11:1)

Most of us wouldn’t consider waterlogged bread very appetizing, but that would be missing the point. Bread in the ancient Near East was made in the form of thin cakes, which would actually float for a time if thrown in a stream. But who would fling bread into the water? There is an Aramaic Proverb of Ben Sira that says, “Scatter thy bread on the water and on the dry land; in the end of the days thou findest it again.” A similar Arabic Proverb says, “Do good, cast they bread into the water, thou shalt be repaid some day.” Striving to understand what Solomon is saying here, some commentators believe this is a reference to foreign investments with ships on commercial voyages that might be long delayed before any profit resulted and that Solomon’s counsel is merely an encouragement to invest abroad. Interestingly, although the figure of speech may have originated from the realm of commerce, Solomon is talking about a different type of investment. Giving. Like investing, we must also venture forth into the realm of charitable giving yet without thought of personal gain. What may appear to be a waste for some may be the best investment ever made. God says I’ll give you a chance to trust a promise. Cast your bread upon the waters.

“Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth.” (Eccl 11:2)

Again Solomon warns us about the uncertainties of life. To carry the idiom from the preceding verse further, if one ship was destroyed in a storm or its cargo stolen, other vessels would return to you. That is, don’t put all your eggs into one basket. However, like the preceding verse, this particular phrase “Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight,” is a Hebrew way of saying, “Be generous to as many as you can and then some.” Specifically, a time may come when you will need a little help from your friends. This carries the same connotation as “Be nice to people on the way up because you may need them on the way down

Moving Instead of Watching 11:3-4

“If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies.”
(Eccl 11:3)

There is a contrast between these two and yet they both share one thing in common. The coming of clouds bringing a storm of torrent rain can be watched with apprehension as it comes. The tree falling, whether it is to the south or to the north is sudden and could never have been anticipated. And yet for both, we have no control over them. There are some things in life that we dread. Likewise, there are other dreadful things that await us in the future that we cannot anticipate. Regardless, there are things we cannot control. While we need to be prudent and prepare for the unexpected, these uncertainties should not be allowed to paralyze us in our generosity. I know what some of you are thinking: “I’m just not sure that I’m in a place to be generous right now. Things can always take a turn for the worse and so I had better play it safe. When things get better I will become generous. God understands.” You are right. This is one of the ancient secrets of Kohelet. Things may take a turn for the worse. Solomon concurs that life is uncertain. However, you cannot sit back and wait until everything is secure before you invest your life into life. Because of life’s uncertainties, the time to invest is now. For example…

“He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will
not reap.” (Eccl 11:4)

Those who insist on certainties or even just the most favorable conditions before investing into the lives of others will never do anything. If a farmer waits too long for the ideal weather conditions to plant, he may subsequently miss the opportunity to harvest. Forethought and timely action are important, but we must avoid analysis paralysis. There is an element of risk here. We speak of high risk, high profit and low risk and low profit, but either way risk is present. Its easy to believe in our minds that God keeps His promises, but can we really believe it in our hearts?

jealousy anyone?

2008-09-22T20:35:00.001-07:00

Recently I was asked "So what exactly is wrong with jealousy besides being wrong? and thought it was a good question; at least one i'd never been asked or thought on much before.

I think it begins with its definition. I believe that ultimately jealousy is when we resent God’s goodness in other’s lives and ignore God’s goodness in our own lives. So, being jealous means being envious of other people’s blessings whatever that may be (possessions, privileges, popularity, position, success).

As Israel was celebrating the goodness of God Saul was unable to enjoy the moment. "When the men were returning home after David had killed the Philistine, the women came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments…."

 But Saul doesn’t celebrate. He gets very offended. He says "They have credited David with tens of thousands, but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?"

Effects of Jealousy

A. it steals your joy. And it leaves you feeling miserable and empty. Proverbs 14:30 says that "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Jealousy will eat you up on the inside."

B. You’ll do strange things. I think of the woman who worked at NASA in order to make sure she didnt have to stop for a rest room break enroute to confront the "other woman" she wore a diaper.

C. Distract you from your true calling. Some Bible commentators think that Saul may have spent up to 16 years hunting for david when he should have been focused on building a kingdom and fighting the philistines.

D. It may become a part of your character and something noticeable even to non-Christians.
Mark 15:10 "For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy."

Remedy?

-Admit it in prayer
-Celebrate the blessings of others knowing that the same God can bless you too
-Be thankful for who you are and what you have
-Run your race.

Robbed, Healed, Angels on OT

2008-08-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

This August, 34 of us went to Brazil & Argentina. There's so much to talk about but here's a synopsis.

Brazil: Seven of us first went to Brazil where we visited favallah's and did some teaching. Colorful. Thats what comes to mind whenever i think of Brazil. The people, fruits, foods, clothing, toucans, and even their flag is bright and colorful. My personal highlight was the privilege to speak at a church in a favella. ive spoken at churches of all shapes and sizes but for some reason i felt really honored and privileged to speak to this small church on a hill. We were escorted in and it wasnt uncommon to see people carrying small firearms. While the church was small, it was a true city on a hill (Mt. 5:14). They sang with all their might and made sure that the whole neighborhood heard their singing and the words of Jesus being taught.

Argentina: This is a country where even by 21st century standards, time clicks by a bit more slowly. Some of the basic things in life like friends and having dinner together at 11PM are more important than the typical concerns of politics and credit card bills.

Over the past 9 years I've had the unique opportunity to have visited the country over ten times and the country itself has a diversity from the Andes, to Mendoza (their version of the Napa Valley), beaches, farmland, a cosmopolitan city (Buenos Aires) and architecture that will keep your camera busy. But the best thing about Argentina is by far its people; if you make the slightest effort to communicate you will find most Argentines to be fun-loving and eager hosts with a quick smile, a joke, and a hot cup of mate (a local tea). They love to laugh and give each other nicknames. They are a hard working people and yet most seem to work in order to live and not the other way around.

They are also ablaze with a fire for God that's more expressive than their soccer matches. It wasnt uncommon for worship to regularly go past midnight. They simply cant seem to get enough of God there.

We came here to serve as volunteers for several events. First, at Punchinello, a Christian school of the arts for children of low income families. Typically its only the most privileged of children who get to learn drama, painting, vocals, keyboards, etc. but Punchinello is a place where even the most impoverished of children can experience the arts and learn about God and Biblical truths at an early age.

Secondly, we helped with an outreach event centered around children's day (its somewhat like mother's/father's day in the States) where we put on a festival for children and on behalf of City of Grace distributed over 110 backpacks to impoverished children preparing to return to school. Additionally we did some hospital visitation where we simply laid our hands on the sick and prayed for their health. Finally we served at a youth camp.

But for me the highlights were different

as the pastor of young adults at city of grace i'm really proud of our team. As you know, young adults are not famous for having a lot of capital and in addition to sacrificing their vacation time they worked, begged, and saved in order to serve. i was sort of in awe, i know i shouldnt have been, but i was in awe that so many young adults would give up their vac time and much of their own money to go and ...serve.

Vanesa, as you know we all prayed and fasted for her healing when we learned she had cancer and ...she's healed. there she was running punchinello as if nothing had ever happened. still singing and jumping up and down on the keyboards too.

Damon being robbed. for those of you who dont know him Damon is one of those kind of guys who's trained most of his adult life for just such an event. he was robbed at gunpoint in Rio. he told me that he couldve taken the guy out and had a few opportune moments to do so but ... but had a supernatural peace to just let it go and give him the $. Then, to my surprise i too had a peace. at first i felt a need to tell everyone on the team to be extra careful and to reiterate some of the stuff i'd covered in our trainngs yet i felt that it would create an un needed anxiety and to just "be still" (Ps 46:10). honestly, there were a few moments in the favellahs when i was feeling like some angels were probably working extra shifts but overall i felt peace.

A trip like this should change you...does change you. Its really indescribable in how we saw the hand of the Lord in so many conversatons, situations. In many ways I felt we were all given a taste of what the first followers of Jesus experienced in the Book of Acts. I know that sounds like hyperbole but fortunately, i've got 34 witnesses who can back me up on the fact that it exceeded our expectations.

I want to say thanks to all of you for your prayers. I could feel them and we experienced God's favor on more than one occasion. We were able to see the fruits of our ministry. New friends and deeper relationships with old ones

"I have much to write to you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you." 3 John 13-14

Can You Really?

2008-06-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

About 18 months ago it was brought to my attention that someone had fallen off the grid in regards to church attendance and so I was asked to meet with them and I did. Its no one that you would know but just for the sake of discussion let’s say it was a she. She assured me that I had nothing to worry about that she still believed in God and the Bible but that she was going to take some time off from the Christian lifestyle. She figured that she has plenty of time and that at any point in the future she can simply clean up her lifestyle, grow up, become spiritually mature again and get involved in church again.
The question is…is it true?

It wasn’t for Samson. He was anointed but had two flaws that he never overcame: revenge and women. One day, finally, the Bible says, (Samson said) “I will go out as at other times an shake myself free but he did not know that the Lord had left him.” Judges 16:20. Later of Saul, who was also anointed but tended to simply do things his own way it is said, “but now your Kingdom will not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” 1 Sam 13:14

I think she’s deceiving herself and that she may go down in history as just one more young adult who thought that by doing her own thing she was getting what she really wanted in life only to waste away some of her most foundational years and placing her future at risk.

So, can you really just turn spiritual maturity on and off like a light switch?

You see, I don’t know for sure if you can. Be forgiven and receive mercy? Absolutely yes. God is the God of the 2nd chance-we all know about this via Jonah and that He is able to restore the years that the locust consumed. Got it. What I’m talking about is wasted time and opportunity. Ps 90:12 says,
“Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom”. (Interestingly its not number our years, but days). Unlike knowledge, wisdom is the possession of good judgment and moral insight. Its’ acquired by being a good steward of our days

Jesus said that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy (Jn.10:10). I believe time is one of the things the enemy tries to steal from us. So, may we humbly number and steward our time by seeing each day as a gift from God so that we acquire a heart of wisdom.

Going Green?

2008-04-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

We’ve been doing a series at vertigo (vertigomovement.net) entitled “I’ve got a friend who…” one of which was “Ive got a friend who believes in global warming and ive also got a friend who thinks it’s a hoax”. I had no idea of the vast array of responses, many of which were quite passionate, that I would receive at the mere mentioning of the topic. On one end there was the “yea, its about time the church spoke up on global warming! You tell em Bobby” and on the other end there was the “youre speaking on global warming? But, I thought you were a Republican?” It was interesting to just sit back and hear all the various opinions.

Based on current trends and with what little objective and non-politicized information I was able to obtain, it does indeed appear that, currently both of the pole caps and most (not all) glaciers are presently in a retreat mode. The debate rages on the culprit. Is it a natural (including more sun spots and solar flares) and cyclical phenomenon; the result of the industrial revolution, or a combination?

Here’s what I do know. Regardless of the environment’s status, believe it or not the Bible does provide some insights

1. Worship the Creator and not the creation. Gen 1:1 reveals that God is the creator and that the earth and the animal kingdom are His creation.

2. We are to live responsibly with the earth

God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, And, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.” Gen 1:26 Message

3. The earth was created for our enjoyment. See Gen 1: 29, 30. I used to know this one guy who had a mint condition 1970 ford mustang mach 1. He only drove it once a year and for the most part kept under a cover. He eventually sold it and the guy who bought enjoyed it by taking care of it and by also driving it. While we’re to live responsibly with the earth, it was also created as something for us to enjoy and utilize.

3. The land belongs to God

"The land cannot be sold permanently because the land is mine and you are foreigners—you're my tenants.” Leviticus 25:23 The Message

Q: who does the land belong to?
A: God.

Q: Imagine if somehow Jesus allowed you to borrow his car. And just for the sake of discussion lets say it’s a vintage mint condition 1983 El Camino. He gives you the keys and says use it, but take good care of it. I’m pretty sure we’d do just that-take good care of it because, well because it’s Jesus car. Or imagine that it was a painting in which Jesus had personally painted and presented to you? The painting is not to be worshipped but because it was created by Jesus I think you would probably be a little extra appreciative and mindful of its care.

4. Jesus is the ruler of creation. "These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation." Rev. 3:14

I think this, albeit in a very sophomoric way, illustrates how we’re to live and treat the earth. Its His. Its for us. Treat it responsibly.

What can we do? There's some good news; whether youre a hippie or venture capitalist you'll be happy bc the following 2 things will both be good for the environment and save a few $.

-reduce your usage of phantom power. phantom power = appliances, etc that are on but not in use. one simple thing we can do is unplug our cell phone chargers when we're not using them.

-if you drink coffee or water each day at your work place use a mug or thermos rather than a paper/plastic cup each day.

-pray.

The New Atheism: Less Religion, Less Violence?

2008-02-09T16:56:00.000-08:00

Unlike traditional atheism, the “new” atheists believe that had humanity possessed the scientific data we have now religion would’ve never gotten off the ground. Furthermore, they advocate that religion is detrimental to society, retarding humanity’s progress, and that simply put: the world would be a better place without religion. To oversimplify things, the thesis of “The God Delusion” is religion causes bombings. There’s no doubt that in some cases religion has wielded its power and influence in ways which are contrary to the teachings of Jesus (e.g. Spanish Inquisition, N. Ireland, etc.) Perhaps this is what John Lennon was suggesting in “Imagine” when he asks us to imagine a world without religion implying; get rid of religion and the world will be a better, safer, and more harmonious place.
However, atheism has proved to be an equal if not worse oppressor. Case and point would be the Soviet Union. The atrocities and human rights violations that occurred in the atheistic Soviet Union have been well documented. In 1922 Lenin, who was frustrated by the tardiness of Russia’s people to adopt atheism said that the “protracted use of brutality” would be a necessary means to achieve the goal. It’s a very unfashionable and politically incorrect topic but the fact is that some of the greatest human rights atrocities of the 20th century were committed by governments that espoused atheism (Soviet Russia, the People's Republic of China, Vietnam). The thesis that a society which doesn’t believe in God would be a kinder, gentler, and morally superior society is a myth. The truth is that because of sin, both the atheist and the religious possess the capability of doing appalling things for what they think is right.
It was Karl Marx who said. “religion is the opium of the people.” The idea here is that some how religion dulls our senses to the troubles of the world and that the idea of God helps us deal with it better. Later, a poet would say, “A true opium of the people is a belief in nothingness after death, the huge solace of thinking that for our betrayals, greed, cowardice, murders, we are not going to be judged…The true opium of modernity is the belief that there is no God, so that humans are free to do precisely as they please” – Czeslaw Milosz who lived under the oppression of both Nazism and then Stalinism

My Cat Talked Today

2008-01-02T19:00:00.001-08:00

As I was getting ready to leave the house today my cat, Tigger, spoke to me. I had finished my Bible reading and made a few notes. However, my prayer time was cut short. There was just so much on my mind. There were a few emails I needed to send in regards to a few schedule changes for various meetings for the day and I was hoping to squeeze in a quick 30 min. work-out and then shave; all before going to my first meeting. As I was about to walk out the door Tigger was sitting there just looking at me and so I gave her a quick pat on the head, but still she was there, same spot, same look, just looking at me. And so, I figured that maybe she wanted a treat and so I quickly put a small treat down for her thinking that would be a great exit. She looked at it but she didn’t eat it but just looked back up at me. And then I realized what she wanted – some time. Have you ever wondered why God created us? The official party line answer is that we were created to love and worship God and yet I wonder if maybe we’ve got this backwards. While I’m not certain if any of us really know for certain, I think that He created us, first and foremost so that He could love us…because He wanted to be with us. Tigger said, I don’t want an obligatory pat on the head nor do I want a treat, all I really want is to spend some time with you.

9/11 Inside Job Conspiracy UPDATED

2007-12-20T20:07:00.000-08:00

“…history is a consensus hallucination. It is a myth upon which we all agree to agree. The truth is a moving target: new evidence must always be weighed, and ‘the truth’ updated (emphasis mine). Historical records must always be questioned and the agenda or perceptual context of those doing the recording must always be considered.”
-James Cameron, The Family Tomb of Jesus

Whereas 2005 was the year of the DaVinci code, the belief that the US govt orchestrated the 9/11 attacks is shaping up to be the most popular conspiracy theory for 08. Don’t believe me? If you google “9/11 conspiracy” you’ll find over 1 million links. I’m not exaggerating; 1 million links.

Let me make it clear that i'm not by any stretch an expert but here's what, with just a little research, i was able to ascertain. Their rationale for the conspiracy? A small portion of it's proponents are obviously inspired by a hatred of President Bush, but here’s what seems to be the main components. There’s more, but here’s 5 ingredients to the conspiracy.

1. “Building 7 collapsed without being hit by a plane thus it was a professional demolition. You can see this on youtube.”

2. “Fire cannot burn hot enough to melt steel. Detonations were set off in WTC 1 & 2 in order to complete the job.”

3. “One of the jets did not have windows or decals and thus it was a military jet or cargo plane.”

4. “There’s no debris in the courtyard of the pentagon. How could an amateur fly a plane to accurately to strike at ground level over restricted airspace.”

5. “It is impossible to make cell phone calls at high speeds above 8,000 feet (e.g. flight 93).

1A. Actually, numerous other buildings at the WTC plaza were destroyed or badly damaged, including 6, 5, 4, and 3.. The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and Deutsche Bank were either destroyed beyond repair or listed as uninhabitable due to toxic conditions. The Verizon building was also damaged due to (like # 7) falling debris from WTC 1 & 2 but has been renovated. About 25% of the south side of 7 was hollowed out (conspiracy videos fail to show the south side) and was unable to support its weight resulting in a progressive collapse. (cf. www.nist.gov and search WTC 7).

2A. Jet fuel burns at appox 2,190 degrees; but 2,750 is needed to melt steel. But, the integrity of the steel was weakened via the impact of a 767 traveling at approx 400 mph and eliminating large sections of load bearing walls. Seismic and kinetic energy from the impact also compounded the weakening. It is not necessary for steel to completely melt to lose its integrity. Steel can begin to lose structural integrity at 400 degrees. Furthermore, each jet was carrying approx 10k gallons of jet fuel which compounded by combustible materials inside the WTC may have resulted in temperatures exceeding 2,832 degrees.

3A. There are some photos and videos of flight 175 which do not have the adequate resolution to show windows, but there are some which do. In addition to this #175 flew in from the south with its wings banked to the left and thus away from those on the ground looking skyward. So, yes, in re to #175 windows were mostly unobservable but this does not necessitate that it was a military jet.

4A. While most of the plane disintegrated upon impact, there was some debris on the courtyard. Hundreds of D.C. commuters even reported specifically that it was a descending American Airlines plane. Each of the hijacker pilots had attended flight schools and earned pilot’s licenses.

5A. Altitude and signal strength affect a cell phone capabilities from a plane. Most of the calls that were made were brief and/or dropped. It is possible for cell phones to find a signal as high as 35,ooo feet. Obviously the lower the plane the stronger the signal strength. Although several calls were made from back seat phones a few were made from personal cell phones.

Regardless of all of the above there’s one Glaring Fact. The al quaeda terrorists accepted credit for the attacks (cf. 93 WTC bombing, US Embassy bombings: Tanzania and Kenya, USS Cole, etc just to name a few). Several were prosecuted and pleaded guilty.

So, what really happened?

On 9/11/01 19 islamic terrorists hijacked four commercial jets and intentionally flew them (AA #11 and UA #175) into the WTC in New York City, NY. Each hijack team consisted of a member who’d taken pilot training. This resulted in the collapse of both buildings including wide-spread damage to nearby buildings including the collapse of WTC 7. The hijackers crashed AA #77 into the Pentagon. In an attempt to regain control by the passengers and crew of AA #93 crashed in rural PA, which was probably enroute to the Captiol or White House. The victims were predominantly civilians and are still mourned by their families. As of today the total casualties from September 11th are 2999 with 24 still missing.

“When mankind comes to the end of its rationalism, they will eventually come to the end of their rationality. They will believe myths and fables rather than believe the truth.” Frances Schaeffer

UPDATE- What i've learned.

1. i still believe it was an attack by islamic terrorists.
2. i dont think its an issue to divide over. what ive learned is that there are some people
who love Jesus just as much as i do and who are just as patriotic as i am who have some
very different conclusions. And while i may not concur with their conclusons they do have legitimate grounds to be skeptical. Although I disagree with their conclusions i cannot really say that they're less Christian or less patriotic than me.

2012: It's true that...

2007-11-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

The Mayan Calendar ends on Dec 21, 2012...but so does the calendar on my fridge.

It is true that:

The Orion (egyptian pyramids) Prophecy says that the earth’s magnetic field will reverse.

The Bible Code says that a comet or meteor "may" collide with the earth

Some say that anecdotal and ambiguous Nostradamus Code predicts that after a series of global natural disasters the Antichrist will appear. (the specific year 2012 isnt referenced).

There is a Hindu following indicating the appearance of an Avatar (God in human form) with God-like powers who will herald a new age. Again, the specific year 2012 isn't referenced.

Charles Manson will be eligible for a parole hearing.

But, what about it being the end of the world?

Actually, the best Meso-American scholars concur that the Mayan calendar simply ends. The teachings that the date will usher in some type of new transformative state is more New Age than Mayan. The Mayan empire (250-900 AD) comprised most of what is modern day in what is today southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador and some of Honduras. They were, without doubt, very intelligent and demonstrating advanced written skills, and adeptness in construction/engineering, urban planning (including the Meso-American pyramids), mathematics and astronomy.

I think we've been through this before. Anyone remember 2000, the Y2K bug, etc?

There are 5 thoughts that i have on this

1. yes, it is quite remarkable that 2012 is a significant date in a vast array of paranormal circles.
2. Biblicaly, there is nothing significant about the year 2012. However...
3. According to Rev. 4-18, there will be some final cataclysmic type events heralding the return of Jesus to planet earth.
4. Jesus said that only the Father knows the exact time of his return (Mk 13:33). Check this out, in ancient jewish ceremonies there would often be a party in which the groom would propose publicly to his bride to be. IF she accepted then he would say something like, "i go now to prepare a place for you that where i am there you may be also." typically he'd go back and build on an additional room to his father's house, but the father would decide when the room was ready, e.g., "i think you need to make sure the roof doesnt leak, lets try some different furniture, etc." When the father felt the room was ready the groom would go and get his wife. And so, when the Heavenly Father says its time; its time. But only He knows the exact date. Obviously Jesus gave us some very pastoral advice in Mark 13 and Matthew 24, that just as when you see Christmas decorations going up at the mall you know that Christmas is coming. Likewise, Jesus is coming again
5. If the world was going to end in 2012 what would you do differently knowing this?

Story Below

2007-09-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

Cold, Fire, Color, Surprise: my month in South America

2007-09-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

There's something i'd always wanted to do...take an entire month to travel through South America
In August God provided me and Damon Crim with that opportunity. Here's a brief account of what happened.

Cold: In Paraguay, I was cold. It was the kind of cold that gets into your bones where you feel you cant ever get warm. one night i just stayed in the shower with the water as hot as i could take it hoping to get warm. The poverty there was unlike anything i had ever seen before and there were a lot of stories of brokeness. Perhaps this is why you cant find books on Paraguay in the travel section at B&Noble. Yet, they were rich in Spirit. I can still see the glow radiating from a woman, living in a small 4 room house, who'd contracted aids from the unfaithfulness of her husband. Her love for God warmed my soul.

Fire: Argentina is on fire for God and it's contagious. What makes this place special is the spirit of David that is evident in the lives of the people there (Jorge, Becky, Vane, Aby). Like David, they worship God without reservation and simply cannot seem to get enough of Him. It shows. We all know that God is omnipresent but His presence is very evident there. As I once heard Phil Yancey say, "God goes where He's wanted". They really want God there and He makes Himself known.

Dreams: Desires of our heart...we all have them. It was about a year ago that a friend of mine, Vanesa, expressed a dream in creating a faith based school of the arts for children on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. On August 8, i was there to see the grand opening. About 3 years ago it was a dream for Jorge and the worship team, iadoracion, to have their own cd. I held that cd in my hand.

Color: Thats what comes to mind when i think of Brazil. The people, fruits, foods, clothing, toucans, and even their flag is bright and colorful. As it turned out i was in the very front of a canoe going up the Amazon and I remember looking straight ahead into the jungle and for a moment i stopped rowing because i was in absolute awe of all the different shades of green that i'd never seen before.

Surprise: is the word i use to describe Ecuador. It was more beautiful than i'd imagined. i was surprised that you could actually balance an egg on a nail on the equator. And surprised to see what God is doing trhough a couple who accepted God's call, somewhat late in life, to, like Abraham, pick up and move from the comforts of home to do ministry to children in Quito, Ecuador.

There's the

ministry: preaching/teaching, visiting the sick in hospitals (Arg), explaining the authenticity of the Bible (through Damon) to a girl in Rio de Janeiro, putting a new pair of shoes on the feet of children in Ecuador

light-hearted: seeing the scariest clown ever in Brazil - he had dreadlocks, telling a british soccer fan from liverpool "we've got Beckham now", cheezy magic tricks for the elderly (they thought i was cris angel).

touristy stuff: walking the streets of downtown buenos aires, drinking out of a coconut at the beach on Rio d J, seeing the famous statue of Jesus overlooking the Rio d J, and getting your photo made on the equator standing w/one foot in the northern hemisphere and one foot in the southern.

Firsts: for the first time ever seeing "flight delayed" made me smile. there had been a wreck and 2, yes 2, broken down trucks on a 2 lane road to the airport. by all accounts we shouldve missed our flight. But, for the very first time ever in my whole entire life i was happy to see those wonderful words, "Flight Delayed". First time i'd ever been in a taxi that got a flat. Other firsts: holding an alligator, eating carolina style bbq in ecuador, and preaching with only 12 min of sermon prep time.

Quotes: "This says row three! We must be in first class!" (not, there were only 12 rows in total for the whole plane), "hey, have you seen my passport?!" "Have you seen my tickets laying around anywhere?" "was i dreaming or were chickens trying to get inside our room this mornnig?" "guarani, pesos, reals, dollars,we dont have any of the above." "dude, are you going to eat some guinea pig?" "Bobby, are you ready to preach again? youre up after this next song."

but really its about the

people

Nelson, a guy in Paraguay I'd only known for a few hours who offered me his sweater bc he was concerned that i was too cold.

Los Szczeckos, a family where the fruits of the Spirit are like an orchard.

The Citichurch team: In many cases i knew of the struggles they were facing in coming up with the $, getting the time off of work/school, etc.

Kristen: The original plan was for her to join me in Argentina but it simply didnt work out but on Sept 1 i think i felt a little like Adam at seeing her again after a month, "At last..." Gen. 2:23.

A trip like this should change you...does change you. Its really indescribable in how we saw the hand of the Lord in so many conversatons, situations. Fortunately, Damon and the team from Citichurch can back me up on the fact that it exceeded our expectations.

I want to say thanks to all of you for your prayers. I could feel them and we experienced God's favor on more than one occasion. We were able to see the fruits of our ministry. New friends, deeper relationships with old ones, all glory to God.

"I have much to write to you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you." 3 John 13-14

LSD, Frisbee & Samson

2007-06-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

I’ve been researching the Jesus Freak movement* and there’s another name that will always surface that no one really seems to want to talk about…the Hippy Evangelist-Lonnie Frisbee, yet he’s impossible to ignore. Google or Wiki him. By all accounts, he very well may have baptized over 8,000 people within a 2 year period and those who knew him typically used the word “anointed” when referring to him.

Many overlook him because he’s embarrassing...

For one, he was a nudist vegetarian and a hippy in every sense of the word who was “born-again” in the California desert during an LSD trip in which he said Jesus appeared to him. Yes, you read it right. But first, what would have been the typical response had Jesus and Pentecost occurred in the 1960s? Think about it for just a moment. First lets ponder Paul…a murderer of Christians, read that again, a murderer who said he’d seen the risen Lord on the road to Damascus and was now pro-Jesus.

But, there’s still an elephant in the room, actually it’s a brontosaurus. Frisbee died from AIDS in 93. Homosexuality was an on-again/off-again struggle (he attributed to child abuse).

The mystery is how can a person be so used of God? What I’m really trying to say is…how can God use someone so mightily who struggled with homosexuality and even succumbed to it on occasion? I mean, as far as I know I’m trying to live for God, doing all the right things; ive been in ministry for 15 years now and I’m pretty sure I haven’t led even a thousand people to the Lord, in fact, youth camp speaking included, probably less than 500. Isn’t God risking His reputation by using such an unstable young man?

But God has done this before hasn’t He? In spite of his moral failures Samson was indeed anointed; albeit these moral failures eventually caught up to him. Nonetheless, you know where I’m going with this now don’t you…sinless perfection, education, and pedigree are not qualifiers for who God chooses to use. Occasionally He seems to enjoy, smile even, at using the most unlikely of people. He was, Himself, after all, born in a stinking manger who’s earthly father was a carpenter. “Nothing good comes out of Galilee?” (Jn. 7:52) Oh, but it does.

*see post “Keith Green…I wonder why?”

God had B.O.

2007-05-30T23:29:00.001-07:00

It happened again. I went to pick up some “To Go” food and as I was waiting on my order some carpenters came in. You could tell they were carpenters by their truck, gear, tool belts, but also by their sun burns, leathery faces and b.o. they literally stunk up the place.

But…I couldn’t help but think that this was the trade of Jesus.
It was the tradition of Jewish boys to take up a trade in their teens and typically it was that of their father. There’s some conjecture and deductive reasoning here but since Joseph isn’t mentioned in the adult ministry years of Jesus, whereas his mother, brothers, and sisters are (Mk. 6:3) its probably a safe bet that his father had passed away…meaning that the eldest son would bear the responsibility.

Wait a minute…Jesus a carpenter? We glamorize it today but shouldn’t the Son of God be a synagogue ruler like Jairius, or maybe at least a scribe? I don’t know for sure how to process the fact that God was out on the roofs pounding nails. Shouldn’t He be doing something more important like … I don’t know, almost anything? And then I wonder, would I have missed Him? I mean if He would’ve come to Scottsdale would I have overlooked Him bc He was pushing a mop in Taco Bell rather than teaching in a seminary? or would i have discredited Him bc he had an accent (like the Galileans) or supect credentials ("nothing good comes out of Galilee)? So, when you see those guys out this summer – remember, that whatever season of life you’re in right now, rather mundane or glamorous, for a season, God swung a hammer. May we be faithful in whatever season we're in (Ps. 1:3).

Falwell dead and now on to other news

2007-05-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

I was at the gym when I got the news that Jerry Falwell had died. “And now on to other news…” it was something about Anna Nicole Smith again. I was saddened to hear about Falwell’s graduation. I’m guessing that the bulk of the media from both Christian and non-Christian sources will be more than quick to jump on the bandwagon to demonize his political positions and polarizing “foot in mouth” incidents, but at least he usually apologized. That is a facet of him that cannot be ignored and plenty of attention will be given to that. But, since i was there for awhile, there’s a little more to Jerry that you should know; a few positives: 1. He was a pastor who really loved his people. I think this speaks well of a pastor. It is not always a given. No matter where he was at on Saturday he was always at Thomas Rd Baptist Church on Sundays because that’s where he wanted to be. Even if he wasn’t speaking, he was there. Pastoring wasn’t a duty to him…it was something he truly enjoyed and the people knew it. 2. Yet, in a postmodern sense he was a prophet. In an age of moral relativism and political correctness he was a man of conviction and reminded me of the OT prophets who were ridiculed for their unpopular and blunt messages. His messages urging national holiness made most, if not all of us - uncomfortable. Given the opportunity, most of us probably would’ve used a different approach but he was who he was. Though in the minority, I for one will miss him.

Jesus Freaks, Keith Green...I wonder why?

2007-05-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

I’ve been researching the Jesus Freak/hippy movement of the 60s, doing somewhat of a compare/contrast with the emergent church and I noticed that a certain name kept popping up. Keith Green. He was a bit before my time but from what I can tell he was basically the matt redman or dave crowder of his generation. I became a Christian in the 80s and I can still vaguely remember people mourning about this guy that they’d never met…keith green who’d died in a plane crash in 82. Why is this guy different? Why did he make such an impact into people’s lives? Why are people still talking about him? Some of his music and writings were published posthumously. Why? Why is he on myspace?
I don’t know. But here’s what I think. He was different. What I mean is that from my research I can clearly see that, like the apostles, he really strove to live out the teachings of Jesus, he really believed that Jesus was coming back…soon! He had an evangelistic urgency. He (as far as I know was one of the first) to not charge admission to his concerts. He bought the house beside his and turned it into a half-way house for addicts, prostitutes etc. Yea, this guy was different because, I think that he really believed that we were supposed to live out what Jesus taught. And did.

South America Calling

2007-04-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

It seems God places different desires in our hearts. Some of my friends are very compelled to go to the Holy Land, others have "always wanted" to visit Africa. For me, I've always wanted to simultaneously visit and minister in South America. While planning to take a group of 30 friends to serve with a church in Buenos Aires this August an interesting opportunity developed. A friend of mine (Damon Crim) who served as a missionary to Paraguay for 2 years invited me to travel with him to visit Paraguay prior to Argentina where he'd follow up on the work that he initiated there. And then, following our trip to Argentina to visit Brazil (the amazon & rio d j) to prayerfully explore the possibility of serving there at some point in the future.

There's a little more. During all of this, some friends of mine from CitiChurch, Greg & Amy Brill have accepted the call to serve as full-time missionaries in Ecuador. I want to develop a long term relationship with these guys and so, Lord willing, we will visit them too and explore the possibility and costs of sending teams there in the future.

There's still more. Vanesa, a good friend of mine in Buenos Aires is starting a school of the Arts for the children of low-income families where children, who under normal conditions would never have the opportunity, will receive professional training in painting, vocals, keyboards, etc...which begins in August.

I'm telling you all of this because of 2 reasons.

1. Pray for me. We'll be traveling to some of the largest cities as well as some of the most remote places in all of South America this August. Pray for God to give His angels charge over us and that we will be a blessing and encouragement to those we encounter.

2. Capital. I'm not embarrassed to tell you that all of the above costs $, but a friend of mine has offered to help make these ministry dreams a reality by hosting a "Celebrate Argentina" party on Sunday May 6, 6-9pm at the Inza Cafe in Scottsdale (Pima Crossing) which will feature argentine folk music, appetizers, food, coffee and lattes. We'd like to ask for $15 a ticket, all 100% of which will go towards funding the team's expenses and towards Vanesa's school and its all tax deductible. But, please do not feel obligated. Your friendship and prayers are always a blessing. But, if you can help financially with these dreams it would be greatly appreciated.

"...a time to laugh?" Eccl 3:4

2007-04-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

a time to mourn.

I believe that maybe this is what Jesus had in mind when He says, "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted" Mt. 5:4. Mourn over what exactly? Debatable but one thing i do know is that it grieves my heart to turn on the news. Its like watching a police blotter. The Va Tech shootings, bombings, kidnapping, etc etc etc etc etc. I'm just simply sick of it. Sick of it because its become the norm. I've noticed that i'm not as shocked anymore and i dont like that. i want my heart to stay soft but it seems i'm starting to getting used to it and less and less surprised. I still get the postcards in the mail with the missing children and i look at them briefly, say a prayer and then ..then i throw it in the trash. No lie, i could easily wallpaper my garage with all the postcards i get about the missing people...maybe i should.

Jesus promised us that in His Kingdom we'll be comforted. Why? Because in His Kingdom sin will cease. There will be no more bombings, shooting sprees, AIDS, etc. He'll also, I beleive, return as more of a Joshua figure. He will reclaim that which is Rightfully His - planet earth. And I believe a lot of people are going to be wondering ..."why is Jesus so mad?" (cf. Rev 5-18). He'll return as King of Kings this time...not a baby in a manger. And...those who mourn over injustice will be comforted.

R U Impressed?

2007-03-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

What impresses you? Steve Nash busting a 3? Highlights in someone’s hair? BMWs? Yea, it happens to me sometimes too and I think its ok to be impressed. Recently I was in Hollywood to witness the taping of a pilot for a reality show and, unwittingly, I found myself getting impressed. “Hey, there’s Ben Stiller!” “Wow look the actual Hollywood sign!” “I played hoops on the courts used for white men cant jump.” But have you ever noticed that Jesus also got impressed?

This is what Jesus noticed:

A widow giving $2. $2 isnt going to make a difference in any church’s budget, but Jesus was impressed because, to her, even though it was only $2 - it was a true sacrifice to her. He took notice. Another time there was a Roman centurion who said to Jesus, “I’m unworthy of you to enter my house…just speak the word and I know it will happen.” Jesus said that he hadn’t even seen faith like that among the Israelites-people who had a history of experiencing God’s miracles first hand. The Greek uses a rare word that’s only used twice in the NT…”He marveled” (Lk. 7:9). Or what about Zaccheus (Lk. 19), a man short of stature who climbs a tree to see Jesus better. Think of that. A grown man climbing a tree like a little boy … to see Jesus (not Bono). And there’s the tax collector in Lk. 18 who beat his chest begging for God’s forgiveness.

Those are the kind of people that impress Jesus. I hope we can be more like them.

Jesus and Battleship

2007-03-18T21:50:00.000-07:00

Could you imagine what it wouldve been like to have been a childhood friend of Jesus playing battleship?
You'd always lose. "A-4" "hit" "G-9" "hit. Now you could try and cheat and say miss; and if it was early in the game maybe you could move your destroyer but He would know and either say, "Youre cheating" or just call out the new location.

I was also thinking...

you know, there's just something not right about eating gummy bears while watching 300.

just a few deep thoughts. i'll get back to the deeper stuff next week.

Family Tomb of Jesus

2007-03-14T22:01:00.000-07:00

Via my radio show ive been getting a lot of requests for info on a book and discovery channel documentary produced by James Cameron (Titanic) about the Family Tomb of Jesus by Jacobvici and Pellegrino. Book-wise, its decent. Somewhat of a DaVinci code and Indiana Jones cross-over, but not exactly Grisham or a page turner like DVC.

What is it:

In 1980 a tomb was unearthed in Jerusalem that was marked by a chevron on the outside of the tomb. Actually some little boys discovered it, one of which whose mother, Rivka Maoz, happened to be studying archaeology in order to become a tour guide. She sees some little boys playing soccer with skulls and upon further investigation discovers 10 named ossuaries. She then proceeds to notify the Israeli Anitiquities Authority.

Based on the following they conclude that this is the family tomb of Jesus of Nazareth:

(80 stands for the yr the tomb was discovered and the 500 system is to i.d. the different tombs.)

80/505 Maria, a Latin version of Miriam. In Hebrew "Mary". A Joseph was buried next to her.
80/503 “Yeshua bar Yosef” Jesus son of Joseph. In Aramaic.
80/501 Hebrew "Yehuda bar Yeshua” Judah son of Jesus
80/506 had a cross or an “x” and was illegible
80/504 had “Yose” Jose in English. The archaeologists presume this is “ Joseph”.
80/500 Another Mary but in Greek. Presumes it to be the crypt of Mary Magdalene.

A cursory glance would intrigue most anyone. Yes, this sounds like an amazing coincidence...but read on:

1. Remember, in general postmoderns:
-don’t know history
-don’t know their Bibles
-love conspiracy theories
-love Jeus but have Christophobia

I know that sounds a little on the harsh side, but lets be real - it is what it is.

2. Three different languages are used in this tomb- Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek. This may suggest that it was actually a multi-generational tomb. And a little unlikely that they wouldve used Greek for something so personal and private. 
 
3. In Mark 6:3, four of the brothers of Jesus are mentioned by name: James, Joses, Judas, and Simon. Jesus wouldve been approximately 30 when this incident (mk. 6:1-6) happened in Nazareth. It is referenced by the townspeople that he had sisters (at least 2), but there is no referene ever to Jesus having a brother named Matthew. Mark was written no later than 65AD, possibly earlier. Still no reference of a brother named Matthew.  

4. If Jesus had had a son, he wouldve easily been the 2nd most popular guy in all of history and what have we heard and know of him? Nothing.
 
5. Mary Magdalene was never referred to as Mariamene as the authors suggest. The correct reading of the inscription is “Mariame and Mara.”
  
6. Symbols. The ornamental chevron on the outside of the tomb would not have reminded anyone at the time of a crown of thorns or of even necessarily of royalty, etc. In fact, it may not even necessarily be a chevron. The symbol that was being used by Christians at the time was the fish, not a cross or chevron. BTW, the crosses would not really emerge as a symbol of Christianity until the time of Constantine (4th c).

7. Joseph is never referenced in the adult years of Jesus and going back to Mark 6, Jesus is referenced as the "son of Mary" and as the carpenter. I believe this is because Joseph has passed away. 2ndly I believe Joseph wouldve been buried in Nazareth.

8. Who is James Cameron?
Biblical archaeolgist? Biblical scholar? Ph.D in Ancient Near East Studies?
None of the above. The dude's a movie producer.

p.s. the ship sank, sorry, but get over it.

Jesus and the Cigarette Machine

2007-02-22T16:28:00.000-08:00

Maybe it was spiritual intuition but somehow I knew that there was something special about Jesus but not sure what. My grandma had this picture of Jesus in her living room and, I don’t know how but I simply knew He was special. At about the same time I was assembling an anti-monster kit (I was 14 j/k, 7) and realized that I needed something to protect myself in the event that I should encounter a vampire and so I told my mom that I needed a crucifix. Like any mom she told me I didn’t need to worry but I felt that its always better to be safe than sorry and so…we went to Sears (it was the Wal-Mart of its day). Afterwards I noticed crosses everywhere: necklaces, on top of buildings, etc but the most interesting one to me was at an Italian restaurant. In the lobby there was a cigarette machine and on the top of it was a “straight- out- of -a Florida -gift shop” crucifixion scene, complete with sea shells, and a man hanging on a Cross…Jesus. I asked mom, she explained, but I still didn’t understand why.
Years later, 20, I came home from a party and saw the exorcist on late night tv. It freaked me out and again, I went to mom. “Hey mom, I really don’t want my head to be spinning around like that girl…what should I do?” she gave me a copy of a book called “The Holy Spirit” by Billy Graham and it clicked. I felt sad and speechless that He really wanted to be with me that much, that he would go through all of that in my place. I understood, in my heart, that He was God and that I needed to place my faith in Jesus for forgiveness and not in my works. So, I did. I went into my bedroom, kneeled by my bed and asked Jesus to forgive me for all the things that I’d done wrong, to save me and to, like the thief on the cross, to remember me and to let me go to heaven. I remember feeling pure, different.
Today I had lunch w/someone who i thought was interested in getting to know me a little better but in reality they wanted me to get a movie script to my actor friend stevie b...i was a little disheartened but as we were leaving i saw an old school cigarette machine and it took me back to that Italian restaurant. Before seeing it i was remembering the let down it was in High School when the light bulb went on and i realized that a particular girl was becoming friends w/me soooo that she could get to know my best friend. I was hoping she was interested in me, but actually there was an ulterior motive to the friendship. Stuff like that still happens (ulterior motives for the friendship, lunch, etc andive been guilty of it too) but with God, as cheezy as it sounds, His interest really is in me...in you. Its genuine. No ulterior motive other than He wants to be with us. He's got the cross to prove it. Happy Easter Early.

What do you want?

2007-02-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

A few Sundays ago at church we were singing “open the eyes of my heart Lord (repeat)…I want to see you.” It was one of those songs that ive sang, I don’t know, maybe a hundred times but for some reason on #101 I contemplated the lyrics. Since Jesus ascended 2000 years ago…how exactly do we do this?

In my Bible reading right now I’m studying the life of David and ive noticed that he had both “prophets” and “seers” in his life; e.g. Nathan the prophet (2 Sam 7:2-5) and Gad the “Seer” (2 Sam 24:11-12). What’s the difference? A prophet is a mouthpiece of God who declares and reveals God whereas a “seer” sees God … primarily through visions, dreams. All seers are prophets but, interestingly, not vice versa.

During the Modern era many Christian leaders reduced God to a purely rational and logical explanation. Disclaimer: No doubt, the Word of God unfolds to the human mind in a rational manner…yet, the Scriptures themselves are God – breathed…not sure exactly how scientific and rational that is. Its amazing to me that Moses can wander the same desert for 40 yrs, possibly by the same bush countless times but then one day God shows up in that normaly ordinary bush but then one day he “sees” a burning bush? How can we begin to see more of God? ...in the ordinary?

I think the songwriter is right. It begins in the heart. Jesus Himself said, “blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Mt. 5:8). I haven’t completely exegeted this but a cursory reading seems to imply that a pure heart is a prereq for this. Thus the opposite would mean, if we're not seeing God then maybe we have impure hearts. Thus, while a person can have a lot of head knowledge and info about God we cannot really see Him if we have impure hearts. What's impure? You know. The Holy Spirit convicts you every time about it. 2ndly, I think that its through asking and expecting to see God. Ps 5:3 says, “In the morning, I will make my prayers to you and eagerly Watch.”

“What do you want me to do for you?” (said Jesus) and the blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, I want to regain my sight” (Mk. 10:51). What do you want?

My 3 Enemies

2007-01-16T17:38:00.000-08:00

There are some who have become enemies because of my sin or theirs. Here all I can do is apologize and ask for forgiveness and seek reconciliation, Mt. 5:23-24. Or if I feel I have been wronged I can let them know how I was hurt. The ones who become “enemies” are the ones who refuse to extend true grace. I cannot really help that. Now the spiritual ball is in their court, not mine.
The 2nd group of enemies is produced by no other reason than the fact that some people simply don’t like you. Our personalities may grate them the wrong way or perhaps they don’t like my jeans, taste in music, worship style, non-essential christian doctrine (4 or 5pter; pre or post trib) or philosophy of ministry. I believe this group is the most ridiculous. I strive to never allow these things to develop enmity but again, I cannot really help it if they don’t reciprocate.
The 3rd group of enemies is the result of our walk with God. For example, the biblical model of Jesus as the only way of salvation (Jn. 14:6) is the equivalent of waving a red flag to a bull within a relativistic and pluralistic culture. The warm fuzzy Jesus is more preferred than the one who also demands Lordship over every area of our lives. Regardless, you know where I’m going…Jesus said, “”Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Mt. 5:44. Are you sure Jesus? Those are some pretty mean people! They should get what they deserve. Loving our friends is pretty easy but … our enemies? Yet, we must learn from the love of Jesus. Only the Holy Spirit, I believe, can help us here. I personally don’t think God expects us to be a door mat and that there are simply some toxic people that I have a complete peace about avoiding. For ex. note how David didnt return w/Saul in 1 Sam 24:22 (no more javelin practicing on me) yet I must still love them. I must do the right thing even when the wrong thing happens. There is no reward for doing what the world expects (see Mt. 5:46) Jesus expects us to reflect Him and His ways. May God, the Holy Spirit help all of us in living this out.. Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God (Mt. 5:9) I guess the non-peacemakers will not be called “children of God.”

Give War a Chance

2007-01-02T12:35:00.000-08:00

I believe it was Winston Churchill who said something like, "all that's needed for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing." It’s a hot topic. Blood pressures rise. Pupils narrow. But, its one we need to discuss-war. Often ive been asked: “How can a holy God condone all of the wars in the Bible?” or "why was God so mad in the OT?" Indeed it seems that there is a conflict between the God of the Old Testament and the Jesus, the Prince of Peace, of the New Testament. I’m not quoting him verbatim, but I recently read where Elton John believes that most of the world’s problems would be eliminated if the world’s religions were eliminated. He probably forgot that the biggest wars of the 20th century were caused by atheism, Nazism, Communism, and imperialism.

War is in the Bible and at times God even commanded it. At times God used Israel as His instrument for judgment upon godless and immoral governments and societies. And, at times Israel was on the receiving end (this, for example, was Habbakkuk’s beef w/God and of course, the book of Lamentations is lamenting the invasion of Jerusalem). In some ways, the book of Joshua is like a military manual. I know that this is Totally P-Inc but we must always remember that the Bible reveals who God is and not who we think He should be. What we do know is that war, at times, must be just, bc God cannot make immoral commands.

The question then is: what about today?
In the USA war brought an end to slavery in the 19th c. and in the 18th c. it took a war to insure our freedom of worship. In the 20th war brought an end to Nazism and checked the spread of communism.

2ndly, Is it ethical to have the power to intervene but not intervene when a govt offers no resistance to murderers, criminals, etc.?

Jesus has already won the battle over the spiritual powers and in much of his ministry we see His efforts attacking the forces of darkness and reclaiming that which is rightfully His. And He is coming again. One day, we’ll see the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy and swords will be beaten into plowshares.

St. Bono in tune on Christmas?

2006-12-17T15:56:00.000-08:00

Rob Bell said, "There are people who talk as if they know everything about being a Christian and yet they can seem way out of tune. And then there are others who would say they dont know much at all about the Christian faith, and yet they seem very in tune with the song. Can you believe in God and be out of tune with the song? Does it work the other way around? What is more important to Jesus: what we believe or what we do?" (Rhythm).

The incarnation can be a theological jawbreaker...check out Bono's perspective. He said, "The idea that there is love and logic behind the universe is something i hold dear. The idea that it should express itself as a child born in s#$% and straw poverty is one that gives me a reason to get out of the bed in the morning. It's just mind-blowing to me. I came home once at Christmas, from tour, and i went to St. Patrick's Cathedral to hear the boys' choir sing the carols service. I was tired, not really thinking about it as an act of worship or anything. I was given a bad seat behind one of the pillars in this huge hall and couldnt really hear the words the choir was singing. So, to stop from falling asleep, as i hadnt been to bed in days, i concentrated on the (music) sheet in front of me, and it really did dawn on me how perfect it was that this thing we call God would choose to express itself as a child born in a barn, as we say here in Dublin. That's the most striking idea I think we could have of God. I think that wherever you look for God you'll still have to pass through that door of humility and that door of complete vulnerability that a child has." (Ten Eternal Questions by Zoe Sallis). I think he's in tune.

Me too Amy

2006-12-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

No lobster, no limos, no fancy napkins …no dirty dancing. White water rafting outside the Andes and playing tennis on the clay courts of Argentina were certainly highlights but one was higher. Earlier this month I was invited to do a wedding for some friends of mine, Sergio and Daiana in Argentina. I have a love-hate relationship with weddings. I’ve honestly lost track of how many ive been too, but probably about a 100 (seriously). I hate the same old/same old and yet I absolutely love how it illustrates the return of Jesus for the Church and always imagine what That party is going to be like. This Argentina wedding was, for me, one of the better illustrations of that because it was simple and it was (for lack of a better word) pure. And I’m not just talking about the fact that the women were dressed classy, not sensually. Nor was anyone tipsy from too much alcohol. What I’m talking about is the love and simplicity in it. It was outdoors and began at 8PM, but because it was in Argentina it actually started at about 9:10PM. The anticipation of the bride’s arrival was more intense than any suspense thriller or world cup match but, she didn’t get out of a limo. It was a regular car yet she radiated when she stepped out. By 1am Orion was perfectly overhead and not far from the wedding site was a river running down from the Andes, which sounded (I know this sounds like a romance novel but I’m not exaggerating), but this river sounded something like wind chimes. They partied until 3am, but without alcohol. The decorations were hand made mostly from magnolia tree branches. Most of the women’s dresses were hand-made and they were beautiful and classy. On the trip home i was sampling some old WoW cds for ipod download and came across an old Amy Grant song, that i'd somehow overlooked the lyrics all the other times i'd heard it.
Simple Things:

“I remember how I used to want it all
Funny how the big things seem so small
I dream of simple things
I can believe in
Like the feeling this day brings
True love and the miracle of forgiving
I believe in simple things.”

…you know what? Me too Amy.

Damon went over the Wall

2006-11-30T15:24:00.001-08:00

I don’t know if its true or not but there is a legend that as the Muslims were coming over the walls of Constantinople (The Christian Capitol of the Eastern Empire) the theologians were in an actual ivory tower, vigorously debating how many angels could dance on the pin head of a needle. So, as they were debating the theological controversy of the day, the capitol of Christianity was being invaded just blocks away. I think it’s happening again. On Sunday I am going to hang out with Damon Crim. He walked away from a perfectly fine job and comfortable lifestyle to go and share the good news in Paraguay for the past 2 years. He went over the wall. That is, rather than becoming a keeper of the aquarium and debating the most nutritious type of fish food, he chose to devote the past 2 yrs to improving the lifestyle of low income families and sharing the good news in Asuncion, Paraguay. Of course God doesnt call all of us to become missionaries or to go into full time vocational ministry, but I only wish guys like him would get more press. I think we should pay our dues and study theology but eventually we need to get on with our lives and the mission (cf. Lk. 19:10). Not that we never should, but what I mean, is that rather than spending the Bulk of our lives debating 4pt and 5pt Calvinism, worship preferences, and what is emergent, I wish we would all go and learn from a Damon because rather than just talk it, he… and guys like Nate Hughes, Grant, Dan Kimball, and many many others, etc went over the wall and into the field. Just my opinion.

I’m going to be kicking it in Argentina for awhile and off line for most of Dec, So, I’ll have to blog at you later.
Merry Christmas.

A Mop Changed My Life

2006-11-17T06:29:00.000-08:00

I think the personal testimony approach to evangelism may be falling on some hard times. i experienced this in england and at venice beach, ca. I came home kinda late the other night and when i turned on the tv to unwind a little there was a woman talking about how a mop had changed her life. she was quite convincing. If i were a mopper i'm pretty sure i wouldve purchased one. then, this morning i turned on discovery channel and people were talking about how a ladder had, you guessed it, "changed their life". "No one can argue with your story!" you may be thinking or "what about the blind man of John 9?!" Yea, i know that...in fact ive even been teaching that approach for years. knowing how to share your story is a timeless truth that will always be important and useful. All i'm saying is that i think postmodernism has deconstructed some of its once sacred value. Mops, ladders, vitamins, Jesus...can all change your life. i'm starting to wonder if depending exclusively upon the personal testimony approach is the next 4SL. I dont know, but I was talking w/Jason Fritz (Highlands) about this last night and we both felt that yea, the winds are beginning to blow a little differently. something to pray and think about.

UFOs...ever seen one?

2006-11-07T16:05:00.000-08:00

Back in 97 I was an eye-witness to what's known in UFO lore as the "Phoenix Lights" incident. If I wasnt for the fact that I was a follower of Jesus, I'm not sure how i wouldve ultimately processed it. Basically, i and thousands of other valley residents, saw something that simply didnt register with my known knowledge of aircraft, aeronautics or astronomy. At the time very little was written on the UFO phenomenon from a Christian perspective and so most of my research was purely old school. I came to a few of the following conclusions:
1. people really are seeing things (I know, I was one) that dont make sense. 2. UFO does Not = Extraterrestrial. Just bc i cannot initially explain it is not good grounds to conclude its a spaceship...that would simply be sloppy thinking. 3. The trail of the phenomenon, not always, but very often leads to the occult, and 4. There is clearly a spititual dimension to the Phenomenon...I personally do not believe that its of the Holy Spirit and 5. I dont think it does but if life does exist on other planets -God is there creator too (see Gen 1:1).
If you have a minute check out the article on
http://www.scottsdaletimes.com/nov06-feature1.asp

I Like to Watch Worship

2006-10-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

Someone once told me that I should keep my eyes closed but I like to watch. Seeing other people worship, for some reason, makes me want to worship more. I don’t know why - but it does.

My all time favorite is a keyboardist, Vanessa, in Buenos Aires. Even though she’s playing keyboards, half the time her hands are in the air. She cant contain herself. Like yesterday, I remember seeing Cate J at SBC standing up, all by herself, face glowing in a sea of about 500, standing alone and giving glory to God. This, for some reason, makes me want to worship even more.
Ive changed. The best thing about getting older is you care less and less about what people think. If the Holy Spirit leads me to raise my hands…I do. Kneel? Yes, Lord.

One of my summer jobs in high school was giving tennis lessons at the special Olympics. Balls and racquets were flying all over the place. Technically it was a disaster. But they were genuinely doing their best…even trying to keep score. Trying to do what I’d told them. Trying to make me, their coach happy. With hopes of affirmation in their eyes they’d ask “How’d I do?” “You did great!” I’d say. Jason F (Highlands) once told me that he likes to watch his youngest child dance…the fact that so much effort is going into pleasing daddy brings him great delight. I like to watch. I think God does too.

HomoSpiritual

2006-10-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

Why are Christians so homophobic? I get asked that ...a lot. We cannot deny that there are some groups, who under the Christian umbrella, portray the perception that Christians hate homosexuals. It is true that Scripture does not condone homosexual relationships. There is simply no way around this. Until recently, I had never really encountered many homosexuals on a regular basis and the ones i knew, i knew from a distance. All of this changed. I was a bit surprised at how much I have encountered the homosexual issue in the emergent culture. I have never had very good Gaydar. Initially I just presumed that these guys were metro or emo. I mean its hard to tell when the latest fad is for hetero guys to wear women’s jeans. However, very quickly I began to regularly encounter males and females, who, with complete sincerity would say something like: “I’ve felt this way since I was seven.” “I wish I wasn’t like this.” “Why am I like this?” “Does this mean that I am going to have to live alone for the rest of my life?” “Can God change me?” “Can you be a Christian and gay?”

I went to seminary...i know the official party line answer to all of the above...but these... are real people. Somehow id been conditioned to think of them as the enemy and now here are people saying to me..."i wish i wasnt like this...but i am." It didnt compute w/my perceptions...Several had grown up in “normal Christian homes”. That is, they had a masculine father, were good in basketball, skateboard etc. It didn’t compute with most of my perceptions. Some did. Nevertheless, like you, I know the official answer to this question. In addition to coming to my church, some were even coming to my Bible study.

So, what did you say? (I can hear you screaming). How did you answer their questions? I’m sure that someone like James Dobson and Dave Walther (of SBC) have much better counsel on this but i was too busy to research it. Seriously. And so I figured that until I could figure it out, all I could do was love them. Befriend them even. I believe that they could sense that I was uncomfortable too, but they knew that I was real. So, what did you do? I befriended them. Welcomed them and said something like, “Yes, if you become a follower of Jesus He will indeed ask you to give up some things. But, I can tell you that even if you don’t understand it, the things that He will ask you to give up are things that will ultimately lead to your demise. He truly cares for you. I don’t deny that you have these feelings, attractions, and desires, but I do know that sex was God’s idea and that as designed by Him is exclusively for a man and wife. i know He loves you and wants what's best for you. thats all i really know."

In my very first year as a Christian I came across a really transforming verse in Luke 5. I really it like because it illustrates the blessing of just obeying Jesus even when it doesn’t make sense. The disciples had been fishing all night. They were experts at this and several knew how to make a living doing it. But in Luke 5, Jesus, a carpenter, gives them some fishing instructions. This is one case where I prefer the old KJV translation. Luke 5:5 “An Simon answering said unto him, ‘Master we have toiled all night and have taken nothing: nevertheless, at your word I will let down the net.” It is the only translation that uses the word “nevertheless.” When I first read that verse I felt convicted to say “Lord, I want to be a nevertheless Christian. I don’t understand why I cant have sex with my girlfriend. i love her. It doesn’t make sense to me, but nevertheless, I will do as you say.”

I feel that this is some of the best counsel that I can give. I don’t know what you’re dealing with I but I hope that you will obey and trust Jesus … nevertheless.

You Dont Practice What You Preach...do you

2006-09-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

I had just finished preaching and there were several people waiting up front to speak w/me. Out of the corner of my eye I saw my father making his way towards me. He tends to sit in the back and towards the exit. I guess he wants to be prepared to make an early exit – just in case. He was wading through a sea of about 350 or so people heading for the exit. Although I was having conversations with people I was simultaneously nervously watching as he was having a hard time making his way to the front…going against the flow of the whole church. He was determined and then he even cut line in front of a few people who were waiting to speak w/me.

He shook my hand (no hug-he was a career Navy man of 20 yrs), but shook my hand with a very firm grip, looked me in the eyes, and with mist, not quite tears, in his eyes, said, “I love you son.” Everything froze. There was all this commotion of people coming and going, conversations, volunteers getting ready for the next service, but For Dad and I time stood still. It choked me up some and I could barely get the words out, “I love you too dad”. He just stood there, looking me in the eyes, looking into each other's soul and then he turned and left. Simple. Mostly non-verbal communication. But it was a non-verbal that was shouting, singing. A few people were still there waiting to talk to me and we did. But as we talked I watched him all the way as he left the building, now fighting his way out as people were coming in for the next service.

I know that Christmas is still several months out but it sort of reminded me of Jesus coming to earth…for me personally. You see Deep Down inside I have always had some difficulty (not theologically but personally-know what I mean?) understanding that Jesus would die just for me, that he had me, Bobby Brewer on his mind at the cross. I’ve preached that before and ive even said it probably 500 times or so while giving gospel invitations…(you know the drill-“and even if you had been the only one person on the planet, Jesus would’ve come for you!) but it was something I had always believed in my head (theologically) and not in my heart…that He, Jesus, would make His way through a sea of people Just To Get to Me. Cut in line even. Would Jesus really die just for me? Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with Jn 3:16. That’s easy, but would He really do it just for me? And now, only now, after close to 15 yrs of ministry did it genuinely go from my head to my heart that He went through the brutality of crucifixion to...get to me.
Know what I mean? Don’t get me wrong. I was born again when I was 20 realizing I was a sinner and in need of God’s forgiveness which only Jesus could offer. and indeed I was totally transformed but … but just for me?

I hope that the Holy Spirit, if He hasn’t already, will give you a head to heart experience like this too that Yes, just for you and there’s the Non-Verbal of the Cross to communicate it. Nate Hughes has a cool tradition. Once a year he watches the Passion. I’m going to start doing that too. And remember that, maybe it sounds a bit selfish, but yes, just for You.

I’m going to be Argentina again, then I have some stuff with Baldwin to do and then one other trip and so I will have to blog at you later…

Long Live the Queen?!

2006-09-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

I happened to be in England w/ native Mike Breen during the Queen’s 80th birthday and I noticed that the evangelicals there absolutely loved and revered her. As an American, I don’t really know much about her except that, like Pope Paul II, she seemed old back when I was a little kid and that she’s the only person who comes to mind when I hear the term…”Queen of England”. What intrigued me was that the evangelical Christians in England were hopeful that she’d live another ten years because this would mean less time on the throne for Charles. “So, what’s wrong with Charles?” I inquired. I was expecting to hear something like, “he was mean to Lady Di” or “he wasn’t a faithful husband”, etc. But that wasn’t the concern.

The concern was the fact that the King and/or Queen of England is tasked w/ being a “defender of the faith”. “THE faith” would be Christianity. There’s a reason why there’s a cross, actually two, in the Union Jack. Like many nations in Europe, crosses in their flags represent the allegiance of their people to Christ. As it turns out, Queen Elizabeth II is a born again Christian and a godly woman! I’m embarrassed to say that I never knew that. Charles, however, like so many other Europeans, has renounced Christianity and has expressed his desire to be a defender of faith, but not “THE faith.” See the difference?

Historically, what happens in the UK, Western Europe ends up happening here. Today, only about 7% of the population attends church in the UK. Again, this is a place where many countries have crosses in their flags. Do you believe that we’ll look like the UK in about 20yrs or less. Is it inevitable? Does anyone even care? BTW, you can hear an interview w/Nigel Mallon, a Brit now living here and his perspectives Sat 11am-noon AM 1360. I think…you know how these things can go. Love ya, thx for reading, pls respond and Long Live the Queen!

Joel Osteen...Ive decided that...

2006-08-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

Ive noticed that mentioning of his name solicits various responses. About a year ago i started getting a lot of questions on my radio show (am 1360 saturdays at 11am shameless plug) like: who is this guy? is he legit? my mom is reading his book...is that ok?" etc and so i decided that i should look into him before just answering off the cuff. I thought i would but i personally couldnt find anything heretical in his teaching. lakewood's (his church) statement of faith was similar to that of any evangelical church...they hold to essential christian doctrine. and so, why do so many CHRISTIANS seem to treat him with contempt or suspicion? Christians dont like Joel for 2, maybe 3 reasons. 1. He's not exegetical. but, neither is Billy Graham (he's the greatest evangelist of our time...see my most recent blog). Has exegetical preaching become a prereq for liking someone? Dont get me wrong here. i believe that every message should be exegetically researched, but not convinced its the only way for delivery. The 2nd reason Christians dont like Joel is bc he smiles too much. I'm serious. i actually had christians tell me this. Hmmm. I think that's pretty weak. So, Joel, I have decided that..i like the dude. In my research he's, while not a theological giant of the likes of N.T. Wright, Schaeffer, etc. he's not, as far as i can tell heretical. He presents a positive presentation of Christianity...thank God someone is. Do you have any idea of how tired i am of meeting bitter Rob Bell wanna-bes and know it alls (I like Rob too btw.) at emergent conferences? :O Maybe that's it. i actually respect someone who's just being himself and not trying to be someone else. And...i actually kinda like it when someone makes eye contact with me and smiles at me. The way i see it, he's not the enemy. The Philistines are. I do wish his gospel presentation was a little more in-depth and yet, at least he gives one. I'm not there week in and week out and so i'll have to hold further judgment until i can visit their new believers class or something. So, i know now that maybe some of you dont like me bc i like him. Let me conclude by saying, based on my studies...He's just a different tribe yes (the largest) but as believers we're still all Israel. thk God for variety. Personally, i'd be bored out of my skull if there were only one flavor of worship/message delivery. Joel Osteen...I like the dude.

Who Is Billy Graham? + a deeper question

2006-08-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

Take the Cola ... i mean take the Billy Graham challenge. Here it is, randomly ask people under 25 if they know who billy graham is. Ask people at your church, at baja fresh, at delux...wherever. Ask them if they know who Billy Graham, you know, the greatest evangelist of the 20th century is. BTW, i was actually born again through reading a billy graham book. i think you'll be surprised at the results. recently, while speaking at a seeker church i quoted him and my most FAQ afterwards was, "who is this guy billy graham?" i'm being totally serious. (If you really want to freak em out ask "Who is Luis Palau?" Now, for the real question: WHERE is the next Billy Graham? Who has the ear of the (let me emphasize here) Lost in the USA? Note, i'm NOT talking about pastors like Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, or...dare i say it...yes I will...even Rob Bell. And no I'm not talking about Class 100 or a new believers class. All the above are cool and thank God for them. No, i'm talking about American Evangelists. People who take the gospel TO the Lost. You know, people who share the gospel outside the church walls and campuses and are respected...Where are they?

Argentina:God goes where He's Wanted

2006-07-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that there are places, people, and churches that ... simply put, seem to be more Supernatural than others? In trying to explain the growth of Christianity in China I once heard Phil Yancey respond by saying, "God goes where He's wanted." This would clearly be the case with Argentina. The plan was to go on a mission trip and be a blessnig to them but clearly, they were richer in the Spirit than we. After washing the feet of some children in poverty-stricken areas and then presenting them with a new pair of socks, the children offered to wash our feet. One litle girl wanted to give her only piece of jewelry, a cheap $10 watch to a team member. People showed up for outreach events and for church through word of mouth invitation (they dont have the $ to spend on church marketing campaigns). We prayed for the sick, laid our hands on the abused, and i think i kissed more people (the argentine greeting is a kiss by the ear) in the past week than i have in my whole life. All i can say is that the fruit of the Spirit-Love is very abundant there. No wonder so many people are coming to Christ in Argentina. Love. "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8). The question of course is: are you sure you really want to draw near to Him? (see Ex. 33:13-18). His presence requires holiness. i hope to hear your thoughts. thx for your prayers. The trip exceeded expectations.

Pub Evangelism in England

2006-06-14T04:05:00.000-07:00

Greetings from England. All i can say is that this is one place where everything lives up to its expectations: fog, green hills, sheep crossing the road, pubs and taverns, fish and chips, etc. One of the pastures has a crashed german bomber from WW2. I'm staying in a home that was built in 1880s and the n-hood looks like the set of the Christmas Carol. Also, its within a stone's throw of where John Wesley preached to over 20,000 people.

Most researchers tell us that the UK reveals what the USA will look like in 20 yrs where today, in a country that has a cross in its flag, approximately only 7% of the people attend church. For some reason, a number of the mainline churches here chose to freeze frame their metodologies in the 18th century.

In addition to this, according to the locals perspective, sometime in the early 20th century, the churches focused the bulk of their efforts and $ on making Christians smarter.

Linear, modern era approaches of evangelism and apologetics are sooo history here. By far the best place to have spriritual discussions is in the pubs. Here's an example of some typical conversations w/different people:

Do you have any spiritual beliefs?
No, not really. So how do you think your football club will do against the Italians?

What do you think about Jesus?
I suppose he was a pretty good bloke. Have you ever seen the Stones live?

Do you believe in God?
Never really thought about it before...Do you have Green King Abbbott Ale in the States?

Do you go to church?
Why would i do that?

The kewl thing is that everyone is pretty friendly and open to talking and asking questions but basically, there's just a general disinterest in Christianity. What seems to work better is to ask questions like:

-Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
-What do you want to do with your life?

Because, in spite of the disinterest, like anywhere there's still that God shaped vaccuum that only Jesus can fill. Something is missing. I believe this may be the better place to start and I believe we need to begin to re-write and re-consider our evangelistic training methods and resources.

Surfing and the Transfiguration

2006-05-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

At a recent conference I was able to skip a few workshops and connect
with one of my long time surfing friends that I havent seen since my
wedding. It was crazy. We picked up right where we left off. It was like a time
warp...Me calling him a sell out for wearing Quicksilver and him calling me old
school for renting a long board.

A storm was coming and the waves were amazing, but each swim back out
took about a 10 min (no exag) paddle. But, not to bore you, I caught the
perfect wave "storm"...a 24 ft swell that regrettably, eventually caught me and
slammed and twisted my knee really bad when I hit bottom. My days are
numbered. And...it snapped my rental.

But..the adrenaline rush was well worth it.
Afterwards, while checking out the local scene's food options God
impressed upon me how blessed we are for these unexpected "mountain top"
(or rather I should say, Wave Top, experiences e.g., Matthew 17:1-2).
Immediatelyfollowing the Transfiguration it was time to return to business:
squabbling disciples, dissension, forces of darkness, lack of faith, etc.
But...nonetheless, thank God for those Mountaintops. Like Finding
Waldo, its a lot easier to see God when youre riding the wave of your life but
if you look a little closer, you can still see Him when youre limping on
the boardwalk and having some fish and chips with an old friend. Despite
the pain..and the rust, I know that I'll be a happier man if I can return
to the ocean for a few more waves.

Carpe Diem

The Final Deconstruction?

2006-03-30T09:07:00.000-08:00

Last week i was teaching at a conference and i got to hang out with some guys like Dan Kimball, Doug Pagitt, Zaks (newsome and Lind), Mark Baas (mars hill g.r.), and some guys from scum of the earth church and i picked up on what may be postmodernisms final deconstruction of the traditional modern church. Basically, people are more and more content to simply meet as house churches. Note, not as a small group, but as a house church complete with administering sacraments, etc. In many ways this MAY be the final deconstruction of the traditional church because its a reaction to Corporate church. These are good people and they simply seem to hunger for church without the bureaucratic or political trappings. But I dont think the modern church can be deconstructed much more. You cant get any smaller than a house church. I havent read it yet but a friend of mine who read "Revolution" said that Barna's book pretty much said the same thing about boomers, i.e., people are leaving good churches to have their spiritual needs met elsewhere. Note again, they are leaving Good churches!
I'm excited by this option but i also have
3 1/2 Questions?
What does this mean for traditional modern churches? How should they respond?
How can the North American church max out on this trend?
I wonder what our friends in the underground churches (e.g. China, Arab world) etc would think about this?
Hope to hear from you.
One Love

With Mao Behind Me??

2006-03-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

Teaching in the Andy Warhol room provided me w/one one of the most spiritually surreal and ironic moments of my ministry.
I was teaching on the How to Use the Bible in our Spiritual Walk but with the new room set up there were images of chairman mao behind me. This was sooo ironic bc that morning i had seen this show on history channel about how mao came into power in china one of the first things he did was to bonfire bibles by the boatload. And now...here i was teaching on how uniuqe and supernatural the bible is..how to use it in our spiritual walk and all of this w/warhol images of mao behind. now thats a postmodern moment. "The earth is the Lord's" Ps. 24:1

Goodbye James Hello Andy

2006-02-28T09:02:00.000-08:00

Beginning March 5, we will be meeting in the Andy Warhol room at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art!! SMOCA is in the Civic Center Complex right behind the James, so don't worry...we can still go to AZ88 afterwards!
Its going to be a really neat place to do church AND its a little bigger and so we can accommodate and seat all!

I liked the fact that during our stay at the James occasionally people from the bar would visit us. I dont know of any who became believers but I do know that they received a hearing of the gospel and hopefully had a positive experience with Christians and Church. One of my favorite memories was sharing Jesus with a girl during Christmas. Here's how it went. I was sitting on the couch at the top of the stairs waiting for Kristen (It was the night we went to Sugar Bowl) when a girl with a martini stumbled over and asked me if i was waiting on someone. When i mentioned towards down stairs and Kristen she said, "Ohhhh. So, youre with the Jesus conference?" I began to explain the difference between church and conferences but she then mentioned that she had never met a Christian like me...or who dressed like me. Turns out, her only experience with "Christians" was with Mormons. This led into yet another discussion on the difference between Jesus and religion. It reminded me that unfortunately most people have a rather negative perception on Christianity because they have had negative experiences with what they perceive to be Christians (see Dan Kimball's "They Love Jesus but Hate the Church"). I ended up giving her my little pocket size ESV Bible and she took it as if it were one of the most precious gifts she'd ever received.

However, my favorite memory was the night we did the mock wedding and 6 people "signed the guest book" to receive Christ. Who wouldve ever thought that we wouldve been able to do communion, worship, and spread the good news from within the heart of the bar district in Old Town? Answer - God :) Indeed "the earth is the Lord's" (Ps. 24:1).

May the adventure continue...whether its at the The Andy Warhol room for church at the SMOCA or wherever. Carpe Noche!

BTW...we're not Anti-Modern Church

2006-01-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

Thought that would capture your attention. Really we're not. We need modern churches just as much as we need postmodern churches. Funny, not really, but funny that i regularly have leaders in the modern church tell me how they feel disrespected by the emergent churches. First of all, I apologize. I regret if anyone from the emergent church has ever acted "too cool for school" or implied that the modern church is not relevant. That is certainly not my position or view. Nor is it the view of any other emergent pastors that i'm personally aware of. (If you know of some who are please let me know.) Again, just different is all. See the Neverland blog. On another note I could just as easily say, we feel the same. Many emergent leaders feel disrespected and alienated simply for wanting to try something different.

Now, on to better news...God is on the move. Its exciting to see what He's doing throughout the world. I was convicted while i was in Argentina recently. The church is growing so quickly there and ... they dont even do any marketing. It's all prayer, worship, and evangelism. These are timeless spiritual truths regardless of what era we're living in. May we all simply carpe diem wherever God has us. Love.

What is Emergent Worship aka Finding Neverland/Peter Pan

2005-12-07T17:44:00.000-08:00

Remember johhny depp in Finding Neverland? I'll come back to that at the end.
Convergent is very popular style of worship in the emergent churches. The best way for me to explain it is to think of the new 05 Mustang. A reach back into the past to a classic, but... Here's our version of it. So, you'll regularly hear hymns but sung and used in different ways. Sometimes it will be "technoed". Kind of like what David Crowder did with his sunsets and sushi album. In some ways, you could just borrow a term from the 90s and simply say that its a "Blended" service, but blended now would mean traditional, contemporary, and emergent.

The one thing that you'd probably like is that there's a lot of worship. The awesome thing about the postmodern "Seeker" vs the 80s seeker is that the postmodern seeker is already sold on the supernatural/paranormal. In many ways, worship is now an evangelistic tool.

There's always an object lesson. Weekly, for example, we have elements that resemble the typical Good Friday service: object lessons (painting, communion, etc. something that will engage the congregation) but not as heavy.

We teach/preach in a more "socratic" style. Thus, while exegetically researched we'll almost never ever say now on to verse 3, now on to verse 4 etc., but it is exegetically researched, just not delivered in an exegetical manner. The good news for people like me is that the speaker doesn't have to be excellent, but he does need to be real, down to earth and very good, but not excellent. Its very important that the speaker doesn't come across as a know it all or as a motivational speaker type.

I think that's about it. Its a bit hard to describe but its certainly different and yet, like the old mustang, not all that different.
Now...remember Finding Neverland. Remember the adults didnt get it and so he reserved seats for children and brought them in to see Peter Pan. The kids got it because it was designed for them. It (Peter Pan) wasnt designed for the adults, but once the adults saw how the kids were responding to it...they started to like it also. Emergent is exactly this. It isnt designed for everyone, but once even the critics see what is taught and how the new generation is worshipping....they like it too! Come and see.

Pray for Shea Hickok

2005-11-20T10:03:00.000-08:00

Some of you may remember Steve Hickok. He used to be the PM worship pastor at SBC but now he's the pastor of worship and arts at The Bridge Atlanta. Two of their children were in a severe car accident Friday night. Luke is doing okay but has some broken ribs. Shea is clinging to Life Support. She is about to under go another surgery but they know it will be a miracle if she survives. Every bone in her face is broken and she has little to no lung capacity. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors and that her lungs would begin responding. Please pray for the Hickok family. But most importantly, please pray that the Great Physician would breathe life into her. To get an UPDATE please visit http://sheahickok.blogspot.com

Emergent...a 4 letter word?

2005-10-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

As the "guidance pastor" of flood the desert, an "emergent" church in Scottsdale, AZ I surprisingly continue to get emails from my friends in more modern churches who are concerned that "emergent" = liberal, compromise, theologically shallow, etc. First of all, while that may indeed represent some it certainly doesnt represent all or i would even say it doesnt rep the majority of us. BTW, its interesting that they never lob these concerns to mainline denom churches who did this yrs ago. I would like to put some of your worries to rest. Know, that most of us are theologically sound. We hold fast to essential christian doctrine. We're simply different in our worship and outreach preferences. Think of it like a missionary. Would you really try to impose the worship preferences or teaching style preferences upon other nations? I would hope not. We believe in the Bible and while we may deliver it (preach) differently doesnt mean that we havent done our exegetical homework. So...its missional. Thats all.