anti-Christs

Politics is the belief that a particular political system brings hope to the world.
Economics is the belief that a particular economic system brings hope to the world.
Philosophy is the belief that a particular philosophical system brings hope to the world.
Nationalism is the belief that the success of a particular nation of people will bring hope to the world.

All of these must be understood as anti-Christ in their mindset.

American Deism pt 1.

There is much talk about the US being a “Christian nation” and while many people say that, our country is far from Christian. We’re a religious nation, but we’re not a Christian nation. We’re a nation concerned with spirituality, but don’t press us any further. And as time goes on this will become more and more true.

Many Christians look back to the roots of our country, and see people who were hardcore church attendees. They see “God” in the founding documents, and assume that this God was written with a Christian understanding of God. Yet, if you begin to study the Founding Fathers of the US had a bizarre understanding of how God works.

First of all in the late 18th century, a quite popular religion/Christian worldview was called Deism. Now Deism believed that God, while creator of the world, had nothing to do with its day-to-day operations. He was like a watchmaker, he made it, set up how it works then left it to itself to work everything out. So the Deist thinker believed that God created the world with certain natural laws, which were self-evident, and our goal was to live by these laws. Deism then is about looking to Common Sense for answers.

One Deist actually rewrote the Bible and took all signs of the miraculous out of the text. He did this because the miraculous is God interacting with the world. We find that the Deist does not look to the Bible to find God, that’s not the point of that religion; its about living your life by following basic common sense. By the way, the Deist who re-wrote the Bible sans the miraculous was Thomas Jefferson.

This is where we could have a conversation about “Judeo-Christian” values. It is these values that house the Common Sense/Natural Law viewpoint of the world. The problem is that common sense often goes the opposite way of the message of the Bible, for instance one of the main repetitions of the Sermon on the Mount is, “You’ve heard it said, but I tell you!” Jesus is leading people away from a common sense view of the world; he’s presenting an alternative view of how we should live.

The United States was founded by Deists and was underwritten by Deist philosophy. It is for this reason that when people talk about our country as a Christian nation, that I believe they’re wrong. Our country is built not on the principles from the Bible, but on rational common sense thinking.

More than we realize it, Deism has impacted the way that the American Church views the world. This had led many Christians down some dangerous/non-Christian paths. This has led many Christians to mistake the Gospel message for things that it is not [political

disecting a tweet

The other night, NBA Superstar Lebron James posted to his Twitter account this:

Crazy. Karma is a [expletive].. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!

Now while a bunch of people note want to talk about the very interesting dynamics that he brings to the NBA. People may want to talk about the situation he’s tweeting about [how his old team now stinks]. Some people will love to comment that he’s posting about God. Some will not like the fact that he swears. But I’m interested in something else.

Note how Lebron mentions Karma and God in the same sentence. He has no problem bringing these two concepts into one streaming thought.

Karma:
This is an Eastern religious concept about how the world works. It talks about
balance and even ness in the world. If you do good, the universe will reward you
with good. If you do bad, well the universe will repay you with bad. In the end
it is a sort of weird balance in the universe that governs life.

God
This is the concept that there is a divine being who is out there that is in
control of the world. This being governs all that is, and rules it with complete
sovereignty.

Now if you take just a couple of seconds and look at those two descriptions, you’ll see that they’re opposite views…one is divine being, one is a unspecific “universe” … they cannot exist together. What he has done in his statement is combine two mutually exclusive concepts together.

What gets me is that I see this all the time. We are combining religious phrases and concepts into one, this blending without understanding what we’re talking about is dangerous, because it does harm to religion itself. Yet it is something that is completely normal for the world that you and I now live in.

gettin' ink

I think I’d like a tattoo. Stephanie is against it, but I think I’d like one.

I have been thinking about it for a number of years now, and I think I’d like a half sleeve on my right arm – to just below my elbow [I mean if you’re doing to do it, go all the way]

I’m not sure of exactly what I’d like, but perhaps I’d like the first 6 chapters of the book of Daniel depicted. Maybe I’d like a Golgotha scene with the 3 crosses. Maybe I’d like some Greek or Hebrew. These are just a few options …

So just for kicks….any suggestions?

The Return of Thoughts From the Press Box

Here comes the Thoughts From the Press Box! After a 6 month hiatus, I’m launching my blog again. I would like to provide content for your enjoyment, 4-5 days a week. Whether a series of thoughts, a video link, some technical work with a Biblical text or just a quote, I will pledge to provide content that will help you to understand what I’m thinking about.

[Beware, I’m rather weird and dorky. Please don’t hold those things against me.]


Book recommendation
I just finished reading the book, “Out of Babylon” by Walter Bruggemonn. I highly recommend it. His whole concept deals with the way that the Jewish exiles dealt with their exile during the end of the OT period.

I particularly appreciated the final chapter, “Doing time in Persia.” It was a look at the way that the exiles dealt with being under long term control of the Persian Empire. He studies 5 different stories showing multiple Biblical options with which we can use to determine how we live today.

[The OT from Bruggemonn’s perspective is a collection of writing critiquing the difference between Empire and God’s community. He places the prophets and the kings on opposite sides of a conflict. I think this is a very good way of reading the text, if you’re curious I’d check out his book, “Prophetic Immagination.” Its not very ‘traditional’ in its approach, but I think it’s a great way of understanding what is happening in the OT.]


Vacation
I also just returned from Orlando, Fl. It was a good week, my only complaint is that I did not see an alligator. I had always heard stories that alligators were roaming wild around the peninsula, but I guess they probably do a good job of keeping these amphibians away from resort pools.

Speaking of resorts…the people who are in charge of sales for Time Share resorts are absolutely ridiculous. They’re constantly looking to get you to buy more and more and more. One guy tried to get my parents to triple their payment, get into his juice pyramid, AND told my mom to “S-H-U-T-U-P her brain.” The one phrase that they kept repeating is, “Mickey Never Dies!” in reference to a time share’s ability to resell [An Orlando timeshare is going to its value because Mickey/Disney is always going to be there.] Oy Vey!


Champs Sports Bowl
While in Florida I attended the Champs Sports Bowl with my parents and Stephanie. It was a great event! West Virginia and North Carolina State duked it out…yet in the end NC State took it too ‘em. [We actually left early in the 4th as my parents were a bit chilly. Yet it was over LONG before we left.]

West Virginia came out and layed and egg [they didn’t really try that hard] BUT their marching band was pretty SWEET!!!! The highlight of my night was when the band ended their pre-game by forming the shape of the state!!!! I was in shock that they’d do that! I mean West Virginia isn’t exactly shaped like Kansas or Wyoming. [check out the video here]

The Mountaineer faithful were a very colorful bunch. There was one guy, who looked about 45, who kept turning around and taunting a bunch of Wolfpack fans who were easily 20 years younger than him. [OH what sports cause us to do!] Yet the best part was their 1st down cheer. After WVU would get a 1st down, they would hold their hands straight out from their body; rotating their hands back and forth. When the announcer said the word “first down” they would bounce them up and down 3 times, clap, and signal first down in the direction the team was moving the ball. [Here’s Steph trying to fit into the crowd]

It was a great event, I’d recommend going!


Michigan football
Here’s my official position. Fire Rich Rodriguez. Why? You may ask…because I’m tired of people calling for his head.

Personally, I think he’s been doing a good job. He started with a team returning its Right Guard and a walk-on QB and little Division 1 talent with which to coach. He was brought in to run his offensive system, which would mean a total shift in the mindset of his system. What has happened is 2 losing season [breaking a 35 year post-season bowl streak] , one 7-5 season, AND a 52-14 bowl loss [the worst UofM bowl defeat EVER].

I think firing him now isn’t giving him a fair chance, yet…I hate the fact that Michigan’s head coach isn’t popular or respected. So for that reason alone, Michigan should pay RR well, and move on. PLUS, Jim Harbaugh is a MICHIGAN MAN who is a great coach and would absolutely love to coach the Wolverines. He understands Michigan and the tradition…and for that I don’t think you’ll have the purists complaining about the coach.

Also, for my birthday, I’m asking for a #37 Navy Blue authentic Michigan jersey. It’s the only thing I’m asking for.

Annual X-mas List:

*****Navy Blue UofM Football Jersey [w/stitching]

[acceptible #'s: 16, 37, 68, 98]

***** Bulldog Puppy

**** Kenneth Cole "Reaction" cologne

** ipad

*** Michigan State Spartan Basketball Tickets

** Indiana University Hoodie

[Crimson shirt, white lettering]

**** Coat

[Military Style]

** Amazon Gift Card

*** A winter scarf

** NCAA Football for the Nintendo wii

*** tickets to a Bowl Game in Flordia

Quote:

Wherever riches have increased, the essence of religion has decreased in the same proportion. Therefore I do not see how it is possible in the nature of things for any revival of religion to continue long. For religion must necessarily produce both industry and frugality, and these cannot but produce riches. But as riches increase, so will pride, anger, and love of the world in all its branches.

-John Wesley

Welcome to Tragic Crossings pt 1

Death is tragic. Yet, even though we see it constantly, we are unfazed by it. For instance road kill. How often do we see animals that have been run over, yet feel no sadness for the death of this animal. My friend Casey and I have decided to do something about it...

First, a squirrel...

And then a racoon...

fate?

New American Passtime...and what it means.

In the last couple of weeks, the football season began. What's interesting about football, is that in the American sports world, the football season is King. All other sports take a backseat to this behemoth. Not only is the NFL the #1 sporting event but college football is #2. Here is why:

1. Football is violent: Our culture is just that. We LOVE violence. Its part of our DNA...literally, we stood up and violently forced ourselves to be free. If you watch our movies, look at the TV, observe our crime statistics you'll see we're pretty violent. So it makes sense that we'd LOVE a game as violent as this.



2. Football is hype: Football games happen once a week. [usually Thursdays-Mondays] and so we have ususally a whole week to get excited for a game. ESPN has made a living hyping "this weekend's game" By gametime, you're convinced that this is the most important game in the history of games. You know the biggest match-up, the X-factor, and the favorite. Our country is built on marketing...which is basicall hype. We are always looking for the new cool thing, the next fresh bit, or the next big hit. So it makes sense that we - every week - buy into the hype.



3. Football is fast action: If you ever watch TV with a critical eye, you'll notice that each camera shot lasts less than 5 seconds. Its amazing how often the shots are flipping; yet we don't notice it. This is why when you watch an older show, it feels like its dragging on and on...its that your eye is accustomed to quick, fast scenes. It makes sense that we would be attracted to a sport whose plays average 7 seconds.



4. Football fits on TV: Football is a game played on a square field and each field has lines every 5 yards. Most of the action happens in a very small space on that field. AND there are pauses in the game which allow for a quick look at a replay of what has happened. In fact the NFL has a blackout policy for any team that does not sell out its stadium because it is actually a better option to watch the game on TV verses in person.

I have this picture on the wall behind the desk in my office. It is a picture of Wriggley Field in the fall of 1945. If you look closely, you can see that it says National League Champions. Now if you know anything about the history of the Chicago Cubs, you'll know that this was the last time that they went to the World Series. It, for me, represents a bygone era.

In 1945, the biggest show in the world was baseball. Our best athletes played basketball. The biggest and brightest lights of the 1930's, 40's, & 50's were in the ball parks and stadiums of baseball. All the other sports looked up to our national pass-time.

While baseball was easily the biggest show in town, those days are long gone. It is still very popular and it still holds a place near and dear to many hearts in our country, but it no longer is a our national pass-time. It is not fast paced. It does not translate onto TV. It is not violent. AND its season drags on and on and on over 6 month [+ 3 rounds of playoffs]. It appears in all the ways that football fits in with American culture, baseball does not.

For people who grew up in the 50's and 60's [and earlier], baseball is still very popular, but for those who grew up in the 80's & 90's football is the #1 interest. This shift in sports is interesting to me because it reveals that culture is shifting and changing. For those in ministry positions, this is a clue that there is a shift in the world around us; that things need to change.

Interestingly enough Willow Creek [perhaps the most influential church in the Western world], the church who started the "Contempory Church" no longer follows that model. Apparently, things have changed since 1975. Perhaps we should follow their lead. What was good and cool back in the day [perhaps even last year] might not be good and cool anymore. Perhaps we need to lick our finger and hold it up in the air to test how the winds have changed...

the [in]glorious return of the Press Box

The biggest question I am constantly asking is how I, a Christian, should respond to “this” situation or “that” situation. In case you don’t know what I’m talking about here are a couple of example:

Last summer I purchased a couch from American Freight [YES THAT AMERICAN FREIGHT!]. Now I’m a pastor and a $500 is a big deal to our budget, so when 3 months had gone by and we didn’t have a couch, and American Freight wouldn’t refund us our money…I kept having to ask myself, “How should I respond to this?”
--
I keep seeing all these little signs around my town. They’re black with a red snake on them and say, “Don’t Tread on Me.” Upon further review, it’s the local New Carlisle Tea Party advertising their local meeting times. When I hear people tell me that gov’t is the solution to our problems [because that’s what the Tea Party is saying…they’re just saying that a smaller gov’t is the solution to our problems] I keep asking myself, “How should I respond to this?”
--
Our church purchased 100 chairs this summer at $50 a chair…do the math. We were told they would get here by the end of August. Well its nearing the end of September now and we still don’t have those pesky chairs yet. So while trying to get those chairs here I’m having to ask myself the question, “How should we respond to this?”
--
This happens to me all the time. I’m doing something where people don’t know I’m a pastor. And somebody drops an off color remark in my presence. [This happened yesterday!] I often ask myself, “How should I respond to this?”
--
You know what I’m talking about. This is life. Somebody fails you. You are working in business. You have children. You have friends. The question is how, as Christians, should we respond to this? This is the graying of life, this is where we live.

If you find yourself constantly asking those questions, you’re in a good place. If you’re searching for the answers, God will meet you there. If you listen God can and will provide a way for you; he can show you how you should respond.

The place you don’t want to be is where you are not asking any questions; where you are just going without questioning yourself, where you are mindlessly supporting one political group, where you are reacting to set-backs in life without prayer, where you are saying what first comes to your mind when somebody says something that offends you. This is a place where I think its best to, as a Christian, avoid.

So may you always be asking yourself what it means to be a Christian. May you always be questioning your loyalties and your actions. And may you walk in the knowledge that God will show you the right way to live.

GRACE + PEACE

Summer Break!

[this blog will return in a few weeks. filled with new inspiration, new direction, new passion!]

CYA, IT'S SUMMER!

Bible Verses: May 27 - June 2

Thursday May 27, 2010
Read: Psalm 23.1
Think: What does a shepherd do for his/her sheep? Doesn’t a shepherd provide & protect his/her sheep? Don’t they do everything they can to make sure the sheep are ok?


Friday May 28, 2010
Read: Psalm 23.2
Think: Calm pastures and quiet waters are good places to be if you’re a sheep? Do you feel like God is taking you to good places? Do you trust God to take you to places that are good for you?

Saturday May 29, 2010
Read: Psalm 23.3
Think: What is a path of righteousness? Do you feel like your life is a life is on a path of righteousness?


Sunday May 30, 2010
Read: Psalm 23.4
Think: Do you feel like you’re walking through a dark valley?


Monday May 31, 2010
Read: Psalms 23.5
Think: “What does a table in the presence of my enemies mean to you?”


Tuesday June 1, 2010
Read: Psalm 23.6
Think: When you think about dwelling in the house of the Lord, what do you think? Is this a good place, or is this a bad place? Is this a good thing? Or a bad thing?

Wednesday June 2, 2010
Read: Psalm 23
Think: What do you think the message of this passage is? Why would David write about a shepherd? Is God your Shepherd?

Great Video: Mega Churches make fun of themselves

"Sunday's Coming" Movie Trailer from North Point Media on Vimeo.

Kingdom of God pt 3.

In the Gospels, the accounts of the life of Jesus, we find the message of a new kingdom. A kingdom that is radically different than the kingdoms of earth. This kingdom, which is inaugurated by the ministry of Jesus is one that will change the earth. This Kingdom is last forever.

Now there is an interesting play on words that happens here. You see, in one book its called the Kingdom of Heaven in other books its called the Kingdom of God. So which is it? Well, when you begin to think about it, they're really calling it the same thing. Heaven is where God is, thus the kingdom of Heaven is really the kingdom of God. Its the kingdom of God.

Now what can we see from thinking about this. Well this kingdom is not a location. This kingdom is whereever God is - and he's everywhere - so location isn't a good way of understanding this kingdom.

If this kingdom is where God is, then perhaps its about a certain way that it works. Its a kingdom that is vastly different than the other kingdoms. This kingdom is about flow, organization, orientation, and ethics. Its a kingdom that operates by a different set of criteria.

This is why Jesus can say its like a Mustard Seed. You see mustard seeds spread like crazy. In Jesus' day, they were actually outlawed in Jerusalem. They were outlawed because they could destroy foundations, walls, and buildings. It would overtake gardens. Mustard seeds could get out of control. It talks about something that comes in and completely changes the entire make up of the area.

This kingdom is where God is. This kingdom does not have boundries. This kingdom is not about power, or about success. This kingdom is not about control. This kingdom is about being in the presence and living out the presence of God.

And may this kingdom come.

Kingdom of God pt 2.

I'm reading the book The Myth of the Christian Nation, by Gregory Boyd. This is an interesting work. It came out of a sermon series he preached 5 or so years ago in which 20% of his church left.

The thesis of this book is that in the world [and especially in America] we assume that our country is blessed above all others by God, and that the role of Christians is to perserve the "Christian values" in our mainstream culture. The problem with this, Boyd argues, is that America [nor any of the other kingdoms of the world] is not inherently Christian. THUS, when talking about the Kingdom of God, we're not talking about the United States of America.

This is his reasoning. There are two types of kingdoms out there [and I'm totally paraphrasing his stuff, so if you want quotes, follow the link of the book to Amazon, but it, and read the stuff yourself]: Kingdoms which use power to control people, and Kingdoms which do not. ALL governments of this world use power to control us. Even if there are elections and we can decide the laws, those laws are then enforced by force and power. This is not the Kingdom of God.

The Kingdom of God is a place where grace rules the day. The Kingdom of God is a place where love is the greatest value. The Kingdom of God is a place where the poor are valued as much as the rich. Where the weak are look upon as blessed. This kingdom is vastly different than the kingdoms of this world. The kingdom of God is a place where the values are different. Success is not a measureing stick that is used to place judgment on anything.

Thus we need to, when thinking about the Kingdom of God, use a different set of expectations. We must understand it is something completely different something completely not of this world [John 18.36]

Great Quote:

"Too often the price exacted by society for security and respectability is that the Christian movement in its formal expression must be on the side of the strong against the weak. This is a matter of tremendous significance, for it reveals to what exten a religion that was born of a people acquainted with persecution and suffering has become the cornerstone of a civilization and of nations whose very position in modern life too often has been secured by a ruthless use of power applied to...defenseless peoples."

-Howard Thurman
[Found in A Peculiar People pg 39 by Rodney Clapp]

Great Quote:

War settles nothing.
~Dwight D. Eisenhower

Great Quote:

All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it.~Alexis de Tocqueville