Starbucks and Salvation

Moving, Moving, Moving...

Ok, I haven't been on my blog all week, cause we are trying like CRAZY to get ready for our big moving sale August 7/8...I really have no idea how we amassed SOOOO much stuff.  One thing I do know however, is that it is NOT going to Phoenix!  So if you're in the area, and want some of your own stuff, come on over, I'll make you a deal...

Sorry I've not been posting, hopefully next week will be a little easier...however, let me leave you with this gem of a performance by Tayshaun Prince against that other blue team, North Carolina...gives me goosebumps!

Observations from a week of vacation...and the drive home...

July 17th we set out for Tybee Island, Ga for vacation.  2 posts ago I shared my thoughts regarding the drive down...now, an unloading of thoughts from the week and the drive home.

1) Kids movies by Disney, Pixar, and similar studios have done an incredible job of awakening younger generations to classic old-school music.  I heard more great tunes emanting from my kids' dvd players than I did on the radio!

2) Never trust completely the ad online for your vacation rental...pretty sure our lady did some Photoshop work on her ad. 

3) When travelling with young children, always order less food for your own meal than you normally would.  You can pretty much guarantee they will not eat all of their portions...

4) I had 3 distinct conversations concerning God/Christ and religion over the week.  The first one was with Monty, which I wrote about in the preceding post titled "A Conversation With Monty"; the second was with a couple who was renting the space above ours for part of the week...while speaking with them, they asked what I did.  I told them, and talked about my upcoming move to Phoenix.  They were encouraging, letting me know they attended a SBC church in Maryville, Tn. outside of Knoxville.  In our conversation, as I spoke about how excited I was to have the opportunity to work w/ other churches in Phx. they cautioned me to not partner up with "those liberal churches".  With some more discussion I found out 'liberal' for them was defined as anyone not SBC.  I excused myself from that conversation quickly.  The third conversation was with the couple who rented the place above us the end of the week after the Maryville couple moved out.  Jay was raised Lutheran, and his wife was raised Southern Baptist.  Upon finding out what I did/was going to do, Jay asked if he could have my opinion on something.  He asked, "Let's say you have a Lutheran, who believes in Jesus Christ as his Savior, believes He is the Son of God, and believes all the Bible teaches about God, the Holy Spirit, the kingdom, etc...but this Lutheran hasn't been saved the 'Baptist' way.  Do you think he'll go to heaven when he dies?"  I asked Jay to clarify what the 'Baptist' way was and he replied, "You know, the whole walk the aisle/shake the pastor's hand/let the church vote on him thing."  I assured Jay that I did indeed believe that such a person was saved, and that Baptists don't have the market cornered in that area.  Upon further conversation, I found out Jay had been to a SBC church that informed at one point in his life he probably wasn't saved and needed to jump through their hoops to "insure" his salvation.  These conversations saddened me, intrigued me and disappointed me all at the same time.  I'm sure I will write more later concerning them...

5) On both the drive down and the drive home, the hotels we stopped at had one thing in common...both were hosting a large contingent of African-American family members who were in town for their family reunion.  I have to say, I was somewhat enthralled with how important family was to these individuals.  It was obvious the reunion was quite large, and they were very excited about being together for the weekend.  From my observations, this is something the African-American community does quite well, and makes me wonder why I've not witnessed the same with Caucasian families.  When I was a kid, the summer reunion was a BIG deal, but over the years, it's fizzled to non-existence.  That's sad...as a side note, the African-American church has a similar feel to it among its church family...that too is something we could learn from.

6) People live today with an air of obligation about them...that is, they live like everyone else should be obliged to do what they want, when they need it, no matter what it may cost someone else.  This is sad...we have truly lost what it means to be a servant.

7) PF Chang's is my new favorite place to eat...DELICIOUS!

8) Why is it that when you travel with kids, they wait pretty much until the last 45 minutes-an hour before arriving home to meltdown?  That should be the exciting part of the trip, arriving home!

9) It's becoming increasingly more difficult to hold my tongue when I see other parents/grandparents being complete morons when it comes to their kids...while in Tybee we were walking down a street when a grandmother and her grandchild (I assume) stumbled out of a local establishment.  It was obvious grandmother was pretty hammered and was holding a beer in her hand...the girl, probably aged 8/9 walked ahead of her a bit and the grandmother let her have it, saying at one point, "Go ahead, run into traffic and get hit!  Maybe then you'll learn!"  Yeah...that's right, maybe then she'll learn...or maybe then she'll get removed from your custody, placed with a family that loves her, and have a chance at a normal life.  Ugh...

10) Taking a week off before getting ready to move was probably not the wisest idea...but it sure was fun!

A Conversation With Monty...

So tonight I went out on our back porch here on Tybee Island and just took some time to hang out and enjoy the scenery.  After about 15 minutes, Monty showed up...Monty is a friend of the family who we are renting the house from here.  He lives in Missouri, and has been in since the weekend just hanging for a few days.

Monty is a weathered man...gruff and grizzled in his facial features, yet one of the softest hearts I've ever encountered.  Tonight he pulled up his chair and got to telling me his story.  His dad passed away in April of this year...his wife of 28 years passed away in May.  His wife had been in and out of hospitals and nursing homes the past 7 years, having suffered through strokes, lung conditions, and other maladies.  At one point Monty asked me what I did for a living.  Here's where the night took a twist...

After I shared with him my life, and what I did, he asked me a question.  It seems his wife had given her life to Christ many years ago, but had never been baptized.  About a month b/4 she passed, she was aware of her need to follow in that obedient step of baptism, but at that point was physically unable to be immersed.  Her body was swollen, she was bed-ridden most of the time, and was not in any shape to enter into a body of water.  She had grown up in and attended SBC churches most of her life and wanted to be baptized by a Southern Baptist minister.  Monty asked me, "Can you tell me why no Southern Baptist preacher would baptize her?"  When I asked why they wouldn't, his response was this, "Since she couldn't get into the water anywhere and they couldn't immerse her, none of them would do it."  He added, "Finally we were able to find a priest who would sprinkle her."  Somewhere through my disdain for the situation I simply apologized to Monty.  I assured him it was his wife's heart decision that mattered to Jesus, and that I was sure Jesus understood she was not in any physical condition to be baptized by immersion.  I apologized to him again, and we went on to more conversation...

Yet part of me wants to go and find these ministers...to ask them why they would withhold such a request.  To ask them if they think they really honored Christ with their decision.  This type of stuff is what turns me off of all denominational nonsense, whatever the denomination.  How dare we withhold a request like this, without recognizing the intensity of the situation and the right, Christ-like thing to do...guess we should be glad that at the Cross, there were no legalistic pastors there who said, "Um, sorry Jesus.  You can't really tell that guy on the cross next to you he will be with you in paradise unless we can pull him off the cross and baptize him real quick."  Ugh...once again, I'm sorry Monty.

Ruminations of a vacation drive...

So we arrived at Tybee Island yesterday afternoon, around 3:30.  We broke the drive up into a 2 day drive, just to make things easy on the kids.  The following are observations I've made in the 2 days drive as well as our first night at Tybee...

1) Speed limits are universally just 'suggestions' anymore...try and drive the limit and you'll get run over.

2) Along the same lines as #1, apparently if you speed really fast but then see a cop and slam on the brakes, he won't give you a ticket...at least that's what most people think.

3) If the rest of the world could be like my Kenzie (and other 2-3 year olds) we wouldn't have problems...they've never met a stranger, they like everyone no matter what their color/social status is, and they are generally happy and satisfied with the most simple of things.  Where do we lose this ability?

4) Never expect a rental place to look just like it does online...pretty sure some photoshop efforts have been done on behalf of our place.

5) One person's neat sight is another person's bait...just ask that crab we saw on the beach today that the guy caught and tied onto a line and threw in the ocean.

6) Whenever you see a dolphin in the water (and we did, about 20 feet away from us), invariably someone, usually aged 10-12 will scream out, "SHARK!  No really, I saw its dorsal fin!  SHARK!!!!!"  Hush kid...you're scaring people.

7) In restaurants near the beach you get better service if you're drinking lots of alcoholic beverages...I guess they figure you'll tip better if you're tipsy.  Our waitress last night practically lived at the table next to ours!

8) Atlanta needs to take road advice from Phoenix...1.6 million in PHX as opposed to less than a million in ATL, and the driving in PHX is CAKE compared to ATL...is there a way to bypass the bypass in ATL?

9) Stone crab claws are not nearly as good as snow/king crab...

10) Red Bull is essential when driving...

I will probably blog a little more this week, but not every day while on vacation...tomorrow we search for Miley!

Might As Well Stir the Pot Up A Bit...

For those outside the realm of the SBC, there seem to be 2 distinct topics today that are on the front lines of discussion, being alcohol use and cussing. Much is being made not only on the convention front but in the blog world in terms of whether or not SBC entities should partner with on any level any church/denomination/preacher-leader who holds anything less than what is considered baptist belief on these topics.  Note that I said 'baptist belief', as generally the argument is made more from tradition than it is scripture...not on all fronts, but certainly on a great number of them.

I recently came across yet another blog posting from another SBC pastor who has jumped on the no-alcohol of any sort bandwagon.  Most of the time I don't pay much attention to these, however this one struck me as interesting as the pastor was looking to use scripture to support his beliefs, so I gave it a thorough read.  Now, here's the deal...the scriptures he has used are valid, and do lend creedence to his point(s).  However, and here's where I have real issues with this, the same is not being made of other situations in life a person might fall under with the same scriptures!  Let me just begin to disect some of it and you'll see what I mean...

In the first of his 2-part post titled "Alcohol Condemed in the Bible", he starts off quoting Proverbs 23:29-35 as evidence for alcohol being condemned.  This passage certainly is compelling in its verbage, and does paint a picture against drunkeness.  However, lets look at a few other things the Proverbs speak against that we don't being put forth in the public eye...Proverbs 22:7 teaches the borrower is slave to the lender, yet we don't find living the American dream in debt to our ears a prime teaching point in the church; 22:26 says to not put up security for debts, which would be the equivalent today of getting a home equity loan to pay off our credit cards which is not taught against; 23:20 states to not only refrain from being among 'drunkards' but also to stay away from 'gluttonous eaters of meat (church potlucks anyone?); 24:17 says to not be joyful when our enemies fall, anyone been in a church lately trumpeting the victorious accomplishments of our country/allies?; these are just a few examples.  He additionally uses 1Thessalonians 5:6-8 as evidence that the New Testament condemns alcohol.  He cites the use of the word 'sober' as this evidence.  The Greek word "nepho" here does signify to be "free from intoxicants" in Vine's Dictionary (his source) but Vine's goes on to say "metaphorically, it does not imply watchfulness but is used in association with it".  Strong's Greek Lexicon does not even use nepho in Thessalonians in any sense of alcohol usage, but defines it as "to be sober, to be calm, to be collected in spirit". Now one can argue that to be calm and collected speaks against any alcohol usage and that may be a valid argument...however I could also use the same argument against caffeine intake, sugar intake, and other substances completely legal that do not lend those who ingest them to be calm and collected...shall we speak against those as well?

In his 2nd part of his post, the pastor points to "Biblical Principles Condemn Alcohol".  Here is a partial listing of principles he includes, and my thoughts on them...

In Proverbs 20:1 it says those deceived by wine are unwise, and the author states according to Ephesians 5:15 we are to live wisely...what else has the potential in 21st century America to make us unwise?  Too much t.v.?  Too much internet surfing?  Perhaps too many magazines being read?  IF so, why are we not making a stand there?  Ephesians also gives a command for slaves/masters...just saying.  The pastor then uses one of my favorites in this argument, 1st Corinthians 6:19,20, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.  So glorify God in your body."  Now lets look past the fact that verses 19/20 were written in context of Paul talking about using our bodies in an unholy sexual manner (read verses 13 and following to see that context)...let's say for application sake that we can take 19/20 and use them to apply to this situation of alcohol.  Can we also talk about obesity?  Can we also talk about just being out of shape?  Can we talk about eating junk food, not getting enough sleep, working our bodies 80 hours a week so we can have more stuff?  Can we?  IF we are going to stretch the application to include alcohol, there are multiple things we do to our body that are just as damaging. The author also uses 1 Corinthians 8:9 and 10:23 to show we should not use our freedom/liberty to create stumbling blocks to others, a point which I am in full agreement with...however 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 also has explicit teachings on head coverings and hair length for men and women...heard any sermons on that lately?  1st Corinthians 12:1-11 lists the gifts of the Spirit which includes in verse 10 the "various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues", yet speaking in tongues, even private prayer languages does not make the cut of those wishing to serve as SBC missionaries.  Hmm...Paul even states in 1st Corinthians 14:5 "I want you all to speak in tongues" when speaking to private prayer/praise language.  Interesting...time restraints prevent me from continuing to dissect all the scriptural admonishments given in this particular posting against alcohol and how the Bible 'condemns it'.

Listen, here's the deal...I am fully aware and fully agree that as a pastor, my having a beer at Applebee's is not good for me to do in this culture.  I serve others in my church and in my kingdom influence not out of a selfish desire, but out of a heart for God.  Alcohol use for me is not a hill to die on.  If I were pastoring a church in the south of France (there's an idea!), to have a glass of wine w/ dinner would not be a big deal.  Truth be told, if I was serving as a pastor in another denomination, having a glass of wine w/ dinner would not be a big deal. I understand that in the setting I am in, and with the way our culture is, it's best for me not to.  I also understand that for the majority of the people in our culture, alcohol is not about enjoying a glass of wine, but its about hammering back 15 beers or 5 Jack and Cokes or whatever and getting numb.  Because of that, we need a tighter rein on its usage.  But let's get honest...let's stop pulling pieces of scripture out of context for our arguments.  Let's stop finding 4 and 5 word phrases in scripture that validate our point.  Let's stop building moutains out of 1 or 2 issues, while willingly turning a blind eye to others.  You want to believe personally that you shouldn't have a single drop of alcohol?  Fine...that is your choice.  Don't use the scripture as your personal "this is why I'm right and you're wrong" hammer.  Instead let's use scripture for what it was intended for...to declare the greatness and holiness of God, the coming of His Son to set us free, and the empowering of His Spirit to guide us into truth.  If we did that, perhaps less people would turn to alcohol to numb themselves, and more would fall in love with Jesus.

Raising Arizona...

In 1987, a movie hit the big screen titled Raising Arizona.  Considered an 80's classic, the story involves the kidnapping of a rich family's baby, the Lone Motorcycle Rider of the Apocalypse, and Nicholas Cage as a trailer-trash criminal who falls in love w/ a policewoman.  It really is a funny movie, and is one that put Cage on the map early in his career (he needed to make amends for the 1983 Valley Girl fiasco). 

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the word raise means the following...to elevate or lift, to build, to cause to arise/appear, to increase in size/worth/status, to rear (as in w/ kids), to increase.  My family is about to take part in our own 'raising' of Arizona.  We will be moving there, by September 1st to begin the process of starting a new church in the area.  It is a new model of church...multiple congregations sharing one campus/building.  So far there is already an Hispanic church meeting there.  A traditional congregations will begin August 9th, and we will be moving to start a contemporary work.  In the future a 4th congregation, possibly of Asian nature will begin.  This is truly an opportunity to see every tribe, tongue, and nation before the throne of God.

We will be there to lift Arizona towards the kingdom of God...we will be there to increase their size/worth/status in the kingdom by pointing them to the One who gives the increase...we will be there to build the kingdom one broken soul at a time.  It is incredibly humbling and exciting to be a part of this movement. 

My mind is moving at speeds I did not know it was still capable of.  There is so much unknown in terms of culture and community there for us.  Many things that we have been a part of at Hope Community Church will transfer easily to Arizona...there are just as many things we will have to learn that are new.  We are blessed to be moving out there under the umbrella of a great church in Hillside Baptist, and its pastor Jerry Bowling.  The vision they possess for kingdom growth is nothing short of amazing, and we immediately felt like family last week when we were visiting. 

We covet your prayers during this time...prayers for our move, prayers for our girls (ages 7 and 2) for whom God has a plan as well, prayers for things like health insurance provision, for housing, for Alissa's continuing education (nursing school), for our home to sell in Kentucky...prayers for the community we will be impacting, for the hearts and souls of those we will be in contact with to be softened and prepared for the Gospel seed of Christ, prayers for the other congregations we will be working with. 

Raising Arizona...for the kingdom of God.

Livin' On the Edge...

One of my fav bands is Aerosmith and one of my fav songs is "Livin' On The Edge".  Today, my family and me are living on the edge...living on the edge of the biggest decision of our life as a family thus far.  Tomorrow morning, my wife and I fly out to Phoenix to interview with a church about the possibility of becoming the lead pastor for their church plant.

When you get to the edge of something you have 3 options...1) gaze over the edge, decide its too risky, and turn back; 2) stand at the edge and be content with the view and stay there; 3) decide for yourself that as impressive as the view is, it is no comparison to what it would be like to be there and jump.  Many times I have been on the edge of a cliff or rock formation when hiking, and I have always attempted to get down off the edge to see what it was like.  Tomorrow through Thursday, we decide what we will do at the edge (assuming the position will be offered to us).  Unless something just goes horribly wrong or unless they decide I'm not the guy, we plan on jumping!

Why Phoenix?  Why now?  I don't know that I can give you enough answers to those questions...but I'll try.

Why Phoenix?  Well for one thing, it was not EVEN on our map the past few years as we've praying/seeking about where to go from here.  That makes it very attractive.  Also, the entire process from the beginning has had the look of being set-up by God.  From the connections we have there to the instant rapport I've had with the lead pastor of the church I'll be working with, the entire process has been bathed in peace and prayer.  Additionally, Phoenix is an area that has amaaaaazing potential for the church.  Currently sitting at 1.6 million, the Phoenix area is one that is growing at alarming rates!  Current projections have the Phoenix area at 6 million by 2025-2030.  Many of those moving into the area are moving eastward from So-Cal, tired of the California lifestyle and emptiness...the kingdom of God in Phoenix will be in prime position to minister to those pouring in. 

Why now?  Well first of all, we believe God is leading us there so that trumps anything else I could say.  On top of that however are these reasons...as a family, we are in a good position to move.  My oldest daughter is only 7, makes friends quickly, and doesn't mind change.  My youngest daughter is just 2, and will adapt easily.  We are also very excited about the cultural implications of the move...it's one thing to tell your children about "every tribe, tongue and nation" and quite another to allow them to grow up in it.  Phoenix is an area where culturally they will be challenged and grow.  Finally as to why now, it can be this simple...God calls us, and we decide whether to respond or not...if He calls us now, we will respond yes.

Some like to live life on the edge, I am learning to desire life past the edge.  For most of my life I played it safe, didn't go far from home, and just took it easy.  I want my kids to see something different...I don't want them to play it safe, I want them to take God-sized challenges.  By saying yes to this call, they will see the example my wife and I set before them...ready to jump!

Why I get to celebrate Independence Day...

Acts 17:26,27..."And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way towards Him and find Him." ESV

Living in America is not a right...it's a divine appointment.  In His wisdom, for whatever reason, He saw fit to have me born here, not in the Sudan or China or the Ukraine or some other place in the world.  Because He saw fit to do that, my response is to ask what I can do for Him using the resources, opportunities, and blessings He saw fit to give me as a result of being placed here.  According to www.globalrichlist.com I am richer than 96% of the world's population...that's sobering.  I should be living a kingdom dream, not an American dream.

I am grateful for those who gave their lives for freedom...I am grateful to those who serve today...I am grateful for living here.  However, this weekend, I strive not to celebrate simply the country, but the One who saw fit to place me here.  I get to celebrate Independence Day not because I am an American, but because I am His creation...

Southern Baptist thoughts...

Last week the Southern Baptist Convention rolled into Louisville for their national meetings.  Many many things happened in that time frame, ranging from approving a committee to study how we should go about having a Great Commission Resurgence (um, prayer, fasting, committment to sharing our story and His story with others???) to floor motions made to boycott Pepsi and make the Christian flag the flag that is flown at events, etc...(thankfully neither made it to a vote) as well as other motions regarding things like secular music (its bad for you apparently), King James Version vs Holman Christian Standard, and whether or not Mark Driscoll and ACTS 29 network of churches are the devil's spawn...ok, maybe they didn't call Driscoll/ACTS 29 the devil's spawn, but it was close.

I've had a little over a week to mull over these things, as well as other instances of SBC craziness.  Some very good and dear friends of mine were leading worship for preacher's kids who were there as part of a FUGE camp for the week.  They were met with resistance to the "volume" of their worship (who put them next to the main meeting hall anyway?) and the plug was even pulled on Phil Stacey of American Idol fame as he tried to do a concert Monday night...ugh.  Can someone please inform the SBC teens like stuff loud and they need to think about before placing them in close proximity to the main floor? 

I've been reading a lot of blog postings from those in attendance at the SBC and to tell the truth, I really don't know what the future holds for this organization.  As I've said in other posts, I know there are no perfect denominations, and I certainly don't think the SBC is the worst out there.  However, it does happen to be the one I'm knee deep in, from my growing up in the midst of it to pastoring in it as an adult.  There is a mentality within the convention (mostly from the average Joe, not necessarily from ALL the leadership) that the SBC has the market cornered on what is biblical, right, and godly.  One motion was made that the SBC attempt to work with other "like-minded organizations" but in the midst of the motion it was stated that although the SBC wasn't the only organization out there, it was "certainly the best"...yep, that would make me want to work with you.  How about these thoughts from a blogger out there in internet land..."The question becomes, 'Just how different from us can you be and us still work together?'"  Or this comment when discussing Mark Driscoll, "Well, Driscoll has some beliefs about alcohol that aren't in line with traditional Baptist understanding."  Really...

See, it's statements like those that get me frustrated...as long as we are creating litmus tests for "how different can you be" we are creating divisions for the kingdom.  We are drawing man-made lines in the sand to tell other believers, "We'll gladly spend eternity with you but we're not going to work with you to make sure others spend it with us."  As long as we view others through Baptist understanding, we are limiting what the actual "Body of Christ" can do worldwide.  Driscoll's view on alcohol may not match baptist understanding, but it matches biblical understanding...which is more authoritative?  I believe I know the answer to that question in many baptist's hearts...and that saddens me. 

Our heritage is not our past 200+ years...our heritage is the cross of Christ.  Our power is not our ability to nit-pick theologically based interpretations of scripture...our power is the Holy Spirit of God, who is supremely able  to tell me as a believer if I'm in error.  Our mission should not be to make everyone like us as Southern Baptists...it should be to see everyone made like Him.  I'm not giving up on the SBC, but we are need of a DIRE makeover...

What is the Gospel part 3...

I apologize for the delays in posting...my wife had some minor surgery Monday and I've been with her and tending to her...all is well, and I'm back in the blogging saddle.

Today we look at the usage of the word gospel in the writings of Mark...where there are identical instances of the word/account in Matthew (part 2), I will reference the scripture and write (Matthew) instead of typing it out.  Also, according to the Strong's Dictionary of Greek Words, each use of the word gospel in Mark's writings fall within the parameters of this general definition; prior to the death of Christ, the good tidings (news) of the coming kingdom of God and Christ as the founder of said kingdom...after the death of Christ, the term has to do with the preaching of Christ as having procured eternal salvation through His death for mankind, and He will return in majesty to consummate the kingdom of God, as well as the proclamation of God's grace made manifest in Christ.

Mark 1:1, "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God."

Mark 1:14,15, "Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel'."

Mark 8:35, "For whoever would lose his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel will save it."

Mark 10:29, "Jesus said, 'Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel (cont. into 30), who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life."

Mark 13:10, "And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations."

Mark 14:9, (same as Matthew 26:13)

Mark 16:15, "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."

In each of these writings, Mark is emphasizing to the reader, the importance of not only the kingdom of God but also the salvation procured for the reader by Christ's sacrificial death.  The gospel here in Mark's account is not built around perfect living, theological purity, or religious heritage...it is built around Christ's death on the cross and the coming of the kingdom.  Luke and John, to come later...