Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Satisfaction

Friends,

What a wonderful concept to consider. This is sense of fulfillment that comes at the end of an accomplishment...and it cannot be fully realized (in my opinion) unless you are in the Lord...as it then becomes "spiritual satisfaction" which we call "JOY". The Rolling Stones know nothing of "this satisfaction" (and I can guarantee you that they will never be referenced on this blog again! :-) I am just going to take some time to say..."thank you, Lord." Our family is ever so grateful to be a part of this community in general and the CTCC family in particular...it is the most spiritual fulfillment that we have had in quite awhile. Our end of the year soccer party last evening was so great, it is hard to put it into words. These soccer families are simply amazing...and as I told them, by and large, the best overall team group of soccer families with which we have ever been associated. They are all spiritual people and it just made for a great evening. We talked about the Lord together with many of them. We all honored one another and most decided (some will do football) that we wanted to do this again in the Fall, which is great. I would love to continue to be associated with these people. We have all "been on the run" together throughout the whole soccer year and we had all become acquainted with each other (and some had known each other through other community activities), but last evening was a grand opportunity really to get to know each other...and it was just -- great. Kim said, we should do this sort of thing at the beginning of the season so that we can really understand what great people that we are dealing with and build relationships earlier on...which was well said. At the end of the party one of our CTCC families came up to visit, as they had been in the park as well. We could say the exact same thing about the great families that we are associated with at CTCC. We love our Sundays (and Wednesdays :-) here...very fulfilling. We have had some wonderful opportunities for fellowship and we just love this group of people. I also had the grand opportunity to spend some time chasing the little white ball yesterday with some friends, which was also great. The more time that we get together with our Christian family, the better our relationships...and to bring it all back around to -- what great JOY. After experiencing "the peace of God that passes all understanding" for some time, which is wonderful in its own way, it is certainly a refreshing blessing to be on the other end with some joy. Here's hoping that you also have a joyful week. Take care,

Don

Monday, April 28, 2008

Sci Fi No Go

Friends,

I did my "annual review" of good sci-fi programs to see what is playing where and it has brought me to this mild rant. :-) As far as it relates to good sci-fi programming, we are currently in "a black hole." All of the Star Trek's have long ago run their course and cannot even be found in rerun....except Enterprise which rates a "C" -- thankfully I have many of the episodes of the old series' recorded. Although it apparently is popular, I have never been able to get excited about the new Battlestar Galactica...although, the original one was great (and that certainly dates me a bit :-). Sci-Fi would do well to run some old classics like Space 1999, (which sounds funny now) and the original Galactica series. Fortunately, Stargate's SG-1 and Atlantis can still be found on Sci-Fi, although SG-1 is now done and Atlantis is boring. There is supposed to be a new Stargate series, although I have not heard anything else about it since last year. If anyone out there knows something, let me know(?) As for all the rest of the Snake head, Swamp thing and other pathetic offerings on Sci-Fi, 'nuff said. Here's hoping for some better fare in the near future.

Don

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Paradigm Shift

Friends,

As I shared concerning the subject of "world view" a few days ago, it occured to me that many people have asked -- what happens when our world view changes, whether it be something I actively do, or whether I am passively caught up in the change itself (which is where most of us find ourselves). This is what, in sociological terms, is called a "paradigm shift." My "world view" paradigm, or model and mindset by which I view the world and measure things, changes. And in talking about the primary "fear factor" word -- change, this can be a really big deal. As I have said before, change is a constant. As Dave Ramsey says, most of us long ago transitioned from the LP to the 8-track then to cassettes then to CD's and now to digital music. (And yes, this latest cultural transition is a challenge.) Historically...particularly over the past 25 years, church is the one place where folks have actively resisted "change" because it is the one place where people have been able to collectively exert control "to halt the progress of time and culture" ;-). Fortunately, or unfortunately, depending upon your position, society moves on ahead with us or without us...and so, we can either make the active, conscious decision to "change along with change" (as it relates to our methodology in how we "do church") or be it as it may, passively, "change will change us." This is the reality. As hard as we may want things to remain the same in certain segments or aspects of life, it simply is not going to stay so for long. So, we can save ourselves a lot of headaches, neuroses and other maladies by coming to grips with the fact that "paradigm shifts" are reality and that "status quo" really is not. And I do not know of anyone who has said that this is or will be an easy reality to accept. In fact, as we were dicussing how we need to shift our paradigm in relationship to evangelism, I found myself involved in an interesting discussion with one of the ladies at church today. We have been discussing that we cannot reach a "postmodern" world employing "modern" methods and she said, this is a struggle to consider (concerning evangelism -- which I will further explore in a later post), and I said...absolutely -- yes, it is! She related that it took her a long time to come to the realization that "I was saved by grace through faith"...and that, for so long, she had believed in a religion that was bound up in law and tradition. She said, "our previous preacher just continued to preach about love, grace and the Spirit, and one day...I just 'got it'!" I told her that must have been quite a revelation and she said indeed it was. But, there was nothing easy about the shift. As I now understand that it was a big challenge for her to accept this theological/Biblical/spiritual paradigm shift mentally, but also that it was an even harder transition, emotionally. I understand this, as I had to struggle through my own personal change (see "Age of Enlightenment" post from 6/6/07 for details :-). And this, especially when she was so used to evaluating "spiritual" concerns based upon "fear" as she and so many of us were accustomed to. If it didn't fit "the right thinking/works mold," then it just had to be wrong...our collective fear "taught" us this if nothing else. And yet, she was able to overcome it, but it is still difficult, in some respects, because she has relatives that are still living according to "the fear factor" instead of according to "faith." It makes me wonder just how many Christians neglect the freedom in Christ and spiritual growth that would be theirs...that they know is within their grasp, but refuse it because of fear...of people, primarily. (Unfortunately, I know of several good folks who fit in this category). And then she said the thing that blew my mind..."now, you're asking me to do another excruciating paradigm shift, in relationship to evangelism and how I view the world?" I had not really thought about it on the same level of how the shift affected us "personally," but then I said -- "yes." (Not that I am the one doing "the asking", but our multi-faceted culture demands it -- and "they" are not going to change their thinking just for us -- most folks could care less what we think...so, we need to do the math on this :-). We must not only make the shift personally, but also in relationship to how we relate to others and bring them the message concerning Christ. This has been a hard admission for me to come to grips with...but necessary, or we cease to be spiritually effective or relevant to the world around us. (Concerning this, we have seen the overall decline in numbers over the past few decades -- not only in our fellowship, but in all other groups across the board.) So yes, I have a new appreciation for the mental and emotional challenge of considering the "paradigm shift" in relationship to evangelism. But, Lord willing, as with the personal paradigm shift, I have no intention of "shrinking back in fear," but to be "pressing on according to faith" (2 Timothy 1:7).

Don

Friday, April 25, 2008

30 Minute Worship

Friends,

While traveling through one of the larger cities of our fine state, we saw two big signs hanging from the eaves of what appeared to be a prominent church. As the title indicates, the signs said -- in big, bold letters -- "30 minute worship." Now, I wish this was the first time I have seen such signs, but I saw a similar one a couple of weeks ago, so it must be a growing phenomenon...and what a sign of the times, if ever there was one. It just took me back to my high school psychology class, where Mr. Bolz, as we were are getting ready to leave at the end of class, would say, "Now we have another example fo the herding instinct -- moooove 'em in, moooove 'em out." Keep it clean and tidy...and quick. No loitering in church in THIS society. And we complain about 3 songs and a prayer, etc. Can you even get the three songs in (in 30 minutes with prayers, announcements, and preaching)??? By the way, many places don't believe in preaching in anymore -- no time for such nonsense. Now it is more of a 5 to 10 minute devotional in many places (if that...mostly just singing), even though, historically, it has been proven over and over again that no church culture can or will exist for long without a solid message from the Word of God. What's a person to do? As I have said, as Christians and churches, we need to be more in tune with our postmodern culture, but this is a prime example of a "Christian" postmodern worship mindset and practice "selling (out) short." What's next? A 15 minute, poke your head in the door, say "hi" to the preacher and brethren and then...on my way, gotta go, too busy. Why bother? Unfortunately, this is what a lot of folks in our society already do. The most meaningful times that our family has spent in worship are the times when "Noon o'clock has been dismissed," because there have been more meaningful songs, prayers, message, or perhaps something special, like a baptism! Of course, many people get upset if we "don't keep the Lord on the clock," so to speak, as if He doesn't have the time for our worship...besides, we don't dare allow the other religious folks to beat us to the cafeteria
:-). The problem is not God -- it's us. We don't have or make enough time for communal worship and study, and it is just getting worse. I am not advocating a return to a 19th century, three hour to all-day-long worship experience. No way!...not now -- since we have been well-trained by our 8-minute-interval media ravaged society. What we do need is to be more vibrant, spiritually discerning in our worship, but when we make it "a rush" we are diminishing the worship experience. That's it and that's all for now. Forgive the facetiousness ;-), but, there is just a perfect time and place for it -- long live satire!

Don

Friday, April 18, 2008

Good Draw

Friends,

I am hopeful for the Dallas Mavericks as these 2008 playoffs loom. They could have ended up facing the Suns, Lakers or Spurs in the first round, but instead get the upstart Hornets. This is not to disrespect New Orleans' pro basketball team, because Chris Paul has led them to be a solid team all year. Still, I believe that the Mavs (seed 7) will have a great opportunity to knock off the higher seeded (#2) Hornets. Concerning this, the Mavs are peaking at the right time...and there is no intention to dis them either, because I believe that they could beat the Suns or the Spurs...anyone (although, I am not so certain about the Lakers), but we'll see. Anything can happen come playoff time (as if we didn't learn that lesson once-and-for-all with the Giants' SB run :-). Go Mavericks.

Sonics watch -- they're GONE, like yesterday is GONE...(you get the picture -- gotta love the Switchfoot song). Goodbye Seattle...hello OKC. Still stinks to see Seattle lose the Sonics, but it is a business. Concerning which...oh, but that's for another blog. God bless,

Don

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Rome and the Dolphins

Friends,

Jim Rome was at it again yesterday on his show...and it was (tongue-in-cheek) hilarious. I have nothing against the Miami Dolphins football team, but Rome's rants are a riot. As he did on numerous occasions last Fall, he was ripping the Dolphins football team; He was "upset" that the Dolphins blew away their opportunity for "winless" perfection (going 1-15 for the season). He thought that going winless in this day and time is far and away more important and unlikely than the Patriots going undefeated. Last Fall after the Dolphins "absolutely blew their season by winning one game," he said that that they totally ruined his season...no, that they completely ruined his life! He had so much emotional and mental energy riding on the fact that the Dolphins would be winless -- that he was devastated when they won. (That is funny :-). And so, here he is in the offseason (5 months later) saying that he is thrilled to find out that the Dolphins will NOT be on primetime television this upcoming season for the first time since 1970...and that they absolutely deserve it for "tanking on the winless season." Poor Jim...you just have to feel kind of sorry for the guy (ha ha). And here's to hoping the "new look" Dolphins under Bill Parcells have a better season -- although, if they do not, I look forward to hearing more from Rome.

Don

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Christianity Today

Friends,

In discussing socio-cultural issues in classes and with individuals, it has become apparent that the world we live in is (in some cases) rapidly changing around us...not a big revelation there, but a hard understanding for many to accept, perhaps. In sharing concerning evangelism, the people of our current culture view things differently than those who have gone before. While it is not the only area where we have struggled in our churches, it has become apparent that it is a prominent problem...even a crisis. We live in a socio-cultural time that theologians and sociologists label "postmodern." From the time of the end of the medieval period and the beginning of the "modern" era (about 400 to 500 years ago -- see Leonardo DaVinci, with the greatest changes occuring in the past 150 years) we humans have viewed matters from a "modern" perspective -- authority rules, the one story that matters is "His"story and..."just give me the facts (ma'am :-)," intellect has reigned supreme. And nowhere has intellect reigned more so than in our churches. As we have been transitioning from the "modern" era into a "postmodern" era over the past 20-30 years, we have seen some significant changes concerning how people relate to the world around them. (And this is interesting, since our Lord, Jesus and the apostle Paul immersed themselves in the culture that was contemporary to them, all the while not allowing culture to dictate their way). Where "authority" once ruled, now "tolerance" (and tolerance only) is king (except in relationship to how certain other social/religious groups view Christianity today...which, ironically, has become increasingly "intolerant" -- a reaction to the "authority" message of Christianity). We need to continue to respect authority and the authority of the Word of God all the while recognizing the place for certain tolerance...which, in our general understanding of spiritual principles, we would call grace or forbearance -- fundamental Christian principles. Also, there is no longer just "one story" that is acceptable to people in our "western" culture, now "any number of stories" have relevance, and we have seen this born out with the rise in the number of believers in eastern religions in our western society. People will believe what story will have the greatest (humanistic and "spiritual") meaning and impact on their lives. (Of course we believe His (Jesus') story is the message that everyone should hear and know)...but, the question is, how do we deliver it in and to a (postmodern) world where people value tolerance, multiple stories and finally...experience over intellect. For decades the "intellectual Christians and religionists" have decried and berated those who would desire and pursue "a more passionate Christian experience" as "out of touch" or "pentecostal", etc, etc. -- and, by the way, a more passionate pursuit of the Christian walk and worship has nothing to do with "pentecostalism" ;-). What is interesting is that "the out of touch" from one socio-cultural era, is now very much the "in touch" in the current culture we live in. Most younger people in this current culture (generation x or y or z, baby buster or whatever you want to call it :-) are no longer interested in the past 150 years of the purely intellectual pursuit of Christianity in life and worship, but now have become enlightened or emboldened (however it should be or is realized) to the necessity (and I believe that it's not just a cultural, but spiritual reality) of engaging not only the intellect, but the spirit and body as well. After all, this is the way that God made us, in order to exercise all three of these aspects of our human person...and why should it be any different concerning how we walk the Christian walk or worship(?). We have typically not had any problem with doing this at the football game or in the movie theater, but when it would come to "working out our faith in the Christian walk and worship," we have promoted the intellect, while diminishing the others. There has always been this incongruity (the word of the week :-) in my lifetime. I am so grateful that we are transitioning and beginning to be living in a time when people want to worship the Lord, not only with the mind, but in all areas of their humanity and in relationship to spirituality...there is a wholeness, a completeness about this. All of this, in turn, has a great impact on people today, who simply are not going to be content to continue to live and worship in a "modern" environment where only "intellect" is actualized, but where in the current society, individuals need to experience the Lord in multiple ways. When "religion" and culture clash, there is always a price to be paid...and we are seeing it all over the world. People are leaving "modern" environments by the hundreds, and even the thousands, in pursuit of a "greater" overall spiritual experience with the Lord and fellow believers. As stated in a previous posting, this does not mean that the message changes, only attitudes and methods in relationship to the changing environment. It is a difficult balance indeed, but one which we must undertake, or we cease to be relevant altogether and ultimately, disappear. Over the next few decades, it will be interesting in that we will continue to see the results of those groups who are able to make the necessary transitions and those who are not able to do so.

Don

Monday, April 14, 2008

Greek Politics

Friends,

During my study last week in preparation for my sermon I came across a unique word that Paul uses in Philippians 1:27. It is apparent that we now have our current English word "politics" at least from the root form of the word (verb) politeuomai. What is fascinating is that Paul uses the word to challenge believers "to behave the way that citizens are supposed to behave" (in this case, Christians are to behave as good citizens...citizens of heaven -- on earth). Okay, let's back up a minute...isn't there some strange irony at work here? The word politics used in relationship to "good behavior." Interesting...perhaps something has been lost in the translation over the past couple of millenia ;-). Now, this is not a blanket statement about "politics," as I am about as interested in discussing politics on this blog as underwater basket weaving (and after all, isn't discussing "religion" bad enough???)...plus, there are many good politicians out there who are trying to serve positively well. But, there are just enough bad ones to make this a fascinating incongruity.

Don

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Good Weekend

Friends,

We are settling into our new home...and we couldn't be more pleased with it. We had a wonderful, large crew of people make for a smooth and relatively pain-free moving process. We are grateful for the super help that we had to assist us. I also had the opportunity to speak at a men's retreat in Euless, Friday evening and Saturday morning. The subjects given to me were very practical and helpful. I enjoyed the challenge of relating messages on Lord of Time from Luke 10:38ff, Lord of Opportunity from John 13:1ff and Lord of Rest from Matthew 12:1ff. -- what I would say are three critical principles...for all (men and women, younger and older) who are in Christ. The fellowship was enjoyable and my friend Paul and his family (who is the youth minister there) are doing well. They are a delightful family! Meantime, we stay busy here...as we have a Third Day concert and Rangers Game this Saturday, followed by A.M.P. (activity, message and praise), our youth activity next Saturday...and have begun a practical evangelism series with outreach ministry soon to follow. Hope you all have a great week and God's blessings...

Don

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Moving Message

Friends,

We are so excited to be getting moved Saturday. We are grateful that we are finally getting to our destination so that we can be more efficient and effective in our ministry. We checked out the house awhile ago and the sellers were there cleaning -- and everything looked good. They were nice people...and it was good to get an opportunity to visit with them. Continue to keep us and our wonderful helpers all in your prayers as we transition this weekend.

Don