Through The Fire

The Gospel - Part III

2009-10-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

Those of us who claim Christ and the "Christian" moniker believe we have been redeemed and have been saved from something. That is the claim anyway. I am afraid that the answer to this question has had a shift; mainly because of a culture that has decided that having an answer to any question has become arrogant.

I have a few points to share about my above statement:

1) I believe the answer to the question, "What are we saved from? What are we redeemed from?" is sin and death. I believe it is that simple because of what I read all throughout the gospels and especially what Paul tells us in Romans. Here's a small sample:

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit." Romans 8:1-4 (NIV)

2) When it comes to the culture part of my hypothesis, I bring up a touchy point that may have many questioning my willingness to love. If you can replace Christ, Jesus, or Christian with any other religious or spiritual group or organization, it might not be the Gospel. Here's an example I heard the other day that really got me thinking. [UPDATE: it must be noted that I changed the quote to what was actually said. I misquoted on accident. It may change the way you read this. It may bring apathy to whether or not you replace the word now. So be it. Most Evangelicals would equate Christian with Evangelical. I am not an Evangelical.]:

"I embrace the term evangelical Evangelical, if by that we mean a belief that we together can actually work for change in the world. Caring for the environment, extending to the poor generosity and kindness; a hopeful outlook. That's a beautiful sort of thing."[a]

Replace Evangelical with any other words: Buddhist, Muslim, follower of Oprah, member of "One", communist, friendly, political, Christian, an upstanding member of the community, etc. Are these intrinsically good things? Absolutely. UPDATE: Can you be an Evangelical and not be a Christian? Yes. Are they the Gospel? I don't think so. These are fruits of our Christ-likeness, but none of this statement sets us as Christians apart from the rest of the world. What sets us apart is our willingness and desire to die to ourselves, take up our cross, and follow only Christ. I hear from friends who aren't part of a church say things like, "you don't have to go to church to be a good person." and, "I know lots of good people who aren't Christians." I don't think that I am a Christian so I can be a good person. I am a Christian because I am a sinner who has no hope without Christ.

Try replacing Christ in this next statement:

"Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 (NIV)

Difficult to do and it worries me that we have changed the Gospel of Jesus Christ for something that is very Moltmannian in order to look good to culture. I don't think they fit together.

3) Is it arrogant to know that my Redeemer lives?

This was longer than I had intended...I edited, but didn't want to leave any of this out. So I ask,
What say you?
Am I way off?
Is the Gospel as simplistic as I am making it?
Would a simple Gospel like this be Good News?
Is helping the poor the Gospel or a fruit that comes from our desire to share Jesus?
Do you think we're doing what Jesus wanted us to do?
What could we do better?

[a] statement made by Rob Bell in an interview with the Boston Globe.

The Gospel - Part II

2009-10-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

In my search to teach the Gospel of Jesus, I find myself thinking about the perception of Jesus in the world. Is it real?

In 2007, Dan Kimball released a book titled They Like Jesus but Not the Church. Within the paperback cover, we read that some are leaving the church because they see it as an institutional nightmare that does not act as the body it was intended to be. I liked Kimball's book because of his desire to connect people on the outside with those on the inside.

During his life, Ghandi is quoted as saying, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. They are nothing like your Christ." Ghandi is to be admired in the way he handled civil rights and those leaders who would seek to dominate and dictate the people through tyrannical and oppressive methods.

I bring these two things up because while on the surface, these might sound like realities we must enforce and absorb into the teaching of the Gospel, I think they are misleading. I do not think that the "They" in Kimball's book or Ghandi like Jesus the Christ. I think they like the diluted picture of Christ that has manifested itself in this world.

Jesus (jee' zuhs) n. - has become opinion and the opinion is very pretty with roses and rainbows.

Unfortunately, this Jesus isn't the one we read in Scripture. You see, if it is true that "They" like Jesus, they are an anomaly because even the people who lived at the time of Jesus did not like him. The people Jesus came to give Good News were quite angry at him because he expected a lot from them. They so hated and reviled him that they killed him. The way of Jesus is so countercultural, that it is difficult to accept him.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. [Matthew 7:13-14]

Jesus is the one we must follow and the true Christ is not easy to accept and he calls us to a difficult life...one that may lead to death.

Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? [Luke 9:23-25]

This is what I suspect people really reject because, like the rich man, they are happy with their life and don't really want to take up their cross to follow him.

We are broken people and should not be ashamed that we don't get it perfectly. Our sin should shame us, but not our imperfection. We cannot do it on our own which is why we needed the death and sacrifice of Jesus. He alone is the reason we can have any hope in salvation. Jesus is the way of perfection. This is good news.

What say you?
How hard is the Gospel?
How hard is Jesus' call to us?
Do people really like Jesus?
Who then can be saved?

The Gospel

2009-10-13T19:55:00.001-07:00

I have been trying to gather my thoughts on many things lately. One area of thought is what one should be preaching on and sharing when it comes to ministry. I have been listening to a particular podcast (I don't particularly agree with a lot of what he says...but he has some really great points in some areas of theology) with whom the host proclaims the necessity of preaching the Gospel of Jesus every chance you get.

This has gotten me thinking a lot about what one might hear in one's church on a given Sunday morning. In fact, it has overtaken my ears to listen for the Gospel every time I hear a message preached and not just at my particular Sunday morning location. I pay attention to the radio shows I listen to in the mornings. I pay attention when I visit other churches. I have an obsession to make sure that when one is preaching, the message of our sin and death, Jesus' life and death, and resurrection, and the gift of new life in Christ; how that is such good news one could not walk away unless they were happy with this life they have on earth (much like the rich young ruler).

What to you is the Gospel and where in scripture does this come from?
How much of the Gospel do you hear each week?
Does your minister/radio host/preacher always come back to Jesus even if he is preaching from Song of Solomon or Numbers?
Do you agree that each message should point back to Jesus every week?

I was really excited the way Ike Graul preached the Gospel this past Sunday as our youth group visited PUMP church of Christ. He pointed back to the sacrifice of Jesus and tied it to the Lord's supper. It was a very good way to wrap the entirety of our service to the Gospel of Jesus.

Hopefully, this obsession with the Gospel message is one to be admired. I think that Jesus would be smiling knowing that it is of such importance to many people even in these days we live in.

Purpose

2009-09-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

I have been largely silent here for a while. Partly for personal reasons. Partly because I really haven't had a lot to say.

It seems many of my friends are reevaluating their blogs. I have had a couple friends completely end them...content still there, but they have suspended writing there indefinitely.

I am wondering if blogs have mostly died with the ease of sharing through Twitter and Facebook. I think having a blog is still handy, but I am currently trying to figure out what kind of content to have.

I have a lot to share, but wonder if people would even read it. If they did read it, would they just speak negatively about it? It has happened in the past.

I have a few ideas. I guess I wonder if overall, if people don't think of my opinion very highly and see the things I share as valuable if they could only look past their negative opinion of me. That wasn't a very well worded sentence.

I would love some feedback on what you might like to hear me write about. What is something that Mike Lewis knows about that you would like to read a blog about? Youth Ministry? Music? Movies? Pro Wrestling? His good looks?

Consider this an open thread.

Best Wedding Entrance Ever

2009-07-24T08:48:00.001-07:00

Now this is a great wedding entrance!

Worst Worship Ever

2009-07-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

I don't know where to even go with this theologically. All I know is this was planned. Otherwise how would they know what to play? I say we take our socks off on Sunday too...uh, nevermind.

The Slap Chop Rap

2009-06-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

Nice!

Book Review: The Unlikely Disciple

2009-04-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

I have just finished what I believe is a masterful look at the Christian faith by someone who is not a Christian. The book, The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University by Kevin Roose, began as an experiment. Roose would use his second semester Sophomore year as many did, studying abroad. Only his "abroad" was still in the United States.

Roose develops a plan to visit Liberty University, run by then President, Jerry Falwell as a student. He takes classes in Old and New Testament, Creation Studies, Theology, Evangelism 101, and participates in prayer groups, the church choir, and convocation every day. This is a far cry from his real Alma Mater, Brown University known for their partying image and loose morals within some circles (as he points out himself in his book).

Roose is curious about students of a Christian college. What do they learn? Do they date? Do they use Facebook? (a lot according to the references in the book) And are the students and Roose really all that different?

I recommend this book. I learned a lot about other people. I mean, I always knew the "unsaved" weren't much different than those who are saved...we're all battling daily different things. I learned that skepticism can be overcome by being a decent human being. As far as salvation goes, Roose ends up respecting the faith and morality on campus and comes near to giving his own life for Christ...I really prayed it would end up that way, anyway. He's a great writer and had me thinking he might by the last page.

In all, Roose still prays for people in tough situations, reads every now and then from his Bible, and still chats with his LU friends. I like one of the things he ends with,

"I found the distance separating my two worlds all but collapsed. Having thrown off the yoke of exaggeration and half truth, I was now free to be the same guy--the exact same guy--when talking to my Liberty friends and my Brown friends alike [...] the people at Liberty were almost completely unfazed. They saw me for who I am, and even though I'm sure they're not completely happy with it--I'm guessing they'd like me to curse less and pray more--they didn't seem altogether shocked or dispmayed that I was living on my own terms, at my own pace." (pg. 314)

We as followers of Jesus need to remember that we stand for truth, but need to extend grace and mercy and kindness to those who haven't arrived at the point we're at yet. Those who haven't accepted Jesus yet aren't disgusting people, they are sinners, like us, at a different phase in their journey. Support them in their success. Pray with them in their failure. Never abandon. The on campus pastor makes a great point about prayer from Oswald Chambers: "it is not so true that prayer changes things as that prayer changes me and I change things."

I won't spoil the book. I think it is a must read for anyone seeking to reach their world for Jesus. There is some minor offensive language, mostly by Liberty students (irony of all ironies). Read about visiting lecturers Dr. Gary Chapman, Karl Rove, and Sean Hannity. His friendships and the Christian girl Anna he falls in love with but doesn't want to hurt with his secret. Read about his exclusive interview with Jerry Falwell, the response on campus to the Virginia Tech shooting, and the response on campus when Falwell passes away a few days before graduation.

Ultimately Kevin is one of the classiest people from the words he chooses and how he describes his time at Liberty. If we all were able to muster that the world would be a better place and maybe even more people would find us Jesus freaks more irresistible.

Bravo, Kevin. I was hooked from page one. His website is www.kevinroose.com

Here's the YouTube video that got me interested:

Counterfeit Religion

2009-04-21T09:16:00.001-07:00

I am really impressed with what Terry Rush said this morning on his blog. Here's a portion and I urge you to read the whole thing if you have time.

I'm bugged, bothered, and frustrated that a strong portion of mankind has bailed on God as if He did something wrong. Much of the peeling away from Him, in reality, has nothing to do with Him yet He is the One who gets hurt in the process.

Man has built stubborn defenses against spirituality in general because of counterfeits. This is the distant roar from the anti-church people. God has been banned from homes, offices, and schools because of counterfeits...

Counterfeit money is everywhere, yet I've never met one person who balks against the use of money...

Why won't people treat God with the same mercy?

Amen...I would add the question, if people think they are morally higher than those of us who make mistakes but are genuine in our faith, won't they treat us with this mercy as well? No one has it perfect, but if we are doing our honest best, why should we be abandoned in the process.

Read the rest of this great article HERE.

No Mo' Breakfast

2009-04-06T09:34:00.000-07:00

This sounds like a camp song to me. Faith Quest? I just can't figure out why the woman is up there. Is she actually singing?

God Save Trinity

2009-04-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

My friend Kevin rushed his daughter Trinity to the ER last night. She slipped into a coma for unknown reasons. The doctors still don't know why.

They have removed a lot of acidity from her system. She is in critical condition, but nearing "stable". Eyes are opening, limbs moving, but not conscious. Please pray for Kevin, Sarah, and their kids.

He is updating her condition on this blog: www.GodSaveTrinity.blogspot.com

Jay Cutler A Chicago Bear

2009-04-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

So I don't usually have a lot to say about Da Bears other than, "Go Bears!" or "Devin Hester is amazing". It isn't everyday that the Bears compete for a franchise, Pro Bowl player like they did this week. The Bears traded for QB Jay Cutler of the Denver Broncos.

I was stunned. I don't think the Bears have had a quarterback of this caliber in decades. I could argue for Jim McMahon who was an amazing QB in the 80's, but he wasn't extraordinary and wouldn't have done as well without all the great players he had around him at the time.

I am not sure how I feel about what the Bears gave up. Kyle Orton was a great QB, but probably was only a great backup and not meant to be the starter. They also gave up their first and third round picks of this year's draft as well as next year's first round pick. The fear is that Cutler will fall apart and not perform at the level he did last year. Time will tell. To say I am not excited would not be the truth. I think we have finally figured out what it takes to compete in the NFL.

Jesus Pwn3d U!

2009-03-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Jesus Pwn3d U - barats and bereta

Rock Star Youth Pastor

2009-03-18T10:39:00.000-07:00

What you do as a youth minister may not be flashy. But it is holy, pure, and exactly what your students need. Don't throw out the word of God just to be postmodern, cool, or flashy.

Ignatius from travis hawkins on Vimeo.

(ht to Josh Griffin)

Pirates vs. Ninjas

2009-03-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

Only one of many reasons why Pirates beat Ninjas. Ninjas don't have a metal band as awesome as Alestorm...and yes I have heard Pentavia...weak. 'Nuff Said....or should I say 'Nuff Rocked?!

Alestorm rocks!

Flower Of Scotland

2009-03-13T11:37:00.001-07:00

If this doesn't invoke some kind of patriotism toward your country, I don't know what else could. I wish we sang ours this loud and proud at our games.

Man, that was loud!

(ht to Patrick Mead)

Bizkit the Sleepwalking Dog

2009-03-05T17:34:00.001-08:00

Bologna and Bacon

2009-03-04T14:56:00.000-08:00

How Would You Treat Someone In Need?

2009-02-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

And I don't mean someone who needs a few bucks or some groceries. But this minister did something to see how his church would react to a drunk man stumbling through the church parking lot.

Read the story, and see the video HERE.

I have experienced unusual people coming into a church before, even drunk people and crazy homeless people, and have never seen it handled well. This was brave and bold for him to try. He could have been massively disappointed. But, as I often thought, people are more compassionate than we tend to give them credit for. Sure there are lots of times we don't do what is right, but overall, I know that God's people are people we can be proud of. Let's not give up on the bride of Christ.

Tithe Rap

2009-02-25T09:17:00.000-08:00

2 Thessalonians 3:16

2009-02-05T17:00:00.000-08:00

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation..."

Texting In Youth Ministry

2009-02-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

Here is a great article on texting I read today. I think it tells us a lot about this generation growing up in our youth groups. This is also very important for how to best communicate with our teens in our youth groups.
***************************

You don’t have to have a degree in Youth Ministry to realize that our students are more connected than any generation before them. With that being said I, like most of you I’m sure, am always looking for better ways to communicate with my students.

Tim Elmore and Growing Leaders recently conducted a focus group of 16-24 year olds and asked them how they wanted to receive information from us. Here are the top 8 answers:

1. Text messaging
2. Internet (i.e. MySpace or Facebook)
3. iPods and Podcasts
4. Instant messaging
5. Cell phone
6. DVD/CD
7. Books
8. Email

I want you to notice a few things about this list. First, note that email is last on the list. One student described email as “a way to communicate with older people.” Second, with one exception, this list moves from more personal to less personal in nature. They want something customized not generic if they’re going to pay attention. Third, and most importantly, these students prefer a “screen” for six out of their top eight favorite methods of communication.

The fact that text messaging landed at number one on the list tells us a lot about students today. Bear with me as I venture some observations about why text messages are the preferred method of communication:

1. Text messages represent very current communication.
More so than voicemails, a text means I need to interact now about something relevant to you.

2. Text messages are generally sent from someone you know.
Unlike phones, you generally don’t get a “wrong number” or generic call on a text message.

3. Text messages are brief and to the point.
The person texting doesn’t waste words; in fact, they usually abbreviate the message.

4. Text messaging is in your control. The receiver can stop when they want to.
This kind of control is attractive to students today. They want communication on their terms.

Students today are inundated with messages, from every side. I believe they’re most likely to respond to a text message because it allows them fast, current, relevant communication with friends–but at a safe distance. They like intimacy without a lot of vulnerability.

How can we leverage this information to be more effective in reaching this generation?

Here is one way youth ministries are using text messages in their ministries: Simply TXT

(ht to Josh Griffin here and here)

Monday Morning Update

2009-01-26T09:50:00.000-08:00

The weekend was: Wonderful. Great worship Sunday. Started some new stuff for the teens.

Where I am at the moment: Resting in the peace of God.

On my to-do list this week: Exodus curriculum for this quarter, curriculum finalized for production.

Goals: Stay focused...quit thinking about politics and news for a while.

Procrastinating about: Application...I don't know if I will meet the deadline...its a lot of work and I don't know if I want to do it now. My curriculum needs to be finished so I can get some produced to sell.

Books I’m in the midst of: The Great Omission by Dallas Willard. Breakthrough by Suzanne Somers.

Music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: "Magic" and "The Sweetest Love" by Robin Thicke, "Every Knee Should Bow" by Jennifer Davis (I finalized this arrangement finally), "Bubbly" by Colbie Caillat

Movies I watched and what I thought: The Mist is a dumb movie. I don't know why I fall for horror movies. They look really good until I watch them. It was captivating until you find out what is in the mist and then it is just another cheezy sci-fi movie. Robocop 2 was just how I remembered. Not as good as the first one and lots of weak 80's CGI which is basic stop motion camera work...and you can tell it is.

Next project: Finish Exodus and finalize my curriculum to get produced.

How I’m feeling about this week: Still trying to focus on being a better dad. I am leaning heavily on Jesus right now. Ready to try to get to know my teens better.

Winter Retreat 2009

2009-01-22T23:38:00.001-08:00

Some of you are probably wondering and asking yourself about how Winter Retreat went for us. Here are some photos Ben Cook (Oregon City youth dude) collected from people for your viewing pleasure.

Winter Retreat 2009

It was a great retreat and the 6 of us had an awesome time together. We are all pumped and on fire now, so no more slacking! Seriously though, I am blessed. I spent a weekend with 5 teens that saved me seats so I could sit with them, told me they loved me, and called me the best youth minister ever.

Can life get any better? I submit that it cannot.

Monday Morning Update (on Tuesday Afternoon)

2009-01-20T16:25:00.000-08:00

The weekend was: SO GREAT! I had a wonderful weekend Winter Retreat with 5 teens from our church. It was full of great spiritual moments and laughter. I grew really close to those 5 and can't wait for the excitement to rub off on the rest of the group. I also got my fingernail painted by our teen girls. I am keeping it as an award.

Where I am at the moment: Resting in the peace of God.

On my to-do list this week: teen calendar finalization, curriculum for this quarter, curriculum finalized for production.

Goals: Keep focused on everything we learned this weekend.

Procrastinating about: Application

Books I’m in the midst of: The Great Omission by Dallas Willard. Breakthrough by Suzanne Somers.

Music that seemed to catch my attention this past week: "Roll To Me" by Del Amitri, "Magic" and "The Sweetest Love" by Robin Thicke, "I Believe" by Fantasia, "Just Dance" by Lady GaGa.

Movies I watched and what I thought: In The Name of the King -- pretty poor production for Jason Statham. Didn't have much time for any others. An American Carol -- funny in the Airplane/Naked Gun sense. If you don't like that kind of humor, you probably won't like this one.

Next project: Writing original song idea I had this weekend...we'll see if it works out. I don't share the bad ones.

How I’m feeling about this week: Still trying to focus on being a better dad. I am leaning heavily on Jesus right now.