I came across an interview this week with Phil Vischer. You may not recognize that name, but you will recognize his creation - Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber and the rest of the Veggie Tale gang. I think it's pretty safe to say, that the Veggie Tale videos were a hit. They certainly were with Christians, but they also were with others who just saw the videos as good for their kids and thought they were a quality product.
Well, Phil is at it again. He is creating The Phil Vischer Show. I hope it's really good and I think he's on the right track. Phil feels like too much of the Christian media that has been visible to the world has been dominated by "very dour, older white preachers". Sorry - I think he's right. He said; "We'll make a feature-length film, lob it into a few theaters, get our church friends to go see it, and then try to convince ourselves that we've engaged the culture." Well said Phil!!!
Phil points out that film and TV are medias our culture uses to transmit ideas. Ignoring that media is ignoring the world - and that's not what Jesus told us to do. We need to do it right though, and Phil has a good track record. I hope his show does well for many reasons.
One other thought on humor. I was looking thru a Young Life magazine that came in the mail and came across this quote: "Jesus wasn't just grim and grumpy. You know why we know that? Because kids wanted to be around Him." So - humor away. I think it's Biblical.
SDG
CrossPoint Elders
Dan, Greg, Brian, Duane, Pastor Brett, Lee, Tom, Pat, Todd
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Spiritual lessons from American Idol
Thursday night, American Idol front runner, Colton Dixon was sent packing. As a contestant who had never even been in the bottom three, he ended up with the fewest amount of votes and was eliminated.
It's an interesting story. Colton had been pretty up front about his faith throughout the competition. Back in March, he was seen taking a moment of silence before performing. When host, Ryan Seacrest asked what he was doing he replied, "I was just collecting myself and saying God use me. I want him to shine through me first and foremost." The normally witty Ryan Seacrest seemed somewhat tongue tied in knowing how to respond to that. But in the Wednesday night compeition, Colton picked the Lady Gaga song, Bad Romance. That song did not portray "the Message" he sought to portray. He looked at the "musicality of the song" and "overlooked the meaning".
So here is what I learned from observing Colton on the program:
1. Consistency. When we take a stand for Christ, we need to remain consistent in our choices, behavior and life in general. Colton later admitted this song isn't what he was about.
2. Fes up. When we mess up - admit it. Colton admitted he made a bad choice.
3. Be humble. As each contestant gets eliminated, they get to sing one last song. Colton chose "Everything" by Lifehouse. He dropped to his knees as the band began playing. The other idols had started to join him on the stage for his song, but out of respect backed off as he bowed his head. It was obvious that this song was offered as an act of worship before his Maker.
4. Learn. Colton learned from his mistake and I think it will be a valuable lesson for years to come.
It's an interesting story. Colton had been pretty up front about his faith throughout the competition. Back in March, he was seen taking a moment of silence before performing. When host, Ryan Seacrest asked what he was doing he replied, "I was just collecting myself and saying God use me. I want him to shine through me first and foremost." The normally witty Ryan Seacrest seemed somewhat tongue tied in knowing how to respond to that. But in the Wednesday night compeition, Colton picked the Lady Gaga song, Bad Romance. That song did not portray "the Message" he sought to portray. He looked at the "musicality of the song" and "overlooked the meaning".
So here is what I learned from observing Colton on the program:
1. Consistency. When we take a stand for Christ, we need to remain consistent in our choices, behavior and life in general. Colton later admitted this song isn't what he was about.
2. Fes up. When we mess up - admit it. Colton admitted he made a bad choice.
4. Learn. Colton learned from his mistake and I think it will be a valuable lesson for years to come.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Roaring Lambs
Pastor Brett's sermon last weekend emphasized engaging the culture. Honestly, I bet most of us find that difficult to do. It's much more tempting to attack it. Perhaps for someone like me, who has been a Christian a long time, it would be good to get a handle on questions that are being "asked" via our culture. Start an honest dialogue. Ask questions. Pay attention. That's what we're learning in the Incarnational Living class.
In the world of art and entertainment, perhaps a movie like Blue Like Jazz does that. I have not seen it, but I understand it is not the typical overt Christian movie. It brings up lots of questions without necessarily providing the answers. But maybe that's where we can step in. I think BLJ has the potential to draw a whole different crowd than a movie like Facing the Giants does. BLJ doesn't provide a nice and tidy ending. It's probably a bit messy - and then some. But I give the producer (and others involved) credit for trying.
A few years ago I read a book by Bob Briner, called Roaring Lambs. It is a bit dated now, but it's still valuable. Briner was an Emmy Award-Winning TV producer. This book was his manifesto about how Christians can - and should - make an impact on the "culture-shaping arena". At the beginning of the book, Bob gives a short test. Take it and see how you do?
1. I have attended a school board meeting within the last year.
2. I have as many close friends outside of the church as within.
3. I own at least one original piece of art.
4. In the last year I have written a letter of praise to a network or sponsor of a television program.
5. I support decent movies by attending wholesome ones and avoiding unwholesome ones.
6. I consider careers in the arts, journalism, literature, film and television to be as important for the kingdom as pastoral ministry, or foreign missions.
7. I have written at least one letter to the editor of my local newspaper in the last year.
8. I have read at least one book on the New York Times Bestseller List in the past year.
9. I am active in the civic affairs of my community.
10. I have talked with at least one non-Christian about my relationship with Christ and what it means to be His follower.
If you answered Yes:
8-10 times: A bona fide Roaring Lamb!
5-7 times: Watch out, they're starting to listen
2-4 times: Mouth open, no sound.
0-1 times: B-a--a-a-a-a-a-a
Briner is wise though. Before Chapter 1 is a section called; introduction don't try this alone
He notes that one of the most overriding and compelling principles of the Bible is the truth that in our own strength we can do nothing. "Unless we have been waiting on the Lord in prayer and received His direction and blessing, what we do will be ineffective and futile." He had a friend who reminded him that when the Church started in Acts, they didn't start with evangelism, healing or preaching - but prayer.
That is why, at the bottom of the 100 in 2012 logo, we have the statement: Praying that God will use us to lead 100 people to faith in 2012. We can't do this alone and on our strength.
In the world of art and entertainment, perhaps a movie like Blue Like Jazz does that. I have not seen it, but I understand it is not the typical overt Christian movie. It brings up lots of questions without necessarily providing the answers. But maybe that's where we can step in. I think BLJ has the potential to draw a whole different crowd than a movie like Facing the Giants does. BLJ doesn't provide a nice and tidy ending. It's probably a bit messy - and then some. But I give the producer (and others involved) credit for trying.
A few years ago I read a book by Bob Briner, called Roaring Lambs. It is a bit dated now, but it's still valuable. Briner was an Emmy Award-Winning TV producer. This book was his manifesto about how Christians can - and should - make an impact on the "culture-shaping arena". At the beginning of the book, Bob gives a short test. Take it and see how you do?
1. I have attended a school board meeting within the last year.
2. I have as many close friends outside of the church as within.
3. I own at least one original piece of art.
4. In the last year I have written a letter of praise to a network or sponsor of a television program.
5. I support decent movies by attending wholesome ones and avoiding unwholesome ones.
6. I consider careers in the arts, journalism, literature, film and television to be as important for the kingdom as pastoral ministry, or foreign missions.
7. I have written at least one letter to the editor of my local newspaper in the last year.
8. I have read at least one book on the New York Times Bestseller List in the past year.
9. I am active in the civic affairs of my community.
10. I have talked with at least one non-Christian about my relationship with Christ and what it means to be His follower.
If you answered Yes:
8-10 times: A bona fide Roaring Lamb!
5-7 times: Watch out, they're starting to listen
2-4 times: Mouth open, no sound.
0-1 times: B-a--a-a-a-a-a-a
Briner is wise though. Before Chapter 1 is a section called; introduction don't try this alone
He notes that one of the most overriding and compelling principles of the Bible is the truth that in our own strength we can do nothing. "Unless we have been waiting on the Lord in prayer and received His direction and blessing, what we do will be ineffective and futile." He had a friend who reminded him that when the Church started in Acts, they didn't start with evangelism, healing or preaching - but prayer.
That is why, at the bottom of the 100 in 2012 logo, we have the statement: Praying that God will use us to lead 100 people to faith in 2012. We can't do this alone and on our strength.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
It's so ghetto over here.
A few weeks ago my daughter's soccer team had practice near Valley View Middle School. Apparently the comment was made (among a smaller group of kids) that; "It seems so ghetto over here." (Many of the players come from the west side of Bloomington.) Well, when Kristen mentioned that, I got on my holier-than-thou soapbox and complained about the attitude of those players. As a parent who has sent four kids to the "east side" high school, I am sometimes (overly) sensitive to comment like that.
A few days later, while flipping pancakes on a Saturday morning (my 16 year still sound asleep), I bring the subject up again to my wife. She said, "That really bugs you, doesn't it?" "YEAH!" I replied. (If you haven't figured it out yet, I score pretty high in the "judging" portion of the Myers-Briggs personality indicator.)
It wasn't more than an hour later, I was enjoying a coup of coffee and catching up on some blogs I like to read. I pulled up TJ Addington's post about his recent trip to Hong Kong, where he mentions how his wife made such an impact on the housekeeper at the hotel, that the housekeeper asked TJ's wife for her email so she could stay in contact.
It hit me. I was so quick to judge others, but was I making any kind of imp at on people's lives that I am in contact with - be it on a regular basis or a one time event? I hope so, but I sure haven't had a service worker ask me for contact information because I made them feel special!
In The Message version of the Sermon on the Mount, it challenges us to live a "generous life". It's not referring to money in this instance. It is talking about how we relate to people. How we value them. How we give them dignity. If we do this, it says, it will cause them to "open up to God, our generous Father".
Having just finished celebrating Easter, we are often reminded of how Peter was quick to speak and slow to listen. Unfortunately, I'm more like Peter than I can to admit. There is hope however. That's the beauty of santicfication. God continually works on us. It's just that some of us are harder to work on than others! But if you keep reading past the gospels, Peter does all right. God did use that personality for His Glory.
Soli Deo Gloria
A few days later, while flipping pancakes on a Saturday morning (my 16 year still sound asleep), I bring the subject up again to my wife. She said, "That really bugs you, doesn't it?" "YEAH!" I replied. (If you haven't figured it out yet, I score pretty high in the "judging" portion of the Myers-Briggs personality indicator.)
It wasn't more than an hour later, I was enjoying a coup of coffee and catching up on some blogs I like to read. I pulled up TJ Addington's post about his recent trip to Hong Kong, where he mentions how his wife made such an impact on the housekeeper at the hotel, that the housekeeper asked TJ's wife for her email so she could stay in contact.
It hit me. I was so quick to judge others, but was I making any kind of imp at on people's lives that I am in contact with - be it on a regular basis or a one time event? I hope so, but I sure haven't had a service worker ask me for contact information because I made them feel special!
In The Message version of the Sermon on the Mount, it challenges us to live a "generous life". It's not referring to money in this instance. It is talking about how we relate to people. How we value them. How we give them dignity. If we do this, it says, it will cause them to "open up to God, our generous Father".
Having just finished celebrating Easter, we are often reminded of how Peter was quick to speak and slow to listen. Unfortunately, I'm more like Peter than I can to admit. There is hope however. That's the beauty of santicfication. God continually works on us. It's just that some of us are harder to work on than others! But if you keep reading past the gospels, Peter does all right. God did use that personality for His Glory.
Soli Deo Gloria
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Maundy Thursday
Brian Prentice read this hymn out loud at our recent elder retreat. He had a hard time getting through it. It's tough. All to frequently we sing the songs in church without thinking about the words. It becomes routine. If you read this slow - and perhaps out loud - I think it will very powerful.
How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure
That He should give his only son, to make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turned His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One, bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything; no gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ; His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom
How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure
That He should give his only son, to make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turned His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One, bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life; I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything; no gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ; His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart: His wounds have paid my ransom
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
The Christian F-word
I was encouraged to hear Jim Mc Neil get up and share this past Sunday about a recent struggle he has gone through. Jim, like many of us Christians, thought that we can just plow through life on our own. We certainly don't need to ask friends for help. Or do we?
I saw a cartoon this week that captured this mindset so well. It showed two people walking along together, with one asking the other; "So, how are you doing?" The person next to him replies with the Christian f-word; "Oh f_ _ _." Why do we always say we're fine when we're not?
I've had some time off this week, so while working on a project, I listened to a sermon from a pastor who had recently come out of three years of a pretty serious depression. During that three year time frame, things were going great at the church. It was growing by leaps and bounds. But, he considered ending it (and I'm not talking about his ministry at the church). He has since had counseling and is recovering, but he did comment that, "we're all dysfunctional to some degree. It just matters how much fun we put in the dysfunction." OK, funny line. But his point is that we all have needs and struggles. Life isn't always "fine".
While most of us may not be at a breaking point like this pastor, we all deal with spiritual dysfunctions. Jim alluded to the support he finally asked for from his small group. He is also a member of the Shoulder To Shoulder Team here at CrossPoint. The S2S Team is not made up of perfect people. But rather people, who themselves, recognize that people, including themselves, wrestle with dysfunction and pain of some sort. Their desire is to come along side ("shoulder to shoulder") and support others. Vicky La Motte is another member of that team, who just a few weeks shared what she is going through.
The S2S Team has spent many hours in biblical training so that they can be a resource. They are the caregivers (Gal. 6:2 and 1 Thes. 5:14) with the understanding that God is the curegiver (Ps. 55:22, Matt. 11:28 and 1 Peter 5:7).
These thoughts remind of a book I heard about. I haven't read it, but I've heard good things about it. You may like to read it, because I bet - like me - you use the Christian f-word as well. The book is called Veneer. As you might guess from the title, the authors challenge the reader(s) to come out from behind our Christian mask and be honest and share in deep relationships, face-to-face connections and honesty - even when it's ugly. Easier said than done. But it's biblical. It's what Christians do. Right?
I saw a cartoon this week that captured this mindset so well. It showed two people walking along together, with one asking the other; "So, how are you doing?" The person next to him replies with the Christian f-word; "Oh f_ _ _." Why do we always say we're fine when we're not?
I've had some time off this week, so while working on a project, I listened to a sermon from a pastor who had recently come out of three years of a pretty serious depression. During that three year time frame, things were going great at the church. It was growing by leaps and bounds. But, he considered ending it (and I'm not talking about his ministry at the church). He has since had counseling and is recovering, but he did comment that, "we're all dysfunctional to some degree. It just matters how much fun we put in the dysfunction." OK, funny line. But his point is that we all have needs and struggles. Life isn't always "fine".
While most of us may not be at a breaking point like this pastor, we all deal with spiritual dysfunctions. Jim alluded to the support he finally asked for from his small group. He is also a member of the Shoulder To Shoulder Team here at CrossPoint. The S2S Team is not made up of perfect people. But rather people, who themselves, recognize that people, including themselves, wrestle with dysfunction and pain of some sort. Their desire is to come along side ("shoulder to shoulder") and support others. Vicky La Motte is another member of that team, who just a few weeks shared what she is going through.
The S2S Team has spent many hours in biblical training so that they can be a resource. They are the caregivers (Gal. 6:2 and 1 Thes. 5:14) with the understanding that God is the curegiver (Ps. 55:22, Matt. 11:28 and 1 Peter 5:7).
These thoughts remind of a book I heard about. I haven't read it, but I've heard good things about it. You may like to read it, because I bet - like me - you use the Christian f-word as well. The book is called Veneer. As you might guess from the title, the authors challenge the reader(s) to come out from behind our Christian mask and be honest and share in deep relationships, face-to-face connections and honesty - even when it's ugly. Easier said than done. But it's biblical. It's what Christians do. Right?
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