Who Killed Jesus?

Greg Johnson shared this poem at our pastor's meeting today. In light Good Friday, I thought this would be some food for the soul. Randy

"Who Killed Jesus? I Would Like To Know."

Who killed Jesus? I would like to know.
Who is guilty of a crime so low?
Why did He have to die?
What is the reason why?

Who killed Jesus? I would like to know.
Was it Roman Soldiers, with their tools of war?
Pounding nails through hands that did no wrong.
Mocking and abusing, crowning Him with thorns,

All the evidence is very clear.
Was it Pontius Pilate, he was Governor,
Trying to decide the case that day?
Finding that the Savior had no fault His own,
Was he guilty when he turned away?

Was it Hebrew children, proud of who they were?
Shouting "Crucify Him" to their King.
Rejecting their Messiah for a common thief
Turning down the Kingdom He could bring.

When I think of Jesus, and the way He died,
How upon Him all my sin was lain.
All the other people, fade away from view,
It's for me the Sacrifice was made.

I no longer wonder anymore,
I have found what I've been searching for;
My sin demanded Hell, on Him the Judgment fell,
I am guilty, now it's plain to see,
that it was really me!

Great Elder's Meeting Tonight

Had a great shepherd's meeting tonight. We spent some time interceeding for the people in our congregation. Then, each man shared how the other shepherds could pray for him. In other words, what were the spiritual issues in our lives right now? There were confessions, tears and genuine heart issues shared. You see, we are trying to shepherd the flock while we shepherd each other. Then, we spent some time praying for each other.
We also discussed the third chapter of the book "Like A Shepherd Lead Us". (Great book, BTW!) The chapter's theme was to, as leaders, move from the boardroom to the living room. The book reminded us to pray with our people. Some great ideas flowed. A few are: to invite whole families to pray with us on Tuesday nights. We want to keep inviting people at the end our worship assemblies to come and pray with a shepherd. We will divide the congregation into shepherding groups - each shepherd will contact those in his "group" and ask what the needs are.
Went home feeling really blessed to be a part of the this leadership team.

Got the Gout!

Went to the doctor today and he told me what I already suspected - I have another case of gout in my right foot. Very painful! This is my fourth time to have this wonderful stuff - so now I will be put on gout medicine. Ah, man. I guess I'm gettin' old. Bummer.

I'm enjoying reading Eragon so far. Don't usually read fantasy novels - so this gets me out of my reading rut.

I'm having a hard time deciding what is my favorite T.V. show right now - LOST is in high gear; Prison Break is cranking back up; like American Idol; enjoying Amazing Race (although not the best season) - I would love to watch 24 - but just haven't had time to start watching. Your favorite show? Oh, sad to see 7th Heaven wind down - but it was time.

A Busy Weekend!

Had a very busy weekend! On Saturday night I went to "A Night With The NFL" at the University of Utah. Tony Dungee, head coach of Indianapolis Colts, Jeff Harding (starting center for the Steelers) and Luther Ellis (a former Utah Ute and Detroit Lion) all spoke about their faith in Christ. A very powerful evening!

Had a very unusal and busy Sunday yesterday. Since our youth minister was preaching, I went to our first service, then, as I like to do when I'm not preaching - I visited two other churches! I do this for several reasons: First, I like to get new ideas! Second, I like to encourage the minister (I know most of the minister's from various "pastor's" groups I'm invovled with). Third, it reminds me that there are many ways of doing "church" - and each glorifies God in a unique way.
So, yesterday I went to South Mountian Community Church for their first service. SM is probably the second largest evangelical church in Salt Lake (Calvary Chapel is the largest). Then, I went to the Adventure Four Square for their second service. Their minister, Eric Van Rahee wanted to pray for me during the service, which I thought was neat, but an hour into the service he still wasn't preaching, and I had to go because we were having our 40 Days of Purpose Task Force Potluck Pizza celebration and evaluation at Southside at 1:00 p.m.! I got some great ideas!
Sometimes, I have to fight the urge to be envious of other people's "success". Both of these churches started about 7 years ago - one of about 1,200; the other about 600! Southside has been here since 1976 - we almost got to 400 before our church plant three years ago. It's hard not be to jealous of their numbers and wonder why my church isn't that "big". The thought kinda nags at me - "if you were a better ________, your church would be as big as theirs!" But in reality, I know that is not true!
And yes, sometimes I visit small churches and encourage them, too. These two churches just happen to be about a half mile from each other!
To top the afternoon off - we had a team leaders meeting at 3. Needless to say, I went home about 6 in the evening, tired but blessed. It was a great weekend of ministry and idea gathering, celebrating and planning, being encouraged and inspired. Not a bad way to spend a weekend!
The new week has started! Let's glorify God in all we do! Easter is coming! Jesus is resurrected! (and so must my sermon for Sunday! It's still in the tomb!)
With God's Best, Randy

A Reading Retreat

Since I'm not preaching on Sunday, for the next two days I'm having a 'reading retreat'. I'm not going anywhere - just catching up on my books stacked up waiting to be read. Today I read "Rekindled" - a Christian fiction book written by a friend of mine Tamera Alexander. It is her first book to be pubished - she has signed with Bethany House for a series called "The Fountian Creek Chronicles". This was the first book in the series. Much in the tradition of Janette Oke and Beverly Lewis - Alexander holds her own! Way to go Tamera!
Tonight I'm starting "Eragon" and tomorrow I'm finishing "7 Practices of Effective Ministry" and will hopefully put a dent in "Seeking Lasting City".
It snowed all day today, so it was a great day not to have to put a sermon in the oven - and just enjoy some reading. Haven't done that in a LONG time and it was good for the soul. Even cancelled plans to go out to lunch with my preacher buds and called the wife and took her out to lunch.
I need more reading retreats - maybe a day devoted to reading once month? More lunches with my wife - yes!

World's Fastest Indian

My daughter has taught me how to blog using pictures. So, I thought I would start with Andy Griffith. Why is it that our kids have to show us how to do this stuff?
Saw a great movie tonight, "The World's Fastest Indian". Awesome. The best feel good movie I've seen in a LONG time! Plus, it's a true story. Should be out on video soon. If it's still showing in your area, treat yourself to a good movie.

New Building hurdles to overcome!

Can't believe that I haven't blogged since Monday! Where did this week go? It's been one of those weeks that just flew by.
Looking forward to the final four this week. I am pulling for George Mason. Their sling shot may not have any rocks left in it, but I hope so. My head says LSU vs. Flordia; my heart is for GM.
Trying to get the permits to build our new building. The city is asking for 5 easements that would total about 2 acres of our 5.6! Plus, they are not paying us any money for the land that want to use! Where we want to put in a ball field and coverd pivilion for cookouts (like a city park) - the city wants a turn around for the neighrhood next to us. Plus, we would have to pay for the sidewalk and curbing!
Well, please put that on your prayer list! We are meeting and talking with city officials almost on a daily basis to figure out how we can proceed without the culde-sack (spelling?). All of these easements adds thousands and thousands of dollars on the project. We're just trying to be good stewards of the Lord's money.
We hope for the "park" - because of the ways it could be used - so we can use it to outreach to the neighborhood by letting them use it; the school (that meets in our building) would certainly use it, not to mention all the church activities we could do on it.
Been really enjoying "The 7 Practices of Effective Ministry" by Andy Stanley. Great book for seeing ministry in a new light. Also enjoying "Manhunt" - the 12 day chase for finding Lincoln's killer. Really interesting.
Hope you have a great end of the week.

Catching up

Had some great friends to visit us last week from El Paso. Had a great time but I didn't write a single post - so it's time to catch up!

Had a great time watching college basketball. Who would have thought that George Mason would be in the final four? Mike & Mike on ESPN said that out of the 5 million brackets filled out on their web site only 10 had George Mason in the final four. That is amazing! Go George Mason!! BTW - did you notice that two out of the final four are from the SEC? Congrats to Mike Anderson, former assitant coach to Nolan Richardson at Arkansas, on being hired at Missouri. He will do a great job.

Had a busy but good weekend. We had our annual dinner/auction to fund raise the youth group mission trip. (We raised $3000!) On Sunday we wrapped up our 40 Days of Purpose with a Celebration Sunday at Oquirrh Elementary. It was great to be in one assembly! Instead of a sermon - we had a mission fair! (For those that think we are in a rut in worship planning - we got out of the box yesterday!) For 20 minutes our folks went from booth to booth signing up for ministry! Love it! We finished up with a good ole fashion pot luck. It was the best attended pot luck in our history many said. Love the fellowship! It was a great weekend!

Gained five pounds last week! (didn't walk for a solid week!) So, now I'm back on "diet" mode for a while. I've got to get back to my daily 2 mile walk. I promised that I wouldn't get over 160 since loosing the weight last year. I went 9 months without gaining any weight!

Okay - I think that's it. Looking forward to the Final Four this weekend. Any predictions? The first Final Four without a number one seed since 1980. Should be exciting! I'm going with an all SEC final - LSU vs. Florida, with LSU winning it all. But I'll be rooting for George Mason!

Memorizing Scripture

Last week finished journaling through Colossians. I love that letter! Paul encourages us "let the word of God dwell in you richly as you teach one another . . ." The word stored in my heart should be of "Walton proportion" - it should be rich! Sadly to confess, it looks more like a "pauper's portion" - I haven't done much memorizing in the last couple of years, so - last week I picked several passages (some paragraphs) from Colossians that I wanted to re-memorize. Its a discipline that I've put on the shelf.

I would encourage you to do the same. Memorize scripture! Get the word of God in your heart! Why memorize if you will just forget a lot of it? A student asked Jimmy Allen, long time Bible professor at Harding University, the same question. I never have forgotten Allen's response. You see, if you took Allen for any class - Romans, Hebrews, - he made you memorize whole chapters! You were tested on it - you simply wrote out the chapter on a piece of paper in whatever version you used. Every comma, word missed or added - was one point off.

So this student asked the question - why are we doing this if we'll just forget most of it? Allen didn't flinch - he said, "Let's say you have a dirty basket. You take it down to the river and fill it with water. Will it hold the water long? No. It will leak. However, will the basket be cleaner for having gone through the process? Yes! You have a dirty heart. I have I dirty heart. Full of sin. When you memorize scripture, you are filling it with God's holy word. Most of it will leak out, but your heart will be purer for the process."

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Make a depoist today! Memorize a verse. God's banking on it!

Clarify The Win

I've been listening to a series by Andy Stanley called "The 7 Keys to Effective Ministry" (- which you can download for free - just go to www.northpoint.org click on church leaders, then click on pratically speaking). The first session is "Claifying the Win". Excellent!
What Stanley says is this - most churches have a mission statement; however, what gets "put on the wall doesn't always take place down the hall." How true! In other words, our mission statements haven't changed how most churches operate.
So, according to Stanley, we must clarify the win. For example, most times we simply let attendance be our watermark. Wow, we had a packed house today! Instead, Northpoint has clairified the win - if they have a first time visitor, is blown away by what they experience and they come back next Sunday - THAT is the win for them.
Many ministry leaders, Stanley says, are frustrated because the "win" is not clearly defined, so after a few years they resign from the ministry (sound familiar?) and go do something else.
So, what is the "win" for your ministry? congregation? family? for yourself?
At the end of the week, how do you know you have "won"? In a recent conversation with another minister, who himself told me about the series by Stanley, said that now for him the "win" watermark is that he calls 100 people and invites them to Sunday assembly (his own members included!). If he fails to do that, the week was not a 'win' for him.
What is your "win"?
BTW - these downloads are in MP3 format, so you can download them to your iPod or any MP3 player.

WHAT CHURCH IS SUPPOSED TO BE

I wasn't going to post again until Monday, but saw this moving description of the church on the blog "real live preacher" (www.reallivepreacher.com) and wanted to share it with you.

Let me tell you what church is supposed to be. It is supposed to be a community of friends who have walked together through the good times and the hard times of life so that their shared history is more powerful than their differences. It is a gathering of spiritual seekers who do not demand exact conformity in every doctrine, but acknowledge a shared commitment to Christ and fidelity in living. There is real trust and love. Mistakes are made and people are forgiven. And you feel safe. Safe enough to laugh or cry. Safe enough even to sneak up to the front of the church and have a little fun with the ashes.

A few thoughts going into the weekend

It's Friday. The Hogs are playing Flordia tonight - they've won their last seven, but tonight is going to be a huge challenge. Florida is rested; the Hogs played late last night. They are 7-0 wearing throw back uniforms from 1978. The ghost of the "triplets" have brought some much needed mo-jo. It's rumored the Razorbacks are coming to Salt Lake for the first round of NCAA's. Calling the Hogs in the Huntsman! Oh, yeah, I'll be there!

Hope to see the movie "The World's Fastest Indian" sometime this weekend. I've heard a lot of positive things about it. Anyone seen it and have a review to offer?

Finally, I've started reading "Camel Club" by David Baldacci. He is one of my favorite writers. The sermon is already done - power point and all (just hope there's some power in the points!) - so I'm hoping to get some time to turn some pages.

March Madness is here! Cancel the appointments. Get the chips. Settle in for some good hoops! Here's hoping that your team appears in the brackets on Sunday afternoon.

I hope you have some great family time this weekend. Hope you have a great time of worship. See you Monday.

Mike Cope on B-I-B-L-E#2

Wanted to share Mike Cope's post today on his blog. Especially note the last paragraph! --Randy

The B-I-B-L-E #2
Another shocking discovery of my early life was this: people wrote the Bible.Real, live people. People who did not have perfect lives or perfect insight into the mind of God.
People who wrote in their language, using their own vocabulary and style. Luke's writing is polished; John's is more like someone who was trying to connect with the middle schoolers (simpler syntax and vocab).
Now, again, doesn't this fall into the category of no-brainer? In one sense, yes.But somehow I'd always thought (based on a misinterpretation of a couple passages and perhaps also on my wild imagination) that the Bible was dropped from heaven. Maybe delivered by the Holy Spirit dressed like a dove.
Several OT writers quoted bits of information they had looked up. Luke said he did his homework before sitting down at the computer. And, almost certainly, Matthew and Luke peeked at Mark's gospel while writing their own. Jude peeked at 2 Peter. Or vice versa. Or maybe they shared a common source.Paul wrote to the Corinthians that he had baptized only Crispus and Gaius. Then he remembered that he'd also baptized the household of Stephanas, so he added that as kind of a footnote.
He also told them that on one matter he had no instruction from the Lord, but he gave his own judgment (7:25).Frankly, not everything in the Bible is quite as smooth as I used to imagine. There are jars and clashes. Was Jesus' Nazareth sermon early in his ministry (Luke) or much later (Matthew, Mark)? Was Jairus's daughter dead (Matthew) or nearly dead (Mark -- maybe this falls into the Princess Bride's category of "mostly dead") when Jairus found Jesus? Did the cursing of the fig tree happen before (Mark) or after (Matthew) Jesus' entry into Jerusalem? Was it one demon-possessed man (Mark, Luke) or two (Matthew)? And was it at Gerasenes, Gergesenes, or Gadarenes -- or are those the same place?
For a while I tried forcing explanations so that there were no problems, but I eventually had to admit (with some encouragement from my professors) that this was disingenuous.And this is just the beginning. Clashes and jars. When we labor under our Western assumptions of HOW THE BIBLE OUGHT TO BE, that's extremely problematic.
But what if scripture isn't bound by our assumptions of what it ought to be? So, were the writers of the Bible guided by God? That's what I believe by faith. Instructed in some sense by the Holy Spirit? That's my conviction. Producing authoritative documents that are able to guide the church in teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16)? Yup.
Do I still have confidence in scripture? I'll let my years of preaching, teaching, and writing stand as an answer to that question. I have more appreciation for scripture than I used to. More desire to live under its guidance rather than to attempt to conquer it with perfect comprehension. More eagerness to catch what it intends to do: point us to Jesus.
The ultimate goal isn't to defend the Bible, memorize the Bible, or understand the Bible. The goal is to let scripture point us to Jesus, committing ourselves to him and jumping into the journey of discipleship.

Hogs & Beth Moore, Third Day in Salt Lake?

Just saw on ESPN.com that the Hogs are slated to come to Salt Lake City for round one of the NCAA tourney. If that holds true, I will be in the Huntsman calling the Hogs. I'll even wear my Hog Hat. Ah, how much fun would that be? ESPN has them playing Wisconsin in the first round, and probably Gongaza in the second round. I think we can play with both of those teams. Here's hoping that ESPN knows what's what. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed.
Beth Moore is coming to Salt Lake in October. Southside is a host church - we have purchased 75 tickets for the event! The tickets are going fast! Should be a great event!
Third Day is coming in concert this Saturday night along with the David Crowder Band. Man, how good is that going to be?
People I would have on my wish list to come to Salt Lake: Casting Crowns; Chris Tomlin; Point of Grace; Avalon; Philips, Craig & Dean; FFH, - anyone else on your list?
Any events happening in your town?

Monday stuff

The sermon went very well Sunday. It was interactive; I asked the congregation what qualities draws them to Jesus, then asked them what quality they would intentionally work on for this week. Very powerful.
I've changed the wording for our 40 Days of Purpose to all verbs: Bowing (worship); Being (the body; fellowship); Becoming (like Jesus - Discipleship); Sending (missions/evangelism); Serving (service).
Just finished a great book - Armchair Mystic. A good book to give you some unique perspectives on prayer. I was very much drawn into Philip Yancey's book "The Jesus I Never Knew."
The Razorbacks on a roll!! Bout time. Maybe they will win a few games in the SEC tourney and shake things up. Looking forward to March Madness. With the Hogs hopefully in this year, it will even more fun. Next week I'll post my picks!
Have a powerful week!

Tomorrows sermon

Been having trouble with this weeks sermon. The theme is "Becoming Like Christ". We're doing the 40 Days of Purpose, so I'm supposed to be following Rick Warren's sermon outlines. Did a fairly good job of following his outlines on worship and fellowship. Can't follow it for tomorrow - he approaches the sermon with things like "Trouble causes us to trust". Well, that may be true; but does it help me to be like Christ? So, my sermon will be on who Jesus was so we can know what to imitate.
Two books have helped shape my thoughts for tomorrow - The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey - that he makes the point that sinners were comfortable in the presence of Jesus; and he was comfortable in their presence as well. Today, the church is not comfortable being in the presence of sinners - and the sinners aren't comfortable in the church either. Yancey asks the question - what has gone wrong? Great question isn't it?
The other is a chapter called "Jesus" in Donald Miller's book "Searching For God Knows What". Great stuff.
Well, I'd better get back to it. The sermon has been a burden to me all week. Usually that means that I'll get little sleep - get up early - and God will give me a message sometime before 8:15. He always has; he always will.

Things I wish I could do

Things I Wish I Could Do:
dunk a basketball
write like Max Lucado
preach like Jerry Jones
grow a church like Rick Warren
motivate people like Marvin Phillips
sing like Jerome Williams
play the banjo like Earl Scruggs
draw like Anne Kullberg
lead people like John Maxwell
have the compassion of Mother Teresa

leave any out?

. . . since I can't; I'll just be the best Randy Clay I can be. That's all God expects of me. Whew, I fell better.

Lent Begins

Ah, the first day of lent. Do you observe lent? Some do; some don't. I have given up my beloved Diet Coke. My daughter has gove over 90 days without sipping a soda - she challenged me to give it up for a while. A friend of mine gives up eating food for lent. Now, there's a guy I admire. Me, I'm just putting my toes in the water of lent, while others, like my friend, dive in.

From sorrow to joy in Mayberry. Don Knotts passed away a few days ago. Today is Ron Howard's birthday. Even in Mayberry, life is full of ebb and flow. Happy Birthday, Opie.

My daughter is bringing back memories - she called to say that she is going on a mission trip for spring break at Oklahoma Christian. Those are some of the best memories I had while in college. I hope the same for her.

The Amazing Race started last night. My wife loves that show. In fact, we tend to watch a lot of reality tv - big Survivor fans; love American Idol; Apprentice sometimes. Deal or no deal is a big deal too.

The Razorbacks are coming on, baby! RPI of 48. Maybe time to buy some dancing shoes? Its been five years since we've gone dancing. I think we've forgotten how. First things first, we've got to beat Ole Miss tonight. Its at home, where we're 15-1. Put down a "W" for the Hogs tonight.

Observe Lent?

Just finished a great book, "Mudhouse Sabbath" by Laurie Winner. She discusses the Jewish rituals in a Christian context. Winner has a unique perspective - she was raised in Judiasm before becoming a Christian. Read "Sacred Sorrow" by Michael Card on the plane. Card writes like the poet he is while having great insights into lament worship.

Just started "The Camel Club" by David Baldacci. Baldacci is better than Grisham, in my opinion. Read any good fiction lately? I need ideas! (If you haven't read the "Kite Runner" - go to your local library of Barnes and Noble and enjoy this great read).

Still reflecting on the ACU lectures. Mark Love is doing a great job of retooling the annual event on the ACU campus. I would recommend putting it on your calendar for September when it makes the switch from Feburary (thank you!!!!!) when the weather should be great.

Trying to decide on whether to observe Lent or not. Do you observe Lent? Why or why not?

Okay - it's Monday. Gotta get it in gear.

Goodbye to Don Knotts

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge fan of The Andy Griffith Show. Greatest comedy EVER to be on TV, in my humble but accurate opinion. Today, the great Don Knotts passed away. The first five seasons of TAGS are the best - largely due to the presense of Barney Fife. He and Griffith made a great team. The other years of TAGS are "good" but the first five years - are the greatest of all time.
For all of us who are honorary citizens of Mayberry, today is a sad day.
Do you have a favorite Barney eposide?

ACU Lectures

Haven't been to the Abilene Christian University lectures in over 13 years. The reason? Partly because of the distance - a 22 hour drive (or a $275 flight), but mostly because of content. While living there (1989-1993) the lectures seemed out of date - old topics; same teachers every year.
This year I returned - Mark Love is the new director and he is doing a great job of bringing new energy and vision to the ACU lectures. My highlights - the "U2 and the Psalms" on Sunday night, David Fleer's keynote on Monday night on John 4, and Randy Harris' 3 day class on spiritual direction. I missed Mike Cope's keynote. Heard it was excellent - so I bought the tape and will listen to it very soon.
They even let me teach a class! My topic was "Sacred Sorrow" - the 2 words that will change our worship from Hab. 3:17 (lament worship). I am scheduled to teach the same class at Pepperdine in May.
Okay, okay - the "other" highlight was getting great Tex-Mex, excellent BBQ, mouth watering chicken fried steak, feasting on catfish, breakast tacos at Towne Crier . ending the week with a feast on Joe T. Garcia's in Ft. Worth. Ah, the food!!! The food!!!!
The best part of the week was seeing friends that I had not seen in a long time. It was great to renew "the tie that binds" and catch up on their lives. Am I really that old?
As you can tell - I will be returning to ACU.

Turning 48!

Turned 48 yesterday. My wife made me a german chocolate cake from scratch - the best in the world! Went out to eat some good mexican food with the Farr's - nothing like sharing a special day with people you are close to. Friends called in to wish my a happy brithday. My five year old was concerned that I didn't blow out my candles on the cake! (We brought the cake to the resturant because Arlene Farr loves german chocolate cake, so I shared!) Overall, it was a great day. I am a very blessed man.

We had our 40 Days of Purpose Kick-Off on Sunday, which coincided with the Super Bowl. Our women's ministry did a fantastic job of decorating the school (we met at Oquirrh Elementary) gym and cafeteria. Many thought that it was one of our best assemblies we've ever had.

Now, how to spend the birthday money?

Tipping Point

Just read a great book "The Tipping Point". The Tipping Point explains how fads and epidemics get started. Althought not a "church" book, I believe that every minister would gain insights in leading their churches by reading this book!
Right now I'm reading "Gilead" - a novel about an old preacher writing to his young son. Great read. Also have the "Progress Paradox" - a book about how things are getting better while people think things are getting worse waiting on deck to be read.
I have a lot of books "waiting on deck" to be read. I've come to realize that I have a serious addiction - buying books. One of my new's years resolutions - to read books as I buy them/read the books I already own before buying others.
What book are you currently reading? Have a title to recommend?

End of the Spear

Saw the movie "End of the Spear" last night. A very powerful true story about the first missionaries to reach natives in Equador. Beautifully told, this movie gives us an example of what it means for us to lay down our lives for the sake of the gospel. Great acting; awesome scenery.
For more information on the movie go to: endofthespear.com.
Like Glory Road, one of my favorite parts is during the credits where you meet the real people talking of their experiences. Really brings the movie home and makes it real.
Go see this movie! Take people from your church. You will come away a more enriched human being while being encouraged and challenged in you walk with Christ.
Not a bad way to spend 111 minutes.

Glory Road

Went to see "Glory Road" last night. (To be honest, with no thought of MLK day). Great movie! If you are not familiar with the story, in 1966 Don Haskins, the coach of UTEP (then called Texas Weslyn), who was the first coach in NCAA history to start five black players in the national championship game against Kentucky. The movie is a powerful depiction of what the players and Haskins went through to break the race barrier in division 1 basketball.
Having lived in El Paso for five years in the mid '80's - (going to many UTEP games watching Don Haskins coach) - the movie even made memories of El Paso good ones!
Go see this movie! Discuss it with your children. Stay through the ending of the credits! There is a great surprise for those who stay.
"Glory Road" is right up there with my other favorite sports movies - "Remember the Titans"; "Hoosiers"; "Radio" & "Brian's Song". Any that I missed?

A Church "of Christ"?

In the coming days I want to explore just what it means to be a church "of Christ". After all, our "name" declares it. But is that really what shapes who we are - this being "of Christ"? Or, does orthodoxy - as practiced by other churches of Christ - become our standard? (And if that is true - which church of Christ do you choose to be your template of accepted practices/beliefs?)
This has come to my mind lately - this question of being "of Christ"I love the scene of the apostles before the Jewish ruling court and the judges "took note that these men had been with Jesus."
That's what I want for my congregation. I hope that we would so embody the values, personality, message and methods of Jesus that people would label us "like Christ". Remember, the community called the church Christians (to be Christ like) in Antioch - they didn't call themselves by that name.
What would a church that is of Christ look like? Sound like? Let's explore that for the next several posts.

Changing what I do on Sundays!

Had a great Sunday today. I didn't set up the chairs like I usually do. I didn't run to the front door when I didn't see a greeter there. I didn't set the stage up when I noticed that it wasn't put back since the candlelight service on Christmas eve. I didn't run and get the plates for the contribution when I noticed they hadn't been put out.
I just tried to worry about preaching and people. That's my new year's resolution - on Sunday, let the servants do their thing - or it will be left undone. I've got to be honest - it was hard for me because I like things to be "right". If we are going to grow as a church - I've got to let that stuff be done by other people. You know what? It was! (Okay - a few things were not done. But I held strong!)
Lately I just made a list of all the things I do that have nothing to do with "preaching". Holy cow. The longer I'm here (13 years) - that list seems to just get longer. NO MORE!
I still locked up the building. I can't go cold turkey can I?

40 Days of Prayer

We have begun the new year in 40 Days of Prayer. - which will lead us into the 40 Days of Purpose campaign. Members get a daily email with a verse and comment written by one of our members. Each week has a prayer theme. I really hope that this becomes a tradition with our church. Is your church doing something to get the new year started on a positive note?

We are also studying "Celebrating the Disciplines" on Sunday morning in the adult class over the winter quarter as we prepare for the 40 Days of Purpose. What I like about this is that we are spending a good deal of "class" time actually experiencing the discipline (expect for fasting; hard to that in just one hour). This week we'll do some worship prayer from the Psalms. Can't wait!

As a die hard Razorback, its hard to say this, but congrats to the Texas Longhorns on winning the National Championship last night at the Rose Bowl.

New games for the Clays!

My middle daugther, Rebecca, discovered a few new games during the holidays. She went to a friends house and played "RISK". She liked it so much she used some of her Christmas money to buy it. She has won her first five games! Although one of my favorite games, I hadn't played a game of Risk in about 20 years. I proved a bit rusty. She also discovered Parcheesi. I'd bet we played 50 games last week!
Others have their new games, too. My wife has discovered Sudoku - its some kind of number puzzle. My five year old discovered Princess Bingo, Gobblet Jr. and Batik.
Sprinkle in a few games of Apples to Apples and you've got a lot of new memories stored away at the Clay's house.
Any favorite games your family enjoys?

Blessings!

Blessings to you and yours in 2006! Made any new years resolutions?
I was just looking at a new calendar. A thought came to my mind - what do all these numbers represent for me this year? Some will be great days - full of victories, accomplishments, parties, celebrations. Some will be down days - full of struggle, doubt, questions. Some will mark the date that someone I'm close to has died - days of sadness and loss. I wonder what all these numbers represent for you?
Well, we don't know do we? And so, right now, make a decision. It is a key decision! Decide in this moment that no matter what happens this year - that God is good. That fundemental decision will change everything!
Have a blessed new year!

New Year - a new blog?

2005 is drawing to a rapid close. It has been a year of milestones for me and my family. My oldest daugther went off to college. (That was harder than I thought is was going to be). My youngest daughter needed hearing aids. (A real answer to prayer - the insurance reversed its original stance and paid all but $500 of the bill!! Praise God!) My wife, Kathy, went to work part time to help pay for college. My step father is currently undergoing his second round of chemo therapy.
And yet, through all of this - God is good. I remember the story of a minister who almost drowned. He was rescued and given mouth to mouth. As the minister came back to life he looked in the eyes of his spiritual mentor and said, "Boy, God is good!" to which to old mentor replied, "If you would have drowned; God would still be good!"
I don't know what you've faced this past year or what you will face next year. But what I do know is this: God is good. ALL the time!

A Good Christmas

Hope you had a great Christmas. This one was a quiet one for us. My mother and step-dad usually come up from Texas; however, this year he is undergoing round two of chemo therapy for prostrate cancer. Needless to say, they stayed home. Just wasn't the same not having the grandparents with us. Plus, we had our candlelight service on Christmas night instead of Christmas Eve - so, I was really out of sync this year!
My Christmas presents usually follow a theme- last year I go a bunch of accessories for my iPod; this year it was a Andy Griffith theme - two calendars, seasons three and four of TAGS (the Andy Griffith Show) - which is just fine with me! Love Andy Griffith!
It's been one of the warmest Decembers here in Utah in recent memory. Bummer. I love the snow and cold - gets me in the holiday mood. Again, another reason to be out of sync.
How was your Christmas?

It is finshed?

I'm on a quest during these two weeks that I have no sermon to prepare for. I love Paul's statement, "I have run the race, I have finished the course . . ." The idea of finishing something is exhilirating . . . gives you a since of accomplishment. Its a good feeling, isn't it?
So, during these two weeks of "down time" - I hope to finish some things I have started. i have already finished a movie I started a month ago - saw the second half a few nights ago. I now hope to finish MYST III Exile, which I've had for several years now. I have a two portraits to finish - maybe I'll just pick one and complete the drawing for the person who commissioned it. I hope to finish reading "Magician's Nephew," "Ender's Game" & "Freakonomics," before starting any other new books.
I'm great at starting things, but not always finishing. This, I hope, will be a season of finishing! Which, come to think of it, has already started. I've finished my Christmas shopping and this blog!
I'm off to a great start! Anything you want to finish?

memories

Loved the movie "Walk The Line" - which chronicled the life of Johnny Cash. The movie brought back some great memories of when my dad would put on a stack of records every night at bed time - Johnny Cash (A lot of Johnny Cash!), Charlie Pride, Mere Haggard, Porter Wagner, Loretta Lynn, etc. You can one of those albums on right now and I can tell you what the next song is going to be!
I wonder what my kids will remember from their childhoods? Here's the deal - you can't always choose what kids will remember. In other words, you can't force memories. I do think we can be intentional - create "memories" - but for the most part, I think memories just flow out of "normal" living.
What are some of your memories?

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A family missed assembly yesterday - so I talked with them last night and asked why. They said that with packing to leave for the holiday that they were just too stressed to come to church. Are we missing something when Christ came to give us peace yet we are too stressed to come and celebrate that peace?! Or, does it say something about how we do church? (Sometimes adding stress instead of relieving it?) Any thoughts?

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Our church packed out a theater on Saturday to see "Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". WOW! What a fantastic movie! Any reaction of the film? I thought the kids, especially Lucy, were great for their roles. Well done, Disney!

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Favorite Books of 2005

With all due respect to Julie Andrews - here are a few of my favorite things from 2005. I know that as soon as a publish this post, I'll think of a book or movie that I forgot about. (Some of these were released before 2005 - I'm including them because I either read or saw them in 2005. )

My favorite Christian books 0f 2005:
1.) Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
2.) Visioneering by Andy Stanley
3.) Breakout Churches by Tom Rainer
4.) The Present Future by Reggie Neal
5.) Creating Community by Andy Stanley


Favorite Fiction books:

1.) Half Blood Prince
2.) Kite Runner
3.) Lion, Witch & Wardrobe
4.) Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo
5.) Because of Winn-Dixie
6.) Color of Law

Favorite Movies of 2005:

Cinderella Man
Narnia
Star Wars III
Batman Begins
Walk the Line
Goblet of Fire
To End All Wars (on DVD)
Willie Wonka & Chocolate Factory
Hitch

What are some of your favorite things of 2005?

Narnia ideas; Favorite Things of 2006?

Our church has rented a showing of "Narnia". Been thinking about doing a couple of sermons on Narnia. If any of you have any ideas on that - I would love to hear them.

Speaking of movies - I have a fantastic movie to recommend. Its called "To End All Wars". There is a scene in the movie that you will think "no, that didn't happen" - but, according to the director - he checked it out before including it in the movie - and he says that it did happen. Great film for showing "the gospel". It is rated R for intense POW scenes. WOW! What a movie!

I've been thinking of making my list of my favorte things from 2006. Before I give my list - any favorite movies, books, TV show, song, album, etc. for you?

Leaders Retreat

I'm exicted for a retreat I'll be attending this weekend. I'm not exicted about the speaker - there isn't one. I'm not excited about the location - I'm staying in town.
This is what is exciting to me -the ministers and shepherds of the Southside Church are gathering in a Salt Lake motel for a time of prayer and visioning for the coming year. I'm also excited that our wives are joining us for a breakfast session- because we need their insights! We are all fasting for the 24 hours leading up to our time together.
I'm really excited to see what God is going to do this weekend.

Thanksgiving Traditions

We have a great Thanksgiving tradition here at Southside we call "Pie Night". The idea is that on Thanksgiving day you have the best meal of the day - and you're too full to enjoy the best desserts of the day. So, on the night before Thanksgiving - everybody brings their favorite pie - and we have a great time of fellowship! Last night was wonderful. Huge crowd. Many guests!

This year we also started a new tradition. Our Thursday morning men's prayer group invited anyone to come and pray with them. The prayer time had one hitch - you couldn't ask for anything. The whole prayer time centered on thanking God! (Harder than it sounds!) We had a great time of prayer this morning. A new tradition has been born!

What are your Thanksgiving traditions?

This N' That

I've found a new writer that does John Grisham better than John Grisham does John Grisham. The book is "Color of Law" by Mark Gimenez. He's not as "clean" as Grisham - but a good read nevertheless. Could be a good idea for Christmas if a Grisham fan lives at your house.

Going to the BYU vs. Utah game tomorrow at BYU. I think the Utes will get their lunch handed to 'em - but it should be fun. I love rivalry games. In your mind, what is the biggest rivalry in college football?

Its time for college hoops! Bout time! I love college basketball. You can have the NBA. Maybe the Hogs will have a good year. Lord knows we're due.

Jan Karon just published her last Midford series books. (she will continue books about the old pastor - just not in Midford). I love those books - along with the Harmony series by Philip Gurley. Both are about a pastor in a small town. Like good hot chocolate - both of these series will warm the soul. Good stuff.

Just saw Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Five stars! Two thumbs up. Had a great father -daughter date.

Have a great weekend.

The Present Future

I love the six tough questions that Reggie Neal posses in his book "The Present Future". First, he gives us the wrong question, then he asks the "right" question. This was a very thought provoking book for me. I would strongly recommend this read to elders, ministers and members alike - then, come together and have a round table discussion!
First wrong question: How Do We Do Church Better? The tough question is "How do we deconvert from Churchianity to Christianity? Quote, "North American Christians think in terms of its institutional expression, the church, as opposed to thinking about Christianity in terms of a movment."
Second wrong question: How Do We Grow This Church? (How do we get them to come to us?) Tough question: How do we transform our community? (How do we hit the streets with the Gosopel?)
Third wrong question: How do we turn members into ministers. (Watch out, Rick Warren!) Tough question: How we turn members into missionaries?
I love this quote, "The first Reformation was about freeing the church. The new Reformation is about freeing God's people from the church (institution).
Fourth wrong question: How do we develop church members?
Tough question: How do we develop followers of Jesus?
Fifth wrong question: How do we plan for the future?
Tough question: How do we prepare for the future?
Sixth Wrong Question: How do we develop leaders for the work of the church?
Tough question: How do we develop leaders for the Christian movement?

Now, as with any book, I don't agree with everything the writer says. Few books have made me think out of the box has this book did.

Do you have a book to recommend?

The Church is my voo-doo doll?

After several weeks of just awesome Sundays - it was bound to happen. Our worship leader called to say that he couldn't be there - had to get a last minute replacement, the computer that runs our projector blew up; the chairs in the worship center were a mess; a teacher came in and needed help with the copier, so I did all that instead of having quite time and focusing on the sermon. (Church is like that sometimes; you have to do the "stuff" - no time for what you're really called to do!) As we were in the service, the men went to serve the Lord's Supper. It wasn't there! No one had thought to get it from the kitchen.
As I was walking out of the building following second assembly, someone yells at me - "who is going to lock up?!". Translation - "Hey, Randy - lock up the building!". I did.
Here's the deal - when the church has a great day - I feel great! When the church has a bad day - I tend to be discouraged and down. If the church is going through a growth spurt, I'm excited and everything looks rosey. If the church is struggling - I get down and negative about everything. The church becomes a voodoo doll in terms of my emotions. THAT is not good, but if I'm honest - too often it is true.
Here's hoping we have a good Sunday next week!

Getting at the Heart of Things

Lately, our church has experienced a new awakening. We are focusing on those who are "out of the assembly". First, we are visiting the shut ins who can't come. We don't take the supper "to" them but come to take it "with" them. What a great blessing it has been - both to them that are shut in but also for those who have gone to minister to them. Second, we are collecting food every month for the Crossroads Urban Center - a shelter that ministers to the working poor. We helped them with their annual bazar and will help them with getting 3,000 turkey dinners to the families the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Third, we are collecting food for the Utah Food Bank for their Thanksgiving drive. Fourth, we are making Gift Baskets For the Elderly. Great way to encourage our senior saints! Fifth, the school that meets in our building (run by one of our members) is collecting Christmas Shoe Boxes to send out next week. Sixth, Sub for Santa is an annual outreach for us. We usually help 50 or so children with providing Christmas presents for them.
There is more to do! We are trying to be more active in meeting the needs of our community. We are trying to make this a year round attitude - not just an emphasis for the "holidays".
I would love to hear what your church is doing! For example, I know of two churches here in Salt Lake that are combining their efforts to do their own "home maker" for a single mother!
May we not be weary in well doing!

Applause to the Eagles!

I applaud Coach Andy Reid and the entire Philadelphia Eagles organization. They recently suspended "superstar" receiver Terrell Owens for comments and behavior affecting the team. The TEAM - a word that Owens doesn't understand. He was upset that the team didn't acknowldege some individual milestone that Owens set in a game several weeks ago. He has time and time again put down McNab (the quarterback) and other teammates in interviews. He wanted to redo his contract (a 7 year contract, if I remember right) the very second someone else signed a better deal that the one he received.
He has started fights with teammates in the locker room. In a press conference Coach Reid said that the organization doesn't acknowledge "individual" acomplishemts - only TEAM acomplishments. Man, I love that!
Owens offered a lame apology. Didn't mention McNab or his coach in his statement. Following that, the team suspended him for the rest of the season! Owens will loose $800,000! The team plans to trade him in the off season.
In a sports world filled with "superstars" (not super teams!) - where its all about "me" - stands the Philadelphia Eagles! Its all about the team, baby!
May their numbers increase.

Incredible Video

Watched a DVD last night entitled "Mark's Gospel" by Max McLean. WOW! He resites the entire gospel from memory. He is an actor, so the presentation is very dramatic. Very, very moving. It is 101 minutes long, but goes very fast! We are planning a special Saturday or Sunday night presentation here at Southside. Cost is only $11.99! Just go to www.visionvideo.com and get this great ministry resource!

Are You Giving What You Expect to Get?

Are You Giving What You Expect to Get?

In the spirit of the principle of reaping and sowing – I’ve noticed a growing trend among Christians. They want to reap but they don’t have time for the “sowing”. A few examples:
People expect, and want, the church to be friendly – but when they come to assembly, they greet no one, have a frown on their face, sit by themselves, leave quickly, - and do this week after week all the while expecting the church to be warm and inviting.
People brag about how great their church is – great classes; great small groups; great worship, etc. but they never have the time to teach, attend or take part in leading an assembly.
People love to see baptisms – but they haven’t invited anyone to assembly or started up a conversation about faith for fear of being seen as misfits at work.
People love to be noticed when they miss the assembly; but don’t call others when they miss the assembly! People love for others to help them in their time of need – but they never have the time to help others.
There seems to be a gap between what most of us are willing to “give” versus what we expect to “get” out of this thing called church.
Try this – determine to "be" the church like the one you are drawn to: smile and say hi to everyone you see at worship assembly; teach a children’s class; get involved in a small group, invite someone to come to worship assembly; serve others (even when you have other things you would rather do); give sacrificially (at least 10%); - and see if you are not a changed person! Try this for six months and see if your church is not a changed church!
The kingdom will only grow as fast as we grow as individual disciples.
You know the old definition of insanity – doing the same things but expecting different results! Let’s get new results by having new attitudes which will yield new habits!

Behold, All Things Are New!
Randy

Favorite Halloween Candy?

Seeing my daughters come hom Monday night with their haul of candy brought back memories of me and my two brothers coming home with our sacks full of sugary sweets. We would put them by our beds and eat all night. (No wonder we woke at 3 am with stomach aches).
But this leads me to the question of the day. In seeing the candy spread out over the living room floor - my daughters put the candy in piles - one pile is their favorites; one pile is to be eaten after all the favorites are gone - the third pile is for daddy (translation: all the stuff they don't like). In my stack are things like Reeses Peanut Butter Cups, Baby Ruth, 3 Musketeers Bar, Milky Way (dark), Whoppers. (I remember eating whoppers out of milk carton container. Do you?) How did I rasie kids who don't like the good stuff?
Here's the question: What is your favorite candy? Give me the "discard" pile any day, and throw in a Snickers . How bout you?

Some Drama in Our Church

Yesterday, our congregation had a great day. We met, as we usually do on the 5th Sunday, at Oquirrh Elementary. Meeting there allows us to be in one assembly and have a potluck in the cafeteria. A ton of guests came to see the "play" - One of our young men had written a drama "I've Been Crucified With Christ". It was beautifully done! After the drama, one of our shepherds made a tearful application of the skit just presented - led us into a moment of celebrating the Supper. The praise team sang beautifully. Guests came who were seeking a church home. The potluck was wonderful - almost everyone stayed and enjoyed some great food and fellowship. (Even most of the guests!) It was a great day!
The REAL drama came after the assembly - when just a few hours later one of our elders received a phone call from a member who had "concerns" about the assembly. Because they were upset (my suspicion) - they didn't stay for the potluck. My guess is they went home to eat camels and swallow gnats. We had a better lunch at the school - getting to know the guests and welcome them back.
It was a great day. Did your congregation have a good day yesterday?

This an That

With the passing of Rosa Parks this week we were all reminded that one person can make a difference. Thank you, Rosa. May we all find our purpose!

If you enjoy reading, pick up the book "The Kite Runner". You will need to keep reminding yourself that the book is fiction. You will not want to put it down. Great read. I'm always in the market for a good book - if you've read a good one lately, let me know! Recommendations are the best source for a good book.

If you want to see an old fashion good movie, treat yourself to "Dreamer". The whole family will enjoy this one, especially if you have a girl or boy who loves horses.

If anyone knows where I can get a copy of the book " Trusting God In The Storms of Life" by John Mark Hicks, please let me know. It is out of print.

The Great Omission?

Really enjoyed hearing Dallas Willard speak at the Utah Pastor's Conference. Now, I am reading his book "Spirit of the Disciplines". I love his discussion of the "Great Commission" -

Have we done what is necessary to bring the earnest convert into his or her possessions as a child of God, as a brother or sister of Jesus Christ in the new life? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is a clear no. So we can only describe the phrase, "teaching them to do all things whatsoever I have commanded you," as the Great Omission from the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20.

Too harsh? Simple make an inquiry of your own. As your church, "What is our group's plan for teaching our people to do everything Christ commanded?"

Does your church have a plan? What is it?

covered in grace

The LDS (Mormon) Tabernacle here in Salt Lake City is undergoing a much needed renovation. Built in 1853 by Mormon pioneers, the Tabernacle is known by its unbelievable acoustics, is getting a new roof. The famous domed top is right now covered in insulation. The brand of insulation? Grace. Right now, if you looked at the new insulation - you would see the word "grace" hundreds of times stuck to the domes skin.
You could say that the domed structured in insulated in "grace". May it come to be true for all of us! We are, as believers, covered in God's grace. And now, the LDS Tabernacle, is covered in grace as well.
You gotta love it.

Top Songs of 1976

A trip down memory lane. Pick out your favorite songs! Hard to believe I actually liked some of these! Looks like a down year for music! Back then I was mainly into Charlie Pride, Mere Haggard, CCR, etc. Maybe I can find the top 100 country songs tomorrow?

Top 100 Hits of 1976 / Top 100 Songs of 1976
1. Silly Love Songs, Paul McCartney and Wings
2. Don't Go Breaking My Heart, Elton John and Kiki Dee
3. Disco Lady, Johnnie Taylor
4. December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night), Four Seasons
5. Play That Funky Music, Wild Cherry
6. Kiss And Say Goodbye, Manhattans
7. Love Machine (Part 1), The Miracles
8. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, Paul Simon
9. Love Is Alive, Gary Wright
10. A Fifth Of Beethoven, Walter Murphy and The Big Apple Band
11. Sara Smile, Daryl Hall and John Oates
12. Afternoon Delight, Starland Vocal Band
13. I Write The Songs, Barry Manilow
14. Fly, Robin, Fly, Silver Convention
15. Love Hangover, Diana Ross
16. Get Close, Seals and Crofts
17. More, More, More, Andrea True Connection
18. Bohemian Rhapsody, Queen
19. Misty Blue, Dorothy Moore
20. Boogie Fever, Sylvers
21. I'd Really Love To See You Tonight, England Dan and John Ford Coley
22. You Sexy Thing, Hot Chocolate
23. Love Hurts, Nazareth
24. Get Up And Boogie, Silver Convention
25. Take It To The Limit, Eagles
26. (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty, K.C. and The Sunshine Band
27. Sweet Love, Commodores
28. Right Back Where We Started From, Maxine Nightingale
29. Theme From "S.W.A.T", Rhythm Heritage
30. Love Rollercoaster, Ohio Players
31. You Should Be Dancing, Bee Gees
32. You'll Never Find Antoher Love Like Mine, Lou Rawls
33. Golden Years, David Bowie
34. Moonlight Feels Right, Starbuck
35. Only Sixteen, Dr. Hook
36. Let Your Love Flow, Bellamy Brothers
37. Dreamweaver, Gary Wright
38. Turn The Beat Around, Vicki Sue Robinson
39. Lonely Night (Angel Face), The Captain and Tennille
40. All By Myself, Eric Carmen
41. Love To Love You Baby, Donna Summer
42. Deep Purple, Donny and Marie Osmond
43. Theme From "Mahogany", Diana Ross
44. Sweet Thing, Rufus
45. That's The Way I Like It, K.C. and The Sunshine Band
46. A Little Bit More, Dr. Hook
47. Shannon, Henry Gross
48. If You Leave Me Now, Chicago
49. Lowdown, Boz Scaggs
50. Show Me The Way, Peter Frampton
51. Dream On, Aerosmith
52. I Love Music (Pt. 1), O'Jays
53. Say You Love Me, Fleetwood Mac
54. Times Of Your Life, Paul Anka
55. Devil Woman, Cliff Richard
56. Fooled Around And Fell In Love, Elvin Bishop
57. Convoy, C.W. McCall
58. Welcome Back, John Sebastian
59. Sing A Song, Earth, Wind and Fire
60. Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel, Tavares
61. I'll Be Good To You, Brothers Johnson
63. Shop Around, The Captain and Tennille
64. Saturday Night, Bay City Rollers
65. Island Girl, Elton John 66.
Let's Do It Again, Staple Singers
67. Let 'Em In, Paul McCartney and Wings
68. Baby Face, Wing and A Prayer Fife and Drum Corps
69. This Masquerade, George Benson
70. Evil Woman, Electric Light Orchestra
71. Wham Bam, Silver
72. I'm Easy, Keith Carradine
73. Wake Up Everybody (Pt. 1), Harold Melvin and The Bluenotes
74. Summer, War
75. Let Her In, John Travolta
76. Fox On The Run, Sweet
77. Rhiannon, Fleetwood Mac
78. Got To Get You Into My Life, Beatles
79. Fanny (Be Tender With My Love), Bee Gees
80. Getaway, Earth, Wind and Fire
81. She's Gone, Daryl Hall and John Oates
82. Rock And Roll Music, Beach Boys
82. Still The One, Orleans
83. You're My Best Friend, Queen
84. With Your Love, Jefferson Starship
85. Slow Ride, Foghat
86. Who'd She Coo, Ohio Players
88. Walk Away From Love, David Ruffin
89. Baby, I Love Your Way, Peter Frampton
90. Young Hearts Sun Free, Candi Staton
91. Breaking Up's Hard To Do, Neil Sedaka
92. Money Honey, Bay City Rollers
93. Tear The Roof Off The Sucker, Parliament
94. Junk Food Junkie, Larry Groce
95. Tryin' To Get The Feeling Again, Barry Manilow
96. Rock And Roll All Nite, Kiss
97. Disco Duck, Rick Dees
97. The Boys Are Back In Town, Thin Lizzy
98. Take The Money And Run, Steve Miller Band
99. Squeeze Box, The Who
100. Country Boy (You Got Your Feet In L.A.), Glen Campbell

Being generous

Yesterday, our little 250 member congregation gave over $11,000! $6,600 plus was given to hurricane relief (church of Christ disaster relief fund), the rest to our regular contribution. Now, before I say anything, please know that I am proud of our church for giving as they did. Here's the question - why do we have to wait for a crisis to be so generous? If we, as God's people, were giving like we should (with 10% as the beginning point) - would we have to have "special contributions"? Why don't we just give every week like that?
My daughther, who is freshman at Oklahoma Christian, called me to tell me that a bunch of students and faculty are headed to the gulf coast during fall break to help with the clean up. She was going to Dallas to spend a few days with her grandmother (and no doubt do some shopping!). I'm really proud that she wants to go down and serve - instead of being served. They will sleep in tents - a fact that plays a part in this because my daugther hates to camp out! We all should get out of our comfort zones for others more often. Okay - thanks for letting me brag a little.
Hope you have a blessed day.

The Real FEMA.

The warning was issued far in advance. Hurricane coming. Many residents of the Big Easy had always talked of the ‘big one’ coming one day. Some found it hard to believe.
Some left immediately. No questions. Some left quickly. A few investigate; then packed and left. Others lagged behind but eventually they decided it was best to leave. Some stayed. Some were stuck – they had no way of getting out because no one came to get them. A few were just defiant – stubborn souls who clung to their right to be foolish.
What a tragedy!! Sad. We will be counting the dead for quite a while. New Orleans is a ghost town; a watery morgue of floating corpses.
Sad. Much of this could have prevented.

Will it be any different when the Son of Man comes? The warning has been issued. Jesus is coming! The “big one”will come one day. Some find it hard to believe.
Some have heeded the warning with immediate action. Some have investigated, and then saw the wisdom in obeying. Others lag behind in apathy. Some are stuck in disbelief. A few will be defiant till the end.
Will we, who know He is coming, brave the murky waters of sin and its diseases to rescue those who are in harms way?
What a tragedy it will be! It will take eternity to count the spiritually dead. A lake of fire – with no water in sight.
Sad. Sad….. Much of this can be prevented . . .

The real FEMA -- F(ather’s) E(ternal) M(essage) A(rmy),
Randy

The Answer

As hard as it is to believe - Creedence Clearwater Revival - never had a #1 hit. They had many double sided hits on 45's - if you're old enough to remember those. Still, its great driving music.

A lot of #2's but no #1?

One of my favorite bands from the 70's had dozens of hits that reached #2 on billboard - even had a #1 album, but I was surprised to find that they never had a #1 hit. Know who they are?

taking daughter to college

Spent the last few days taking my oldest daughter to Oklahoma Christian University. A 19 hour drive. She is our first to break the apron strings and strike out on her own. I must confess, it was hard to do - back out of the parking lot with her standing there crying. I had visions of a little two year old standing in the doorway crying when I would leave for a youth retreat or camp. Where as the time gone? (I hear the words to "Sunrise, Sunset"coming to mind).
As I was driving home this thought hit me - up to now, all her memories have been with her family; now her memories will be made without us. Kinda made me sad.
No doubt this will be a major transistion for all of us. She has been a part of our daily lives for 18 years.
I look forward to the new relationship we will have - and the joy of seeing years of planting begin to yield its crop of maturity as she navigates the winds of college.
As I look back on my college days at Harding (1976 - 1980) the transistion was hard, but those were some of the best years of my life. I hope the same for my daughter.
Any advice for you that have been through these waters? Do's? Don'ts???

Question

I grew up signing the song "Anywhere With Jesus" - with these words, "anywhere with Jesus I can safely go, anywhere he leads me in this world below . . " Here's the question. I've been invited to do a 10 Bible teaching time with the church in Saudi Arabia. To say that my family is nervous about this would be an understatement. Should I go?

Met the goal today!

A few months ago I set a goal to loose a few pounds. Today, I weighed in at 160! Did it with walking 6-7 miles a day (a great time to pray!) 7 days a week - no chips, do desserts, smaller portions, drinking a lot of water, etc. Feels good to reach a goal. Now, on to phase two - resistance training - still have some flab to work off. ( I will still walk!) As I was told, you won't look like you did when you were 25; you are 47! Ouch! Did I need to hear that?
I just don't want to be a fat old preacher!
Do you have any goals that you are trying to reach?

Went to K2 Today

This was a fifth Sunday, which meant that our service centers around the Lord's Supper. We always say "as we gather around the table" - well, we actually do - we sit in the round. No preaching - sometimes faith stories; a lot of old fashioned scripture reading; taking a longer period of time to celebrate the Supper. I love 5th Sundays! It gives me an opportunity to visit local churches.
I fellowship with about 20 "pastors" every month in various meetings during each month; so, I pick one of their churches and surprise them.
Today, I went to a church plant called "K2 The Church". They've been meeting for ten months, and average about 600! They really are geared to the non-churched Gen Xers. They meet in a old warehouse, where they share the building with another church plant that meets there on Saturday night (The Salt City Rock Church, led by my good friend Bill Young). Imagine - churches sharing a building! Love that team work!
Saw some things that we can learn from and do better on (some of the reason I visit these growing churches!) - but also came away for an appreciation of Southside in many ways.
I would encourage you to go and visit another church every now and then. 1) It keeps you fresh with how a visitor feels; 2) You learn something you can do better; 3) You encourage a fellow minister; 4) You grow unity in the body of Christ; 5) You will always learn something about yourself!
When you go and visit them; they will come and visit you! Bridges are always a good thing to build.

Theological Pagans

Keith has been my neighbor for the last 12 years. When you saw him he was always sipping a beer. He couldn't say good morning without taking the Lord's name in vain. He didn't care if my four year old was standing there with me, his language was as colorful as the land of Oz. He smoked liked a chimney. Took me four years to realize his house didn't have a fireplace.

He was religious. When I asked him about if he had faith, "Hell, yea. I'm Greek Orthodox. Great church," then add, "glad your a Christian, hate to live by a *%#@ " Oooookay. He was religious- but without a walk with God.

Keith passed away Sunday night. I will miss him. He was my "Wilson" - we had many talks between the backyard fence.

Keith reminds me of what I see in a lot of people. Theological pagans. You know them too - they have a church affliation, may even go most of the time - yet they do not have a relationship with God. Ritual without righteousness.
A person whose language, thoughts, activities, speech, schedule - have no bent toward the kingdom of God - much less being involved in the kingdom beyond Sunday assembly. Although they "know" God - His values do not penetrate their lives.

May our lives be relfective of a relationship with God. May our faith be a lifestyle - not a "religion".

Won't you be my neighbor?

An Easier Question

Now, for an easier question - the worst remake of all time? Maybe here you could very easily come up with a top ten list with no trouble at all. (I know these aren't deep wells from which to drink; but it is summer - time to kick back and relax!). After your responses, I'll give my list

best remake of all time?

In looking over the movies offered this summer I am disappointed to see so many remakes of old movies. Today, "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" continues the trend. (The "Bad News Bears" screening is tomorrow).
What, in your opinion, is the best remake of all time?

One Sign for Christian Churches?

Here in Salt Lake we are beginning a new thing - well, actually, its not new, one of our pastors saw this idea in England and told a few of us about it. So, a few of us decided that it would be great for Salt Lake.
Here's the idea: We would all have the same sign on the outside of our buildings. It will say something like (not the exact wording) - One Church. One Lord. One Gospel. Come here and learn more!
I love that! We hope it will be a witness to the LDS community (who were founded on the idea that the Christian church does not get along with each other) and others that we, as churches who proclaim Christ as Lord, are on the same team!
There have been several lunches to pitch the idea - so far 15 have signed up! 2 more lunches are planned. ( I am to go to the one in August). We hope to have 30 churches signed up as a starting point by September 1st. We're hoping for a lot of press coverage - to be a witness of unity!
Our church hasn't signed up yet - I want to learn all the ins and outs before talking with our leadership about it.
Any thoughts? Positive? Negative?

reflectin'

Ah, to sit under a shade tree sipping an ice cold DP. Good time to do some reflectin'. I was thinking that our preteens are going to camp tomorrow. A minister from the Christian church wanted to be a counselor at camp. The camping board, comprised of several churches of Christ in Idaho, said that he couldn't come. Another young man is going - he was accepted as a counselor - beside the fact that he hasn't been to assembly for the last 6 months. But - he does belong to a "church of Christ" - he goes to the "right" church, so he is automatically qualified. Go figure.
Goodness. I think we need a 12 step program. PA. Pharisees Anonymous. We need some serious intervention. Lets kidnap 'em - blindfolded - and get them to treatment.
I still remember a sermon by Jimmy Allen when I was a sophomore at Harding. It was on undenominational Christianity. Dr. Allen - 30 years later - we still need to hear that sermon!
I also remember the prophetic voice of Landon Saunders in some preaching tapes that Jerry Jones made us listen to make this bold statement "In thirty years a new restoration movement will arise . . . and we (the churches of Christ) will be the first group to oppose it." H-o-l-y cow.
Well, I'm out of D.P. I'll be back soon.

Steps of Salvation?

I believed for a long time of a formula for salvation - you heard, you believed, you repented, you confessed, you were baptized - your sins were washed away, then you recieved the Holy Spirit, you were in a "saved" relationship with Christ. But - it had to be in that order. I find myself rethinking the formula in light of a careful study of the book of Acts. Edward Fudge addresses this very issue in this timely post in his "gracEmail" of a few days ago. I wanted to share it with you.


gracEmail (BAPTISM BEFORE SALVATION?)
Edward FudgeJul 4, 2005
A gracEmail subscriber asks whether there are any examples after Acts chapter 2 of people being saved before they were baptized in water.
* * *I believe you will find a clear example of this in the case of Cornelius and his family and friends. Notice the order of events as described by both Peter and Luke. Peter tells the listeners at Cornelius' house about Jesus and promises them that whoever believes in Jesus has remission of sins (10:43). Those present do believe in Jesus (11:17; 15:9). God sees their faith and purifies their hearts (15:8-9). God then baptizes them in the Spirit and gives them the Holy Spirit as a witness of his acceptance of them (11:15-18). They speak in tongues (10:44-46). When Peter sees that God has accepted these people, he commands them to be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ (10:47-48).
Is this the exclusive pattern for every situation? Not at all. Nor can it be explained away as an exception to some otherwise-exclusive rule. Conversion involves a personal encounter with Christ and a relationship with the living God. Conversions throughout the Book of Acts regularly involve a cluster of realities -- repentance and faith, water baptism, the Holy Spirit and forgiveness of sins -- but these realities unfold in a nvariety of sequences depending on the people involved and their particular circumstances.
On Pentecost the people are told to repent and be baptized for remission of sins and reception of the Spirit (Acts 2). However, the Samaritans receive water baptism but not the Holy Spirit until Peter and John lay hands on them (Acts 8). Nor do all saved persons speak in tongues -- even those who are Spirit-filled -- though some certainly do. God is not bound by any fixed order nor plan -- although he is always faithful to do whatever he promises in any situation. Let us be content to fulfill the Great Commission -- sharing the good news of Jesus, making disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to follow Jesus. God will do the forgiving, Jesus Christ will do the baptizing in the Spirit. Together they will give whatever gifts they see fit to all God's people. We can keep busy enough doing what God has told us to do. We do not need to try and take on God's job as well. ___________________ © 2005 by Edward Fudge. Unlimited permission to copy without altering text or profiteering is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice. For encouragement and spiritual food any time, visit our multimedia website at www.EdwardFudge.com

New Definition of Freedom

By the way - anyone notice the new picture? It had been 18 years since I had a studio picture made - since ACU and Pepperdine wanted an updated picture for their lecturship booklets, I decided to breakdown and "get-er-done". Man, I hate to do that!
Over the 4th of July I kept thinking about freedom. I wonder how Elizabeth Smart would now define freedom; I thought of that little girl found in Denny's in northern Idaho after being held captive for six weeks. Do they have a new perspective on what it means to be free?
For me, this fourth of July, was more than just watching a fireworks show. I had a new appreciation for my freedom. Not just my freedom to be in America; but my freedom being in Christ!
I wonder how Legion or Mary Magdalene described being free in Christ? You see, a former captive always has a better definition and appreciation of freedom.
Remember today - we who were formerly captive to sin - have been set free! Let us go "fourth" and set the world on "fire" (not based on our "works") with our message of freedom!!!

walking around the walls

Several pastors here in Salt Lake have formed a prayer accountability group. We meet each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to pray together. Once a year we gather in downtown SLC - the heart of the city - to pray for the city and the people that work and gather in the downtown area. We prayed for each other for about 20 minutes, then we split into teams of two or three and walked around praying for people. My group was assigned to walk around temple square (the city block that hosts the temple, the tablernacle, the assembly hall of the LDS and of course, the temple). In our group there were three of us. As Greg Johnson and I were walking and praying we noticed that Travis was not with us! We turned around to see him annointing a corner of the temple square wall with oil. He had put the sign of the cross on the plaque - blessing the wall - and all the people within those walls to know the truth of the gospel.
So, we each took turns annointing each corner, each plaque, with the sign of the cross. We then annointed the building where the 12 LDS apostles and president Hickley have their offices. (We went on around later and the cross was very visible on each sign!)
Did we feel a little foolish? Yes. Did it seem a little silly? Maybe. We talked about how foolish Gideon and his men felt taking on the Midianites with just vases and trumpets. Yet, the great army was defeated! Or how the Israelites must have felt to march around Jericho with trumpets and shouts, yet the walls feel down!
It felt good to do something a little out of the box - maybe even a little "foolish". Remember, the waters only dried up after the priest's sandals touched the water!
God will get out of His box when we get out of ours.

Answer and More Questions!

The difference in grilling and Bar-B-Quing - when it is one hour or less you are grilling. If it takes more than one hour - you are barbquing. So, there (at least according to the Salt Lake Tribune). Thanks, Chris for the techinal foul - I lumped "Jethro Tull" as a flute player, while the actual flute player is Ian Anderson. Well. I've got to be more careful next time.

Anyway, this weekend we are having our annual booth at Taylorsville Dayzz. This year we had a bakery donate a thousand loaves of bread! We placed a sticker about the church - inviting them to enjoy the bread of life. We also have five different pins for kids to pick out. (At Halloween we had a reverse trick or treat - we handed out microwave popcorn with a message that said, "pop in and see us sometime!" - some thought it a corny idea - but we had some families to visit!). Pray for this effort!

Okay - more questions -- does anyone else put salt on their watermelon besides me? These Utah people, its like living in a foreign country. Anybody esle love cold chicken for breakfast?

Questions

What is the difference in grilling and barbequing? Anything better in the summer than homemade ice cream? Any better banjo picker than Earl Scruggs? Any video game better than Galaga? PS2, XBOX, or Game Cube? Can you name any flute player - other than Jethro Tull? Any finer song to blast on the radio while driving other than Bad Moon Rising by CCR? What is the one sports record that will never be broken? Who doesn't like to hear Alison Krauss sing? What is your question?

Finding Brennan Hawkins

For the last five nights and four days the whole nation has been gripped by the search for a young boy scout Brennan Hawkins who was lost in the rugged Uinta mountains of Utah. 3,000 people gave up their Father's Day celebrations to join the search and rescue. Today - he was found by a volunteer on a remote trail.
After four days, many had lost hope that he was alive. A year ago, just fifteen miles away in the same mountain range, another young boy scout walked away and has never been found.
Today, Brennan was found alive and well. Every one is celebrating! This is a great day!!
A powerful reminder for us - "volunteers" in search and rescue of people who are lost spiritually - to never give up hope in our search!
The mother just talked to some reporters a few minutes ago while walking into the hospital. She said, "People say that the heavens are closed. I am here to tell you that the heavens are open. Prayers are heard. Children do come home."
Indeed.

Perfect Father's Day Gift!

My girls got me the perfect Father's Day present - the second full season of The Andy Griffith Show on DVD. I know it didn't cost much - but it's not the cost that makes the gift special. Speaking of Andy Griffith, just saw where Andy Taylor came in second as the all-time favorite TV dad - (Bill Cosby came in first). I say it was rigged! Charles Ingalls was #3. I can live with that. But Andy being #2? Ah, man. That's just not right!

Father's Day

Tomorrow is Father's Day. To all fathers - I hope you have a great day! Father's Day for me is always bitter sweet. I love to celebrate with my three daughters. The homemade cards - the kisses! It's a great time!
The day is also bittersweet because I remember my dad. I was just 16 when he passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage. I'm now 47. The truth is I still miss him.
Hug your dad today. Call him and tell him what he means to you. Share a favorite memory.
If you're not on good terms - call him - begin to build a bridge toward a healthy relationship.
I wish I could. Take advantage of the time you have.

A Graduate Challenge

My oldest daughter graduated from high school last week. (How did that happen? Was in first grade just last year!) She has received many cards and calls of congratulations. A few days ago, she received this note: "To whom much is given; much is required. God has given you many talents. God is expecting great things from you!"
I love that! I love that because young people will rise or fall to our expectations. We need to challenge them to greatness!
Thanks, Jerry for giving my daughter a Godly reminder - a challenge as she goes off to college. It means much more coming from someone other than a parent!
Pass on a blessing and a challenge to some young people you know!

God Values Diversity

Just looking at creation and something is obviously clear - God values diversity. How many species of fish swim in our lakes and oceans? Jesus certainly expressed this in his choice of staff - tax collector, fisherman, former prosecuting attorney - to realize that he wanted a variety of personalities and backgrounds around him in order for his work to thrive. His welcoming of women into the inner circle was scandalous at the time, and yet he assigned to them the task of being the first to bear the message of his resurrection.
The church had better wake up to this reality! Usually, our churches (in the restoration movment) have not been diverse groups. Growing up in Arkansas, we had the "white" church; the "black" church; the "anti" church; the "liberal" church -- all in a small town of 20,000. Even today - our congregations do not reflect the population around us. Soon, the minority will be the majority. Will our congregtions soon be irrelevant? (If they're not already!).
We need diversity -both theological & racial - in our congregations! What can we do to encourage more diversity in our congregations?

He Went Small to Go Big!

Finally - a new blog. I hope to blog on a regular basis - the stream of ideas just tried up for some reason. I've been reading an excellent book "Teach Your Team to Fish" by Laurie Beth Jones. So far, one of my favorite chapters is on the subject of "He Went Small In Order To Go Big". Jones writes:
"The first computer required an entire warehouse just to store it. And for all its size, only a handful of people could use it. It was slow, clunky, and not very functional. But, by golly, it was BIG! Any of us who have witnessed the microprocesor revolution have seen computers and telephones get smaller and smaller. Yet, as they have decreased in physical size, their power and accessiblity have increased exponentially. The quantum physicist John Hagelin recently reminded us that our entire world could be destroyed by scientists releasing the energy in a single atom.
Jesus knew that in order to get big, he had to go small. He didn't amass the largest collection of people to try and change the world; instead he released the latent energy in the hearts of a few individuals, and the world was changed. Perhaps that's why observers saw tongues of fire appearing above the Apostles' heads on Penecost. Each individual was set on fire from within, and through that process, Jesus' cause and mission was multiplied exponentially. He went small in order to get big.
Which would you rather have - one Joan of Arc or ten thousand scattered soldiers? One Saint Paul, or two thousand committees? One John the Apostle, or six thousand pages of policies and procedures? One David, or a well-positioned army, full of Goliaths?
"And the word became flesh, and dwelt among us." This was God going smaller in order to get big.
Team leaders aren't scanning the horizon for the reinforcements to arrive. Team leaders look deep into the hearts of the people they serve, and set some hearts on fire."

Sometimes I dream of having a large congregation! Perhaps I need to rethink the dream. Maybe I need to think smaller in order to get bigger. Now, I'm thinking of ways that I can go smaller in order to get bigger. Back to the basics you might say - the basics of the life and ministry of Jesus! Instead of having a "mega" church; I'm hoping for a "meager" church - so we can have a "mission" church!

Capturing Heffalumps

My five year old daughter's new favorite movie (this week) is the Heffalump Movie. She wacthes it every day. I mean, every day. A few days ago we snuggled in the Lazy Boy - and I watched it! The story is of a baby Heffalump who has escaped from Heffalump Hallow - located in the hundred acre wood. Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Roo and Rabbit strike out to capture a Heffalump. Although they have never seen one - they are all scared of Heffalumps. They all have an idea of what one looks like. They are agree on one thing - they are to be feared!
Little Roo "captures" the baby Heffalump. They become the best of friends. Roo wants to take him to meet all his friends in the hundred acre wood. "Lumpy" doesn't want to go. That is the part of the hundred acre wood that Heffalumps avoid. After all, there are scary things that live there. Lumpy goes on to describe Rabbit, Tigger and Pooh - as scary creatures! "I can't go there, its too scary." Roo convinces him that it is "safe" to go with him.
In the end, they both discover the other to be friendly. They were scared for nothing. Because they met each other - fear gave way to friendship; knowldege won over suspicion.
Without realizing it, Disney has given us a great parable about us and those "other" churches. We all have an idea of what they "look" like. We don't go near their activities - we've been told to avoid them.
I just tell you from experience - I was happy that I left my neck of the theological woods to meet new friends. I hope you do as well.

prayer retreat

Went to the third annual Prayer Summit here in Salt Lake. It was a great time - six hours of prayer. One year we had a guy from California, who is known for a prayer ministry, to come and lead us in prayer. Last year, six of us lead each hour on a different theme. This year - no leader, no theme, no program - just let the day of prayer unfold as the Spirit directed. It was our best year!
What I like about this - we don't study prayer; we just pray. Out of the whole city - we had 25 or so to gather. We had a great variety - foursquare, Christian Missionary Alliance, Baptist, Assemblies of God, Great Commission Churches, Presbyterian, Conversative Baptist, Friends Church (quaker), Vineyard, Chrisitan Church and myself. For over an hour, we prayed over each other. I'm already looking forward to next year.
It made me wonder. What if a free, all expense trip on a private jet to Palm Springs, including one night at a five star resort, free golf on a PGA course, was offered to the lucky winning pastor in Salt Lake -- I wonder how many who couldn't make it to our day of prayer - could have cleared their calendar for such a trip?
Does such an event happen in your city? Do the ministers ever get together just to pray for their city and each other?

Scandal #4, Cheap Grace vs. Whole Grace.

So why this scandal? Sider asks, and what can we do about it? We must do more that cringe and cry at the huge gap between Biblical vision and contemporary evangelical practice. We must beg God to show us what to do to make things better.
Close to this problem, Sider says, is a cluster of unbiblical ideas and practices that amount to what Dietrich Bonhoeffer called "cheap grace". Cheap grace results when we reduce the gospel to forgiveness of sins; limit salvation to personal fire insurance against hell; misunderstand persons primarily souls; grasp only about half of what the Bible says about sin, embrace the individualism, materialism, and relativism of our current culture; lack a biblical understanding and practice of the church, and fail to teach a Biblical world view.
George Barna decries our "costless faith" concluding that we have made it too easy to be "born again". Sider goes on to say, "I am convinced that at the heart of our problem is one sided, unbiblical, reductionist understanding of the gospel and salvation. Too many evangelicals in too many ways give the impression that the really important part of the gospel is forgiveness of sins. If we just repeat a formula and say we want Jesus to forgive our sins, we are Christians. Notice, however, how this can so easily lead to cheap grace. If all there is to accepting the gospel is receiving the forgiveness of sins, one can accept the gospel, become a Christian, and then go on living the same adulterous, materialistic, racist life that one lived before. Salvation becomes, not a life-transforming experinece that reorients every corner of life, but a one-way ticket to heaven, and one can live like hell until one gets there." Justification and sanctification are both central parts of the biblical teaching on the gospel and salvation. To overstate the importance of the one is to run the danger of neglecting the other."
My thoughts: As a wise man said in our congregation a few years ago, "The problem with the church today is that we have too many Chrisitans, and not enough disciples."
Amen!

Scandal, part 3

Sider goes on to say:
Jesus knew that his followers would live so differently from the surrounding society that the world would hate them (John 15:19). Today, unfortuntely, many people despise Christians, not for their unswerving obedience to Christ, but because of the hypocritical disconnect between Jesus' teaching and actions.
Jesus was ruthless with the materialists of his day who loved their money more than G0d. He denounced lukewarm folk who wanted both to worship God and practice sin.
ACTS: The picture of the first Chrisitans presented in the book of Acts is one of astonishing love and joyous fellowship. Dramatic economic sharing was the norm (acts 2:44,45). These early Christians were not perfect. Acts 6 describes how the Hebrew leadership neglected widows from the Greek speaking minority. They appointed seven deacons (their Greek names indicate they are all from Greek-speaking miniority! What was the result of this prompt correction of racial and economic discrimination? The last verse of the story says, "So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly." (6:7) Again, integrity and obedience in the body of Christ have powerful and evangelistic results.
My (randy) questions: Do our churches today have that kind of integrity? Do our leaders have that kind of boldness to deal with problems in a proactive way - instead of ignoring things - wishing they would just take care of themselves? I've seen far too often, and I'm sure that you have too.
ROMANS: Sider comments, "What an incredible picture of the way that faith in Christ transforms and sanctifies broken lives. If Paul is evn close to being right about what it means to be a Christian, one can only weep at the scandalous behavior of Christians today.
FIRST & SECOND CORINTHIANS: These two letters remind us not to romanticize the early church. Paul's response, however, is not lower the standards to accommodate their failures, but rather to demand repentance and holy living.
Well, we don't have the time to outline every book of the New Testament - Sider points out the call to holiness that runs throught the NT. Sider ends with the chapter on the Biblical vision with this quote -"We have seen the stunning contrast between what Jesus and the early church said and did and what so many evangelicals do today. Hopefully that contrast will drive us to our knees, first to repent and then to ask God to help us understand the causes of this scandalous failure and the steps we can take to correct it.
Amen.

scandal, part 2

Sider goes on to say - "Jesus called for costly obedience and radical discipleship. In spite of some glaring failures, the early Christians lived profoundly transformed lifestyles. The astonishing quality of their lives attracted people to Christ. Today, our hypocrisy often drives unbelievers away.
Jesus certainly welcomed and forgave sinners. Parable after parable makes this wondrously clear. But that does not mean Jesus expected these forgiven sinners to continue to sin. "Go and sin no more," Jesus told the adutlerous woman. Obedience is essential.
Jesus summoned his disciples to a costly obedience. (Mark 8:34-35).
Jesus expected his disciples to forgive others just as he had forgiven them.
Jesus knew that his followers would live so differently from the surrounding society that the world would hate them. (see John 15:19; John 17:14-19). Today, unfortunately, many people despise Christians, not for their unswerving obedience to Christ, but because of the hypocritical disconnect between Jesus' teaching and our actions.
Jesus was ruthless with the materialists of his day who loved their money more than God. Jesus denounced lukewarm folk who wanted both to worship God and practice sin. (Luke 12:22)
Jesus insisted that anyone who loves him "will obey my teaching" (John 14:23). But not on our own strength. It is only as we abide in Christ who is the vine that we branches can obey Christ and bear fruit. (John 15:5) How do we abide in Christ? Not just by believing in him, but also by obeying Him! (v.10)"
Again, I am stung by Sider's insights. We, as believers, are saved by grace. We are saved, not because of how good we are - but because of how good God is! However, this truth does not give us a license to dumb down the call to holy living. We need to be called back and reminded that we need to be salt and light. Anyone else struggle with this?
Next post: Sider will give us the Biblical vision of what our lives are to be, book by book, in the New Testament. I'll see you then.

scandal of the evangelical Conscience

I've been reading the sobering book "The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience" by Ronald J. Sider.
The book begins with this quote, "Evangelical Christians are as likely to embrace lifestyles every bit as hedonistic, materialistic, self-centered, and sexually immoral as the world in general." (Michael Horton)
Sider goes on to quote site a study by George Barna who found that the percentage of born-again Christians who had experienced divorce was slightly higher than that of non-Christians.
In 1968, the average church member gave 3.1 per cent of their income- less than a third of a tithe (10%). That figure dropped every year through 1990 and then recovered somewhat in to 2.66%. Sider notes, "as we got richer and richer, evangelicals chose to spend more and more on themselves and give a smaller and smaller percentage to the church. Today, on the average, evangelicals in the US give about two-fifths of a tithe. "
What about pornography? Citing a recent survery in Leadership magazine, the percentage of Christian men involved in pornography is not much different than that of the unsaved.
When it comes to physical abuse in marriage - it seems that Christians are dead even with the general public, according to Side.
In 1990, the number of unmarried couples living together jumped higher in the Bible belt than in the nation as a whole. (In Arkansas = 125% higher!) In our sexual behavior, 26% of traditional evangelicals do not think that premartial sex is wrong.
Sider comments, "The contrast between contemporary Christians behavior and New Testament teaching and practice is stark. The extent of our scandalous failure today becomes clear only when we recall what Jesus expected and the early Christians experienced."
Let this soak in. This post will be continued . . .

Questions

Is Steve Nash really the MVP of the NBA? Is there a more beautiful campus than Pepperdine University? Is there a more "scenery challenged"drive than the drive between Capser & Cheyenne, Wyoming? (I think the drive between El Paso and Van Horn is a close second). Anything better than a hot one at Krispy Kreme? Do camera phones really take good pictures? What did we do before cell phones? How can you possibly fill up the memory in an Ipod? Anything more boring than watching the NBA regular season? Any cooler T-Shirt than an In-And-Out Burger T-shirt?

great time at Pepperdine

Had a great time at Pepperdine University at their annual Bible Lectureship. We took 16 from our congregation. A lot of fellowship. Ate seafood a few times!
Three days to hear some of the best teachers/preachers in our fellowship (churches of Christ) - great praise teams to lead inspiring times of worship - all with an ocean view. Doesn't get much better than that!
Took a little different track this year. Instead of just hearing the "big" names - as much as I love their sessions - I went to a lot of the "no name" teachers. You know - the ones at the small churches - the people you never hear about. My kind of folk. Heard some great stuff - and hopefully encouraged them as much as they encouraged me!
I loved the fact that some teachers/preachers came from the independent Christian Churches. I'm thankful to see more interaction with Churches of Christ and our sister congregations in the independent Christian churches.
Like always, it was great to put the finishing touch on a great week with hearing Psallo praise God as only they can.
I'm already looking forward to next year. Come and join me.

Pepperdine week

This week I'll be at Pepperdine in Mailbu, CA for their annual lecturship. I'm looking forward to hearing stirring messages, challenging classes, inspiring times of worship-- combine all that with seeing old friends, eating great seafood, sitting at the beach during sunset and you've got the makings of an unforgetable week!

I'm especially excited that we have 15 of us going from Southside. Many are going for their first time. It will be fun to experience all this from their perspective!

I hope you have a blessed week. We'll see you back here next week.