The Commercial Church

A church member heard this program today on NHPR and passed it along to me.

Very relevant topic and a frustration of mine being a minister in 21st Century America.
Take a listen when you get a chance.

The Commercial Church on NHPR

The Forum (9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning)

This Sunday we are going to try something a little different. I am calling it "The Forum"

The purpose is to engage participants on topics that are relevant to culture. I am hoping it will be time discussing various resources and listening to one another about the world we live in.

To get us going, we will be looking at a book I read over the summer, that I found useful.

Everts, Don & Schaupp, Doug. I Once Was Lost: What Postmodern Skeptics Taught Us About Their Path to Jesus, IVP Press: Downers Grove, 2008.

If you interested, come check us out on Sunday Mornings at 9:15 am.

Sermon Text: Genesis 45

Next Sunday we complete our series on Reconciliation with Genesis 45. It will also cover the important conversation between Judah and Joseph in Ge 44 that leads to the emotional breakdown for Joseph.

Please plan and join us this coming Lord's Day.

Sermon Text: Genesis 42-44

We are continuing with the Reconciliation of Joseph and His Brothers. We will focus on Genesis 43 in particular. Join us this Sunday as we talk about Reconciliation.

JI Packer & the Trinity Hymnal

Interesting article on CT Online.

I know I have noticed several differences to familiar hymns in the Red Trinity Hymnal and knew there must be a reason why. This article confirms it.

Glad to know some thoughtful people put this together for our benefit.

And as a bonus, a good illustration from Packer.

Next Scheduled Historical Tour

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Sermon Text: Genesis 41

We are getting back to Joseph at the "hinge" of this amazing story. An important chapter and moment in Joseph's Life. Come join us this Sunday.

Sermon: Joseph: Prisoner to Pharaoh's Officer

Text: Genesis 41

Lausanna Movement Cape Town 2010

I am still learning about this gathering, so forgive me if I sound vague and ill informed.

But from what I have gathered, it is a very very significant gathering of Christian Leaders from all over the world that are hoping to help direct the church in the coming years towards to Gospel.

Well known ministers like Tim Keller and John Piper will be in attendance.

Since I won't be going to Cape Town, I am hoping to follow it via the world wide web.

For more information, go to their Website, Lausanne Movement

Why is church coffee so often bad?

Great Article on the ChristianToday.com website.

Why is church coffee so often bad? web article

Having been apart of various churches over the last 20 years I have seen this time and time again, and often find it frustrating. I have also seen the effects of a church doing an outstanding job on a ministry outreach or preparing to worship God and have been blessed to be apart of it. Why do we not put our best foot forward always? I think the article makes several good points, and I think gets to the heart of the issue. From the article...

"Ultimately, the weaknesses in our churches and organisations have a common root: the fact that we do not value our faith as we should. What we believe, and in particular what we believe about our local church, has ceased to become the central point around which our lives are built. It has gone from being a foundation of our lives to some sort of accessory and we need to adopt a very different mindset.

That we have poor coffee in our church is the most trivial of matters, yet I believe it is often a symptom of something very serious. It is too easy for us to be substandard in what we do for God. Friends, let us resolve to pursue excellence for the glory of God."

Quote from Phil Harris

I have been a fan of the Discovery Channel Show, Deadliest Catch. Not family friendly, but for a variety of reasons, I enjoy it when it is on.

It has been a hit on Discovery for some time, and one of it's leading character's, Capt. Phil Harris passed away this crab season. Very sad, and the rest of the Captains gathered to honor him. One of them shared this quote which I thought was priceless.

On Capt. Phil Harris's voicemail:

"You have reached Phil Harris' cell phone, please leave a message, if it is important I will get back to you, if I don't get back with you, you will know why."

Pretty funny.

Voyage of the Dawn Treader Movie Trailer

I enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia Series as a whole, but by far, the best book in the series is "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader".

The movie version is due out Christmas 2010. The trailer was just released. I hope they stuck close to the book. We will see. Enjoy!

Summer Schedule, New Worship Time 10:00 am

For those visiting the church and regular attenders, we start a bit earlier in the summer.

10:00 a.m.

Plan to join us this coming Sunday.

6 Years and Counting.....

This Sunday is our annual "State of the Church" Address. One of the few times I do not preach a traditional expository sermon.

However, that does NOT mean the Word of God will not be central to the sermon. We are going to use 2 Thessalonians as a blueprint for prayer.

I am very excited about the sermon, please plan to join us.

Sermon: 6 Years and counting

Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

2Th. 3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you,

2Th. 3:2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith.

2Th. 3:3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.*

2Th. 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command.

2Th. 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Sermon Text: Genesis 40

We continue to follow the life of Joseph in Egypt. This week we look at his ability to interpret dreams. A unique gift for sure. Please plan to join us this coming Sunday.

CNN : Unplugged Christians Living off the Grid

I like the title of the CNN Article, but not necessarily endorsing the methods and message of this movement in Western U.S.

This article is about Christians who are taking more of a Amish approach to life, separating one's self from the corruption of the world.

It seems every so often, Christians feel a need to distance themselves from the world around them. Desert Fathers, Monastic Traditions, Amish, etc..... This seems like a modern version of these traditions.

As I sympathize with their approach, I am not sure this is what Christ called us to do. Christ came to change the world, to engage it and rescue humanity. And He called the church to follow that path as well. Distancing one's self from society just does not mesh with Christ's Great Commission.

CT Article: Adamant on Adam

Dr. Bruce Waltke and Tremper Longman III are 2 Old Testament Scholars I have a lot of respect for, and have found helpful in my exegetical research.

Both of them have found themselves in hot water over their views on Genesis. Dr. Waltke lost his teaching position at RTS Orlando, but was offered a new position immediately at another seminary. This did not effect his relationship with Regent College, my alma mater, and I am happy to hear that.

I took Dr. Waltke for classes and can tell you he is a very devout Christian and a top top scholar. I am very thankful for his influence.

Click here to read the CT Article.

CT Article on Bible Reading

Click Here to read the Christianity Today Article.

One of the greatest problem the church faces in the 21st Century is the trend in society and the church of not being familiar with the Word of God. The Bible.

Many recent surveys are revealing that more and more people have no clue how the 66 books fit together. Basic Biblical References as well as being able to name all 4 gospels is increasingly difficult for most people.

Anyhow, 2 groups, BibleMesh and BibleFresh are trying to reverse that trend both in North America and Great Britain. Tim Keller is involved in the BibleMesh project, I hope it makes a significant difference.

Sermon Text: Genesis 39

Now that we have begun the final section of Genesis, we will follow Joseph through the ups and downs of his life in Egypt. It ends in a similar way that Genesis 37, with little hope of the future.

Plan to join us as we continue the "Joseph & Judah" story this coming Sunday.

CT Article on "LOST"

So along with many other folks across the world, our family will be watching the finale of "LOST".

I have been interested to observe how many people, particularly Christians, who enjoy the show. Certainly there are biblical references, but I think it is more than that when it comes to the fascination with the show.

I found this article on CT that I think explains the connection between Christianity and the world of "LOST". It mentions the C.S. work, "The Great Divorce". Good stuff.

When you get a chance, read it through, interesting read.

CT Article on "LOST"

Sermon Text: Genesis 37

This Sunday we begin a new section in Genesis.

It is often referred to as the "Joseph Story" as he is certainly the main character of Genesis 37-50. However, he is not the only son of Jacob to be featured in this section.

In fact I would argue it is very much like other stories in Genesis featuring brothers => Cain & Abel, Jacob & Esau, Joseph & ??????. If you want to know whom I am talking about, join us this Sunday!