Fantasia and Faith

Remember our counter culture discussion a few weeks ago when I asked the question, "Can you be a Christian and pursue a career with American Idol?" Yesterday, as Tracey and I were driving home from Abilene we heard one of Fantasia's songs on the radio...something to do with being a "baby momma." (My apologies if I got this wrong.) Certainly, I understand her experience and her intention is to encourage other single women who have a child to care for. What saddened me was the language she used in the song...she used at least one word that I do not think would be appropriate for someone with her Christian background. I don't think we understand how much power the "American Idol" people hold over someone once they commit their lives to them.
Again, I don't think I'm trying to say that you can't pursue a music career of any kind. I just think you better be careful what kind of mold you allow yourself to fit in to. If a cross won't fit into their mold, they better be willing to change or you better find another mold. Jesus needs radical disciples who see their jobs as ministry.
Blessings! Good to be back with you!

Follow Me. Remember Me.

I was in a church building over the weekend and was quite impressed with how the baptistery and communion table were set up. In the left front corner of the auditorium, an enormous baptistery jutted out from the all. You could walk right up to it and put your hand in the water if you wanted. Above the baptistery and etched in the wall were the words, “Follow me.” Symbol and language were married together. I thought it was a beautiful understanding of baptism. We are not saved to sit on a pew—we are saved to follow Jesus.
In the right front corner of the auditorium, a large area was set up with tables from which the Lord’s Supper could be served. And above the tables and etched in the wall were the words, “Remember me.” Again, a beautiful connection was made that captured the essence of the Table. It is all about Jesus. I hope this will help you in your reflections on baptism and Lord’s Supper.

A loved one lost

Yesterday, our church family remembered the loss of a dear, sweet brother in Christ, John Estes. He died over the weekend, thankfully in his sleep and at peace. I remember meeting him during my interview weekend last March. He came up to me after I had taught my tryout Bible class. He was highly encouraging and I think we may have even hugged. We for sure started hugging once I started here. He was just so accepting of me--a young man he hardly knew. His daughter told me Sunday night that was always praying for Tracey and I.
I will miss his smile and joyful outlook. This was another reminder to me that death is part of life. It was so strange to stand over his lifeless body in the funeral home and think about the life that used to be in that body. College students, don't insulate yourselves from our older generations and death. Life is lived more fully when our worldview is influenced by death. Who knows when our time will come? We must decide what we will do with the time that is given to us.
Love you all.

Super Bowl Sunday

Thanks to all who came to Counter Culture this past Tuesday. We had our largest group yet and had a good discussion even though we were spread out. I hope this coming week will be even better. I think I already have our question for next week and I just wanted to go ahead and get it out there so you could be thinking about and you can go ahead and comment on my blog if you want.

Remember one VERY IMPORTANT THING: it is essential that we say everything in love. Even though you may be speaking the facts, some truth, or just your opinion, it all must be shared in love. We all have beliefs and opinions and we want them to be heard. But Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." People will not know we are his by how smart we are or how well we can argue our point. How would it look to students in the Union if all they did was see us argue and get upset at each other. I'm not saying we were doing this, I just want us to be prepared. We must have good reasons behind our emotions if we want our opinions to be taken seriously!

So with all that said, here is next week's thought. (Remember this is called "Counter Culture"!)

Should the Sunday evening assembly time be moved so that it doesn't overlap with the Super Bowl? Think pros and cons. What role does Scripture, tradition and experience play in your opinion? Think about it...lovingly...and let's discuss it next Tuesday.