Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Advice for Old Men

Many great men of the faith have written beautiful messages to young men and women over the centuries. One of my personal favorites is “Advice for Young Men” by J.C. Ryle.

I've been thinking a lot lately and it might be appropriate and timely for a young man to write advice for old men. Not that I think a young man has much to say, but there are some things the Scriptures say that many of the wise older generations have forgotten.

Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.
(1Ti 5:1-2)

This verse makes clear that there is a time when the young can speak to the old, but as an encourager and not as a rebuke. I hope that anything I may say here will come across in that encouraging manner and extremely humble.


A dear older saint from my church went home to be with the LORD recently. I cannot say I knew the woman well, but I can say that I loved her well. She was only 77 but had been sick on and off since I came to my current fellowship. I believe I spoke with her more in a nursing home or hospital than I did at church. I must admit it was no where near as often as I wish I might had.

One extraordinary thing about her was that when she was the slightest bit well enough she made it to church. Oh how she loved the fellowship of the saints.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
(Heb 10:24-25)

I urge and beg of you not to take lightly the gathering of God's church. In old age sickness can be a great deterrent, but whenever possible please realize how much you are not only wanted but needed.

Another deterrent is the feeling of uselessness that may come with old age. While it may be true you can no longer serve as you once did or even as often, you now possess one of the greatest needs in the church, wisdom.

Yes, wisdom that has been hard won through trials and pains and victories is of the greatest need in the church. We need old men to council the young. Let us not be as Rehoboam and take the council of the young over that of the aged. We young men are often stubborn and foolish and need a persistent, loving and wise older generation to guide us (and when necessary bop us over the head).


We need the old men to remind the young of God's glory and His greatness.

And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel." And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people's weeping, for the people shouted with a great shout, and the sound was heard far away.
(Ezr 3:11-13)

The old men knew what the temple used to look like. They knew the glory that that LORD had received from it, but to see it now was despairing.

We need old men to remind us of what can be and has been. We need a reminder of what the house of the LORD can be like.

I don't mean simply in style or design as though we should build a larger structure, but in what the LORD has done to show His own glory and how He is victorious in generations past and faithful for generations to come.


Regretfully, many of this beloved generation have abandoned their posts when they are most needed. They have come to think they deserve a rest from their work in the fellowship of saints as though some debt has been paid. This is far from the truth. Indeed, a debt has been paid, but not by you, but by Christ on your behalf. You are still indebted and forever will be, but how great it is to have such a loving master.

You are needed now and while your rest may soon come the time is not now. There is yet work to be done for His sake. We who are young are in a more desperate need of you than ever before.

Our churches think that what we want is to hang out with one another or young, hip, pastors. NO! Perhaps it is what we desire, but never what we need. We need to know your success in life. We need to know your failures. We need to know how a faithful God has brought you through and how He has promised us the same. I beg of you declare His glory and goodness as it has been throughout the ages.

The church may no longer look like what it did when you were young. It may be more casual dress and the music may have a faster tempo, but let this not be a hindrance.

When you look around and see young generations and families coming up in the church do not be scared away, but be inspired! This is where God has called you to, not to Florida or some other warm climate. You are needed and desired here! Stay, teach, share your wisdom.

Invite young people to join you for dinner or tea or just to pray together. Make personal invitations. Develop a great desire to be hospitable.

You may be turned down or even ignored but continue to try. Remember the young are foolish and don't always know what is best for them. Persevere is good works.

You are truly loved and have much offer. Never forget that and offer it freely.

In Christ, our Hope,

Jason

Friday, November 19, 2010

Thankful for Spiritual Fathers

I think it is part of getting older and reflecting on what made us the men we are today.

As for my father, while I deeply love and respect him, he is not a Christian and so it is difficult to relate to him in most aspects of life. When it truly comes to godly wisdom and counsel he is not a man I can go to because he does not know God. I pray that will change and he will repent and believe the gospel at some point before he dies and faces the judgment of God.

So what am I to do about seeking that godly wisdom that God has made so clear that I truly need?

To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (2Ti 1:2)

To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. (Tit 1:4)

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3Jn 1:4)


The Bible gives us several New Testament examples of “fathers in the faith.” These seem to be men who help to mentor and raise up fellow believers and act as an example for them to walk in holiness before the LORD.

These are men who are humble examples of Christ and strive to be more like Him.

I have truly been blessed these last few years to have several such men in my life. Men who aren't afraid to knock me around when needed or encourage me. Men who really just annoy the fire out of me at times, but even when I disagree with them I know it is always my best that is on their minds.

I'm truly thankful for men like these and I hope you have some fathers like this in your life as well.

If you do try to take the time to say thank you to both them and the heavenly Father who gave them to you.

In Christ, our Hope,

Jason Vaughn

Monday, November 15, 2010

The Gospel in Film

As I look into the world of Christian film making and work on the pre-production aspects of “The Unknown Shepherd” one question that I continually ask myself is “where does the gospel fit in?”

There are a variety of different ideas on the subject. Some think you must have a 100% clear gospel in every film that you make or it is not worthy to be called a Christian film. Others think that you never should have the gospel because it comes across as beating people over the heads. I personally disagree with both positions.

Not all movies need a to have a gospel presentation. I recently watched several films that worked perfectly fine without them (i.e. The Runner from Ravenshead, and Ace Wonder).

One of my favorite films as of late is called To End All Wars. While it does not necessarily present a completely clear gospel, it does present one of the greatest pictures of substitutionary atonement I have ever seen.

Other movies I have recently seen seem to completely whiff on the message completely by not having a clear gospel presentation. One such film is To Save a Life. The message of the movie is great (teen suicide), but the thing that really got under my skin is that the main character supposedly becomes a Christian and nowhere in the entire film does he hear the gospel. You can't get saved without the gospel.

I'm guessing that the screenwriter assumed people already knew the gospel, but as a street preacher I can guarantee they don't. Most people think that the gospel is about trying to be a better person and sadly I think movies such as this reinforce that view.

Understandably, I believe some film makers are weary of showing the gospel presentation because there have been so many cheesy examples in film in the past. Most of those examples including the “sinner's prayer.” But it doesn't have to be that way. It has been done rightly. Fireproof may be one of the best examples.

Also, we don't need to see the gospel presentation followed by an immediate change in the character. Perhaps the character doesn't get saved when hearing the gospel, or perhaps the character does come to Christ, but that is shown, not in a prayer, but in a gradual change of life that comes from a repentant heart.

One way to avoid cheesiness in presenting the gospel in films is to decide up front how you will handle sharing that and to what degree. As I said before if you have a character repent and believe in Christ then I do believe sharing the gospel is important, but the flaw seems to come when we cram it into the storyline. Know beforehand where and how the gospel will be shared and don't just tack it on for good measure.

I'm no great filmmaker. I'm barely at the beginning stages of my first major project, but these are issues I think we need to work out theologically before we ever begin.

The gospel is the greatest message man can ever know and filmmakers have so many opportunities to share that message, and its effects, that it must be seriously considered.

Monday, November 8, 2010

SAICFF Movie Reviews

For those of you interested I wanted to suggest some of the movies that I was able to watch and I think you'd be blessed by them. Some were, as you might expect at a Christian Film Fest, filled with cheese, but others were Hollywood style blockbusters that honored Christ.


These movies are available on http://VisionForum.com or for download at http://BlueBehemoth.com (it may take a few days for some to go up)


1.

Live to Forgive – This is a documentary style feature about a pastor who is trying to forgive the step-father who murdered the pastor's mother years earlier. It has some slow spots, but it is very moving and a reminder that we who have been forgiven much must also forgive.
2.

Standing Firm – This happens to be my pick for the Audience choice Award. I had dinner and a couple of brief conversations with the director. This best way to describe this film is as Fireproof for fathers as it had a very similar feel.
3.

The Penny – This is the film that won the Best Feature Jubilee. The Producer is Nathan Webster, really nice down to earth guy. This movie focuses on the providence of God in all things.
4.

Agenda: Grinding Down America – This feature documentary took Best of Festival award an $101,000 grand prize. The documentary shows the moving force of communism throughout history while offering solutions to the distress. The producer is a first time film maker and former state congressman from Iowa.
5.

The Runner from Ravenshead – This film won runner up in the features, runner up in the Best of Festival, and won the Audience Choice Award by a 400% landslide! The film is an allegory of salvation using a prison and the City of Refuge. The film was made the first project by family. The reason that the film did so well is that the producers five children ages nine to two played all 30 roles! When I watched the trailer I thought, wow that is cute, but I don't think I can take it for an hour and a half. I was so wrong because it was not just cute and hilarious, but it was great quality as well. The Prague Orchestra recorded the soundtrack. If you buy nothing else buy this film!
6.

Divided – This is a documentary that explores the American church's idea of youth ministry and how it is a total failure. This is a controversial topic for many, but even if you disagree with the filmmakers I believe you can learn and respect their ideas because they present it in such a gentle way without making caricatures out of their proponents.


Those are the main films that I truly enjoyed. There were some nice shorts as well that I'm sure you can find at http://BlueBehemoth.com at some point.


I was unable to see it, but I hear No Greater Love was also very well made and Christ-exalting.


A few films I'm very excited about sharing with you, but that are not out to the public yet:


1.

Ace Wonder – This is a wonderful child detective story about family. The producer is John Moore who won the festival last year with the “The Widow's Might.” I only watched a rough cut of the film, but I sense a new Christian movie franchise. Though the star, Gator Moore (yes, that is his real name), is growing like a weed so they better get a sequel out quickly.
2.

IndoctriNation – I have not seen this entire film yet, but the concept and the producer are great. I had a great conversation with Colin Gunn, director/producer one evening. He really impressed me because he is a Scot whose son's name is Knox. I'm sure you'll figure out the reference on your own. The documentary is about how the public school system is taking our children and programming them in their own way of thinking. I think the best quote from Colin was, “Blaspheme is teaching about the creation with absolutely no mention of the creator.” At least I think it was Colin.
3.

Courageous – This is the latest movie from the Kendrick brothers and Sherwood Films. Stephen Kendrick was very passionate about this topic. It is about fathers winning the hearts of the children. Looks like their best work yet. So look for it next summer.


Well that is the movies I have to suggest. I'm partnering up with some other filmmakers to offer a family movie night locally to encourage, not only thoughtful Christian entertainment, but biblical family discussions as well. I'll probably sending out an invite to you guys to join me at my home unless there are some that the elders would like shown at Rockport.


Hollywood has such a grip on our culture, but I was truly impressed to see the work god is doing to raise up a people for Himself to take dominion over that aspect of culture as well. This week was a great reminder that every stronghold will be torn down and that Christ does sovereignly reign that we who love Him and are loved by Him have no reason to hide our heads in the sand.


In Christ, our Hope,


Jason Vaughn

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Film Academy Day 2

Another amazing day at the film Academy, but I have to say I had a blessed time hanging out with the guys at the Grace House. It's an interesting house when you have 17 guys living there.

Had another fun day meeting some wonderful brothers and sisters. Met a guy, John-Clay Burnett, from OK who had worked on Ace Wonder and Pendragon. Nice guy I could see working with in the future.

The academy started the day with a great lesson from Geoffrey Botkin on avoiding directorial Mistakes. Again, I just enjoyed the Christ-centered nature of his advice, even down to the business plan. He gave us some great advice on why films don't succeed.

Botkin's second session of the day was just a technical lesson on structuring your story and character arcs. This layout and walk through will probably be the best technical advice I receive all week. He laid out what I need done at what page.

After lunch Geoffrey's son, Isaac, spoke on visual storytelling. He made 7 points to remember as you produce your films.
1) Editing
2) Composition
3) Color
4) Lighting
5) Symbol
6) Costume design
7) Set Decorations

One really cool moment was when they Skyped composer Bruce Broughton in for the academy. He was the composer for Silverado and many other productions. He has 24 Emmy nominations and 10 wins, the current record. He gave advice for the composers in the audience and how directors can work with composers. I'm such a schmuck though that most of it went over my head.

There was an afternoon symposium on documentaries that was inspiring. Two young men that have been working on a variety of documentaries spoke and that was quite encouraging. After hearing the reasons for making and starting as a filmmaker with a documentary I think I'll end up focusing my first project in that arena.

For the evening session Doug Phillips spoke on the poison of the environmental pantheistic promotion through movies. He spoke about hoe we've turned our worship from the creator God to Mother Earth (and Al Gore) and that whoever you worship is your sovereign. Along with The Cove and Avatar he also pointed out some of the dangerous evolution and Marxist elements of Food, Inc. (He did say it pointed out some real problems though).

I continue being amazed at the leadership of this group of people. I had dinner with a large group including John Moore (http://acewondermovie.com/) and Collin Gunn (http://indoctrinationmovie.com/). What a blessing it was not just to talk about films, but to talk about making the gospel central in our films. The discussion flowed freely and honored the Lord. No egos, no sense of pride in self, just brothers and sister is the Lord desiring to honor Him in all things. The LORD is good and mighty and more generous than I could ever imagine.

Monday, October 25, 2010

San Antonio Independent Christian Film Academy Day 1

Today has been quite a world-wind. I woke up at 4:45am and headed to the airport and after a a brief layover in Chicago I made it to San Antonio, TX.

I finally got to go to the world famous Whataburger. It was pretty good, but I was so rushed I didn't get to enjoy it much.

What a blessing it was to finally meet the guys from http://IllBeHonest.com I haven't had much time to talk to them yet. The Grace house, where I'm staying, has 17 guys living there. It is pretty packed. It'll be a blessing getting to know them.

Sadly I missed the first session because of my late flight and that was the only session that Kirk Cameron was going to be doing. Looks like he headed on out and I won't get to meet him.

I did make it for the afternoon session and I must admit I've been blown away. I knew that it would be a Christian conference, but I never expected it to be so Christ-centered.

The speakers have truly been a blessing. More than anyone I'm amazed by Stephen Kendrick. While appreciating the films he has made (Flywheel, Facing the Giants, and Fireproof) I wasn't sure how Christ-centered he was, but from what I heard tonight I was convinced otherwise. Kendrick is one of the best speakers I've ever heard. I see why his movies have been so successful. He is a wonderful story teller for the Lord.

Besides the Christ-centered nature of the messages I've also learned a lot about how to direct actors and how to handle bad actors.

Here are the 7 points Kendrick focused on:

1) Pray Diligently!
2) Cast Wisely
3) Train Thoroughly
4) Direct Strategically
5) Creatively over-come weak Acting
6) Critique Brutally
7) Re-Edit Creatively

Of course he expanded on all of these, but you'd have to be here to get all of that.

During the dinner break I ran into a nice family, the Scott Family, from Houston. They attend Dr. Voddie Baucham's church. It is always a great blessing to meet the family of God. No matter where I go I find brothers and sisters in Christ and with them I have immediate connection. The Scott kids have a video in the semi-finalist section for the film fest in the Young Filmmakers category. It is a stop action film called “What is Duty?” I look forward to seeing it and you can see the trailer at: http://www.saicff.org/festival/program/films/entry/?id=f10093

For the after dinner session Kendrick spoke about his own testimony and about Sherwood Pictures latest film, Courageous. This movie focuses on fatherhood. After seeing the clips I can't wait to see the entire production and want to encourage the men to start planning now to go see it.

Watch the trailer at: http://www.CourageoustheMovie.com

It's been a wonderful day of blessings in the Lord. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for the rest of the week.

Friday, October 8, 2010

5 responses for the Christian community to the suicide of gay teens.

I was just reading more about the gay teen suicides. There were 6 in one week alone and that is just the ones that were on the news and caused primarily by harassment or bullying.

It's so hard to respond to situations like this. On one hand we must be sympathetic and on the other we cannot come across as supporting an unrepentant homosexual lifestyle.

The issue is really much more complex when we take the time to think about all the angles.

Below are some random thoughts I've been trying to put together concerning the Christian response.

1)No matter what the reason Christians should be on the forefront to stop all bullying and harassment. While all men are sinful we are also all created in the image of God. So no matter the reason for bullying (i.e. sexuality, body type, mental capacity) we should stand against it for the sake of the gospel. Sadly, many of the teens mocking these teens went to a weekly youth group. As much as we disagree with someone we have no right to degrade their personhood.

2)We MUST stop coarse joking in public and private about homosexuality. This isn't simply about peoples feelings, though that should play a part as we want no barriers to the gospel. It is about the how ugly and horrible sin is before a holy and righteous God. It is not something for us to laugh or joke about. Even in private we must guard our language. I remember so vividly standing next a pastor's wife on the 4th of July as she said we should let all homosexuals join the military so they could “go over there and die.” This came from a woman I respect immensely and had no idea at the time I had been caught in homosexual sin.

3)We must promote justice. While this is a very emotional issue we must guard against letting that cloud the law of the land. Some people are calling for truly intense punishment for those responsible for bullying and harassment because of their motivation. Instead we must remember that motivation should play little, if any, role in punishment. The one that stands out the most is the roommate of Tyler Clementi who film him engaged in homosexual acts and broadcast it online. While this jerk must be punished severely in accordance with the law he broke we cannot call for great punishment than if he had pulled a similar stupid stunt with a straight roommate. We serve a God of justice and must remember that.

4)We must stand against those who would call truth, intolerance. On almost every forum I visited people were bashing Christians for being intolerant of homosexuality. We cannot let their intolerance of biblical truth hold the narrative. While there are many people going around claiming the name of Christ and with the same tongue tearing down homosexual persons that is not the intent of the true Christian's heart. We speak out against homosexuality because Scripture does. We do so because we care about every homosexual person and want them to know Christ. We must speak this truth with such love that it will be clear that their hatred is of the truth of the gospel and not just the attitude of an individual.

5)And most importantly above all else we must preach the gospel. To every child, teen, adult, and elderly person; to every homosexual, bisexual, transgender, and straight person; to Budhist, Baptist, and Baha'i person; no matter the gender, race, religion, or sexual identity, there is only one message every person on this planet needs to hear and that is the good news of Jesus Christ. They need to know Him, love Him, adore him, and worship Him alone. They need to see themselves as they are broken and sinful. They must hear the call to repent and trust in Christ. None of the rest matters without the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In Christ, our Hope
Jason Vaughn

Friday, October 1, 2010

Responding to Rutgers

A great tragedy occurred this week at Rutger University, but I believe an even great tragedy may have played out in the responses to the tragedy.


For those that are not aware, a freshman at Rutgers was secretly filmed by his roommate having a homosexual encounter and posted the video online. The young man that was filmed was so distraught that he committed suicide and the roommate and a female accomplice have been arrested.


It truly is a tragedy all around and on so many levels. It is also a tragedy that hits close to home. Both as a Christian who has been in the homosexual lifestyle and as someone who has contemplated suicide on numerous occasions I, in some way, can relate to what the young man went through. I have also been reminded this week how close another friend of mine who was outed in college could have come to a similar end.


So many emotions went through me when I read about what had happened. I was saddened by the suicide, by the roommate and accomplices betrayal, and that our culture is such that we find entertainment in the outing of anyone in this country. I was also angered for all the same reasons. I even felt a little bit of anger towards the victim for taking such a way out.


My emotional horror was compounded all the more when I began to read the comments concerning the story. Most were of sympathy and those comments I understand, but there was a large amount of other comments as well. Some of the comments were about how sad it is that people are ashamed of their sexual and how they should just be okay with being gay. Many of these comments included helplines for LGBT teens. The other side of the comments were ignorant jackasses who tried to use the Bible and the name of Christ to boast in the young man's death. Nothing makes me madder than people using to name of God to hate their neighbor.


Don't get me wrong, I'm a conservative Bible believing Christian to the core and I do indeed believe that homosexual practice is wrong, but I take no joy in anyone's death for my desire is repentance and faith for all who will.


That is really where the fork comes into play. The message the Christian should be sharing in tragedies such as this is not either of the above options.


First, we must hold true that all have sinned and that we all deserve eternal punishment. What we need is not a self-help program so that we can see ourselves in a better light and love ourselves for that would be a lie. We should understand that we truly are filthy and wretched before a holy God because of our sin whether that sin be homosexual practice, theft, lying, or hatred of our brother. We are all worms deserving of God's fury and wrath.


Second, we must proclaim that God in His infinite love for His people sent His son, Jesus Christ, to take our punishment for those sins through His death on the cross. He died on that cross, but rose again three days later to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.


Third, we must shout that this God is so kind and loving that not only will He forgive your sins, past, present, and future, but that He will also deliver you from you shame. He died that you might be His.


People in sin considering cutting, or drugs, or suicide, or anything else don't need another inspiring pep talk. They need the Christ , the living God.


The challenge we will face when we tell people that truth is that we can seem opportunistic and taking advantage of a tragedy, but what else can we offer hurting people besides the only HOPE, Jesus Christ.


How great is our God that He not only takes away my sin, but my shame over that sin as well. He is truly worthy, deserving of all our praise.


So I beg of you to point people to that Christ. If you don't know for sure that you know Christ then run to Him with open ares he is waiting for you.


If you have any questions feel free to contact me at any one the ways below.



Soli Deo Gloria,



Jason Vaughn,

HigherHopeBalloons@Gmail.com

http://Twitter.com/JasonVaughn

http://Facebook.com/RepentAndBelieve



Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Satan, Go to Hell

**Warning**

The following is a new piece I wrote. Before you read please know that it is graphic and it will offend those with stricter sensibilities. It's probably the most heart felt piece I've written about struggle with the despicable nature of my sin and more importantly the One who is my over-comer.

Also, while this poem is directed at Satan and demonic forces, it could also be addressed to my own sinful flesh as well. And as Michael the archangel said I presume no judgment outside what God has willed for Satan and his demons and ultimately my best response is "The Lord rebuke you." (Jude 9)

So you've been warned before you read.

Here you are again, appearing as an angel of light

You start out your offer by inciting me to flight

You want me to run, run and flee from Christ

But like Jesus in the dessert I won't let you entice

You come up behind me and whisper in my ear

You tell me of worldly pleasures hoping I will hear

You tell me how I should return to my old man

And you're so willing and give me a helpin' hand

You tell me that if I'd just turn back to the world that says it's okay to be gay

That I'll be so much happier than I am following the Way.

And you say that if i simply go back you'll make sure I have all I ever wanted

No matter how much I refuse your attacks continue undaunted

To Christ you said turn the rock into bread

And to me you say go on you know can give great head

You offer Jesus to give up the cross for a life of ease

And for me you tempt go on and just stay on my knees.

And when I say that I don't mean to be in prayer

For back then for me to know any truth was really quite rare

Eventually, when your attacks of pleasure don't work

You'll change your tactics from trying to get me to jerk

You'll start your attacks on my character next

Doing what you can to get me anxious and perplexed

It's no longer a whisper but a shout in my face

"You've fallen too much and there's not enough grace."

Or "You've not really changed you're just a fat faggot,

Your God will send you to Hell you pathetic little maggot."

Well Lucifer its true you've tricked me before

And you're right when you say I've been a great whore

You've even tempted me to end my life

And I've often held my wrist to that knife

But here is something you so often forget

You can say all you want but my eternity is set

You can speak all your lies and even half-truths

But I'll thank the I Am like at the Feast of Booths

You may know who I was but you don't know who I am

I'm no longer my own for I've been bought by the Lamb

You may think you have power

But it's your coming hour

When You will be chained

By the king who will reign

And you'll spend your days in a pit

With all the He will spit

Out of His mouth for being lukewarm

So let make sure to inform

You think you know me so well

Well Satan you can just go to Hell

So come on up Apollyon if you really want to fight,

I will not be afraid of you for I know my God is right.

I hold fast to the King's armor of salvation

And cling to the Sword, from the God above creation

And one I'll stand and cheer as I see your final defeat

I have need no to fear you for God's plan He'll complete

You and your demons will have no where to run

When the day finally comes for the return of the Son

So Satan you still think you know me so well?

Think all you want but you can still go to Hell


Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8JKTAT_8Dc

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

I need you, Pilgrim

A few months ago I was introduced to an amazing musical called simply: Pilgrim. It is the Christian classic Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan in a musical adaptation. It was written and performed by the youth at Covenant Life in Baltimore. You may know it as the home of Sovereign Grace Ministries with Pastor Josh Harris and formerly led by CJ Mehaney.

I've fallen in love with this production. It not only has great music, but it also has a clear gospel message and gives great glory to God.

I originally looked into performing this solely with my church, but it has become clear that I'll need to expand outside of that. So Lord willing Pilgrim will be the first play performed under the banner of Higher Hope Productions.

Needless to say, while I've been involved in many theatrical performances, I'm at a bit of a loss at the magnitude of this project. That is why I'm writing to you all. I need your help if you're willing to give it. If you're tagged in this note then you've either had experience in the arts or you've expressed interest in this project already.

I'm looking at a 4 day run the week before Easter, April 14-17, 2011. Casting will begin in December and rehearsals will begin for the main cast will begin in mid-January with smaller parts and extras coming in February.

The primary motivation for this production is to share the gospel with the lost and encourage the body of Christ. With that in view we will spend a brief time before each rehearsal in prayer and discussing the Scripture pertaining to a part of the Pilgrim allegory.

The following positions currently need to be filled. If you'd like to lead or help in an area please let me know. Also, if you know someone that might be interested please pass this on to them.

Assistant Director
Choreographer
Sound and Lighting Tech
Band leader
Marketing Director

You can reply below but I prefer you to send me a private message.

We will need a large cast as well for this production so consider those that might be interested.

If you weren't tagged in this note you're still welcome to comment and take part.

There will be an informational meeting and discussion in October. I'll hold two meetings to best equip everyone. Sunday, October 10 at 2:00pm or October 11 at 6:00pm. The meetings shouldn't run more than an hour and for those that have yet to view it I will show Pilgrim. For now we'll plan on meeting at my apartment.

If you come Monday night I'll provide supper and yes families are welcome so please RSVP.

Please ask any questions you may have and I'll answer them to the best of my ability.

Here is a link to the trailer that might give you an idea of the play: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWwo4l0UwU0

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Review of Logan the Movie

Last night, I went to see Logan the Movie at Ronnie's 20 Cine in South County. This was a lower budget (not sure what it actually was though) film from Real Bean Entertainment. It was written by 2 friends of mine, Matt Martin, and Caleb Doyle and produced by Kyle Lawrence. I believe a couple of other also worked on the script. It's hard not to be a bit bias when you know so many folks involved with a film, but for me that just makes me notice their mistakes to a much greater extent.

In all honesty I wasn't expecting much from this film. As much as I appreciate other productions from Real Bean, such as Completing Kaden, the quality has not always been there (that is not meant as a slam as I still watch it and encourage others to buy it regularly). I've learned to have a very low standard for Christian films in general and that way I'm not disappointed.

This time my expectations were blown out of the water. I was truly impressed by almost every facet of this movie.

Normally, in Christian movies I don't support the extra expense of hiring Hollywood actors. From what I've seen they don't really add much to the project overall, but I do think it was the right choice in this instance. Leo Howard, best known as Young Snake Eyes in the new G.I. Joe, does an amazing job as the title character. The flow and interaction between Logan and his older brother, Tyler (played by Patrick Probst), comes across as very genuine. This is essential in a movie that is driven primarily by it's dialogue.

The editing for this film goes through marvelous transitions. I personally only noticed one area where it seemed a bit sudden. Even the set panning added a lot to the film.

As for the videography it has definitely increased in quality. I mean, not one persons face was cut off :). But seriously, the angle changes go across very well and even help to add to the emotion which is so lack in other productions. The director has a tendency to follow the actors feet at times in the film, and while noticeable I like it.

My favorite scene involves a beautiful orchestral piece with some amazing cut away shots. There is also a piece of foreshadowing in this part that I love.

There was one scene that I felt “jumped the shark” a bit and gave away more than the writers really intended. This scene was a bit frustrating and unbelievable but thankfully it does not drag on more than a couple of minutes.

As I mentioned earlier, the movie is very dialogue driven. This means that it can come across as slow at times, but again I felt they pulled it off very well. The soundtrack helps the audience stay with it and the extent of the character development is the true payoff.

My favorite character through this production was young Abigail Isom , who played Allison. Who spunk and wit add not only humor to the film but a poignant truth as well.

The comic relief of the film is definitely the Hoffman parent. The pair come across very well together and do a wonderful job playing off of one another.

The only character I didn't like was Principal Ward. I'm sure the gentleman is a nice guy but it honestly felt like “we really need a black guy so let's put him in this minor role.”

One of the biggest pluses for this movie is that it is not over Christianized. Yes, Real Bean Entertainment is a Christian based production company and there are faith aspects to this film. There is primarily one Christian character, Ben. The tone is there but not overt as to take away from the other aspects of the story. In many Christian films they seem to shove the gospel in and make some great instant change in the character and in truth usually getting the gospel wrong in the process. This film in no way does that, but nor does it ignore faith all together. The balance is quite nice and it is done so in such a way that this film will be of great benefit to public high schools.

That is probably the best audience for this film to reach. I'd love to see it played in a variety of junior high and high schools around the country and would encourage anyone reading this to get in touch with Producer Kyle Lawrence about doing so. I think you can do that via http://www.realbean.com/ or e-mail him at realbean@realbean.com

Overall I give the film 8 out of 10 stars. A few minor issues could be changed, but this film was a great blessing. If you've followed any other Real Bean productions you'll notice some fun memories in the background of various scenes.

If you're in the St. Louis area you can view the film at Ronnie's 20 Cine off Lindbergh until Sept. 16. I'm not sure when and where else you'll be able to see it but you can get updates from http://www.realbean.com/loganthemovie/

As important as it is for Christians to take part in public discussions of politics we must equally take place in the realm of the arts. Sadly, most Christian production companies will make one or two projects and due to lack of support will fold. Or those that do make it produce utter garbage without ever striving for excellence. Every now in then though we can find a diamond in the rough and with a little polishing we can see great blessings come out that will point the world to a holy God and a saving Christ.

That is what I believe we are seeing through the efforts of Kyle Lawrence, Matt Martin, and Caleb Doyle. I've known them about three years now and it is good to see them grow not only in talent but in Christ. I don't spend too much time with Kyle at all and only minimal with Caleb and Matt, but the work Christ is continuing on in them is of immense pleasure to my soul.

Follow their work, support their efforts, and watch as we see what God will do with a simple faith and a repentant heart.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Christ, our Example

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Php 2:5-11)

This is the Word of God.

Many times we come to the Bible and we look at it as though it were a yearbook. You folks remember yearbooks? What is the first thing you did when you finally picked it up at the end of the school year?

You looked for yourself. You found you class picture, the clubs you were in, if you had a good yearbook you would go to the index and see how many times you were listed. Maybe some of you were like me and had a yearly competition to see how many pictures you could make it into. I ended up in some interesting clubs that way. But I will say I really stood out in the Step Team photo.

But when you go to a yearbook its really all about you. Think about it. We do that with almost everything. We watch television shows or read fiction thinking about the character we are like, or at least the one we want to be like. Most of the time we want to identify ourselves as the hero.

And we’ve taken that same mindset to the Scriptures. We look for us. What does it say to me? Maybe you've heard sermon series like this at other churches.

How am I like King David and slaying the Goliaths in my life? How am I like Daniel facing the lions in the den? How am I parting the Red Seas of despair?

My new favorite is an example from Christless Christianity. During an an Easter service a pastor spoke on the resurrection of Christ in terms of “overcoming obstacles” and how through Christ you can overcome the obstacles in your own life.

And in doing this, in making this about us, we miss the point of the entire book.

You really want to see yourself in Scripture? You really want to know what it says about you and your life? Well if you’re looking for a confidence booster you get one real verse to do it.

And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
(Gen 2:25)

That’s it because then comes the falls and everything that follows is God is His grace and mercy showing Himself and redeeming a people to Himself.

You want to know who you are outside of Christ? A sinner in complete rebellion to the God who created you, and you are headed headlong into eternity to face the wrath of God for punishment for those sins.

Yes, you may say you believe in God, but unless you believe in the God of the Bible, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ you simply believe in a god of your own design.

Do not misunderstand me, this Holy Word does indeed have much to teach us about ourselves, but we learn such lessons not by looking for ourselves, but looking at Christ.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is your in Christ Jesus.” He is the example. He is the shining beacon leading us beginning at salvation and culminating at the shore of perfect sanctification.

Spurgeon put it this way when speaking of 1 Corinthians 11:24

“Christians have many treasures to lock up in the cabinet of memory. They ought to remember their election—"Chosen of God ere time began." They ought to be mindful of their extraction, that they were taken out of the miry clay, hewn out of the horrible pit. They ought to recollect their effectual calling, for they were called of God, and rescued by the power of the Holy Ghost. They ought to remember their special deliverances—all that has been done for them, and all the mercies bestowed on them.

But there is one whom they should embalm in their souls with the most costly spices—one who, above all other gifts of God, deserves to be had in perpetual remembrance. One I said, for I mean not an act, I mean not a deed; but it is a Person whose portrait I would frame in gold, and hang up in the state-room of the soul. I would have you earnest students of all the deeds of the conquering Messiah. I would have you conversant with the life of our Beloved. But O forget not his person; for the text says, "This do in remembrance of me." It is Christ's glorious person which ought to be the object of our remembrance. It is his image which should be enshrined in every temple of the Holy Ghost.”

One of the greatest revelations God has shown me in the last year is to see Christ as the portrait painted in all of Scripture, especially in the types and shadows of the Old Testament.

To see that Christ was the salvation of Daniel in the Den of Lions, that Christ alone is Ruth’s true Kinsman Redeemer, and that it is the blood of the perfect Passover Lamb of God whose blood turns away the Destroyer.

All of Scripture has one ultimate purpose: to magnify the Christ.

And so tonight I pray you will embark with me as we discover the glorious nature of Jesus the Christ.

We will first explore who He is. What is the nature of the one the split time itself with His life? Who is the one that many call savior and Lord?

Many have admired His teaching, while others have mocked His life. He has been said to be a prophet, a teacher, a lunatic, and even God incarnate. But what does His Word say about Him?

Then will look at what He has done. Why have billions looked to Him for two millennia? Why did the children of Abraham seek Him for 2 thousand years? Why is He the Savior of His people?

We will look at why He died. What was the Christ’s reward? Was there something in all this for Him?
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So who is this Christ? In this text we can clearly see that there are two natures in Christ. In his single personhood He is both God and He is man.

Remember the Trinity: One God, Three Person: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and in the person of the Son: fully God and fully man.

If the God you worship is not first and foremost the “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” then your worship a false god. This is the relationship that throughout eternity has defined God.

No matter how many times the Pope, preachers, or people say we all worship the same god it will never be true.

Yesterday, I spoke with a man named George while out street preaching. He is a former atheist Jew that now attends a liberal (his words not mine) Methodist church. He stood and listened for about 20 minutes as I preached. After I finished we spoke for about 45 minutes. He was encouraging and intrigued at first, but eventually the conversation turned to Jesus being the only way.

George did not like that very much. He held that if someone was raised in a different culture and believed in God and had done good works God would give them another chance after death. I mean Jews and Muslims and Hindus and Buddhists all believe in the same God right?

No, ignoring the non-theists view of Buddhists and the polytheist view of Hindus we in no way worship the same deity.

If I were to call George, Elizabeth, does that make him Elizabeth. No. Sure he may have blond hair like Elizabeth, but he is not Elizabeth. And the deity of other religions is not the God of the Bible. They both may be seen as creator, but unless their god is as Scripture proclaims they worship a false idol.

This is why Allah is not God. This is why the god of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Latter Day Saints, TD Jakes, and even the Jews is not the God of Scripture.

Jesus Christ is God the Son and only in Him do you know the true God.

Our text says that Christ “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,” (Php 2:6)

The form of God. He was in the very essence of God. He was in the nature of God. He was and is and forever shall be God!

Christ is not simply a greater being, Christ is the ultimate being. He is not a glorified creature, but He is the one in whom all things were created.

Throughout the gospels we continually see Christ proclamation of His deity.

He is eternal and forever existed.

Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." John 8:58

He forgives sins.

And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
(Mar 2:5-7)

They knew exactly what Jesus was proclaiming.

He was worshiped, even from His birth.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him."
(Mat 2:1-2)

And above all we know He was God for He raised Himself from the grave.

So the Jews said to him, "What sign do you show us for doing these things?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
(Joh 2:18-19)

This Christ is God in the flesh, God incarnate. Worthy of all praise and worship and adoration.
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Also, in these verses we see that Christ is fully man.

but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
(Php 2:7)

The creator took upon Himself the nature of the creature. No, He did not become a created being, but took upon Himself the body of His creation.
He became fully and completely man.

He was born a man, lived as a man, was tempted as a man, and died as a man, being raised on the third day in the glorified body of man.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
(1Co 15:20-22)

For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
(1Ti 2:5-6)
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So here we have Christ. Fully God and fully man, but why is Paul speaking of this in terms of Christ’s example of humility?

Why does it matter that Christ was fully God and fully man?

While there are other reasons, such as the one mentioned in the previous verse that the God man Christ is the perfect mediator between a holy God and sinful man, let us look at the reasoning within this text.

but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
(Php 2:7-8)

It matters because it shows the great extent of Christ humility. Christ made Himself NOTHING!

God the Son, the one who deserves all honor, all glory, all praise became nothing. Becoming a man.

The New American Standard put it this way: that Christ emptied Himself.

Please know that there is a heresy in some churches that teach that while Christ was human he gave up His deity. This is known as the kenosis of Christ, and it distorts the nature of Christ. As I discussed earlier Christ has forever existed as God the Son and is completely God and man from the moment of His incarnation in the womb of Mary and throughout the rest of eternity.

But He did indeed empty himself.

He emptied Himself of His rights, He emptied Himself privileges, and yes even He emptied Himself, through self-imposed limitations, of some of His attributes, but He in no way emptied Himself of his Godhood.

I think back to the wonderful messages from our Camp Meeting. Brother Michael Durham and Charles Leiter spoke more eloquently than I concerning the infinite worth of Christ.

To my shame, I remember almost groaning when I heard that Brother Durham’s text was to be John 3:16.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
(Joh 3:16)

I, like so many that I know, had become numb to the glorious truth of that verse. I had heard it twisted and mangled by so many that I had come to expect little more than fluff from the very mentioning.

How wrong I was as Brother Durham went on to prove.
How could one whose eyes had been opened to such glorious truths of the gospel so quickly forget its message? I felt as though I had developed calluses upon my eyes and as he spoke the Words of our Lord they were cut away.

That God sent His Son. That God the Son entered into humanity becoming nothing is one of the most glorious truth in all of Scripture and the universe. The only thing that could trump the beauty of this truth is understanding that which He entered into history to do.

God entered into humanity that He could die. God the Son became human for the ultimate purpose of dying on a cross in obedience to God the Father.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
(Php 2:8)

But why? Why did Christ die? Why was it ordained before time that the God man must die?
_
There are many answers to this question. Of most importance for my soul is that He died for me. He died that the wicked man that I was and in many ways still am in my flesh could be redeemed to God the Father. And so it is with all sinners that turn to Christ in repentance and faith.

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
(1Ti 1:15)
_
It is equally true that Christ died to show the Father’s righteousness.

It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
(Rom 3:26)
_
Christ died to show the Father’s truthfulness.

For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name."
(Rom 15:8-9)
_
Christ died for the ungodly to show God’s love.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person--though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die-- but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
(Rom 5:6-9)
_
These are all great and glorious reasons that Christ died, but He also died for Himself.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Php 2:9-11)

The Lamb of God willingly laid down His life for He knew that in doing so He would receive a great reward.

The reward of Christ is actually two-fold:

1) The first reward is that in His death and resurrection He would be exalted. And not only would He be exalted, but He would exalted above all. Even His human name would be exalted above every name. And that every knee WILL bow and every tongue WILL confess that He alone is Lord.
2) The second reward of Christ is that even in the exaltation of the Son, the Father will receive glory.

Let us first look at the second reward of Christ. Throughout eternity God the Father and God the Son have glorified one another.

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.
(John 17:4-5)



This is a beautiful relationship within the Godhead Trinity. Each person of the trinity continual and infinitely glorifying one another. When the Father is glorified, He glorifies the Son and as we see in our text, when the Son is exalted, the Father is glorified. And the cycle continues as it has since before time began.
_
We will end our time together looking at this final reward of Christ.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Php 2:9-11)

Do you truly understand what this means? This is a picture of the last days. All people, of every tribe, nation, and tongue will come before Jesus Christ. They will bow on to their knees and they will proclaim that He is Lord. They will cry out the name that is above all names for this is the reward of the Lamb that was slain.

This truth is repeated throughout Scripture.

that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
(Eph 1:20-21)

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
(Rev 19:11-16)

• This is the name that must be proclaimed to all the earth (Rom. 9:17),
• this the name by which men are saved (Acts 4:12),
• this is the name for which we will be hated (Matt 10:22),
• This is the name in which the Gentile hopes (Matt 12:21),
• This is the name is which the children are received (Matt 18:5),
• This is the name in which believers are baptized (Acts 2:38)
• this is the name in which we gather knowing that the Christ is among us (Matt 18:20)
• It is for this name that we leave our homes and our fathers and mothers knowing it will be granted back to us many fold and inherit eternal life (Matt 18:29)



• It is in this name we cast out demons.
• It is in this name we heal the sick. (Mar 16:17)
• It is in this name that the lame walk (Acts 3:6)
• It is in this name we ask and receive (John 14:13)
• It is in this name that there is forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43)
• In this name we believe and receive salvation (John 3:18)

This is truly the name above all names Jesus Christ our Lord!

And this is His great reward.

And I close with this. What have you done with this name?
For you Christians who have saved and sanctified by the blood of Christ are you participating in proclaiming His name to the nations? Are you taking part in showing His glory to the world? I urge you to consider your part in bringing Christ His reward.

And for you that do not yet believe in the name of when you find yourself before Christ how will be kneel and how will you confess?

Will you do so in great joy and thanksgiving or will you do so in absolutely horror and fear?

If you are outside of the family of Christ when that day comes know that it will be the most horrific event you will ever face. You will kneel before the Lord of all as a filthy, wretched sinner. You may cry for mercy, but it will be too late.

As I started this message I spoke to you about how you will find yourself in the Scripture. I explained that you are one that has sinned against this Holy God and Christ. That apart from Christ there is no good in you.

I pray you have considered that. And now I would like to ask you having heard of this Christ and what He has been done do you love Him more than your own sin? Having heard of this glorious Christ have you seen him for who He is and love Him more than any other object of affection?

If you have, then I plead with you. Repent of your sins and believe in Christ. Turn from that which is worthless and vile to that which is worthy and beautiful.

For know this friends you will bow before Christ and you will proclaim Him as Lord. I urge you to do so today that you will bow before a brother and not quiver before an enemy.

Labor Day Dad

A young lady at my church wrote the following note on facebook concerning her father. It was truly inspiring to me.

September 6, 2010



Today is Labor Day - the holiday in honor of the hard-working American citizens who labor day after day throughout the year. It is a day when many choose to relax. If you google Labor Day, the fully reliable source known as Wikipedia (yes, that’s sarcasm) states it so profoundly as to say that, “the holiday is often regarded as a day of rest and parties.” Some go fishing, others go camping, and many do other types of leisure activities. Is there anything wrong with these? No. Our bodies are designed to work, but we are also dependent on rest. In fact, God commands us to rest (Ex 31:15). Resting reminds us (as I learned from my new friend C.J. Mahaney) that we dependent creatures and we are not self-sufficient.

God has used this Labor Day to remind me what an awesome earthly father He has given me. I have always looked up to my Dad. He never missed one of my basketball or volleyball games in school. He would practice with me and push me to be my best. More importantly, he constantly displays patience, humility, and wisdom. He leads and guides our family, as he is the head of our home. He works hard to provide for us. He would be the first to admit that he is not perfect, but he is the most selfless man I know.

Let me just give you a small glimpse into his Labor Day. He wakes up to a demanding list of tasks that are waiting to be completed. Between our house and 3 rental houses, there is always something to be done. Alright, let me just pause right here to say that is one example of his selflessness. He is always willing to give up his time to help others, even when there’s something better or more fun to do. That’s a Colossians 3 type of love right there! Okay, back to his day. The past couple days he has been working on fixing my sister’s ceiling fan (They live in the rental house next door to us). This normally wouldn’t have taken that long, but one thing went wrong and then another and he ended up having to buy a new ceiling fan for their rental house. During this time, one of the neighbors backed their car into my sister’s mailbox. So today, Dad is working on fixing that. Some men may look at these repairs as inconveniences in the road to what they want to do. Not my Dad. He uses these “fix-it” times as teachable moments. My oldest brother (almost 11 yrs) loves helping Dad with whatever task is at hand. The younger bro (9 yrs) loves to tag along too, but he does tend to be more easily distracted. Both of my brothers have learned so much just by being with my Dad and helping him out. They each have their own little tool set and love being able to use them. They probably have more tools than most guys my age!

Back to the mailbox dilemma- Dad and the boys worked on that most of the morning. During the process, Dad got sawdust in his eye, which is obviously not the most preferable circumstance. This can actually be quite painful and caused him problems the rest of the day. Despite this, they are all working hard to get this thing fixed when who decides to grace our streets with their presence? The Jehovah Witness clan. Does Dad complain about this? No. Does he shrug them off or ignore him? No. He uses this as an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel truth to these men who are wrapped up in their false religion. I’m afraid my natural tendency would be to say, “No thanks. I already have the real Christ!” and walk away or simple try to ignore them. He talked to them for around half an hour sharing the true Gospel. I think he ended up doing more witnessing than they did! During the course of that half an hour, we discovered that our basement had flooded. So Dad comes inside after talking to the Jehovah Witnesses’ and being out in the sun working on that mailbox with sawdust in his eye to hear all of us exclaim that our basement flooded and we couldn’t use the water. He has a servant-like attitude and doesn’t complain (ahem, Phil 2 yes, I was feeling convicted). Why doesn’t he complain? He knows that this is what God has called him to be – a man! It sounds so simple, but this is exactly what is lacking in our culture. Men who are bold enough to stand up and lead their wives (Eph 5:23). Men who work hard to provide for their families (Gen 3:17-19). Men who train their children up in godliness (Proverbs 22:6, 23:13-14 and yes, this includes DISCIPLINING them). Men who deny themselves and live according to God’s standard (Luke 9:23). It is not easy to give up pleasures, material things, or conveniences, but that is the cost of following Christ.

So my Dad will probably go into work tonight feeling exhausted, somewhat irritated (that sawdust is still really bothering his eye), and like he has accomplished little. He’ll sleep when he gets home in the morning. He’ll wake up with a new day full of new challenges. Despite this, he won’t forget to wrestle with his children (that’s his favorite way of expressing his fatherly love) and make them laugh/scream and then shout, “Dad’s the Champion!!!” He’ll lead his children in studying the Word of God and prayer. He’ll try to get what needs to be done accomplished, but if not, that’s okay. He’ll go into work that night and repeat it the next day all while echoing the words, “’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10



I apologize now for the A.D.D format of this note and for any grammatical errors (writing was never my thang!).This isn’t in anyway meant to come across as depressing or anti-fun. My family and I have lots and lots of fun memories together especially if it involves the word, “free.” If you know us, then you know we’re goofy and even kinda weird. =) But as one of my favorite quotes by JohnnyMac goes, "Following Christ isn't rooted in spectacular events, juiced-up conferences, or continual mountaintop experiences. It's found in loving Him, obeying Him, thanking Him, and glorifying Him in the most mundane daily details of life."



So Dad, thank you for your example of humility and self-sacrifice, which is a portrait of Christ. Thank you for showing me the qualities of a Godly husband through your daily living. I LOVE YOU!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

For the LOST (read only after viewing series finale)

Spoiler warning! Do not read if you are a LOST fan and have not seen the series finale! You must have seen it for understanding this article. Repeat Spoiler ALERT!


I just finished watching the LOST series finale. I have a couple mixed feelings about how the show ended. I loved the Island ending for the most part with Hurley being the protector, but I despised the off world ending.


You may or may not have noticed the universalistic nature of the ending. In the chapel where Jack and Christian were speaking there was a window with all the symbols of the major religions of the world. Then all they all meet in the chapel and the “light” encompasses as they “move on.


I'm not sure, but it also seem to have a sense of Purgatory with Ben staying. It seemed as though he still needed to work his way to “move on.”


Here is the problem: Not everyone does go to Heaven and no one goes to Purgatory. You don't quote lead a good life (as Hurley suggested to Sayid) and then get some great reward when you die.


It seems the premise of the end was that there was good in everyone. The Bible makes it clear that is not true at all.


As it is written: 'None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.'"

(Rom 3:10-12)


We are all completely sinful in the in the sight of God. Many of us feel or think we are good but it is a lie.


The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

(Jer 17:9)


We were created by a perfected and holy God, but ever since Adam sinned we have all been born in sin and we all die because of sin.


Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned--

(Rom 5:12)


For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Rom 6:23)


Consider the heroes of LOST. They were mainly portrayed as liars, murderers, and fornicators. I think that is why we loved watching as they tried to redeem themselves throughout the series. We could relate to all of those people because, while perhaps not to such a visible extreme, we are broken ourselves.


But they couldn't ultimately redeem themselves. None of us can redeem ourselves because as I stated earlier our very being is sinful and broken.


God sees the person who has told a single lie as a liar. He sees the one who stole or cheated as a thief.


Christ even declares that the one who hates is a murdered (Matthew 5:22). And the one who looks with lust is an adulterer (Matthew 5:28).


We, just as our heroes from LOST, are seen as liars, murderers, thieves, adulterers, blasphemers, and so much more because God's standard is absolute perfection and none of us can meet that standard and thereby deserve God's wrath.


But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

(Rev 21:8)


But there is hope and this is where LOST really got it all wrong. If you noticed all the symbols on that window in the chapel there was one that was completely out of place. The cross.


Every other religion on that wall say that you must do this or that to earn salvation, or nirvana, or what whatever else you desire.


But not Christianity. Christianity says that you don't deserve to be in Heaven in the presence of God. It says that you are not good and you are actually an enemy of God. If you were to be honest with yourself you hate the true God of the Bible. You deserve eternal Hell and there is nothing you can do about it.


Yet God can and did do something about it. He sent His Son, Jesus, to take on the wrath you deserve. Jesus was completely perfect, born of a virgin, fully God and fully man. Though He never sinned He willingly suffered and died on a cross taking not only physical pain but the wrath of God the Father.


And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience-- among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved-- and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

(Eph 2:1-9)


Christ death and suffering was a legal transaction. He paid the price that you and I deserve and now God the Father, who is a just a righteous judge, can look at Christians and say we are justified. Not only did Jesus take our debt, but His righteousness is imparted upon us so that we may be seen as righteous.


The great news of the gospel is not just that Christ died, but three days later He rose from the dead and ascended to the right hand of God the Father where He is seated because the work of salvation is done.


But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

(Heb 10:12-14)


So what must you do to be saved and no longer “LOST”? Nothing. There is nothing you can do on your own to be saved only Jesus can save you. But when changes your heart from one that loves sin and hates God to one that loves God and despises sin then you will respond to this good news by repenting, turning away from all your sin, and trusting in Jesus Christ alone and His completed work on the cross to save you.


And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.

(Eze 36:26-27)

I urge you today to look at what I have written. Examine your heart. Are your truly repentant of your sins and trusting in Christ alone to save you or are you hoping to work out and earn your salvation?


You cannot hope to earn favor with God by your works. Only the work of Jesus can save. Please look to Jesus today. Read the gospel of John in a Bible. Read 1 John if you seek to know if you are truly saved.


Christian Sheppard was absolutely right in one thing, “We all die at some point.”