Apathy and the Gospel

Was discussing the idea of reaching our culture with a few guys this morning.  One of the things we were wrestling through was being cued into the questions our culture is asking.  For too long Christians have been highly skilled in answering questions nobody is asking.  So I posed the question, "What are the questions non-Christians are asking in our context?"  One of the guys, Ryan, offered the first thought, one which I can't get out of my head.  I love and hate it when that happens.  Basically he said people don't really have questions.  They are sort of skating through life and just sort of apathetic or ambivalent towards Christianity (hope I'm not misrepresenting his comments).  I find myself having to agree.  However, assuming this is true, then what are we supposed to do?  I can't simply research answers to people's questions.  It's not enough to read and study or even being in relationships with people--though this is needed.  Somehow something has to trigger inside people to wake them from their slumber.  My biggest problem is not conversing with people once they have the questions, it's getting them to ask in the first place.  Do we need to pray that some tragedy strikes?  Is this the only way people will listen and ask questions?  Ugh.  That can't be the only way.  How do you get people to engage in the big questions of life?  Is this even my role?  Am I only called to have a response when they do have questions?  I'd welcome the opportunity to teach/preach to people about the things that matter, but that is assuming I have a captive audience.  That assumes that some how they have been "attracted" to a worship service or community group.  That may be an increasingly big assumption to make on my part. 

I realize I'm rambling and may not be altogether coherent...my apologies.  If you have any thoughts, I'd certainly welcome them.  Peace.

Is the Tipping Point Toast?

If you are familiar with The Tipping Point, this is an interesting read.

Link: Is the Tipping Point Toast? -- Duncan Watts -- Trendsetting.

David Wilcox Video Interview

Nearing completion

Tim Keller Book

Interview regarding Tim Keller's new book.  I'm like joe-joe the Indian circus boy with my pretty new pet.  Can't wait. 

Some Tim Keller Quotes on the Gospel

For a long time I understood the "gospel" as being just elementary truths, the doctrinal minimum requirement for entering the faith.  "Theology," I thought, was the advanced, meatier, deeper, biblical stuff.  How wrong I was!  All theology must be an exposition of the gospel, especially in the postmodern age.

The gospel of salvation doesn't really relate to theology like the  first steps relate ot the rest of the stairway bu tmore like the hub relates through the spokes to the rest of the wheel.  The gospel of a glorious, other-oriented triune God giving himself in love to his people in creation and redemption and recreation is the core of every doctrine--of the Bible, of God, of humanity, of salvation, of ecclesiology, of eschatology. 

As Keller reminds us, when we are explaining and discussing Christianity, we must get "to the core of things", to the gospel every time.  Jesus must be the hero.  We never outgrow that reality.  We never move on, but we move more deeply into that truth. 

Mankind is more than the janitor of planet Earth

Very interesting article, especially when an avowed atheist is calling for Christians to not abandon their original beliefs in favor of an eco-friendly message. We certainty have a responsibility to steward the planet, especially as Christ followers, but we cannot reduce the gospel to environmentalism. It seems as if there is much pendulum swinging in today's culture. I am glad for Christians reclaiming their voice regarding the environment, but hopefully it does not become the only thing we speak about.

Link: Mankind is more than the janitor of planet Earth | spiked.

For all of us Mac Geeks...

Not that I have any money to spend on more Apple products, but always interesting to see what they come up with.  Let the salivation begin.

Made to Stick :: Video Download

You should definitely get the book, but until you do, may I suggest this video.  Good overview of some very helpful insights and thoughts.

Download video by clicking here.  Video is approximately 30 minutes of presentation by author Chip Heath.

December Pics Finally Posted

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On Retreats, Birthdays and Broken Mirrors

The past week has been quite a blur, but wanted to capture a few thoughts...

Spent last Sunday-Thursday with the CrossPointe staff on a retreat to Hilton Head Island.  In addition to the cool location (my first trip there) it was such a helpful experience to be part of the process of planning out 2008.  I learned much in the way of organization, vision casting, intentionality, etc., but was especially challenged and encouraged by the amount of time spent in prayer for the mission of the church.  We spent much time doing prayer walks down the beach.  Pretty nice backdrop for prayer.  I was reminded of the majesty and goodness of God.  However, I must confess...I always am thankful for a time of prayer in retrospect, but I rarely look forward to it.  Not sure why that is.  I definitely think God uses it, I just struggle with conjuring up the desire at times.  I am challenged by this staff to get before God in prayer.  It is good for me. 

As good as the retreat was, I was very thankful to get back home to Heather and the girls.  It's increasingly harder to be away.  I'm glad I don't have to travel without my family much.  So cool to have Sydnie running out the front door yelling "Daddy!"  Hard to beat that.  I was also thankful to be back home in time for Heather's 32nd birthday which was on Friday.  We got to kayak in the morning with the girls which was fun...Mackinley's first time.  It had been too long since we used them.  Random caveat...in loading the kayak on the Xterra it dropped off the side and took out the passenger side mirror.  Fun.  Just what I wanted...to spend $240 to fix a mirror.  I have a hard time not letting that kind of stupid stuff get to me. 

Anyway, after kayaking and fixing the mirror (great birthday gift for Heather), I got to take Heather out to Season's 52.  I am so thankful for Heather.  She is such a gift and "help-mate" to me--I mean that term in the best possible sense.  I love getting to spend time with her and just talk over dinner.  Our lives are increasingly crazy and these times together are of utmost importance.  I need to guard these times. 

All of this to say it was a full, but good week.  I am looking forward to getting back into the church planting work this week.  Two day seminar on "first steps" in church planting starts tomorrow.  Should be good. I need a healthy dose of the pragmatic. 

Peace.

Staff retreat :: Hilton Head Island

Devotional Materials :: 2008

I don't mean this in an overly-pious way, but I have come to love my morning devotions time. In fact as 2007 came to a close I couldn't wait to pick out my 2008 materials.  I have linked them off to the right for future reference. 

I am doing a Bible read through program again, but changing up the translation and the plan...

Heather got me the ESV Journaling Bible as a Christmas gift.  Way cool in  my opinion.  It has lined margins in which to write your notes and is sort of fashioned after a Moleskine.  As for the reading plan  I am following the one outlined in D.A. Carson's book, For the Love of God.  It will take me through the OT once, the NT twice and the Psalms twice.  Plus he gives a page of commentary on one of the passages.  Very cool set up. 

I have also chosen two devotionals.  One is compilations of quotes and selected writings from C.S. Lewis for each day.  The other is a book that gives a short history of someone in Christian history.  All of the selections correspond to the month and day they occurred.  Some are well known, others more obscure.  All point to the sovereign work of God in all situations, cultures and time periods. 

And because I'm a big dork, I couldn't use just any pen that might bleed through my new Bible pages.  So I bought this.

Regardless of what you use, I hope you are intentional in 2008 about pursuing your journey with Christ.  Devotions are not the end all, and they certainly can become rote and mechanical, but I have found this time as a whole to be extremely beneficial. 

Peace. 

Hail to the Victors!

Michigan 41 Florida 35. Ah.  So nice.  I realize I'm gloating, but we haven't won a bowl in 4 years.  Does this mean App State is better than Florida?