Kung Fu Fighting

Last night I got the chance to bear my most cherished title - husband and father. We enjoyed our first family night at the movies as we took Aunika to go and see Kung Fu Panda. Her jaw pretty much hit the floor as she saw the size of the screen and also realized how big the animations were. We thought that we would make it through 10-15 minutes and then she'd get fussy or whinny and want to walk around. That's why going to the cheap theater made a lot of sense. We made the entire movie....all 91 minutes of it! With about 20 minutes to go however we did resort to snacks such as raisins, m&m's, and a little bit of sierra mist.

Church Membership IV: Children Loving The Church

One of the main things I've noticed with having a 19-month old daughter is that she is starting to recognize Metropolitan Baptist Church where I am a Pastor. She has started to enter the church and head directly to where the balls are in the gym, proceed to the nursery to check on her babies, and then head to my office to strum my guitar and listen to music on the headphones. My daughter loves the church based on what she gets to do there - what activities she can have fun doing. Sadly, some never move beyond this reality and will continue to love the church based on what the church can do for them. I pray for this to change as my daughter will someday love the church because she loves Jesus and she wants to serve Jesus' church because Jesus has done so much for her. I see it that is my responsibility as a father to instill in my children a life that loves the local church. This needs to be a passion and priority in my life to show my kids how to 'love' the church. As C.J. Mahaney has said, "Our family will not endure - but this family (the church) will endure" I encourage you to listen to C.J. and his wife Carolyn talking about teaching their children to love the church.

Hymn Of The Week: Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

Words were written by Louisa M.R. Stead in 1882 after watching and witnessing her husband drown. For a kickin' southern version check out this version

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Refrain
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

Refrain

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Refrain

Who is the Knitter? You don't mess with Him!

Check out this video of John Piper talking about the issue of abortion.

Team USA Basketball: Redemption???

As I layed down in my bed at 11:30 pm last night I tuned into my hosptial TV in my room to watch Sportscenter. What I discovered was Stuart Scott (creator of phrases such as "boo-yah" and "as cool as the other side of the pillow") talking about redemption? Stu actually defined the word and told of it's origin. He proceeded to say that redemption was "the act of delivering from sin or saving from evil" (the exact web definition). Stu then transitioned into talking about USA basketball and how redemption had come. How there once was a Dream Team, but it had been replaced by the Redeem Team. He spoke of how Kobe, Lebron, and DWade would not be denied the chance to provide deliverance from another international basketball disaster for the USA. It was at this point that I almost threw up. In the context that Stu created he had placed the potential loss in a Gold medal basketball game (Redemption not occuring) in the same category as not being saved from sin (Redemption not occuring - in a sense Jesus not going to the cross). The fact of the matter is - some people see the temporary disaster of losing baskeball games - on the same level as the eternal disaster created if you don't know Jesus. Jeremy Schapp also reported and started his report with, "Clearly - in Beijing there was redemption! - the US hasn't won a global tournament in 8 years......Dwayne Wade @ one point saved team USA."

I love sports and following sports - I've portioned a significant amount of my life to them, but at times they sicken me as reporters try to be effective communications gurus. Plenty other metaphors and analogies can be made that put these sports in their proper temporary gain perspective. I guess this shouldn't surprise me as other terms I've heard lately are "Two out hits - get you to heaven" and referencing Adrain Peterson a popular blogger said "Oh you mean Purple Jesus!" My response to this is prayer. Pray for these columinsts, bloggers, and sports achors - that they would see Jesus as Savior and the ultimate one that rescues and redeems as David Crowder has said "Redemption has come down - liberating man"

Presidential Forum @ Saddleback Church

Rick Warren is an influential leader amongst Evangelicals in this country. No matter what you think of Warren's theology or the mega-church that he pastors - the fact is that he handled himself very well while conducting a Presidential Forum on Saturday night. Warren asked questions ranging from leadership issues (that included personal issues for both candidates), faith issues, domestic and foreign policy, and also the hot button issues: When does a human life have rights? and Define Marriage? I highly encourage you to watch here as both candidates were asked the same set of questions.
McCain was his typical storytelling self as he told stories about Vietnam. I thought his answers were forceful, straight to the point, boring to listen to, and filled with a tone of patriotism. Obama on the other hand seemed to talk like that relative you have that if you call them on the phone you better block out an hour of time. Obama seemed to have highly insightful answers that were longer, not straight and to the point, but were very tolerant and respectful of others who disagreed with him.
The most interesting parts of the conversations for me were hearing both candidates addressing Warren's question on their greatest moral failures.

• Obama - traced his moral failures of experimenting with drugs and alcohol to selfishness and a lack of concern for anyone else.
  
• McCain - talked of and took responsibility for his first marriage - which failed.

This was something that normally does not happen when two candidates get together - to talk about their weaknesses - when usually their strengths are focused on.

Both men confessed to being redeemed and forgiven by Jesus Christ and professed to being born again believers in Jesus Christ. Obama even quoted a portion of Micah 6:8 during one of his questions not related to faith as well as quoting a verse in Matthew.

There will be plenty of debates to come, but it was nice to watch a forum that didn't have all the interruptions and scabeling that Americans have come to expect around this time of an election year.

Education: May it not be divisive!

Growing up the son of two educators (Mom - high school English Dad- high school History/Government) I was in school for a large chunk of my day. Until I was the age of sixteen I rode everyday with my parents to/from school. This means that you arrive early and leave later than other students. I feel like growing up I experienced all three educational camps at once: Public, Private/Christian, and Home School. I went to Leeds High School (Public), was taught my classes by followers of Jesus (Mom and Dad = Christians), and when we got home an environment for teaching was always there as my parents specifically knew what my assignments were and how I was doing (for the record: no cheating ever happened). Many times at home my parents counseled and aided my brothers and I on other subjects as well. This was a unique experience for me. However, I wasn't fully aware of the dissension that this issue may have in the local church. Some have made this a right and wrong issue thus hindering relationships and making this issue into something that potential can become very divisive. Parents are led to parent and make decisions based on what is best for their children. Many factors play a part in the decision that many parents make. It saddens me that at times opinions, snide remarks, and judgmental attitudes accompany how we think others should parent. Check out this video from Josh Harris. He points out a very important point that this isn't an educational issue, but a Gospel issue.

Hymn Of The Week: Amazing Love (And Can It Be)

No, this isn't the Billy James Foote version that you sang around the campfire, but a classic written by Charles Wesley in 1739 and music given by Thomas Campbell in 1835. The band Red Letter has this version for you to enjoy

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood!
Died he for me? who caused his pain!
For me? who him to death pursued?

He left his Father's throne above
(so free, so infinite his grace!),
emptied himself of all but love,
and bled for Adam's helpless race.
Refrain

Long my imprisoned sprit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature's night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in him, is mine;
alive in him, my living Head,
and clothed in righteousness divine,

Refrain:
Amazing Love! How can it be
That Thou, my God,
Shouldst die for me.

Church Membership III: Young People Leaving the Church

Growing up in churches that were either North American Baptist (NAB) or Southern Baptist (SBC) the sad reality existed that many of my friends or people in the church that went through the right process......

• Walked the aisle for salvation and made a public declaration of faith
• Were baptized (and received cards and cash for it?)
  
• And were then admitted into church membership by a vote of the congregation.

many of them are not in the church anymore. You've probably heard the statistics from Barna, Josh McDowell or other researchers that the alarming trend of young people leaving the church is at an all time high. I am currently reading Voddie Baucham Jr.'s book entitled Family Driven Faith (Crossway, 2007). Baucham makes some profound, challenging, but true statements. "How can anyone remain faithful to a belief system that is relegated to the outskirts of their lives." Wow! As I read that statement I couldn't help but think of all the competing, time-consuming wastes of time that we pursue. iPod, XBox 360, the internet, the latest movies, fashion, sports, television, stupid magazines on the rack at the grocery store, cars, books on self-help, etc. Baucham goes on to say that, "The problem is that most of them (kids leaving Christianity as they leave home), by their own admission, are not Christian! Hence leaving makes complete sense. What if Christian parents are going through life convinced that their children are regenerate when in fact they are not?" Baucham points out that with this statement he has opened a much needed can of worms.

They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that is would be shown that they all are not of us. (1 John 2:19)

I believe the responsibility of parents isn't to make sure their kids go through the standard procedural process in the church (whatever it may be in whatever denomination), but that much prayer be done in the area of "Jesus - do a mighty work and give our children a new heart - because the heart they have is DEAD until you make it alive" as Regeneration is an act of God by which He imparts and gives new spiritual life to us. We need to make sure that a regenerate heart exists before we call people Christians. That statistics may make a little more sense if we would have a better understanding of what regeneration authentically is.

A Humble Quote

An author who just finished his first book and recently commented on his book and called it, "an accumulation of everything I've learned from the Scriptures and from other Godly men on this subject". That is humility friends. Where are opportunities for you to be humble as you have the opportunities to point to Jesus through showing humility?

Olympics

Check out this post from Mark Altrogge about the Olympics and being a follower of Jesus in China.

Vikings Punter: Chris Kluwe

Apparently being an NFL punter means that you do close to nothing and perfect your Guitar Hero skills.

Hymn Of The Week: How Deep The Father's Love

One of the most powerful, theological rich songs that I know of. Written in 1995 by Stuart Townend. Check out this version by Mars Hill Seattle band E-Pop.

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory


Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished


I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr's, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Ark Monk: NFL Hall of Famer

C.J. Mahaney has posted quotes by Art Monk's induction speech from Sunday night. Monk obviously glorifies the Lord, shows humility and shows how God can be glorified in a ceremony that is most notably about human achievement. Check out the post!

Prayer

How to pray? Before Jesus tells us how to pray - he tells us in His Word how not to pray. The last place you should look for how to pray is religious people.

What does it mean in the Lord's prayer when we say "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven"? A couple of nuggets to pay attention to in the following video

• Pagan Prayer = Making God do something
• Those who pray Biblically = Change
• Do we really ever pray like this = your will be done

When we really pray that God's will would be done we take the focus of us and put our focus and trust in the Sovereign Almighty God. When it comes down to it, I believe we like control - and the tendency I believe is to think we can control God - and one of the ways we try to do that is through prayer. When we pray for God's will to be done vs. telling God what to do - we can be released from worry, anxiety, and doubt as God will carry out his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Church Membership II: Spiritually Alive Members

Recently our church passed a motion to buy a security system for the church with cameras and monitors. In the last week a security camera caught a burglar down the road at a local Stop n Go that led to their arrest. Security has become something that we all see and use everyday. We create and purchase all sorts of devices to protect the entrance to our homes and cars. If you are like me you have created at least one or perhaps multiple electronic passwords for your bank and computer accounts. Airport terminals are crawling with an enhanced level of security that flat out annoys most Americans (that is until something happens and then we all complain and ask questions about where is the security on that?). Even in something as simple as my high school FFA (Future Farmers of America - didn't really end up there - but I can weld a belt buckle) access was restricted (until going through a process) so that the reputation of the organization was not compromised by unqualified members.
Yet with all the time, money, and concern that we show for security in almost every other aspect of our lives, it surprises me how careless many Christians and leaders in the church have become about the spiritual security of the local church. Mark Dever says it this way, "The health of any local church hangs in large part to whether its members are SPIRITUALLY ALIVE" (The Deliberate Church, Crossway 2005). Conversely a church with dead members will have diseases spreading of the decomposing souls that make up that fellowship.

I believe it is a good thing for church leaders to examine and make sure those that are coming into membership are SPIRITUALLY ALIVE. Dever in The Deliberate Church goes on to make sure these signs accompany new members which leads to a healthy church

• The password of the Gospel is required - members have repented of sin and turned to Jesus who has made them alive.
  
• The key of sound doctrine given priority - members understand church doctrine
• Verifying signs that point to the pursuit of holiness and loving others more than themselves
  

Nightmare

A nightmare unfolded last night as I was in bed watching the Twins relievers pitch 2/3rds of an inning of baseball and allow 6 ER. The starring roles in this nightmare belonged to Brain Bass in the lead role with Craig Breslow and Matt Guerrier providing a supporting role. Glen Perkins was the producer. After a day after praising the Twins for their surge to the top of the AL Central - their pitchers give up 10 runs in one inning to go from leading 6-1 (well on their way to going up 1 game on the hated south siders) to losing 11-6 to the AL's worst team. Amidst watching the worst inning of baseball all year for the Twins "this too shall pass" and they will bounce back tonight w/Scott Baker on the hill.

Packer Circus and Central Division Leaders

It has been a while since I had a sports post so here are my reflections from the last few days.
Packer Circus
Listening to Chris Mortenson, Ed Werder, and Wendi Nix on ESPN the last couple of days has gotten pretty annoying. The Brett Favre circus has continued and as I previously noted I want Brett to just go away. I am pleased that the Packers do have distractions. The Vikings for once don't have players getting in trouble or making big headlines during training camp. The Vikes optimism has been created due to signing and retaining players that aren't considering retirement and comebacks, but are entering the primes of their respective careers (Kevin Williams, Jared Allen, Chad Greenway, E.J. Henderson, Bernard Berrian, Steve Hutchingson, AP, etc.). We do have some vets on the downward slope of their careers (Pat Williams, Darren Sharper, Matt Birk, Ryan Longwell). The recent report that the Packers talked to the Vikes about Favre all flows from the assessment that Tavaris Jackson can't lead this team to a Super Bowl Title. I mean what Ben Roethlisberger did for the Steelers a few years back was a rarity in the NFL. Young 2nd and 3rd year quarterbacks just don't lead teams to Super Bowl wins, except in the Steelers case. Do the Vikes have a better shot to win a Super Bowl this year with Favre as our quarterback? The answer is a most definite YES! I would take my chances with T Jack as he will save the Vikes a lot more money, and will prevent this type of circus from coming to Mankato, MN next year during training camp. Oh and I am sure that Aaron Rodgers really has a fair chance in the new quarterback competition that will be had now in Green Bay. Good luck Aaron - you don't really stand a chance. What happened to those Packer front office people that said we are 100% committed to Aaron Rodgers?

AL Central Division Leaders
With yesterdays victory the Twins took a 1/2 game lead on the hated south siders from Chicago. Back in mid-May the Twins was the last time the Twins were in 1st place in the AL Central Division. I remember watching Baseball Tonight and hearing the analysis that the Twins will fad, their young pitchers can't keep this up, and their +.300 avg. with runners in scoring position won't last long. Here we are in the dog days of summer and the Twins are a serious threat to win the division and make the playoffs w/out Torii Hunter or Johan Santana. Here are my keys to understanding why the Twins are where they are.

• Clubhouse Leadership: Say what you want, but Ron Gardenhire and Rick Anderson (pitching coach) do about the best job in baseball with what they have to work with. They teach, demand the game to be played hard, and develop players from within. I do wish that Gardy would use Nathan more as my friend Aaron Gleeman has pointed out.
• On Field Leadership: Everything flows from Mauer and Morneau - It can be pretty much guaranteed that if one of these two All-Stars wouldn't have remained healthy all season the Twins wouldn't be where they are at right now.
• Patience - the Twins were forced to be patient with young players. Although it looks like Denard Span could've been more valuable all season rather than Carlos Gomez (who did hit for the cycle earlier this year) - the Twins have done a nice job of allowing young talent to grow and mature.
• Finally dumping Craig Monroe and Livan Hernandez - this gives us more optimism than ever as we were highly overpaying washed up veterans to do a job that Francisco Liriano and Randy Ruiz can do way better and for a lot less $$.

It may only be for a couple of days or for the rest of the season, but what the Twins do year after year is commendable amongst the giant spendors and giant media market teams that they compete with year in and year out.