24 And The 99

I love the television show "24" on Fox. Jack Bauer is really a messiah-like character that saves the day, comes back from the dead, and can't die. Unmessiah-like though is his ability to interrogate people, kill them, or stab them in the knee cap with a pen. That's good TV!

Anyway, we were watching it last night and something was said that got my attention. Like every season, someone is trying to attack the US Government and Jack has to protect her. This season, outside military companies in the US want to prove to the government that they need them and decide to attack the US on her own soil. An attack is made and many innocent Americans loose their lives. In the latest episode, Jack confronts the "mastermind" behind the attack. The conversation went like this:

Hodges (the bad guy): "I tried to tell the politicians how vulnerable we are, but they wouldn't listen so we decided to show them."
Jack: "By attacking your own country with a biological weapon, by killing innocent people."
Hodges (the bad guy): "Yes, a few innocent lives would be lost, but only to save the greater number. Having the courage to make those hard choices gives us a lot in common Mr. Bauer."

The interesting part is that innocent lives will be lost, but all for a "greater number." Though this character Hodges is a terrorist on the show, his ideas are somewhat normal to our country today. In fact, this is just utilitarianism repackaged.

Wikipedia defines utilitarianism as, "the idea that the moral worth of an action is determined solely by its contribution to overall utility: that is, its contribution to happiness or pleasure as summed among all people. It is thus a form of consequentialism, meaning that the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome: put simply, the ends justify the means. Utility, the good to be maximized, has been defined by various thinkers as happiness or pleasure (versus suffering or pain), although preference utilitarians like Peter Singer define it as the satisfaction of preferences. It may be described as a life stance, with happiness or pleasure being of ultimate importance.Utilitarianism is described by the phrase "the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Therefore, it is also known as 'the greatest happiness principle.'"

Isn't this where our nation is heading? Do we not, as a nation, embrace the idea of murdering innocent children before they are born, to ensure the later happiness of the mother? Are celebrities in our country not shown justice in legal matters because it would be a greater good to have them on the Big Screen rather than in jail? Do we not live in a culture of comfort - do whatever makes or keeps you comfortable? Do our politicians not think of themselves and what they want and seek what makes them happy, even if some of their constituents pay the price? Are we becoming a utilitarian country? I believe we could be on that track. It's up to us as believers to help stop it. Stand up for what's right. Stand up for truth. Don't let these secular morals sink into your thinking. Utilitarianism is definitely not compatible with Scripture.

Jesus explained how He works - the complete opposite of utilitarianism.

¹⁰"See that you don't look down on one of these little ones, because I tell you that in heaven their angels continually view the face of My Father in heaven. [ ¹¹For the Son of Man has come to save the lost.] ¹²What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep, and one of them goes astray, won't he leave the 99 on the hillside and go and search for the stray? ¹³And if he finds it, I assure you: He rejoices over that sheep more than over the 99 that did not go astray. ¹⁴In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones perish. - Matthew 18:10-14

The greater good would be to leave the one who went astray, would it not? But that's not what Jesus did. He cares for each one of us equal. He never seeks His own happiness. Being sinless, Jesus is without selfishness and pride. It is in His character to look after the needs of others.

Who can you serve this week? Is there something you can do to help someone else? Let's stop thinking about what makes us happy in life and in the church. Let's seek after God and become more like Him. He served people. He wasn't concerned about His own happiness. He was concerned about doing God's will and loving and serving all people. Let's adopt this attitude and see what can really happen! Any thoughts?

Don't Skip Over The "Difficult" Scripture Passages!

Here is the PowerPoint from Sunday night. I really enjoy talking about the "tough" parts of the Bible! It challenges me. I hope you all enjoy it as well. What did you think? Any other thoughts/comments about this passage? Focus on His sovereignty this week and seeking His will and wisdom. He will give it if we ask! See ya'll Wednesday.

Also, here is a link to Studylight which I mentioned during the teaching: http://www.studylight.org

A Cure For Boredom

Here is something to help with boredom. Enjoy. Trust me, there will be more videos posted. We may have to make it a regular posting...hmmm. Have a great weekend you guys and see you Sunday!!

Don't worry, he's okay. He was sick. My favorite line is, "...Gone."


One of my most favorite Christian comedians Tim Hawkins performing his original hit song "Cletus Take The Reel." Enjoy.



Roy, I think that you and the praise team should try out moves like this on Sunday:


Anyone want Taco Bell? Order this way:


Talk about expectations and judgmental people! Check out this video on YouTube of Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent - over 40 million views now! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY


Of course, MY ALL TIME FAVORITE music video! You will have this song in your head for days!

McChange

In my constant pursuit of keeping my child entertained, one thing I always look for when stopping for lunch somewhere is a playground. If there is any place I KNOW I can go, it would be the golden arches...at least until recently.

McDonald's has seem to go through an overhaul. I have personally seen two free standing Mickey D's completely demolished and then rebuilt within months. One thing that is missing from many of the new McDonald's...a playground!

Now, why would they do that? Don't you remember spinning around in the Hamburgler until you got nauseous? Don't you remember sitting next to the scary plastic Ronald McDonald on the bench or crossing the suspension bridge on the playground while not quite sure if it would hold you up? I celebrated many a birthday in that wonderful place....

But those are just memories of the past. Obviously, I will one day tell Jonathan and Maddie, "I remember when gas was $.75 a gallon, there were no such thing as the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana, and McDonald's had a playground!" They'll probably think I am so old.

I have to ask, why would McDonald's do this? Why would they take away my precious playground? Why substitute it for video games at the tables and a McCafe? I believe they are trying to keep fleeting customers. They are having to make changes to reach the crowds that are glossing over the fun of a playground for the comfort and coziness of a Starbucks. In order to do this, change would be inevitable.

Sometimes change is good, and sometimes it is bad. I am mad about some McDonald's no longer having a playground. But, that is the decision they had to make to reach a broader audience. If they kept doing things the same, they would loose customers. Change hurts sometimes, but sometimes it is needed.

God wants to change us - constantly - to be more like Him. Sometimes that will hurt, sometimes it will be hard, but in the end it will be for the better. I didn't like the changes McDonald's did at first, but now that you can order a latte from a fast food place, I am coming around...

Greater Things Ahead!

What did you think about Sunday? What if...huh? Please don't let the thoughts stop. Post comments below on what you are thinking. Keep thinking, keep praying, keep believing (wait that sounds too much like a Journey song!). In the meantime, will you give this song a listen at the bottom of this post? Let's make it a "theme" song for the next few weeks shall we? I am SOOOO excited about what God is doing and what He is going to do. There truly are greater things in store for us - I believe it and expect it!

God Of This City - Chris Tomlin

New Sermon Series Begins Sunday...What If?

I am very excited about a new sermon series that will begin this Sunday. I really hope that everyone who can will be there. I believe this is a very important set of sermons that God wants us all to hear. We are going to slow down (yes, even more!) and really digest Acts 2:41-47. The new sermon series is called "What If? Dare To Dream..."

What if we act like the Christians God wants us to be? What if the church acts like the church? What if God wants to use us in a big way? What if we listen and respond? What if our church grows? What if I can't stop coming up with more what if's? Find out more in the coming Sunday's. Please be praying...

See you Sunday!

Don't Leave!!

I read this in a book I am reading now called Killing Cockroaches by Tony Morgan, a pastor and CSO of NewSpring Church. He also posted this on his blog. It really provoked my thought because I have seen many friends drop out of church. According to other books I have read recently (Essential Church and Lost and Found) these twenty and thirty somethings do not see the church as essential and relevant. What do you think? Is this true in our community?

"Wired magazine (October 2006) interviewed Dawn Ostroff, the president of entertainment for the new CW television network. Here’s an excerpt from the interview:

Wired: Every channel drools over the 18- to 34-year-olds.

Ostroff: We’re the only broadcast network focusing solely on this demographic. And if you think about it, all the major life events happen to people between the ages of 18 and 34. They graduate high school, go to college, get their first apartment, and buy their first car. We will have the ability to advertise to these viewers when they’re going through all of this.

Here are my observations and thoughts:
There are several other major life events that typically happen during this season of life. As examples, people get married, buy their first homes, have children and raise those children.

Most churches focus their ministry on people that are 20 to 30 years older than this demographic (emphasis added).

This demographic is leaving the church. I recently noted that Agape Press reported that 88

percent of children from evangelical homes are leaving the church shortly after they graduate from high school.

Sometimes I think television is more concerned with reaching this generation than churches are.
I’m guessing it will be almost impossible for existing churches to shift their focus to try to target this generation. If that’s true, we probably need lots of new churches to reach this generation.

So, what do you think? If existing churches tried to focus on reaching this generation, how would our ministries have to change?"

Read more: "The Lost Generation? TonyMorganLive.com" - http://tonymorganlive.com/2006/10/01/the-lost-generation/#ixzz0Cu1PvJPA&A

God Showed Up This Easter!

He is risen - He is risen indeed! The tomb is still empty because it was not possible for Jesus to be held by death!

I just wanted to thank everyone again who was at church yesterday - some of you from 8am to 12pm! I had a great time just being around everyone and believing that God is doing something big here at FBC! I am so blessed and thankful to be at FBC and I thank God all the time to serve along with such a wonderful congregation. I know that God is at work! We counted 174 people in attendance in the 10:45am worship service and many were in Sunday School as well (thanks for all you do teachers!), so praise God for that. Please continue to pray for God's will and His vision and direction for our church. God is so good!

Do you have any stories to share about this Easter?

My Prayer For Easter 2009 At First Baptist Church

I pray that people come to FBC tomorrow expecting to see God move.

I pray that people come looking for a change in their lives.

I pray that people come ready to listen and open their minds and hearts.

I pray that people come to show Christ's love to someone who may not know it.

I pray that people come not out of guilt or duty, but because they truly want to know more about God.

I pray that people will be drawn to FBC tomorrow by the Holy Spirit.

I pray that people will know and respond to the Truth.

I pray that God is magnified in our services tomorrow and everything we do points to Him.

I pray that tomorrow, those who do not have a relationship with Jesus, will begin one.

I pray that there will be no distractions from the enemy.

I pray that God will speak through me and fill me with the Holy Spirit.

I pray for a revival to begin tomorrow in people's lives, families, in our church, and in our community.


What are you praying for?

Easter Sunday!!

Are you ready for Easter?? I am VERY excited about this Sunday and I hope you are to. Here is the title of the sermon on Sunday and an advertisement we put in the paper and will run at the movie theater. Check it out!

Cooked Spaghetti

Something happened to me yesterday morning that has made me think, yes it hurts when I do that. My alarm went off. I was planning to hit the Y for a morning workout. That never happened, but that is neither here nor there. What did happen, was that I raised my arm up to turn off my alarm. Unbeknownst to me, it was totally asleep. It was like trying to push the snooze button with a piece of cooked spaghetti. I was all over the place. Finally, I shut it off and happily went back to sleep...for a while actually. I learned a lesson: it's hard to do stuff when you're numb.

I will admit that sometimes I get busy. Sometimes even real busy. Especially this week. I get tunnel vision where I have to accomplish each task of the day and I am oblivious to everything else. In a sense, I am numb to everything else around me. God has to sometimes gently remind me that I am responsible as a minister and pastor for people. People make up the church. It is a body. I cannot be numb to the needs of the people around me. When I am, I don't accomplish as much for the Kingdom. This week, don't get too numb. Look around at the needs around you - your family, your co-workers, your neighbors. Show them the love of Christ. We can accomplish so much more when we are not numb!

Thought For The Week

I was thinking about something this weekend as I was reading two new books: The Ice Cream Maker by Subhir Chowdhury and Killing Cockroaches by Tony Morgan.

Put yourself in someone else's shoes for a moment. What if you were a visitor to our church for the first time ever. What would you expect? What would you be looking for? Would you know where to drop off the kids? Could you find a Sunday School class? Would you be greeted? Would you know where to park? Would you like to be smiled at and have your hand shook (or shaked, shooken or shooked, whatever)? Would you feel comfortable? Would you know where to sit in church? Would you visit the website before you came for more information? Would you know where the restrooms are?

This list can go on and on. Just thinking about these things. Have you done this recently, have you seen the church through the eyes of a visitor? If so, what do you see (p.s. this is not necessarily a negative answer expected question. There are many, many good things, I am just trying to provoke thought. Is it working?)?

The Winner of Best Burger

Well, the results are in. A winner is announced - The Canadian, but not by much! Thanks for participating. Another vote on the way...

The Canadian - 8
Other/Bucket - 6
My Own - 3
Cattle Exchange - 2
Railhead - 2
Doxie's - 2
Fillin' Station - 0
Alexander's - 0
DQ - 0

My Sincerest Apologies

It seems that I left one of the best places in town off the burger voting list and for that I am deeply sorry. Sorry for one reason, because it is actually my vote so far. The Bucket should be on the list. I know some have voted for it under "other" so please continue to do that. Yes, I was made aware of this mistake and I feel pretty small (well, as small as I can get, so never mind you know what I mean). It would actually get my vote so far, and I enjoyed an amazing cheeseburger about 30 minutes ago. You CANNOT beat that bread anywhere my friends, anywhere. Anyway, again I am sorry and please vote for the Bucket under "other." Thanks and see you tonight!