Sunday Supplication - Faith to See

O God, open the eyes of our heart. Give us the faith to recognize you and to join you in your redeeming and healing work in our world.

O God, we humbly recognize our need for forgiveness and restoration. In our weakness and selfishness, we often fail each other, fail ourselves, and fail you.  Thank you for the hope and power we have through Christ.  Raise us and transform us by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.

Forgive us our sins, and make us ready and able and quick to forgive others, even as you forgive us.

O God, help us to delight in your will, and to walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Open our eyes to your presence and work in our lives. Give us the faith to see the possibilities and purposes you have for us at our work, in our homes, with our families, and with our neighbors, and in our church.

Through Christ, we pray. Amen.

Saturday Smile - Genius Is

Ever wonder what it takes to be a genius?
Here's a nice little chart from the Pop Chart Lab Blog.

Friday Family - The Blossoms at the Cedar

The Cactus Blossoms will be performing at the Cedar Cultural Center on Sunday night, April 14, 7:30pm.  The boys will be opening for fiddler, singer, songwriter Carrie Rodriguez. Get all the info here.

Thursday Thinking - Reflecting on Resurrection

Easter is more than a Sunday, it's a season of seven Sundays! I've decided to celebrate the Easter Season by posting something thoughtful about resurrection every week until Pentecost Sunday.

Probably one of the most important books on Resurrection I know of, is N. T. Wright's The Resurrection of the Son of God. It's epic in size (740 pages) and is Volume 3 of his magnum opus, Christian Origins and the Question of God. I'll be sharing a lot from him in the weeks to come.

I believe that the resurrection of Jesus is much more than a metaphor. If I didn't believe Jesus had risen from the dead, I would certainly not be the Christian I am. Maybe I would be some sort of "cultural christian" who values my heritage, is interested in religious ideas, and is trying to figure out some way to salvage meaning from my faith and looking to Jesus as some sort of good teacher and example. Maybe, but probably not.

If Christ has not been raised from the dead, then I don't see the point of Christianity (1 Corinthians 15:14). If the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead does not have any power for my mortal body (Romans 8:11), then I don't see how I can ever hope to experience transformation or overcome the things that are killing me and my world. Jesus and Christianity might be interesting, but they wouldn't be a source of hope or life for me. How about you?

Let's get things started with a couple of short videos from N. T. Wright.

Wednesday Words - How Deep the Father's Love

On Easter Sunday, I finished the last sermon in my Never Forsaken teaching series at Valley Christian Church. One of the songs at our Good Friday service was "How Deep the Father's Love," by Stuart Townend.

Throughout my teaching series, I made a direct reference to Psalm 22. I believe Jesus quoted that Psalm as a statement of faith, and I reject the commonly held notion that he was forsaken by God on the cross. Quite the opposite! I believe he endured the cross by his unwavering faith in God's faithfulness and the strength of God's grace (Hebrews 12:1-3).

With Psalm 22 and the "Never Forsaken" theme in mind, I replaced one of the lines in Townend's first verse, and then wrote a few additional verses. The congregation sang this version as we participated in communion and nailed red ribbons to a large cross. The cross was then hoisted above the stage with a black cloth draped around the arms.

HOW DEEP THE FATHER'S LOVE
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
    How great the pain of searing loss,
    The Father’s love in Christ displayed,
    As wounds which mar the chosen One,
    Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin 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

Too often I’ve forsaken Him,
Too many times to measure,
But he has not forsaken me,
His love endures forever. 
    When I to him my sins confess, 
    My just and faithful Savior, 
    Will cleanse me from unrighteousness-- 
    Forgives my sin and failure.
 
My God, my God, I lift my voice,
Believing you will hear me.
Though I have sinned and turned away,
By grace, you still draw near me.
    No heights, no depths, no powers, no sword,
    Could ever separate me
    From love that is in Christ my Lord--
    Redeeming love that saves me.
 
And I will yet declare your praise,
Among the congregation,
Your Saving Grace will be the song
Of every generation--
    You bore the cross and scorned its shame, 
    You fought the fight and won it--
    The Crucified has conquered death,
    “Our faithful God has done it!”

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, 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.

    Coda:
    For those who are in Christ the Lord,
    There is no condemnation--
    Our God is faithful to his Word,
    We’ll never be forsaken.

    Our God is faithful to his Word,
    We’ll never be forsaken.

“How Deep the Father’s Love,” Words [Vv.1, 2, 6] and Music by Stuart Townend, © 1995 Kingsway's Thankyou Music. [Words for Alternate Line v. 1, vv. 3, 4, 5 and Coda by Dave Burkum, © Copyright 2013 by D. Burkum.]

Tuesday Tomes - The Book Clubs Are Coming

Two new book clubs are on the way at Valley Christian Church, one of them in our Christian History track and the other in our Christian Living track. Each book club will meet three times.

I'll be leading the Rise of Christianity book club discussions. My friend, Brad Dewing, will be leading the Becoming a True Spiritual Community book club discussions. The book clubs are back to back on the same evenings, so you can pick one of the books or be an over-achiever and participate in both. Book descriptions, dates, times, and reading schedules are posted below. Let me know if you plan to participate.

A limited number of copies of this book selection will be available at the church office and resource center for $11.00. CLICK HERE to purchase at Amazon.

The Rise of Christianity
by Rodney Stark

Writing from the perspective of social science while drawing upon historical evidence and his insight into contemporary religion's appeal, Stark looks for possible explanations for how the marginal Jesus Movement of the first century became the dominant religious force in the western world within a few centuries.

"Rise of Christianity" Book Club Schedule:
    Session 1: April 30, 8:00pm -          
    Preface through Chapter 3 (p. 72)
 
    Session 2: May 14, 8:00pm - -    
    Chapters 4 through 6  (pp. 73-146)

    Session 3: May 28, 8:00pm -    
    Chapters 7 through 10 (pp. 147-216)

A limited number of copies of this book selection will be available at the church office and resource center for $11.00.  CLICK HERE to purchase at Amazon.

Becoming a True Spiritual Community
by Larry Crabb

In today's frenetic society, people spend their lives essentially disconnected from others, rushing through life content with brief visits and casual conversations. But what if one had a spiritual community of people who walked with and supported each other through life's journey? Larry Crabb explores how God can heal disconnected people and allow them to reconnect with each other and, ultimately, with Him.

"True Spiritual Community" Book Club Schedule:
    Session 1: April 30, 6:30pm -          
    Preface through Chapter 3 (p. 72)
 
    Session 2: May 14, 6:30pm - -    
    Chapters 4 through 6  (pp. 73-146)

    Session 3: May 28, 6:30pm -    
    Chapters 7 through 10 (pp. 147-216)

Monday Music - LEAGUES @ SXSW

My son, Tyler, and nephew, Phil, play with the band, LEAGUES. Paste Magazine, in cooperation with HGTV, has posted a high-def video of LEAGUES performing at SXSW. Check it out.

Between winning new fans at every tour stop and their single “Spotlight” making our own list of the Best Songs of 2013 (So Far), it’s obvious that the band’s big splash at SXSW this year is only the beginning for this trio of musicians, despite each individual’s rich background in the industry

Watch Leagues perform the song “Haunted” at our day parties at Stage on Sixth during SXSW 2013.

LEAGUES will also be the featured guest artist today on World Cafe with David Dye. 

Sunday Supplication - Hope and Reconciliation

Almighty and everlasting God, we give you thanks for the hope and reconciliation you have given us through Christ. Help us to live in the resurrection power of your Spirit. Make our lives a witness to the faith we profess.

We confess our sins and weaknesses, Lord. We repent of the ways we have disobeyed and turned from you. Forgive us and help us to turn away from wrong.  Transform us and give us the faith to press toward life, healing, restoration, holiness, and good deeds.

You are so gracious to us, and we ask you to make us able and quick to be gracious toward others.

Thank you, O God, for sending your son into the world to save the nations. We worship Christ Jesus because he is worthy, for he has redeemed, by his blood, people from every tribe, tongue, kindred, and nation.

It’s in his saving name we pray. Amen

Saturday Smile - Buying Books

Friday Family - Gospel Songs

The Blood-Washed Band from House of Mercy, will be having a CD release concert tonight (April 5, 7:00pm, $10) at the Ritz Theatre in Northeast Minneapolis.

The Blood-Washed Band is led by the humble yet very capable Professor Page Burkum. His father, Pastor David Burkum, will, most regrettably, be unable to attend this blessed event due to previously scheduled ecclesiastical duties. But Pastor Burkum wholeheartedly implores you, dear friend, to do your heart good and avail yourself of this inspirational program. The Professor will lead the gathered in curative gospel sing-a-longs that will aid the doubtful liver, clarify the belligerent heart, and assuage the accusing tongue.

Gospel Songs for the Persistent Sinner Facebook Page

Thursday Thinking - Brooks on Same-Sex Marriage

Earlier this week, David Brooks, op-ed columnist for the New York Times posted a provocative piece on the topic of same-sex marriage. The title of the post was "Freedom Looses One," and it presents a perspective you may not have considered.

While many are framing the same-sex marriage debate as a civil freedom, Brooks suggests that it may be a positive move toward civil restraint.  Is the LGBT campaign for same-sex marriage a positive step toward personal responsibility and the limiting of freedoms? Read Brooks' column and see what you think. Here are a few paragraphs to pique your curiosity...

Recently, the balance between freedom and restraint has been thrown out of whack. People no longer even have a language to explain why freedom should sometimes be limited. The results are as predicted. A decaying social fabric, especially among the less fortunate. Decline in marriage. More children raised in unsteady homes. Higher debt levels as people spend to satisfy their cravings.

But last week saw a setback for the forces of maximum freedom. A representative of millions of gays and lesbians went to the Supreme Court and asked the court to help put limits on their own freedom of choice. They asked for marriage.

Marriage is one of those institutions — along with religion and military service — that restricts freedom. Marriage is about making a commitment that binds you for decades to come. It narrows your options on how you will spend your time, money and attention.

- - - 

The proponents of same-sex marriage used the language of equality and rights in promoting their cause, because that is the language we have floating around. But, if it wins, same-sex marriage will be a victory for the good life, which is about living in a society that induces you to narrow your choices and embrace your obligations. 

Read the Entire Column

Wednesday Words - Warmer Weather

To the Thawing Wind
Come with rain, O loud Southwester!
Bring the singer, bring the nester;
Give the buried flower a dream;
Make the settled snow-bank steam;
Find the brown beneath the white;
But whate'er you do to-night,
Bathe my window, make it flow,
Melt it as the ice will go;
Melt the glass and leave the sticks
Like a hermit's crucifix;
Burst into my narrow stall;
Swing the picture on the wall;
Run the rattling pages o'er;
Scatter poems on the floor;
Turn the poet out of door.

"To the Thawing Wind" by Robert Frost.
The Poetry of Robert Frost: The Collected Poems

Tuesday Tome - Justin Lee's New Book: Torn

Last week, I finished yet another book in my ongoing project to explore and evaluate Christian perspectives on same-sex attraction and practice.

In his new book, Torn: Rescuing the Gospel from the Gays vs. Christians Debate, Justin Lee tells his own story of happily growing up in a conservative Christian family and wholeheartedly embracing their religious beliefs and cultural perspectives. A few people even gave him the nickname, "God Boy." As he grew older he came to the difficult realization that he had absolutely no sexual curiosity or interest toward girls. Rather, to his dismay and surprise, he found himself dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction.

Justin is a good storyteller and does a masterful job of giving his readers a clear sense of his personal journey and the things he has worked through. He has come to the conclusion that it is possible to be gay and, at the same time, a committed Christian--one that has a respect for the authority and inspiration of the Bible. He is not timid about his views, but neither is he dismissive of those who disagree with him. Quite the opposite!

Justin's story is very much worth your time if you are willing give him an honest reading without being dismissive. Even readers with views that differ profoundly from those of the author will find themselves identifying with his struggles and viewing their disagreements with him in a personal and charitable light. Torn is not so much an attempt to convince or convert anyone, but is, rather, more of an effort to be understood and to generate healthy dialogue.  He writes...

Dialogue means we must set aside our own prejudices and language preferences for the sake of communication. It often requires finding ways to work within the other person's value system. If the thing you value the most is your commitment to the Bible, I'm not going to get very far if I ask you to throw that out in order to address my own concerns. In order to work within other people's value systems, though, you have to know what their values are, and that's why it's so important to seek to understand them first and foremost.

We must be willing, too, to seek common ground and shared interests. Perhaps you and the other person have very different views on some things but both share a concern for the emotional health of gay people who feel hurt by the church. If so, that's a starting point. You can find ways to build on that without having to compromise on your most deeply held values.

This kind of gracious dialogue is hard for a lot of people. It feels wishy-washy to them, as if it requires that they stop thinking the other side is wrong. [p. 251]

Gracious dialogue is hard work. It requires effort and patience, and it's tempting to put it off. All of us have busy lives and a lot of other issues to address.

But for anyone who cares about the future of the church, this can't be put off. The next generation is watching how we handle these questions, and they're using that to determine how they should treat people and whether this Christianity business is something they want to be involved in. [p. 252]

Justin Lee is the founder and executive director of The Gay Christian Network (GCN), a nonprofit, interdenominational organization working to increase dialogue between gays and Christians and support people on both sides wrestling with related issues.

A passionate Christian from a conservative evangelical background, Justin thought he knew everything there was to know about the Christian approach to homosexuality-until unexpected events turned his world upside down and forced him to reconsider everything he believed. Today, his organization works with individuals, families, and churches to stop the debate from tearing people apart.

Justin's work has garnered national attention and praise from gays and Christians from across the theological spectrum. He has been featured in numerous print, radio, and television venues including Dr. Phil, Anderson Cooper 360, the Associated Press, and a front page article in The New York Times. He is the director of the 2009 documentary Through My Eyes about the debate's impact on young Christians, and the co-host of popular long-running podcast GCN Radio. Justin lives in Raleigh, NC.

Monday Music - LEAGUES @ SXSW

Billy Reid featured the music of Leagues in a montage of the Billy Reid SXSW Shindig.

Be sure to check out their new album YOU BELONG HERE. And visit the Leagues website for a free download of their hit single, SPOTLIGHT.


SXSW Austin Shindig from Billy Reid on Vimeo.