Is this a good thing?

The Christian Science monitor has an interesting post about churches that have messages pumped in via video without a live person teaching the people. In the article some of the reasons offered for doing this are:

• It is a powerful, fairly inexpensive tool to draw in the under-30 crowd, who are comfortable with technology
• Video technology allows leaders of growing churches in particular to gauge interest in other communities without investing in new structures and hiring more pastors.
• Saves Money - don't have to build brick and mortar, have teaching pastor on staff

Some questions I think need to be asked. What is a "church?" Historically, protestants have identified three marks. Preaching the true biblical gospel, administration of the sacraments of the Lord's Supper and Baptism, and Church government. Does a video venue across town connect to these marks? Should that matter?

I have a bunch of questions that pop up. Should not the teaching pastor, be a local elder in the congregation? If a church has a local elder led polity, do the elders from the hub church "oversee" the video churches that are geographically dispersed? If so, is this not moving towards a bishop/parish model where people in one location make decisions for people in a movie theatre across town? If this is sound ecclesiology, then why could you not have video venues of a church in Georgia exist in all 50 states? Is a "message" now a piece of content to be "consumed" rather than a word of instruction, exhortation, encouragment that is to bring conviction, transformation, and joyful obedience to God?

For me, I am still on the fence about such practices and I love technology and I am 33 years old. I think I am fine with venues on site at a church due to overcrowding and growth that God is bringing...but I still have questions about sheep being shepherded across town, taught by someone that neither knows the people or can speak into their lives, or set an example for the people.

Additionally, there are a few interesting comments from the article.

First, Mark Silk, director of the Center for the Study of Religion in Public Life in Hartford, Conn, had this to say:

"This is part of the new ecclesiastical world order where niche marketing ... is the name of the game, and the standard model where everybody gets dressed up and goes down to the ... church for 11 o'clock service is not the model anymore,"

Second, this comment was also of interest to me:

Few, if any, Jewish or Muslim services include remote video feeds, because they require participation in rituals.

What do you think? Are "churches" that do not have their own pastor teaching them a good thing? An effective way to "reach more people with less resources?" Or just more American pragmatism that is marketing "church?" Indifferent?

'Godcasting:' Love that new-time religion | csmonitor.com

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Da Vinci Movie Not so Good?

Well, we know the book is full of distortions, half-truths, and silliness...but now apparently the movie might just be a bit boring.

I am sure it will still draw crowds, but perhaps not as many as some were thinking. I am sure some Da Vinci conspiracy nut jobs will be disappointed if the movie is just plain bad.

Here is a link to some early reviews at Rotten Tomatoes - The Da Vinci Code - Not looking good so far... 

Peru Update III

We finished up the conference last evening with a strong challenge for Peruvians to study to defend their faith in the marketplace of ideas.  The excitement among all the people was contagious. 

Dale Fincher closed out his time with us with a great seminar of the Gnostic Gospels: Phillip, Judas and Thomas.  He did a great job with explaining why each of these was not included in the Bible and read some the material from these works.  It is always helpful to actually read these works as they are quite fragmentary, incoherant, and doctrinally incompatible with both the Old and New Testaments.

My last challenged focused on the Jesus of the Bible as compared to the Jesus represented in the Da Vinci Code fiction. 

Focusing on Jesus’ True Identity I shared a few of the following thoughts

• Son of God – Romans 1:4 - was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord
• Substitute for sin – John 1 – “Behold the Lamb of God – who takes away the Sins of the World”
• Savior -- But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior…
• Sovereign King – He is King and Supreme over all of life, my life, your life.

His Kingdom is greater than all the Kingdoms of Men:

• Greater than great the Mayan, Incan, and Aztec Civilizations
• Greater than the Greek and Roman Empires
• Greater than the height of European Civilizations
• Greater than Communism
• Greater than Nationalism
• Greater than Democracy
• Greater than Capitalism
• Greater than Peru
• Greater than America

His Kingdom is one that unites people from every nation, from every place, into one new people. A people forgiven by God, called by God for worship, called by God to the Kingdom of Heaven.

His Kingdom is one of justice and a good ruler, a Kingdom of Love, and a Kingdom where the great enemies of death, disease, and destruction are forever vanquished. 

Today we went and met with some young adult pastors from Lima who are leading the Christian Missionary Alliance in the country.  These are all the men whom we partnered with for the conference on Saturday night.  Originally I thought there were 500-600 people at the outreach, but today that was only in the packed main meeting room.  Apparently 1200 people were at the event with ever classroom at the facility packed full and watching on closed circuit television.  Amazing.

Tonight there is another outreach in another town called Los Olivos, I pray that God may open the eyes of many through this event.

Tomorrow is the University Open Forum where I will present and then handle any question.  It should be a great time with some very tough questions - I can't wait.

Please pray for us...Out for now... 

Peru Update II

In the last few days in Peru we have been teaching a major Apologetics Conference in Comas.  The nights have been fun but filled with content.  Each evening has a plenary address associated with the Da Vinci Code and the Historical Jesus.  Then we have done practical seminars to assist the Peruvians in using Apologetics in their efforst to share the gospel with their friends.

Here is our line-up:

• Plenary 1 - Decoding the Da Vinci Code - What is the Truth about the New Testament Gospels
• Seminar 1 - Sharing Christ with Unbelievers
• Plenary 2 - The Real Jesus
• Seminar 2 - Scientology a Newly Created Religion...Identifying Cults
• Plenary 3 -Jesus is 10 Times Better than the Da Vinci Code (The young adult ministry at the church in Peru is called "10 Times Better")
  
• Seminar 3 - Understanding the Gnostic Gospels

Last night I spoke with a man who had been visited recently by Mormon missionaries. He had begun attending the Mormon Church here in Lima, Peru and he was enjoying the teaching.  Unfortunately, they have been teaching him very simple things witholding most of the Mormon teaching.  He was very surprised by what the Mormon church actually teaches and is not reconsidering joining this religion.  I am reminded how many groups do not tell people the strange aspects of their beliefs until someone is very deep in the group.  This is unfortunate, but I am thankful I was able to share with this guy last night - pray that he will examine things thoroughly before making an uninformed decision. 

We wrap up the conference...

Additionally, we went on television today for a lengthy interview about the issues which arise from the Da Vinci Code.  After  racing through the streets of Lima Peru in what seemed to be a psycho cab driver's car, it was great to arrive at the TV station alive.  You would not believe how the cars drive down here.  I felt like we were going "3-wide" in a two lane road way too often.  The TV interviewit was a great opportunity; it went very well with the network being very pleased with the outcome.

I need to get ready for our upcoming meetings this evening.  Thanks for praying for us. 

On the Resurrection

Mark Driscoll comments on the centrality of the resurrection of Jesus in a dialogue about NT Wright's recent comments concerning his friend Marcus Borg.

Very insightful and timely post

N. T. Wright Denies Primacy of Jesus’ Resurrection? | TheResurgence

This is Funny!

This is for geeks - but I thought this was very funny

Airline Pilot Central - FedEx arrivals during Thunderstorms

(HT - Challies.com)

ESV News

Another interesting ESV Bible coming out this fall.

Here is the Link ESV God’s Story Editions Coming Summer and Fall 2006

Peru Update

A team of 16 young people from Inversion has traveled down to Comas, Peru to serve along side a local church in its outreach efforts.  Yesterday we made the jaunts through airports and across latitudinal lines south to our friends home.

After very little sleep, we began our day in worship and prayer with our Peruvian sisters and brothers.  An incredible time together.

Tonight we traveled into Lima for an outreach to young professionals.  Around 1200 came out to hear a lecture I gave entitled "Decoding Da Vinci" - I was able to focus on the trustworthy nature of our New Testament and the divinity of Jesus.  It was blessing to be able to share the gospel and a testimony of the transforming power of God.  After the talk we took questions from the audience for close to an hour.  I was amazed at the desire to know truth and to wrestle with questions about the historical Jesus.  More than anything we all sensed the risen one at work among the people who attended.  For this we offer many thanks.

Tomorrow I preach four services in the morning (a fun Mother's Day message) and then we kick off our Apologetics Conference in the evening.  Dale Fincher of Soulation joins me in the labor tomorrow.  I will speak 11 times in 7 days including two open forums on University Campuses on Thursday May 18.  Kasey, thanks for letting me share the gospel with these students on our anniversary.  Can't wait to celebrate with you upon my return.

Much love to all who are praying for our team

What Should Mom by Paid?

There is a great article on Salary.com about the calling of being a "Stay at Home Mom." In our society Mom's can be berated by those who think it is a disgrace to be home with the kids rather than building the career and making the big bucks. I was really encouraged by the positive tone of the article as well as the interviews with real live stay at home Moms.

Many such as USA Today are making a big deal about the articles salary calculation for Moms - and I would only say they pay calculated is far too low. But as many know, you cannot measure the value of a Mother's example, love, instruction and yes discipline of children.

More than anything both articles indicate that intelligent, professional, trained, and highly competent women are turning to their children rather than trying to be Mom and CEO at the same time. More power to the one trying to do it all. But I am encouraged by our generation's desire for family and home rather than simply "me and money." As a man married to a brilliant, educated, talented woman - who is leading our children at home, I cannot say how I marvel at my wife...So I will go ahead and say it: Kasey, I love you, you are awesome! I can't wait to see all that God will do in and through your life...As a mom, in different jobs, service and callings.

Here is the link to the Salary.com pieceSalary.com™ Careers & Jobs by Location and Category

Interesting Article on Dinosaur Fossils

I found this article on preserved Dinosaur soft tissue to be very interestling. I have always been intrigued by the dinosaurs and this research holds great promise for us learning even more.

LInk - Dinosaur Shocker

(HT - Uncommon Descent)

Not Mr. Brown's Fault

Whether you are a left-wing Christian or a right-wing Christian, I found an article on Fox News' web site to be an insightful encouragement with the issues surrounding the Da Vinci Code book/movie.  I know if you read Jim Wallis, going over to Fox News will be difficult for you, but it is worth your time.  The article is written by Father Jonathan Morris, a young, fit for TV looking priest.  Really, they didn't pick a fat balding guy for the faith interviews dude.

There are a couple of quotes I find wonderful rebukes and invitations to Christian people: 

Dan Brown is capable of passing fiction for fact because Christians don’t know their faith — what and why they believe. That’s not Mr. Brown’s fault.

I could not agree more.  It is sad that many churches intentionally dumb down their teaching, leave out huge chunks of the Christian story, and teach little to no church history at all.  When the followers of Jesus, in whom are the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, distill down the faith in to palatable "how tos" we all lose.  And any sort of teaching tosses us to and fro on the waves of the zeitgeist, the spirit of our age. 

One last quote from the article: 

For Christianity, I predict the net result will be a positive one, despite all the bad intentions of its author. In the hype, Christians will ask themselves what and why we believe. And for this we must not forget to say, “Thank you, Mr. Brown."

I have had more e-mails, questions, phone calls in the last two weeks than the last two years combined.  These are coming from interested, questioning, learning Christians who are asking very basic questions about Christian truth and teaching.  A very good thing indeed.  Yes, many thanks to Mr. Brown.

And I do pray that believers share the real Jesus with real people in our world today as a result of all the Da Vinci Buzz.  I am a bit "Da Vinici Weary" but I am not weary of discussing the New Testament, its four gospels, the person of Jesus, his claims to deity, the reality that his is the unique Savior of all people who place their faith (understanding, assent, trust) in Him.  That song I want to sing long after Da Vinci is a tired rental at the local Blockbuster store.

Here is the Link - 'The Da Vinci Code' A Positive for Christianity

Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World

More information is now up concerning the 2006 Desiring God National Conference.

A new full length promotional trailer is online here.

HT - Theologica

Mary of Magdala

This morning at Fellowship Bible Church in Murfreesboro, TN I had the privilege of speakng about the biblical Mary Magdalene.  With so much confusion, speculation, and outright nonsense being taught today about Mary of Magdala, I was encouraged by the opportunity to share about this great woman of faith.  It has been a rich study looking at one of Jesus' disciples, the first evangelist who brought the good news of the resurrection to the rest of the disciples.  I pray the message might be an encouragement to you as you serve the Jesus who loved, forgave, established and called Mary to himself.  Not to be his wife...but to be her Lord and God.

The MP3 is available for download here. 

Great Little Church History Link

A friend recently referenced this great little site with some fun links to bios from people throughout the history of the Christian movement. Spend some time getting lost in these lives...and see and savor the God they knew and loved.

Link - 131 Christians Everyone Should Know - Christian History

The Missing Gospels

Darrel Bock, research professor of New Testament at Dallas Theological Seminary has a new book coming in August which focuses on early heretical Christian documents being touted today by the media and new school in New Testament scholarship.

Having read some of the work by Bart Ehrman (Lost Christianities) and Elane Pagels (Beyond Belief - The Secret Gospel of Thomas) an evangelical voice in this discussion is a welcomed and needed addition.  For those who are interested the work of these two scholars is reviewed - here and here respectively

The book is titled The Missing Gospels - Unearthing the Truth Behind Alternative Christianities and is forthcoming in August from Nelson publishers.  It is available for pre-order now from many places including Amazon.

In every age there are those who want to redefined "Christianity" to be all manner of paths.  19th century liberal theologians wanted to demythologize Jesus and the gospels.  Now a 21st century school of thought desires to present to us a large buffet of Christianitie"s" based on a smorgasbord of "lost" and "secret" gospels.   If one can call oneself a Christian and worship your inner self as divine, choose your own morality, without any sort of holy and just God to whom we must give an account.   Many will jump at this - and use a scholarly argument to do so.  

Those who believe the Gnostic versions of Christianity in my opinion are sincere people who are following a path.  It is however not the path as seen in the earliest of Christian sources - the New Testament.  Therefore no matter what is said and marshaled in defense of "other Christianities" we should know that these are not Christian views at all.  They are aberrant, discarded heresies that our sisters and brothers left behind in the archaeological dust long ago.

Grab a copy of The Missing Gospels when you can.  Just pre-ordered mine...

Logos 3.0

Logos Bible Software just went to version 3.0.  I have been using Logos since the early-mid 90s and this product keeps getting better and better.  In my mind this is such an aid to study that it is worth every dollar of the investment. 

All the 411 on new features etc. is availabe here: http://www.logos.com/logos3 For all the ESV fans out there, the new Word Study tool is linked to the new ESV-Greek/Hebrew interlinear.

Very sweet.  Mac users, let not your hearts be troubled, there is a version in the works

The Essence of the Code

We just completed a two part series on issues related to the Da Vinic code at our church.  There are two messages and a rather lengthy Question and Answer session.

The Essence of the Code - Who do the people say that I am? Jesus asked his followers this question long ago and it remains ever relevant in our day. In this two part series we look at the cultural moment surrounding the best selling novel and major motion picture The Da Vinci Code. In a time when our culture is asking questions about “Jesus,” God’s people have a great opportunity to enter a dialogue with others around some important questions. What is the truth about the origin of the Bible and the identity of Jesus? Who do you say that he is? Join us as we seek the truth about the greatest man who ever lived.

• The Essence of the Code Part 1 - Audio (MP3) - Video (WMV) - Message Notes (PDF)
  
• The Essence of the Code Part 2 - Audio (MP3) - Video (WMV) - Message Notes (PDF)
• The Essence of the Code...Our Questions - Video (WMV)
  

I pray these might encourage you to extend the gospel of Christ in your world...

Scottish Theologians...

Fun little theological quiz I ran into from my friend Sandy Young

You scored as James Orr. You are James Orr. You are not afraid of Scholarship, but you know that scholarship is not necessarily objective. James Orr 80% Thomas Boston 75% James Denney 60% John Knox 55% Thomas Chalmers 50% Which Scottish Theologian are you? created with QuizFarm.com

I knew a bit about Knox and Chalmers, but the rest I know little about...anyway, it is fun to answer questions about what you believe.

A Worldview from a Monkey

This is a great example of a worldview. A self-referentially incoherent worldview; indeed, nihilism has always cannabilized itself. It cannot be sustained. At least this attempt is a bit funny...or is it?

Check this out - Dance, Monkeys, Dance - then come back...

One interesting feature of this filmstrip is that is plays the rather played out song and dance that "religion" is the source of all wars, then it displays an image of a 20th century war that was related more to atheistic economic theory than religion.  Go figure.  

Additionally, he goes on to say "the monkies have so much potential if they would only apply themselves" - what does that mean?  Potential for what?  For if the worldview of this filmstrip is true...then one monkey way is as good as another - in fact, there is no good, there are just monkies, and we have nothing left to say.  Yet the author seems to have a lot to say...I wonder why that monkey feels compelled to speak?

Screwtape is at work again...

I found this to be an enjoying read. This was my first exposure to this author - a very pleasant surprise.

Link: Eric Metaxas: Essay - Screwtape On The DaVinci Code