The Real Audacity of Hope

People should not be afraid of their government. Governments should be afraid of their people." -- V



I've heard a lot of debate among friends across the election spectrum. Some think that this is the "most important election." (Hmm. Where have I heard that line before? Oh I dunno, probably about the previous election and the election before that...) Others seem to think that this is a game changer and still others of us see it as... "Just another election."

The way I see this election has always been how I've seen it: A vote for the lesser of two evils... still is a vote for evil. Trying to make the best of a bad situation is not a choice and does not exist in my mind. In short, if you can't play by the rules... don't. And that's probably the best piece of advice I've been given lately and what has finally and definitively answered my question as to who to vote for. I'm not playing by the world's rules because I don't see that as a choice. As far as I'm concerned, we don't have two parties. We have one. And they all are crooks.

I am not going to necessarily criticize those who want to vote McCain. Neither do I criticize those who want to vote Obama. But I must do as I feel I am led to do.

The simple fact is, these knees do not bow to anyone but the true king. Pastor gave a great sermon on how more time needs to be spent on our knees and less time canvasing. The base gets Sarah Palin and one would think that McCain picked the messiah as his running mate. Dear Lord, have we lost our minds? I do not object on the grounds that she is a woman. I object on the facts that she is NOT what she appears to be. A fine mask. But I'm not fooled.

And I have the same feelings about Barack Obama. I don't think he's the devil. But I don't think he's the messiah, either. Biden I have nothing but unbridled contempt, bordering on loathing and hatred for to the point of snarling everytime his name comes up. Again, have we lost our minds by making these guys our candidates?

I simply can't put any degree of faith, not an ounce in these candidates. The question is, am I prepared to deal with the consequences of such a vote? The answer is... yes. My vote isn't about letting someone take control. My vote is one of, "Putting no confidence in the flesh." That is my vote. I don't see it as Holier than thou. I don't see it as an easy decision. But this is what I'm left with and the only "vote" I can make.

The sermon I heard Saturday was what 99% of the population of Christendom needed to hear. But there's a small minority who just looks at this and goes... I can't in good conscience vote for these guys. What of us?

So there, I guess is the answer. Those of us who aren't voting must pray. And we must bind the enemy. We must go to where he lives and thrives and put him to the sword. That is the battle we draw. Because our hope doesn't come from politicians, nor government, nor presidents, nor rules, nor powers, nor organizations, nor parties. Our hope resides in Jesus Christ and I say that right now, that is perhaps our only hope.

Besides, I prefer a good fight to simply talking a problem to death and not actually do anything about it.

Above all, we must remember that Change doesn't come from the top down... it comes from the bottom up. And if we want to see anything in this world change, then Christians have but one recourse. And that is to get in and play ball, regardless of who the next president is. Whether in day or in night, Jesus Christ must be served and glorified... exclusively and faithfully. The King is still on the throne. He has not resigned, nor abdicated, nor abandoned his subjects. And because of that... we have reason to hope.

The Christian Male's Creed

-- First of all, I am a male. Yes, I know. That comes as a shock to many of you. I am not a female. This means that I do not think like a female. Therefore, I experience emotions differently. I also value certain characteristics differently. Jesus being loving and kind is not (to me) as important as a Jesus who is strong. It's important, but it is my nature to rank things.

-- I do not hate women. I try not to act like a male chauvenist pig. This may also come as a surprise. However, I do have issues with women who are pushed as something that men should aspire to be. I am not a female, therefore, I can't... and more importantly, don't feel like measuring up to a feminine standard. Telling me to get in touch with my feminine side will probably earn you what is usually defined as "The Sarcastic Symphony." Why? I just told you. I'm not female!

-- As a male, I like contact sports. Hockey, UFC, Pro Wrestling, Football and La Crosse, just to name a few. I like participating. I like watching. Therefore, not preaching about a full contact God who tosses temple tables, is loud, proud, blunt and at times sarcastic in addition to a Jesus Christ who nurtures, gives grace, loves and forgives is hereafter referred to as... wussy. Presenting a Jesus Christ who loves the sinner but does not tolerate sin (especially sin in God's church, from the "great" to the "small") may not be popular, but it is the most accurate portrait of Jesus Christ, despite the fact that we have made it into a cliché.

-- I have a shorter attention span. This is because of my bodily make up. And sometimes a lot of caffiene because someone at work thinks it's a good idea for a man to get up a six o clock in the morning.

-- I don't learn by lecture format. If you want to show a man how great of a God we serve, take him outside. Preferrably where cell phones and nagging aren't.

-- I like music. But I'm not going to croon a love song to a guy. So forgive me if I don't sing every chorus.

-- I learn by doing. The more hands on time I get with something, the better I understand it. I suggest taking people outside and doing something with your faith. Jesus Christ didn't drone on endless lectures and useless drivel which serves no purpose but to put its audience to sleep. Neither should we.

-- Faith is about risk, not security. Get used to the fact that men thrive on adventure and the unknown. And the challenge.

-- Faith is not concentrating on the latest building project. Faith is having the intestinal fortitude to go out and act on what God has called you to when everyone else thinks you're either stupid, or thinks that you're crazy... and maybe sometimes a little bit of both. Would that the church understood that faith is having the guts to step out on the water. So please, stop criticizing Peter. I don't see anyone else willing to step out of the boat.

-- Men are required to love their wives. Wives are required to respect their husbands. These things are given, not earned and they are not mutually exclusive.

-- Real men understand their proper place in relation to the King. They don't sit on the throne. Neither do they kiss the King. They bow at his feet, call Him Lord and obey his commands, no matter how crazy or inane or easy or difficult they may sound. We show our God our devotion not by serenading him with song, but by keeping his commands. We understand devotion to our ruler and express it differently. For a man, this means following his King into hell if necessary. Not that duty is what makes us saved. Only by grace are we saved. Our own merit does not add one iota to how much God cares for us, nor contributes one iota to our salvation.

-- Say it with me men: Men are not there just as a meal ticket. Men aren't to be idolized by the size of their paycheck. That makes about as much sense as a male oogling some chick in Playboy and is equally offensive.

-- A man is not defined by whether he is single or married. It doesn't matter whether he has a girl on his arm or a ring on his finger. A man is not defined by his social status. A man is defined by three things: His Salvation, His Honor and His identity. All three should be guarded carefully. In this day an age, there is an attack on the identity of a man. Institutions seek to pervert what a man is and what he should aspire to be. This is why Salvation is the most important. Everything else a man is derives from that. His honor is that which no one can take away and no one can give. And his identity comes from His King. His image is upon us. And it should be guarded carefully.

-- A warning to the group I refer to as Church ladies and potential suitors: I am not whipped, nor housebroken. Trying to put a bit in my mouth is useless. Others have tried before. And failed. I will choose a female who understands her value, how much I value her, but she absolutely cannot and must not take the place of Jesus Christ. I am not a deity to be worshipped and do not desire any such thing. Respect will do. My wife will understand that I value her more than she can imagine not as a possession, but as a fellow traveler, soldier, friend, and lover whom God has entrusted me to lead well... but I will not be disloyal to my King and his wishes. He will be honored above all that this world has to offer. He will be our Banner. He has been faithful despite the times when I was faithless. He has shown kindness to me more than I can count. Therefore, I owe him my reasonable service. All that I am belongs to him. I put you under His watch when I am not physically present. Honor Him. Respect His leadings. He covers everything that I cannot be.

-- In short, being a man is becoming like the Real Jesus Christ, accepting no imitations, not bending knees to a paper or false Christ. Everything we read about Jesus Christ from old testament to New point to a Jesus Christ who is almighty, who is holy, who makes an end of sin, who demands our best every day. He is redeemer, savior, King, Prophet and Priest. He is the Lamb of God and Lion of Judah. That Lion is not declawed, nor tame. He set his image on men. To quote Jada, who quotes C.S. Lewis: "He (Jesus) is not a tame Lion, but he is Good."

More Boundless Blunders...

First off... here we go:
Single Minded Churches

To briefly summarize the article, we have a discussion on whether or not church should be scaling back from being "less" family oriented and more about singles. Less matchmaking, and more ministering to the single where they are.

Candice wonders if this is a good idea, because, after all... it's God's will for you to marry! Never mind the fact that 40% of the corporate world is single. (Although, in fairness, I suppose I'm not looking to the corporate world to make judgments for me!)

But frankly, I think churches should be taking heed of this as A. The world is a different place than it was say... fifty years ago. Maybe even twenty years ago. Because frankly, I don't know of many in my age group that have a 9-5 job. And though I've recently moved into that schedule, it's very much family oriented.

I'm not saying that we shouldn't be focusing on families and children. I'm simply saying that singles ministries shouldn't be matchmaking services, either. If something naturally happens as a result (as it did in a couple of friends' cases) then great.

Of course, I'm pretty sure I'm about to get more questions about "When are you getting married?" The answer? When I'm ready.

Fireproof Movie

Ah, yes... The fireproof movie. Anyone else besides me think that the hype machine is going overboard? If you really want to know how I feel about this movie... I can sum it up in four words: Chick Flick, Not Interested.

There's several reasons why:
1. Kirk Cameron.
2. Deals with some dude making up with his wife.
3. Kirk Cameron.
4. The acting looks terrible from the trailer.
5. Kirk Cameron.
6. Why do I get the feeling we aren't going to deal with real issues? I mean come on... considering the last movie, "Facing the Giants" I'm not expecting much, frankly. I'm a single guy. Not my thing, sorry. And yes, I'm making a subjective judgment for a change. I think I'm allowed to do that, right? (Just as I made a subjective/objective judgment to see Passion of the Christ because I felt that it would be a good movie! And I was not disappointed. In fact, I'd say my expectations were exceeded as the more I study it, the more I feel like it stands up well with still art and is the greatest piece of Jesus Cinema of our generation. It's EXTREMELY well done.)
7. Oh yeah, Kirk Cameron.

My big gripe here is that the film is definitely not what I would consider man friendly. It looks to me from the trailer that this is going to be another "Women are next in line to sainthood, Men need to be more like women!" type of flick. If that's what you want, then... I only have one word here: NEXT!

What disturbs me is Janelle's comment, which for some reason I see almost as delivered with a glare to quell the uprising, while the peasents are supposed to scrape and bow to the superior wisdom. No thanks. Yes, I'm being blunt. And no, I'm not apologizing for it. I'm tired of apologizing for things that are part of my makeup/heritage!

From an objective view point, I simply don't think the acting nor the writing cut the mustard. Simple solutions to complex problems that I'm not sure that works. Then again, I'm just a dumb single guy. ;-)

Thoughts on the movie? Am I completely wrong?

Balanced View of the Institutional Church

Well, I know I haven't had time to write my own posts as of late, but I do feel the need to point out the following post, which I think presents the most balanced view of how we should love the church (because I am an advocate of loving Christ and I think that also does extend horizontally to the church, despite what sometimes I may sound like) and I do highly recommend the read.
http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/how-do-i-love-the-church-or-why-jesus-isn%E2%80%99t-an-enabler

Straight Talk about Pain...

You know, I never understood the Pop Christianity's obsession with happy, happy, joy, joy. Take Joel Osteen's popular messages. Sheesh. We already have one Tony Robbins. And I'm not interested sometimes in hearing about how I need to not be depressed. Jesus Christ was a real man. He wept. He got angry.

As a male, you're not allowed to have moods. It's not manly. And if you have one, you must be a woman! Please.

And let's look at the current worship scene, shall we? All those happy songs. And it's a blooming miracle if someone acknowledges suffering or pain as a distraction, much less anything as a reality. What of those of us who life has dealt a very rough hand? What of those us who are looking at life and going, "How in the name of all that is holy am I going to make it through another day?"

The Apostle Paul despaired of life. David wrote Psalm 22. Jesus wept. Jeremiah wrote Lamentations. Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes. And we try to sometimes yank the meaning out of these things. Or we try to gloss them over. (And I'm probably guilty of that one...) Jesus Christ said, "In this world you will have tribulation." Many take that to mean the Great Tribulation, but I don't think that's what he meant.

My thoughts are rather scattered this evening. And I don't exactly know why I'm writing this. But I've always felt that Churchianity tries to avoid the acknowledgment that Christians do suffer. Maybe we're not persecuted physically here. But sometimes we do have to confront mental and emotional issues. And I don't deny God is there with us going through these things even when we can't see him.

For a believer to admit, "Life just isn't what it should be right now," is to invite uncomfortable silence at best and a statement of "Well if you had enough faith... if you didn't sin, if you'd just " from folks. THis is the realm of nice guys, remember? Nice guys don't get depressed. They smile always! They sing praise at all times!

And the question that I have to ask... how can I smile when someone else close to me is in the battle? How can I smile when everything feels lost? And while I think there is validity to the question of "Rejoice in the Lord always," that does not require us to not acknowledge that things do hurt.

Why does pain exist? Partially because of the fall. Partially because it is God's way of teaching. Partially because of free will.

Feelings are an indicator of how things are going. But to rely solely on them is to put one's self in jeopardy. Christianity has become overly emotional. Worship demands a response, yes, but not always is it required that you have an emotional response.

Sometimes though, worship is about placing full trust in God despite all the pain. Sometimes worship is saying "Not my will, but thine be done." Sometimes it means that we bring the emotions under the authority and kingship of Jesus Christ.

Christianity needs to acknowledge that pain exists. And then, maybe then, we can deal with it openly and not in closed doors. And maybe... just maybe, we can be real with one another. Because I don't have to be afraid of someone who doesn't want to deal with much less acknowledge my pain.

An Analysis of the Dark Knight...

(WARNING! This post contains spoilers about the Dark Knight. If you haven't seen the movie, A. This post won't make sense. B. You may not like major plot point being discussed. You have been warned.)

Seems everyone is making comments about "The Dark Knight" Including my pastor and some other blogs I have links to. Some people feel that it's a show of evil that's almost too much to take. That maybe we shouldn't put evil on screen for people to look at. Or that good is anemic, that it leaves one with a dismal view of the world.

I disagree with these viewpoints. Strongly.

Now, to be fair... I have somewhat of a dismal view of the world as it is. When you're in Tech Support, you get to see the utter depravity of men up close and personal. You see people get angry for the stupidest of reasons. You have people get angry at you because they think you're stupid, that you're being a jerk, and then attempt to excuse it as “I'm emotional.” or “I don't mean to be taking this out on you, but....” Or even better, “I'm not racist, but...” and then spew some of the stupidest yarns I've ever heard. I guess that makes me somewhat cynical, dark, sarcastic and a few other things that tend to be frowned upon.

I'm also not going to try to make the claim that Hollywood has gotten it right all of the time. If you haven't been transformed by the Spirit's power, then at best... you can only see through a darkened glass.

What you see is the end result of Satan's parody of good. And it's not pretty to look at. But I ask that you don't look away. Because that's the problem with Christianity for the last few years. We've been looking away when we need to be looking directly at the evil that has engulfed our world. And then... like Bruce Wayne... we need to do something about it.

Bruce Wayne isn't perfect. Neither are we. But he's doing something that needs to be done. He's doing it because no one else is doing it. The exact reasons why need to be out with armor of God on in full and with the sword of the spirit in hand.

The Joker gives us a glimpse of Evil for Evil's sake. We need to understand that as the soldiers of Christ, we are not welcome in this world. We will never be welcome in this world. So get used to it. Get used to disappointment, sleeplessness, suffering, frustration and sorrow. Jesus Christ is our Savior and he went through these things. Are we better than our Master?

But we also need to understand that if we aren't careful, then evil can taint us. It can bring us down. It can leave us broken, distraught and yes, even utterly destroyed. But if we are on our guard, then the enemy cannot completely destroy us. We are pressed on every side, but not crushed. Persecuted, not abandoned. Struck down, but not destroyed. And we will win this war. The enemy will learn to fear out Battle Hymn.

“A Mighty Fortress is Our God,
A Bulwark Never Failing,
Our Helper he amid the flood
Of Mortal ills, prevailing.”

The final lesson to be learned from The Dark Knight is that Vengeance is not ours. Batman NOT tossing Joker off of the ledge was a wonderful move. We as Christians have had the powers of vengeance removed. Those powers are vested fully in Christ Jesus. And he does not share power. Nor is he weak, nor mild, nor sissified as many of our churches and sermons proclaim. As Jada and I have stated many times, “The Lion of Judah is not tame. But he is Good.” To take the powers of vengeance from their rightful place is to sin by unbelief, (because God will balance the books) by anger (usually a catalyst or accompliss to the act), and by not only removing Jesus Christ from his rightful throne, but by putting another in His place... namely ourselves.

Is it a pleasant film? Probably not for most well adjusted Christians. I'm not sure I can call myself that. Because I flatly refuse to completely insulate myself. I tried that. Didn't work out so well. But then again, neither did strictly trying to be a light in the world without assistance nor detox. Balance is necessary.

Side note: If you want to see a fine example of evil for evil's sake, consider Rob Zombie's version of Halloween. It's a film I've only seen once. And it's a reason (among many) why I believe evil should not be reasoned with, argued with, explained, rationalized, compromised with or otherwise allowed to exist. There is only one response that Christian should have. And that is through the power of Jesus Christ, it must be stopped, driven back and destroyed. A warning: This film is by nature, dark. Black. If you feel the need to see evil, then go in with the armor on.

Let your only sovereign be Jesus Christ.

A Church for Men?

I mentioned last post that I kinda wanted to ditch Luther's mass as the centerpoint. Part of the reason for this is because I feel it's too restrictive. I also mentioned that I think there is room for some of the institutional framework in the church for men. I think that the institutional church can still serve as a point for those who are comfortable with this setting. But the real heart of this is more of a central core of guys that share life together. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

Let's start with a skeleton frame of what I think might be effective for something aking to the institutional meeting we've come to call church:

1. Call to Worship -- Music (One Song only)

2. Opening Video/object lesson this is going to introduce the sermon.

3. Silence -- Arguably the most important part of the service as this is a time for God to speak to us individual. I think that we don't spend nearly enough time doing this and so, I think it's important to set this aside from the beginning... say 10 minutes or so.

4. Corporate Prayer/Prayer needs -- This will be everyone's responsibility as we will have someone lead us in the Lord's prayer, but only as a framework. I don't want a rote recitation of the prayer. I want to encourage people to have these components in a prayer.

5. Sharing of one's gifts. I'm not quite sure how this looks practically, but I think that Paul had some ideas as did James. So we'll be using them as a guide.

6. Short sermon. Preferrably Fifteen to Twenty minutes.

7. Response. This may be again a drama, another object lesson for the congregation, visual aid, Music...

8. A giving of thanks. Perhaps another song?

9. Eucharist. "For as often as you eat of this bread and drink of this cup, you proclaim the death and resurrection of our Lord." I just don't see this as an optional. I've been guilty of passing the table too often at church... and I think that there's much to be said of doing this weekly.

10 Bendiction and closing Hymn. -- I find this to be Jesus' custom at the end of the passover. And I find it interesting that John bothers to make mention of it as none of the other gospels do. So I'm borrowing it.

So there you go. There's the main service. I must say it feels slightly like rearranging deck chairs on the titanic, but it's a darn sight better than most churches do.

You'll note that I've left a couple of things out. 1. Passing the plate. I'm not ruling out putting it in the service completely. But I believe that God will provide. And so I will leave the plate as an altar where people may bring their tithes and offerings. 2. Greeting time. Feels artificial to me. It can be handled before or after service.

Sunday school would be changed. To something simple that goes like this:

1. Goal: Discipleship. Plain and simple.

2. Keeping the age group together, maybe with one or two older Christians.

3. Preferrably Men with Men and Women with Women.

4. The forum is open. You meet prior to the service to share needs. We pray for each other, encourage each other and talk about the week.

5. The group is no larger than 12 people.

6. Leaders will be completely responsible for their group. These will not be made up of anyone on the pastoral staff. I want the congregation to have as much responsibility as possible. This is a community. Act like one. :-)

That's it. Now for something that will take people out into the deep.

1. We set aside every month where there is a fifth Sunday, we announce the date as far ahead as we can.

2. We choose a ministry as a congregation to participate in.

3. As we have received freely, we also give freely. I'm thinking say 10 percent of the offering be given to this ministry.

4. We also as a congregation will participate physically and help the ministry. That's the worship service.

There's a lot I'm leaving out here, but I feel it's a step in the right direction. Finally, Rules for membership to this theoretical church are pretty simple: You affirm your belief in Jesus Christ. You agree to be baptized if you haven't. You agree to follow Jesus above all and keep his commands. And finally, you agree to support this church by any means necessary provided that it is in accordance with the written word. If we step out of line, then you are exempt from this obligation.

I know I'm not addressing the cultural barriers, politics, etc. This is simply a framework. But again, I'd like to hear some thoughts on this. I think this is how you get men aborad as I'm trying to provide: A. A place of refuge B. A place of iron sharpening iron, C. A place of discipleship and D. A place where service begins and you are pushed. I want this to be a situation where the congregation will have more responsibility, and not just a stage. Matter of fact, the chairs will be set in a circle where the stage is.

In short, I want to make this a place where Satan himself hears of us and craps his pants.