When you see the name, “naked,” obviously the first thought is body. Less obvious is Adam and Eve are completely open and exposed to each other and God. “Bare” is another meaning of the root. “Bare-naked” could connect both meanings. That’s what I’ll go with.
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“…and they were both bare-naked….”
My friend Eric is author of Buck-naked Faith. Now, that is some faith…
What do Bill Gates and the resurrection of Jesus have in common?
LISTEN to my Easter message: The Rules Have Changed
my middle fingers are longer than the others?
When Jesus calls Christians to give him their whole lives, he means: Everything. I know this includes what is going on in my mind, as well. In fact, whatever thought is in my conscious mind, is going to have a tremendous influence.
Since God is the one who knows what is in my mind, and I am not a zen master, and cannot avoid thinking, I am always mindful of that fact.
I enjoy reading the blog, Stuff Christians Like. Jonathan Christopher is hilarious and spot on in so many situations. His latest blog has to do with Worship Leaders giving mini-sermons between songs or during an instrumental version.
The Examples Method- connecting to the message and theme of the day.
The Dictionary Method- break down a word from its original bible language meaning.
The Bible Method- Quote scripture that relates to the song.
Matt, worship leader from my tribe at LIFEhouse is all three types listed on SCL. I am fed whenever he speaks. Besides the mini-sermons listed, he will reiterate my message, at times just recasting the vision received from God for the community.
Rob, also on the worship team, gives mini-sermons on occasion, as well. He is a new Christian, and so what he does so well is speak honestly about how God has moved him through music, and gives mini-testimonies of his journey, in particular how a song he has written came about from the Spirit. Rob doesn’t speak often, but when he does, he really feeds us from the Father.
So here are 3 more methods to add to the SCL list.
Testimony Method- Speaking about how God has impacted your life, maybe even the importance of the specific song you are singing in your faith journey. Or if you know the story behind a particular worship song, briefly telling the story. This can also be a song you wrote. I remember worshipping when Matt Redman was the guest worship leader at Church on the Way, and he told the story of his song, “Heart of Worship.” It was amazing.
Theme Method – Expanding on the theme and message of the day. Can be used as an introduction to what is coming, or it is also effective after the message. This gives instant expansion of the key focal point, and it is a great example of how important the listener is when God’s Word is preached.
Vision Method- When the worship leader recasts the vision God has given to the church. The vision, as received by the lead pastor, becomes much more viral when it is recast by other leaders in their own language. This works well connected specifically to the song being sung; not simply an unrelated vision casting.
Being Good Friday, I am thinking about the crucifixion of Jesus and I just read this post from someone I met in the 31 day “better blog” challenge. A powerful way to make the point of Good Friday.
This got me thinking about actual reenactments that have gone on over the centuries. I seemed to remember this is still a custom in some places, like parts of the Philippines, for instance? Sure enough, youTube to the rescue. This video shows actual nails being driven in, so please do not view if squeamish. Then again, if you saw The Passion of The Christ, this is “G.”
I understand the vicarious nature of the reenactments (passion plays are OK, but hold off on real nails, please) but what Jesus means when he says, “Follow me” is (from Dallas Willard), “Do the things Jesus would do if he were you in any given situation.”
“What would Jesus do if he were you at work today?”
“What would Jesus do if he were you and someone just cut you off on the freeway?” (obviously, you aren’t reading this as it happens)
“What would Jesus do if he were you and it is the end of the day and you are exhausted, a bit frustrated at how the day went, and you open the front door and your three year old comes running up and wants to play “Thomas the tank” that very second?
You get the picture…
Genesis 2:24 tells of husbands and wives being of one”flesh,” meaning, “body.” In an American culture that thrives on individualism, what does this word have to say?
Ask God to come into your life and wait. God will show up.
With a special story of tragedy and hope shared by Suhad Haddad.
butterflies
What does it mean to be the salt of the earth?
A message on how the mission-minded around the world are merging…
As we approach the Easter holiday, do you ever wonder, “Why is Christmas celebrated in our secular culture so much more than Easter?” Wonder no more. Here is why…
Frank
7. Snow. It doesn’t snow during Easter. Frosty the Snowman, Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer, Christmas snow globes- all Easter has is rabbits and eggs. ﾠ
6. Rabbits. Rabbits in fiction are kind of wierd. Bugs Bunny doesn’t have any pants on. Don’t get me started about “Frank” from Donnie Darko…
5. Daylight. The actual celebration is in the morning. With Christmas Eve, there are the glowing candles- Silent Night, and all the rest. Also, Christmas parties and drinking go together. With Easter, you have sunrise services (can’t start drinking at 6 a.m.) and other services are done before noon. Nothing good for commerce happens before noon. Except Denny’s Grand Slam Breakfast. ﾠ
4. Clothes. Easter outfits, especially for men. In the past, men and boys would wear a new suit. Now, besides so many people not going to church on Easter, period, if they do go, try to get a boy into a suit. For that matter, try to get his dad in a suit. ﾠ
3. Songs. You can name a couple dozen secular Christmas songs (Think: Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer, for instance). Now, other than Here Comes Peter Cottontail and Easter Parade (you might not even know these as I may be dating myself), name a secular Easter song. Rock on… ﾠ
2. Sex. Try connecting Easter and sex. I saw an ad for a male enhancement product in the LA Times (nice revenue source) using Easter, bunnies, a scantily clad woman, and the product. About as bizarre as you can get. ﾠ
1. Body. Even secular people can appreciate a baby in a manger. Corpses coming back to life? Not so cute. ﾠ
Have a blessed Easter, anyway!
Today is day #1 in the “31 days to build a better blog” exercise I am doing from the problogger site.
Today is about an elevator pitch for my blog.
Short version:
How to be a Christian without being a jerk!
Long version:
When you hear the word, “evangelism” do you want to run and hide? And you’re a Christian! Why would being connected to the greatest cause in the galaxies, sharing the message of hope and freedom that Jesus brings, be so awkward? There can be only one reason. You haven’t been learning how to be a Christian without being a jerk!
how to be a Christian without being a jerk! is based on a few core principles:
If Jesus is who he says he is, why wouldn’t he want to connect with you?
Link this with your friends!!
