Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Shaun Groves @ NewSong
May 5, 2008
If you’re in the neighborhood (Tecumseh, Michigan), why don’t you stop by and see Christian recording artist Shaun Groves as he leads worship at NewSong Community Church on June 8, 2008 @ 10:30am.
“Shaun Groves defies typical expectations and simple labels. He is an insightful songwriter, one who displays such incredible lyrical prowess that his musical peers nominated him for Songwriter of the Year solely on the strength of his 2001 debut.”
Here is a video of Shaun performing his hit Welcome Home.
Here is a video of Shaun talking about the Good News.
You can find out more about Shaun by browsing his blog — www.shlog.com
Or read posts from him and other bloggers that went to Uganda recently with Compassion International — www.compassionbloggers.com
7 Burning Questions - War
April 23, 2008The current issue of Relevant has a feature article with the 7 burning issues of our generation, and they have some of the leading voices in the Church today respond to them. I thought I’d highlight them in seven separate posts. Here is burning question number seven…
War: How should we respond?
The real problem here is the cultural captivity of the Church in America. Most American Christians are Americans first and Christians second. National identity trumps commitment to Jesus time and time again. When American Christians show a moral preference for war as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy, they have not discerned the true meaning of the Gospel. They’re blinded by nationalism, rather than having their eyes fixed on the Prince of Peace. — Jim Wallis
Some of the leaders of America and Britain over the last 10 years have spoken quite openly about getting rid of evil and doing so by means of violence. That seems to me extraordinarily lacking in historical awareness, theological substance and just sheer human wisdom. — N.T. Wright
People are pretty hunkered down in their positions-the vast majority favoring war as an acceptable option, and a small but growing minority either committed to pacifism or growing ore suspicious about war. We need to move to higher ground, and move from binary yes-no questions like, Are you for or against pacifism? to questions that force people to think more deeply. — Brian McLaren
How do we as a Church become communities in our nation that really advocate for peace? I don’t see a lot of churches doing things that make me think, or give ma a lot of hope that the Church could be a force for peace in this country. — Nancy Ortberg
Now, when one gets into the specifics of which war to fight, how to go about obtaining justice, what kind of force should be used and how in particular one should protect the innocent, the way gets muddy. I sometimes fear that Christians (both pacifist Christians and “Kill the enemy for Jesus” Christians) have never taken the time to go through the complexity. — Steve Brown
It’s unmistakable to me, when I look at the cross, what love looks like when it stares you in the face and says, “Forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Now the Sermon on the Mount may not look like the best way to lead the biggest superpower in the world and the biggest military–maybe that should tell us something. — Shane Claiborne
This seems to pose the question of whether or not we should be pacifists as Christians. Sometimes one has to go to war to make peace. Ask the veterans of World War II when they battled against the evil tide of Hitler’s regime. The Bible clearly states there is a time for war and a time for peace. — Cindy Jacobs
We live in a fallen world, which is why Augustine first formulated what is known as the “just war doctrine.” Thomas Aquinas was perhaps the most articulate on this when he included the just war doctrine under the section in Summa Theologica on love. He considered it a supreme act of charity to give one’s life in defense of innocent civilians. I agree with Aquinas. — Chuck Colson
Check out the May/June 2008 issue (#33) for their complete answers.
Other Burning Questions:
1. InJustice
2. Homosexuality
3. Faith
4. Politics
5. Culture
6. Consumerism
7 Burning Questions - Consumerism
April 22, 2008The current issue of Relevant has a feature article with the 7 burning issues of our generation, and they have some of the leading voices in the Church today respond to them. I thought I’d highlight them in seven separate posts. Here is burning question number six…
Consumerism: How do escape the excess of culture?
One of the most powerful things the next generation of emerging Christians can do is be at the heart of a new global movement for ethical buying and fair trade. We can use the power of markets for good, just as they have been used for evil in so many ways—environmentally, socially and politically. — Brian McLaren
How should we then live? With simplicity, compassion and a realization that our hearts are where our treasure is. — Steve Brown
I think the most important question is not what I should give away, because the scriptures say you can sell everything you have and give it to the poor, but if you don’t have love it’s nothing. So the deepest question around simplicity is about love, and redistribution of resources is only meaningful inasmuch as it’s rooted in love. — Shane Claiborne
One of the first steps we have to take is to recognize that the vast majority of the Christian world for the last 2,000 years-and still today-lives in much more poverty and a much simpler lifestyle than we in the modern West can easily imagine. It’s up to the individual churches and individual CHristians to find ways to use the wealth we’ve got, with wisdom-and the best thing to do to avoid making money a god is to give it away. — N.T. Wright
Beyond yourself, figure out how much is enough, and then start thinking of serious ways to give away boatloads of money. Find organizations you care about that are making a difference. How do you release your money back into the world to do good when you have enough clothes in your closet and enough cars in your garage? The freedom that comes from that really teaches us a lot about God. — Nancy Ortberg
God has worked in this generation a desire to make the world a better place for all. This means grappling with issues of eliminating systemic poverty, taking care of the environment and living with each other in a kinder, more gentler way. — Cindy Jacobs
Check out the May/June 2008 issue (#33) for their complete answers.
Other Burning Questions:
1. InJustice
2. Homosexuality
3. Faith
4. Politics
5. Culture
Probe
April 7, 2008People who blithely go through life too busy or indifferent to ask hard questions about why they believe as they do will find themselves defenseless against either the experience of tragedy or the probing questions of a smart skeptic.
—Tim Keller, The Reason for God
(ht: Rob Bell)
Face Time
March 4, 2008I just watched a video of one of my readers and it gave me an idea. There’s just something nice about putting a face and voice to your audience so, if you don’t mind, drop a link in the comments with some video of yourself so I can see who I’m talking to.
Here’s who’s talking to you…
Pretty boring guy, huh?
Related Entries:
» Mud & Steel: Webisode 016
» Mud & Steel: Webisode 013
» Mud & Steel: Webisode 009
» Mud & Steel: Webisode 008
» Mud & Steel: Webisode 007
Do-All Dads
August 23, 2007Here’s a refreshing story on the changing look of the working father. I’d like to see a lot more of this going on! I know this is how I feel.
“Now men want what moms have. In fact, they have come to see being an involved dad as the true mark of having it all — much more than just succeeding financially.”
Top Ramen
January 9, 2007
The man that introduced the world to Ramen noodles passed away over the weekend at the age of 96. in 1958 Momofuku Ando unveiled his “Chicken Ramen” —the first instant noodle— after he witnessed hungry people waiting for food during World War II. Following its success, the company added other products, such as the “Cup Noodle” in 1971.
Millions of college students thank Mr. Ando for his wonderful contribution to the world. I can remember so vividly buying cases of Ramen with my roommate. We would always mix up the case with a variety of flavors. (What’s your favorite flavor? I tend to be an Oriental man).
I’ve made so much Ramen noodle that soup I could make it in my sleep. I know some people like to throw the block in as is, but I like to break up the noodles to very small pieces first (while still in the bag) before adding it to the water. You know you’ve got an old batch if the powder packet is hard as a rock. Tonia and I still make it on occasion today. We throw a couple of egg rolls in the toaster oven and make it a gourmet meal on the cheap. Great for those nights when you don’t want to put much effort into cooking.
Know Your Neighbors?
March 22, 2006
This website is very informative and effective in identifying people that live and work around you who are registered sex offenders. Kind of scary actually. I’ve got two dudes within walking distance of my house.
Check your area here: Family Watchdog
While we’re on the subject, what do you think we should do as Christians if a known sex offender starts attending church? Very tough question.
