Monday, June 30, 2008
Moving and baptism
Ok so I haven't blogged for a minute and I am trying to keep a steady consistent pace with it so I can keep people updated on this next season of life while me and yvette are at Fuller. Well we have been moving and it was the best move ever!!! It all got taken down to Pasadena in one day without a U-Haul or professional movers.
So we r in Fuller housing! I am starting a new job in the Fuller Library! I am memorizing the greek alphabet to pass the time (I know a bit nerdy and out there but it will pay off in the long run)!
So now we are still waiting on baby Kaydon to be born; transitioning from my role at Vineyard Xtreme, and waiting for classes to start. I say we are in a good position for the summer.
Oh yeah and while we were moving we stopped to attend the baptism of japanese members of our church. It was awesome but more on that later....
So we r in Fuller housing! I am starting a new job in the Fuller Library! I am memorizing the greek alphabet to pass the time (I know a bit nerdy and out there but it will pay off in the long run)!
So now we are still waiting on baby Kaydon to be born; transitioning from my role at Vineyard Xtreme, and waiting for classes to start. I say we are in a good position for the summer.
Oh yeah and while we were moving we stopped to attend the baptism of japanese members of our church. It was awesome but more on that later....
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Future of Hip Hop
So if you haven't heard of Wale you need to...I haven't been excited about hip hop for a while. Most of it sounds the same..it's the same old topics. Killing, stealing, stripping, jewelry. I think we have been blessed with some great albums in recent years from Nas, Kanye, Common, Jay Z, The Roots but these guys have been outstanding among garbage. Now with Wale we have great rhymes and a new sound. He fuses hip hop with go-go music. If you don't know what that is it doesn't matter I gurantee you will like it. Anyway download his mixtape for free The MixTape about Nothing
This one is inspired by Seinfeld and Julia Louis Dreyfuss is on it. Enjoy!!!
This one is inspired by Seinfeld and Julia Louis Dreyfuss is on it. Enjoy!!!
The good side of Eckhart Tolle
Ok so just in case some may think I am a narrow minded fundamentalist basher of other religous views here is my upside to Eckhart Tolle's book. I think the church can take some lessons from his overall approach in presenting his brand of spirituality. Eckhart Tolle's New Earth has become popular and has drawn people in for several reasons and I think he has a beat on the spiritual terrain of our society.
1. Newness vs Old dogma
In the book he presents spirituality as an evolution and this is the next new step in that evolution. We are fascinated by the new, We have thrived off of an economy of new and improved and upgrades and yet we still want to connect with the old and so the book repackages the teachings of different religions into something new that everyone can benefit from.
2. Secret/Esoteric vs. Open Accessibility
He presents this new spirituality as a secret that has emerged in many faith traditions and we just need to tap into it. This spirituality is not as simple as Four spiritual laws or five simple steps. There is a sense of mystery to it and an appeal to those who want to be part of the group that is "in on the secret".
3. Rest vs. Activity
The main point of the book is letting go of the ego and not striving or complaining. This is what America is longing for. We are suffering from overload on all fronts. Whether it is work overload, school overload, information overload or even church overload we are screaming to get off this rollercoaster of activity and so The New Earth is giving the option of at least having peace and rest in an inner sense.
4. Holistic vs. Individualistic
The New Earth is the title and I think it is apropo because it is not just focused on just you as an individual getting better or being at peace. The book proposes that if everyone lived this way we would all be at peace. There would be an alleviation of hunger and war and rampant suffering. So it looks at spirituality holistically as something that affects not only you but the world you live in. It is a far cry from what the modern evangelical church is focused on. Most of what you hear is about pie in the sky, a good marriage, great finances and guess what? It's all for you!!!
So those are my thoughts on it. I wonder how we can incorporate these approaches in evangelism or disicpleship or preaching? Hmmmmmm....
1. Newness vs Old dogma
In the book he presents spirituality as an evolution and this is the next new step in that evolution. We are fascinated by the new, We have thrived off of an economy of new and improved and upgrades and yet we still want to connect with the old and so the book repackages the teachings of different religions into something new that everyone can benefit from.
2. Secret/Esoteric vs. Open Accessibility
He presents this new spirituality as a secret that has emerged in many faith traditions and we just need to tap into it. This spirituality is not as simple as Four spiritual laws or five simple steps. There is a sense of mystery to it and an appeal to those who want to be part of the group that is "in on the secret".
3. Rest vs. Activity
The main point of the book is letting go of the ego and not striving or complaining. This is what America is longing for. We are suffering from overload on all fronts. Whether it is work overload, school overload, information overload or even church overload we are screaming to get off this rollercoaster of activity and so The New Earth is giving the option of at least having peace and rest in an inner sense.
4. Holistic vs. Individualistic
The New Earth is the title and I think it is apropo because it is not just focused on just you as an individual getting better or being at peace. The book proposes that if everyone lived this way we would all be at peace. There would be an alleviation of hunger and war and rampant suffering. So it looks at spirituality holistically as something that affects not only you but the world you live in. It is a far cry from what the modern evangelical church is focused on. Most of what you hear is about pie in the sky, a good marriage, great finances and guess what? It's all for you!!!
So those are my thoughts on it. I wonder how we can incorporate these approaches in evangelism or disicpleship or preaching? Hmmmmmm....
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Holy Spirit is in the building!
That is one thing that I have seen in the black church. I believe this is where the Vineyard genetic code and the black church meet. Growing up pentecostal I have seen some kooky stuff! People all of a sudden believing they could play the piano without any training. Then they get up in the middle of the church service and try and it sounds like a cat walking across the keys! I have seen holy laughter..I mean real from the belly laughter....the kind you would expect at a Chris Rock show.
I have also seen demonic manifestations and excorcism firsthand. I also saw my pastor pray for someone and they got up out of their wheelchair and walked. So no doubt the Holy Spirit was in effect. I think what the Vineyard brings to this equation is putting a cap on the weirdness (Naturally supernatural) and making sure that all of the gifts are in operation (Everybody gets to play!!!)
I have also seen demonic manifestations and excorcism firsthand. I also saw my pastor pray for someone and they got up out of their wheelchair and walked. So no doubt the Holy Spirit was in effect. I think what the Vineyard brings to this equation is putting a cap on the weirdness (Naturally supernatural) and making sure that all of the gifts are in operation (Everybody gets to play!!!)
News on the Ethiopian front
If you didn't already know I am highly connected to Ethiopia and the Vineyard church planting movement that is going on there. What a wonderful place full of wonderful people! I am missing the injera and tibbs as I speak.
Here is a report from Jim Pool on his recent trip there on behalf of our Vineyard Missions Partnership. Check it out here
Here is a report from Jim Pool on his recent trip there on behalf of our Vineyard Missions Partnership. Check it out here
Thursday, June 19, 2008
How Jesus finds his way into Oprah's book club?
I just finished reading Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth and I am peeved. What am I upset about? Well it is definitely not his take on spirituality. I am not upset about his thoughts on peace and not having a war mind set. I am not upset about ending suffering in the world or even the very humanistic purposes of the book i.e. a better way of life, personal happiness. What I am upset about is this: Twisting Jesus words and the the words of the Bible and misrepresenting and employing scriptures to his own advantage. It is one thing to have a thought or idea but this book is in Oprah’s book club and I am upset that mainstream America thinks this is cool. That’s where I have to write and let out the fire “shut up in my bones” and I’m not talking about last night’s veggie burrito :)
So here are the specifics that stood out to me:
On page 9 he says sin is to miss the point of human existence. Sin is not about missing the point of human existence. It is missing the mark of God’s righteousness
On page 13 he says goodness lies within us. We do not have any goodness innate within ourselves. It lies only in God and what goodness he brings to our lives
On page 16 He supports Gnosticism as a valid form of Christianity when for the first two centuries after Christ Gnosticism was one of the opponents of Christianity because it denied Jesus physical incarnation and resurrection
He says on page 56 that the peace of God that passes all understanding is a letting go of the ego and realizing that you are I am. The peace of God that passes all understanding comes when we pray and give our requests to the I am
On page 71 he says that Jesus was saying that everybody is truth by stating I am the way, the truth and the life in John 14:6. Jesus was not talking about everybody or he would have said everybody. He was speaking of himself
On page 234 He says Jesus in Luke 17:21 was speaking of people searching for inner space. The context says he was speaking on the Pharisees expectation of a messianic king to restore Israel.
On page 303 He says when Jesus claims he can do nothing of himself he is speaking of enthusiasm. Jesus is not talking about enthusiasm he is saying he depends on God the Father.
I think this upsets me because this book is being read and devoured by mainstream America-church and unchurched. Do we burn the book? No. Do we string up the author? No. I think my concern is more on educating people in churches to be more discerning and more biblically literate. Is anybody else with me on this one?
So here are the specifics that stood out to me:
On page 9 he says sin is to miss the point of human existence. Sin is not about missing the point of human existence. It is missing the mark of God’s righteousness
On page 13 he says goodness lies within us. We do not have any goodness innate within ourselves. It lies only in God and what goodness he brings to our lives
On page 16 He supports Gnosticism as a valid form of Christianity when for the first two centuries after Christ Gnosticism was one of the opponents of Christianity because it denied Jesus physical incarnation and resurrection
He says on page 56 that the peace of God that passes all understanding is a letting go of the ego and realizing that you are I am. The peace of God that passes all understanding comes when we pray and give our requests to the I am
On page 71 he says that Jesus was saying that everybody is truth by stating I am the way, the truth and the life in John 14:6. Jesus was not talking about everybody or he would have said everybody. He was speaking of himself
On page 234 He says Jesus in Luke 17:21 was speaking of people searching for inner space. The context says he was speaking on the Pharisees expectation of a messianic king to restore Israel.
On page 303 He says when Jesus claims he can do nothing of himself he is speaking of enthusiasm. Jesus is not talking about enthusiasm he is saying he depends on God the Father.
I think this upsets me because this book is being read and devoured by mainstream America-church and unchurched. Do we burn the book? No. Do we string up the author? No. I think my concern is more on educating people in churches to be more discerning and more biblically literate. Is anybody else with me on this one?
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Prince Caspian,Telemarines origin, and the English Spirit
Ok so telemarines..tele=distant+marine=sea....
They spoke with spanish accents. They were a threat to the kingdom of Narnia....
So much of a threat that they could not be beaten except for a supernatural incident involving water.....
I could be reading into things here but it sounds like the bad guys in Narnia and the way they were defeated bears a striking resemblance to the English war with Spain in the 1500's under Elizabeth. I haven't read the book but was this an attempt of CS Lewis to inspire his fellow English patriots during wartime. I haven't read the book but if you don't know the whole story on the war with Spain check out the movie Elizabeth.
I think this may be something in the english collective memory. Just like Exodus is implanted in the Israelite or Hebrew collective memory. Let me know what you think.
They spoke with spanish accents. They were a threat to the kingdom of Narnia....
So much of a threat that they could not be beaten except for a supernatural incident involving water.....
I could be reading into things here but it sounds like the bad guys in Narnia and the way they were defeated bears a striking resemblance to the English war with Spain in the 1500's under Elizabeth. I haven't read the book but was this an attempt of CS Lewis to inspire his fellow English patriots during wartime. I haven't read the book but if you don't know the whole story on the war with Spain check out the movie Elizabeth.
I think this may be something in the english collective memory. Just like Exodus is implanted in the Israelite or Hebrew collective memory. Let me know what you think.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Chaos and creation
We are about to move in to our housing at Fuller! D day is in two weeks and then we wait for Yvette to bring Kaydon into the world. This is going to be a crazy year but that is what God does when he does a new thing. He set a precedent in the beginning. It says the earth was without form and darkness covered the face of the deep. There was chaos and then there was creation. That's the perspective I have in the midst of all of the transition. The bills, the calls to make, the things to pack, the goodbyes, the hellos are all material for the Spirit of God to hover over as we anticipate God speaking and brining light.
To all of you who are friends and loved one we will keep you posted throughout the move and our new transition into Fuller Seminary. Also pray for me to get a new laptop. I'm going mac now. It's time for a new creation even on the technology front!
To all of you who are friends and loved one we will keep you posted throughout the move and our new transition into Fuller Seminary. Also pray for me to get a new laptop. I'm going mac now. It's time for a new creation even on the technology front!
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