http://austinhope.snappages.com Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:36:59 +0000 http://snappages.com en http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2010/01/31/what-to-you-is-the-gospel http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2010/01/31/what-to-you-is-the-gospel Sun, 31 Jan 2010 13:36:59 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2010/01/31/what-to-you-is-the-gospel article from Dallas Willard is life changing. (Thank you, Janet, for sending it to me.)

What, to you, is the Gospel? Is it wealth, absence of illness, inner peace, contentment, forgiveness, church membership?

Perhaps, we should go to the [...]]]> article from Dallas Willard is life changing. (Thank you, Janet, for sending it to me.)

What, to you, is the Gospel? Is it wealth, absence of illness, inner peace, contentment, forgiveness, church membership?

Perhaps, we should go to the Scriptures (daily) to see if the Gospel preached in our churches and our walkabout lives lines up with the one Jesus preached. When Christ told us about the Good News, was he saying "convert" or "repent and believe"? Of course it was the latter. But what does it mean to turn from our ways and believe in Him?

Dr. Willard says it means trusting Christ will all of me, all I have, all I am, my being, my personhood, my philosophy, my will and driving mechanisms and systems. Philosophical mumbo jumbo? Hardly. Trust him with my work, my food, my sleep, my house, my money, kids, marriage, parents, career, school . . . all of it. I even have to trust him with his church (HIS church by the way).

That level of trust, my friends looks and feels weird and very unAmerican. Unless my observations are way off the mark, we tend to trust all our stuff to our best education, practices, manipulations and marketing savvy. We do NOT really tend to trust Jesus or his idea that "the kingdom of God is at hand;" i.e., the Gospel as Christ told it.

If the radically simple Gospel "trust Jesus with everything" finds its primary voice in word, action, and strategy of American Pastors, many (most?) Pastors will soon be looking for work. On the other hand, the power of the Holy Spirit will return to the churches bearing Christ's name. Hard decision, trading today's income for tomorrow's faith-based initiative, don't you agree?

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2010/01/04/helping-church-work-and-writing-things-down http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2010/01/04/helping-church-work-and-writing-things-down Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:39:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2010/01/04/helping-church-work-and-writing-things-down Pagan Christianity? and it got her thinking, which is something that books ought to do. I think God used Sandy's questions to get us going. Thank you, [...]]]> Pagan Christianity? and it got her thinking, which is something that books ought to do. I think God used Sandy's questions to get us going. Thank you, Sandy.

If you are not familiar with the book, I wrote a review on it: http://www.jacksbuzz.com/Jacks_Buzz/Blog/Entries/2008/12/20_Pagan_Christianity.html

The author's believes that much of what we know of church in the USA comes not from the Bible or early church practices but from the adoptions of Roman and Greek pagan practices (Pagans worship nature, by the way). He thinks that the current lack of growth in churches stems from wrongheaded practices. Why do we have buildings dedicated to meetings and Christian education when the first Christians decided to meet in homes? Why do we sit in rows like a classroom when the first Christians met in living rooms? Why do we have a clergy class when the first Christians shunned special titles and privileges? There are a lot of whys in Viola's book along with a rather angry tone. He has some good points, and some I cannot condone. All in all, you really should read it if only because he found sources you're not likely to see elsewhere.

You can make up your own mind about his hypotheses once you read his evidence. You will, I think, be glad Mr. Viola and his predecessors wrote some things down.

Your Great Thoughts

On another matter, one we were unable to get into last night - time is always so short - how will you gather your great thoughts this year? Jesus had an infallible mind that retained everything. You and I do not. Perhaps we should write things down. I've been writing things down on purpose for about 30 years. The practice got me up out of poverty, and through college, business success, graduate school, church leadership, tenured professorship, and right here with you. Many of my journals are long since lost, and I regret that. Others I have sacked safely away - hidden treasures for my children to read when I am gone.

Today, I received a treasure from a great champion of journal keeping, Jim Rohn. I wish I'd read this three decades ago. I might have been more disciplined about writing, and I surely would have kept more of my thoughts from which my fabulous children (and maybe grandchildren) could laugh, cry, and learn.

Here's a cheer to your 2010.
... and 100,000 blessings,
Jack

Keeping a Journal—One of the Three Treasures to Leave Behind by Jim Rohn
If you’re serious about becoming a wealthy, powerful, sophisticated, healthy, influential, cultured and unique individual, keep a journal. Don’t trust your memory. When you listen to something valuable, write it down. When you come across something important, write it down.

I used to take notes on pieces of paper and torn-off corners and backs of old envelopes. I wrote ideas on restaurant placemats. On long sheets, narrow sheets and little sheets and pieces of paper thrown in a drawer. Then I found out that the best way to organize those ideas is to keep a journal. I’ve been keeping these journals since the age of 25. The discipline makes up a valuable part of my learning, and the journals are a valuable part of my library.

I am a buyer of blank books. Kids find it interesting that I would buy a blank book. They say, “Twenty-six dollars for a blank book! Why would you pay that?” The reason I pay 26 dollars is to challenge myself to find something worth 26 dollars to put in there. All my journals are private, but if you ever got a hold of one of them, you wouldn’t have to look very far to discover it is worth more than 26 dollars.

I must admit, if you got a glimpse of my journals, you’d have to say that I am a serious student. I’m not just committed to my craft; I’m committed to life, committed to learning new concepts and skills. I want to see what I can do with seed, soil, sunshine and rain to turn them into the building blocks of a productive life.

Keeping a journal is so important. I call it one of the three treasures to leave behind for the next generation. In fact, future generations will find these three treasures far more valuable than your furniture.

The first treasure is your pictures. Take a lot of pictures. Don’t be lazy in capturing the event. How long does it take to capture the event? A fraction of a second. How long does it take to miss the event? A fraction of a second. So don’t miss the pictures. When you’re gone, they’ll keep the memories alive.

The second treasure is your library. This is the library that taught you, that instructed you, that helped you defend your ideals. It helped you develop a philosophy. It helped you become wealthy, powerful, healthy, sophisticated and unique. It may have helped you conquer some disease. It may have helped you conquer poverty. It may have caused you to walk away from the ghetto. Your library—the books that instructed you, fed your mind and fed your soul—is one of the greatest gifts you can leave behind.

The third treasure is your journals: the ideas that you picked up, the information that you meticulously gathered. But of the three, journal writing is one of the greatest indications that you’re a serious student. Taking pictures, that is pretty easy. Buying a book at a bookstore, that’s pretty easy. It is a little more challenging to be a student of your own life, your own future, your own destiny. Take the time to keep notes and to keep a journal. You’ll be so glad you did. What a treasure to leave behind when you go. What a treasure to enjoy today!

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/12/06/jesus-can-get-hard-to-find-around-christmas http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/12/06/jesus-can-get-hard-to-find-around-christmas Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:54:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/12/06/jesus-can-get-hard-to-find-around-christmas
I can tell you with a fair amount of certainty that the more one of us worships at the altar of Wal-Mart, [...]]]>
I can tell you with a fair amount of certainty that the more one of us worships at the altar of Wal-Mart, Target, Macy's or the like, the less likely that we will find Christ's peace.

Several years ago, I started to notice how many people really hate the holiday season. Anxiety levels soar as people think about giving good enough gifts and spending time tolerating fussy family members reminding them of their imperfections. Suicides (a sure sign somebody feels hopeless) are highest during the season that celebrates the Prince of Hope.

Man, I hate that statistic. Hate it with all that's in me.

If you have trouble finding peace at Christmas, don't go shopping. Don't try to be better. Don't try to control things or get somebody's approval. Take a break instead. Sit quietly and reflect on te goodness of God, and the real meaning of Christ. This is the season we celebrate that God came near. Follow the Star. (http://www.d365.org/todaysdevotion)

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/11/23/living-as-intended http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/11/23/living-as-intended Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:27:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/11/23/living-as-intended
It's hard on us when we see the disconnect between the way most of the people who claim to know Christ treat others (badly) and the way that [...]]]>
It's hard on us when we see the disconnect between the way most of the people who claim to know Christ treat others (badly) and the way that Christ wants us to treat people. We do so much better when we are kind, tolerant, and loving but without watering down God's standards. That was the model Jesus showed us, and wants to make evident through us. As we agreed last night, it seems that all God expects of us is to let Him live through us. As Jesus is the light, so are we lights to others in darkness.

I was surprised this morning when my reading took me to 1 Peter 2:1-9. Peter explains exactly what we talked about last night. Evidently, this is not a new problem.

Get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. As the Scriptures say,
“I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem,
chosen for great honor,
and anyone who trusts in him
will never be disgraced.”
Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.”

And,
“He is the stone that makes people stumble,
the rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

As we head into the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, let's remember to slow down from consuming and reflect on the greatness of Jesus. He set aside the riches of heaven and voluntarily game to be among us, one of us, God with us, and he took our sins with him. He did not think it was important to muscle and jockey his way to the front of the line. Nor did he cower or play the part of a doormat. The same Jesus who showed love and compassion to the weakest outcast (harlots, tax cheats, thieves, me) is also the one who turned over the tables of people trying to oppress and con others in God's name. God loves everybody, but he will not stand for any of us causing pain or using others.

He is a man worthy of following. He is God, worthy of praise and worship.

Work through us Lord.

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/10/26/jesus-is-the-party http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/10/26/jesus-is-the-party Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:17:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/10/26/jesus-is-the-party
Jesus’ mother tells the kitchen help to follow Jesus (not a bad instruction at any party, [...]]]>
Jesus’ mother tells the kitchen help to follow Jesus (not a bad instruction at any party, right?). Jesus seems to roll his eyes at his mom, then tells the servers to fill six jars with water. The Lord of all things then miraculously changed the water into wine. Problem solved, wedding reception back in business.

Wine symbolizes God's kindness

The jars were big - the typical wedding feast wine jar held around 25 gallons. We do not know why they needed so much wine, or why they ran out. Perhaps the guests drank too much; maybe wedding crashers drank too much; maybe the wedding planner did not plan well; perhaps the family was stingy, or they bought all they could afford and it was not enough. Don’t know the cause, just know they had a problem they could not fix. We do, however, know the result - they were caught short. They were feeling the pinch.

Is it not terribly odd that Jesus would jump into the wine distribution business? The story tells us not only did Jesus make wine, he made the best wine - what else would we expect? Not grape juice or lemon water, but 4-star vino.

If Jesus is the perfect representation of the Father, what is the picture of God that Jesus paints here? Gracious, I think. Jesus shows us a God who provides when we fail. Evidently, God is a great wedding guest; he gives lavishly. I like the picture, don’t you? (Glad I invited him to my wedding, too.)

Wine symbolizes Christ's blood, . . . which still symbolizes God's kindness

I wonder if wine at the wedding - Christ’s first miracle - was a purposeful hint at his last use of wine to represent his blood on the cross. God's kindness was to pour out Christ's blood for human sin. The symbol of wine for blood is self evident, but Jesus connected the dots at the Last Supper. I think he gave us water/wine at Cana to foreshadow wine/blood at Calvary. Jesus was the smartest man who ever lived. He knew what he was doing at Cana.

Second, Jesus often used the wedding as a metaphor for his union between himself and all believers. He gives us a joyful celebratory event to show what life with him is really like. Living in Christ’s presence is like a big, happy Jewish wedding with gallons of high quality wine. Wow, I do not remember that image in Sunday School or Seminary, but I like it.

Our members enjoyed the discussion of Cana and communion. Geoff wondered if Christ used the common elements (bread, wine) because they were always on the first century table. Jesus demonstrates that he is always with us by using something that’s always . . . with us.

Tori wondered if the elements were chosen because so that underground churches could meet underground. Church police cannot stop a group from meeting if their meetings center on normal stuff like bread and wine. Amazing how God wants the church to stay simple, isn't it?

From Cana, we get the picture of a God who cares about everything. He wants the party to continue. He provides a lavish gift to help it along.

In communion, we see a symbol of the same kind of lavish gift giving. We cannot keep life going. We cannot undo our terrible mistake (our sin) whatever its original cause. God provides his son’s blood. He will do anything to keep the party going. Wonder what he might do to help you out.

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/10/15/kisses-from-god http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/10/15/kisses-from-god Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:20:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/10/15/kisses-from-god
Several years ago - maybe when I was still in [...]]]>
Several years ago - maybe when I was still in seminary, I do not remember - I was having a particularly [lousy] day/week/month. Don't even remember the context, just that I was quite unhappy with events.

I found myself in a used bookstore looking at the bargain table. I felt like the cast off who belonged on the bargain table at the used bookstore - talk about low. I found a little book written by some Hollywood celebrity about how God is all around us; blah, blah, blah I thought. I walked around that store an hour and it seemed like God was telling me to read that stupid book. It was maybe five inches square and 30 pages with pictures. The $1 price tag seemed excessive.

I dug in my pocket and had . . . $1. Total. When the lady saw the title, she said given the content and the fact that I looked like I needed to read it (not kidding, she dissed me in the flippin' used bookstore) she cut the price to cover the tax: $1, please.

I drove over to a park to read it. The book totally sucked. It was a bunch of pablum laced with quotes from people like Drew Barrymore, Matt Damon, Goldie Hawn, about how cool God is when you're 19 and he gives you a screen test you didn't deserve and that's your big break, or the time a bird poops on your head while you're driving around L.A. in your convertible Mercedes, but the homeless man at the light had a clean rag to wipe it off. Are you kidding me? I thought I was going to puke. Plus I now had no money for a Coke, and I really wanted a Coke.

One phrase stuck out, and I think it may have been from Goldie Hawn, "When you really need it, God gives you a kiss." Dumbest thing I ever heard in my life. Or so I thought at the time.

Later, I was with my daughter who was maybe 7 at the time. She was having a bad day because Barbie's hair was tangled, who knows. It was trivial to me, but not to her. She was having a bad day and needed daddy to cheer her up. So I told her that stupid story about God giving us a little kiss when we need it. I did not tell her that I was still waiting for mine.

She reached up, put me in a headlock, mashed her lips as hard as she could on my cheek for a full five seconds and said, "You are the best Daddy in the whole world and I just gave you a cement kiss that can never come off." I no longer needed the Coke or the dollar.

Kisses are on purpose; they're never coincidental. Sometimes God sends you a little kiss from an unexpected place. Other times, it's cement.

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/10/06/what-did-i-avoid-with-jesus http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/10/06/what-did-i-avoid-with-jesus Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:29:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/10/06/what-did-i-avoid-with-jesus
First she had a death in the family. The sadness of death and the mercy of Christ helped (her uncle received Jesus shortly before passing). Then she caught H1N1. Since she owns a sole proprietorship, no work meant no income. Since she'd not held back enough in savings, the bank account crashed quickly. She told us that she realized a particular point in her life where she had slipped quietly away from Jesus. As a result, her world grew chaotic quickly.

Colossians 1:17 He [Jesus] existed before everything else began, and he holds all creation together.

If you are like me, you find yourself thinking and talking about Jesus in terms of what he brings to one's life. A sense of peace, a model for how to love well and live simply. An experience with forgiveness and faith at its foundational level. Certainly all that is true. Jesus is worthy of praise, obedience, and friendship. He is the king.

My friend's Sunday testimony helped me realize that walking with Jesus not only means receiving his many gifts, but his protection. Living his way, I wonder what I avoided. Jesus is Lord of all. He keeps creation connected. Connection to Jesus helps one avoid at least some of life's disconnectedness; it has for me. My friend too.

Under his hand, the stars avoid wandering off into unknown galaxies. The earth avoids rotating off its axis. Trees avoid shaking the dirt from their roots and drifting through the air (how inconvenient for the birds and planes). With Jesus, things are at least a bit more reliable. Men avoid abusing women, children, and those weaker than themselves. Women avoid manipulating their men and their children. Companies avoid oppression. Religion avoids controlling peoples' freedom. Of course, men, women, corporate directors, and religious leaders often walk away from Jesus and become boorish, nagging, unjust, and demonic.

We prayed for our friend Sunday. We asked Jesus to hold her life together and prosper her business. We offered our help too. She had a lot of faith coming in Sunday, and a lot more going out Monday morning. She called me after lunch to celebrate that she sold enough of her product to get back in the black. Jesus held it all together after all. I celebrated too, and so can you if you want.

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/09/30/we-dont-run-people-off http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/09/30/we-dont-run-people-off Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:25:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/09/30/we-dont-run-people-off
Everyone had a bad experience with a pushy Christian. How odd considering that the earliest Christians (the one's who walked around with Jesus) were not pushy. They had favor with everyone in Jerusalem even though they preached a different religion (Acts 2:47).

We read and talked a while about Paul's statement: "What is important is faith expressing itself in love" (Gal. 5:16). Love is not pushy (1 Cor. 13).

Listen to people

The answer, it seems, is to listen. If we will listen to people, we will know where they stand with God and where they want to stand. Are they connected, estranged, interested? Listen. They'll let you know.

Someone once told me that if I really love Jesus I will talk about him all the time. I'm not sure that's true. I really love my wife and our children, but I do not talk about them all the time. I only talk about them when it's appropropriate.

I think that if I really love Jesus, I will listen to him. I tend to listen to people I love. Jesus says to love others (John 13:34-35), and that he will draw people to himself (John 12:32). He wants me to listen to people for cues he is drawing them in.

Pain is the cue

Listen to people tell you where it hurts. Listen to their pain stories and care. Answer their pain with understanding and not a quick fix. They'll let you know when they're crying out to God, and you won't run them off.

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/09/03/justice-vs-vengeance http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/09/03/justice-vs-vengeance Thu, 03 Sep 2009 10:03:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/09/03/justice-vs-vengeance
The government locks them in an interment camp that quickly turns into the worst kind of ghetto complete with oppressive Nigerians (there’s an interesting comment in itself). A robust black market trades alien guns for cat food. The film shakes and twists with the imprecision of a BBC documentary. Tension fills the screen—this movie is a thinking, sweating rush.

Perhaps you can guess the underlying theme. In this one, the aliens are the victims of depraved humanity. District 9 is about oppression.

Watchers veer between emotional curiosity, fear, anger, hatred, and indignation. We want to knock some South African heads. Humans in movie theaters are righteously indignant, repulsed . . . and safe. The film lures us in, then snaps the oppressor’s noose around us. To quote Paul, we find ourselves with no excuse for we do the very same things. Safe in our cushy $10 seats, we realize that we could easily be the Prawns’ nemesis. These bugs are scary, and they might hurt our children or spread disease.

Then again, they live in squalor. The government gives them no rights, and soldiers kill them with impunity. They crouch powerless, broken, displaced, and hopeless. Somebody should do something. Free the Prawns! (Yes, the movie has protesters!)

Our group talked a bit about how one might discern when to take vengeance against an oppressive power. We all could think of stories (one right after seeing the movie) of our rising against the powers, and then turn mean a few days later.

We thought the oppression of predatory towing companies lurking for a fast service fee ($200 in our city!). Oppressive meter-readers ticketing row upon row of naïve, first-day collegians. Oppressive cell phone companies, cable television, HMOs, Big Pharma, and THE I.R.S! Gah, run for the hills! Are those really the best examples of oppression we can find? Do our meager inconveniences even raise God’s eyebrow to qualify as oppression? Does God have eyebrows?

We are rather fat and happy American. We have to laugh at ourselves. To be sure, citizens of our country often bow beneath the weight of oppressive institutions and people. Educational systems oppress, religious nonsense oppresses, employers oppress, as do some peoples’ family or alleged friends. Many times, the state with the power to correct American oppression ignores, even condones it. Turning a blind eye encourages things that should not happen.

Should we, as followers of the Prince of Peace, get mad and get even? Should we, as followers of the King of Righteousness, turn the other cheek? Are we not to leave vengeance to the Lord?

Two thoughts seemed to settle our stomachs. First, we all can think of times when we felt oppressed under a power we could not control. Whether it was at the hand of a bored towing company clerk, an unreasonable boss, an apathetic insurer, or a smug bureaucrat, we all felt beaten down by one system or another. Many of us could tell stories of an injustice pressing down on our shoulders in real-time.

No, we are not Sudanese. Yes, Cubans, Haitians, Rwandans, Afghanis, Tibetans, and countless millions of the world’s people have it far worse than we do. Life is often very hard. You are not alone in suffering.

We know God sees. Faith tells us he cares and will act in his time to correct injustice. We know that God comforts. We also know that God comforts others through us. The pain you and I have felt can turn over to comfort others.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. (2 Cor 1:3-4 NLT).

Second, while called to a higher standard of endurance (“turn the other cheek,” Mt 5:39), Christians do not need to offer themselves as doormats for the feet of the oppressor. Historically, God called Christians to work against slavery before it became politically correct. Christians led the American Civil Rights Movement, built hospitals and schools, and pushed for protection of helpless widows, orphans, and those stranded in poverty. Today, hundreds of Christian groups are changing the world fighting oppression. I love the work of Land of 1000 Hills Coffee (http://www.landof1000hills.com/) and Living Hope Ministries (http://www.livinghopeministries.us/) to ease suffering in Africa. In Austin, “Let’s Get to Work” (http://letsgettowork.wordpress.com/) and my friend Chris Rowley at the Christian Women's Job Corps (512-964-1898) do phenomenal work.

We can join them. We do not have to let injustice win. You do not have to bow your knees to an oppressor. If God gave you a dream, you can ignore anyone who stands between you and doing what God told you to do. Just make sure it was God, be willing to fight, and find some encouragers to stand with you. You cannot defeat injustice alone. If your “church” will not stand with you, I’ll help you start one that will.

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/08/24/how-do-you-grow-your-faith http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/08/24/how-do-you-grow-your-faith Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:28:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/08/24/how-do-you-grow-your-faith
So what gets people to attend these small, faith-building gatherings? Good food was universally cheered. The sense of challenge to think, feel, talk, and react to ideas was high on everyone’s list as well. Evidently, it is important to slow things down (good food) and think independently (talking and reacting).

What about legacy church experiences?

We thought about things in our past, legacy church lives that helped grow faith. Everyone agreed that a good sermon was helpful, but more helpful were discussions about meaning that “went on in the women’s restroom.” The men could not remember any such conversations in our restroom, and neither could they remember many good sermons.

One of the guys recommended “the direction to think about something during the week.” Giving people a biblical passage or topic to consider or study during the week proved helpful in connecting the dots later.

Also helpful were hearing people tell personal stories of working out a problem with God’s help. We hear someone tell us how they did it and get the idea that we could have faith in a similar situation today or tomorrow. That, or we wonder why our faith produced such lame results when our times were tough. Either way, people telling their stories makes listeners confront spiritual realities.

What did the early church do?

We turned our attention to the first Christians. They had magnificent, face-the-lions kind of faith. Ours seems so weak compared to theirs; what did they do?

They shared things with each other. They gave tangibly and met needs. Why, we wondered? Did they give because they trusted each other, or did they trust each other because they gave? We think it was the former. People are people.

We know from Acts 2 that they ate together (surprise!), prayed together, and talked openly about the Scriptures and their experiences. They seem honest and open to a fault. Perhaps these are the things that lead to trust. In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul gives us a model for church gatherings (italics, mine):

When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.
(Participation is normal.)

27If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints . . .
(One finds no punctuation or verse divisions in the original Greek text. Regardless of what one thinks about heavenly languages, the larger point here is that we do not see people sitting and soaking silently. People actively build one another’s faith.)

34the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.
(It seems that only some unique cultural situation would require feminine silence. Maybe they met during the Cowboys game? The Corinthian women must have been idle chatterers prone to disrupt the gatherings with irrelevant issues. This seems remarkably akin to some of the sidebar conversations I've witness among men in church during a hot political campaign or the day after a big college game. It cannot mean that women are somehow unable to participate. Elsewhere, Luke and Paul confirm the place of women as leaders and speakers in the churches. Peter’s sermon at Pentecost refers to women prophesying [Acts 2], Philip’s daughters did so. My New Testament and Greek professors told me that the word “prophesy” is the same as the one used for "preaching" [Acts 21]. Phoebe was a “deaconess” with honor [Rom 16], and many other examples of women speaking up and building others' faith exist in the Bible and throughout church history.)

36Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40But all things should be done decently and in order.
(The last sentence connects to the first two, acting as tracks for Paul’s train--that everyone is involved as the Holy Spirit leads. That everything be done to build up the faith of the people.)

The experiences of the people in our group reflect these Scriptures very nicely (though we have not had anyone speak in tonues or interpret a tongue-speech). Evidently, the Holy Spirit still builds peoples' faith the old fashioned way over time in gatherings of faithful people. So, we meet each week, eat a meal, talk about what God is saying, and we pray for each other. Simple.

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/08/22/do-events-make-disiples http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/08/22/do-events-make-disiples Sat, 22 Aug 2009 13:22:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/08/22/do-events-make-disiples
This experience was not unique. We talked about our experience with events, and few were positive. All of us have seen the enormous expense and wondered if it was worth the cost. All of us have attended cheesy or downright terrible Christian plays, concerts, and preaching events. All of us have seen the initial rush of euphoric praise and commitment, followed six weeks later by a lapse into apathy. All of us agreed that for the money, time, and energy expended, large events do not keep their promises.

Good events offer a great way to kick start a life of deeper faith, but they are not the norm. The norm is small gatherings. The norm of discipleship is slow and messy, not well-timed or glitzy at all.

Yes, the normal life if faith is like what we host in our home each week. No, we are not saying that to promote our model--we came to this model after more than a decade of trying event-driven church. Large events simply do not make disciples that stand through life's storms as well as small group gatherings do. Do what you want, we're doing things simply.

Your mileage may vary:

• Large events are more normal fo commercial celebrations (sports, concerts) than for Christian celebrations (see Acts). We are Christians who love to attend excellently produced sporting and musical events.
• Poorly produced, unsophisticated, or talentless Christian events hurt the cause of Christ more than they help it.
• Give status carefully and remove arrogant people from leadership quickly.
• State the purpose of the event (evangelism, preaching, singing, blessing, healing, patriotism) before people attend. Don't bait and switch.
• Offer a way for people to respond to what God may be telling them to do with their lives. But try (really, really hard) to include a clear path to follow up on those decisions. Help people stay connected, not just get connected.
• Count the unintended consequences of hosting a lavish event. It says something negative about when a church spends several thousand bucks on an event and does little for the poor, widows, or orphans. Christ cares more that we care for the poor than he does that we host a nice party. That does not mean we should never host a nice party--Jesus attended several and seems to have enjoyed himself. Just be aware of the message sent and prioritize accordingly.
• Avoid offending people who do not walk with Christ. Our job spreading the Good News is hard enough. If you do stuff that makes the God News sound like Bad News, you are not making our lives easier. Stop it; you're supposed to have a good reputation with outsiders.

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/08/10/shack-cleanup http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/08/10/shack-cleanup Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:21:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/08/10/shack-cleanup
The shack was leaky. Holes in walls allowed varmints and bug to have their way; rent free at that.

We went in armed with carpentry skill, several tubes of caulk, . . .

six gallons of paint, . . .

and all manner of cleaning supplies. After a few hours and more sweat than I'd have liked to express, the place was habitable. Pleasant actually.

The resident Longhorn stopped by to offer tips and nod approval.

The donkeys let us know that donkeys generally do not like much of anything, though they did ask for whiskey and girls, and wanted to talk about a bailout.

At the end of the day, we were pleased to be done.

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/07/27/thoughts-on-sin-romans-1-2 http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/07/27/thoughts-on-sin-romans-1-2 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:18:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/07/27/thoughts-on-sin-romans-1-2
Easier to understand was the list of sinful states and activities that Paul gives in the balance of chapter one. Harder to grasp than slavery is the idea in chapter 2 that we all do the same things. We really have no ability or right to judge, do we?

That becomes the point of our freedom. We cannot judge, and we do not need to judge. We behave in a way to bring honor to the God we claim to serve. We turn back when we get down the wrong path. We offer grace, acceptance, and love to everyone--our points of failure are no less ugly than theirs.

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/07/24/recap-from-the-lake http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/07/24/recap-from-the-lake Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:13:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/07/24/recap-from-the-lake
If you've missed Zilker Park, you have a treat ahead. It's one of the largest and best maintained urban parks in the country. [...]]]>
If you've missed Zilker Park, you have a treat ahead. It's one of the largest and best maintained urban parks in the country. Giant trees, spring-fed pool, trails, and seemingly endless play fields contribute to Austin's generally green vibe. That, and the fact that a bunch of hippes moved here in the 60s and voted, then had kids, and we voted too.

Despite the beauty, the park collects a ton of trash. It sits on the west bank of Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake), and the downtown area hugs the east bank. When it rains (or when the sprinklers come on), trash from Oklahoma and Houston wash into the lake. The city is very clean; the park is very clean; the city crews and most citizens work hard to keep all of it clean, but water attracts litter like a good country song attracts tears.

This time of year, the heat thickens the heavy duckweed in the tributaries fed by Barton Springs. The canoe rental is in such a mucky trib from which one paddles east to get into the deeper, clearer lake. While it's all clean enough to drink, one would not want to wade through much of that stuff or drink it. It tastes like strong tea without any sugar. It's also home to large turtles that bite, large fish that bite, and venomous snakes that bite, but only when stepped on. Like most Texas wildlife, if you leave it alone, you will be fine. If you mess with it, you will wish you hadn't. (That goes for the wildlife on 6th Street too, amigo.)

Have to love the urban lake, though. We saw blue herons, ducks, a 3-foot-long alligator gar (it's a fish), 4 lb. largemouth bass, dozens of sunfish and perch, and a HUGE snapping turtle. The turtle was easily 24 inches in diameter, and yes, I know "they do not get that big," but this one did and I was not going to ask him how. Mr. T[urtle] was about 1/4 mile from the old power plant--this may be a clue as to his size. It also could have been an illegally immigrated alligator snapper--they DO get that big.



After an hour and a half, our two canoes collected about 40 lbs of trash, and maybe 60 tennis balls. We threw the tennis balls to dogs along the banks that were patiently waiting for their people to do something else exciting. The dogs voiced their appreciation for the toys, and tried to give us lessons on how to paddle a straight line through wate. We, however, preferred to zig-zag across the lake.

Our canoeing skill was like watching a boozer operate a sewing machine. It was only a matter of time before someone left the work and went in the drink.

Of course, it was me first, followed by my beloved Janet, which is the way things have gone for the last three decades. She cannot handle being away from me for long.

I will not go too deeply into how we tipped over our canoe, but you can guess that horseplay was involved. Friends, it is half amazing how fast an aluminum canoe can flip over and send its occupants head-first into a lake.

I was, shall we say, caught off guard. I swallowed so much water that the city will send me a second tax assessment for being lake front property. This is also why I know that the water in Town Lake tastes like the aforementioned tea.

• Canoe rental: $30
• Dunked camera: $200
• Watching your parents fly out of a canoe: priceless
• Relieving lake of 40 lbs of trash: worth it.

Normal people paid $15/hour for a canoe. But we were special--we provided entertainment. Normal visitors to Austin talk about all the great people-watching. Now we know who they're watching. And the girl gave me $5 off for leading a bunch of do-gooders around the lake.

May need to do it again. Too much fun to ignore. God shined on us too. As you can see, the camera dried out and all the photos were saved. Jesus saves. ;^]'

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/07/18/lady-bird-lake-community-service-718-10am http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/07/18/lady-bird-lake-community-service-718-10am Sat, 18 Jul 2009 10:00:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/07/18/lady-bird-lake-community-service-718-10am rent canoes, troll Town Lake ("Lady Bird" Lake), pick up litter. Brilliant. Join us? We hit water Sat, 7/18, 10am. Boone's working on it. (Way to go, Boone. [...]]]> rent canoes, troll Town Lake ("Lady Bird" Lake), pick up litter. Brilliant. Join us? We hit water Sat, 7/18, 10am. Boone's working on it. (Way to go, Boone. Contact him with questions.)
Download the coupon for 1/2 price at Zilker Park Boat Rentals (map below).

*Want to go on your own? Great! Take pictures and email them to Boone. We'll post you workin' --your mother will be so proud.



]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/07/06/your-life-bounces-off-your-thoughts http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/07/06/your-life-bounces-off-your-thoughts Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:01:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/07/06/your-life-bounces-off-your-thoughts
The virdict is in, science and faith agree: you are [...]]]>
The virdict is in, science and faith agree: you are what you think! You get what you reward! If you reward junk in your head, you get junk in your life. Reward the good stuff, and you will suddenly find people calling you incredibly lucky. Laugh, knowing your luck is all in your mind.

I recently discovered this universal principle in an unusual place. I was studying the stock market, which is, perhaps, the most enigmatic collection of chaotic variables on the planet. Nothing about the stock market is predictable except its unpredictability. Many people far more educated than I have found financial ruin after thinking they could predict the market's whims and follies. You'd have better luck picking the roll of the dice at a casino 1,000 miles away in complete darkness.

Nevertheless, I learned something new about the market. I learned that stock prices tend to bounce off their previous high and low trends (called support and resistance). What they've tended to do, they tend to do. Crashes, lawsuits, and board boondoggles can, and do, throw a company's past tendencies out the window, but those are relatively rare exceptions to the rule. Evidently, companies are like the people that make them up--they bounce off their past thoughts.

You will tend toward doing that which you spend your time thinking on. If you worry, much of your fears will become self-fulfilling prophesies. If you think the best, you will get the best from life. Overly simplistic? Hardly. Controlling one's thoughts takes practice.

Why is this so? I have a theory. When you think you can; you tend to take risks and act accordingly until you do what you thought you could do. If you think you can't; you tend to hedge, excuse, miss opportunities, and fail. Your life tends to reflect how you think over time.

God knows this about us. Perhaps he created us with a measure of predictability. Maybe he wanted to make it easier for people to find good mates and business partners (not that many people pay much attention to his instructions on these matters).

God wisest leaders gave us grand advice on how to think. Do a quick word search in your Bible software or online on the words "think" and "dwell." You will learn that Paul discovered the power of thoughts; thoughts lead to words, and words lead to actions.

• "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ..." (2 Cor 10:5).
• "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" (Eph 4:29).
• These represent less than two percent of Scriptures teaching us to mind our thoughts and words. Yes, it's hard to do. Especially in a culture that values worry, pays for speculation, and deifies gossip. So what? Do you want to end up being a worrisome, speculating, gossipping old windbag? What kind of friendships will that get you in the end? Other shallow, worry-warts complaining about the consistency of their pudding? No thanks.
• Wonder if you need some help in this area? Ask yourself if your actions tend to reflect your intentended actions. Pay attention to your thoughts for a few days. What is in that spin-cycle you call a mind? Do you have the life you want? Are things improving? What do you believe about yourself? Are you taking your cues from God, the Devil, or someone in between the two? Do you get more discouragement or encouragement from your friends? (Do you really need discouraging friends? Are they really your friends?) Is what you hear about you consistent with what the Bible says God thinks about you? (Yes, you would have to read a few pages to know.) If your thoughts are lower than God's, who should change, God or you?
• Our small group had some beautiful thoughts on how to change direction:
• Put some notes around your house reminding you who you are (loved) and how to think (positively).
• Talk a walk through the woods remembering that the world is simple and beautiful.
• Hang around people who control their thoughts and words. Leave the others behind.
• Get into a small group that builds faith.
• Meet with a wiser man or woman who will coach you how to think, speak, and act.

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/06/25/losing-all-hope-ps-1434 http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/06/25/losing-all-hope-ps-1434 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:26:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/06/25/losing-all-hope-ps-1434 first ask us to solve hunger, reverse global climate change, or relieve political strife. God does not first (primarily) call us to join a church, give to the poor, love our families, live within our means, or tell the neighbors about Christ's sacrificial love. He does not ask us to [...]]]> first ask us to solve hunger, reverse global climate change, or relieve political strife. God does not first (primarily) call us to join a church, give to the poor, love our families, live within our means, or tell the neighbors about Christ's sacrificial love. He does not ask us to start a church first. Nor does he ask us to start networks of churches as a first thing. God's first request is to know him.

Few of us Christ-following types, however, act accordingly. Most of us--me too, many times--put our driving need for success first, no matter how one defines that elusive term (comfort, friends, marriage, fame, wealth). We put our desires in front of knowing him deeply enough that we share in his sufferings. To know Christ well and feel deep sorrow over things that make him sad is not something the American church rewards, is it? To live fully exposed before his all-encompassing presence does not seem to be valued. Or maybe it is, so long as that exposure does not reveal itself publicly, yes? In public, we put forward a good face, a stiff upper lip, a positive front inherited from our British masters, no doubt.

I wonder, do Christians talk more honestly about Jesus than we talk honestly to him? Do we reveal our priorities when we act like everything is fun and fine when in fact, many of us are very near ". . . losing all hope" as the psalmist wrote (Ps 143:4). Hard to believe that a divinely inspired song writer (psalmist) could admit to losing all hope, isn't it? But he did exactly that in the aforementioned, 3,000-year-old hymn. Hopeless? How can that be? Honest, that's how.

He--the song writer--realized that the only path to real and lasting peace runs through the deep weeds of hopelessness. One must abandon all hope in him-or-herself and answer that first call to know God. And then, God will make himself known. If the abandon continues, the knowing grows deep, and the man or woman grows wise.

Our priorities rob us of God's peace. His priority is immeasurable peace (Jn 14). Our choices determine our impotence in a mad world. His choice creates order out of chaos and answers the first crisis, which is loneliness (Gen 1, 2:18). Sorrow, defeat, questioning, betrayal, doubt--these are the experiences Christ uses to draw us near.

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/06/17/regina-spektor-laughing-with-god http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/06/17/regina-spektor-laughing-with-god Wed, 17 Jun 2009 21:16:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/06/17/regina-spektor-laughing-with-god
YouTube

Words

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/06/01/first-meeting-may-31-2009 http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/06/01/first-meeting-may-31-2009 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 06:48:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/06/01/first-meeting-may-31-2009
I hate first meetings, especially for churches. I know that sounds terrible, but I've conducted or attended several "first meetings" and they're always awkward. The "Pastor" wants everyone to buy his vision and join immediately. His adrenaline pump usually causes him to talk WAY too much. The other people [...]]]>
I hate first meetings, especially for churches. I know that sounds terrible, but I've conducted or attended several "first meetings" and they're always awkward. The "Pastor" wants everyone to buy his vision and join immediately. His adrenaline pump usually causes him to talk WAY too much. The other people aren't sure if it's a cult, or just what is it. Usually someone tries to sing (badly), a fate of which we were spared (I did not sing Sunday). Then someone preaches more of what he wants to preach than what everyone needs to hear (I did not do that either). All things considered, the first meeting of a new church is like eating a moth.

I decided to do things differently, and it was still awkward. Sigh.

I decided to talk as little as possible. Not easy. I decided to let Janet open us up with food. She did a fabulous job as always--that was a good move. I decided we would save time at the end for prayer and we did.

I decided not to invite a ton of people, but only a very select group of younger (20-something) believers. That was a good move too. They were a bit timid, but they were also not so stiff with churchy ideas that I found myself biting my cheek. (Future meetups are open to more friends. This was just a first go.) I really wanted to hear from the future church leaders of the North American Christian movement, and I did. Thanks.

All in all, I think the evening went well. I genuinely liked everyone there, and hope they return next week.

They participated. Even though an open discussion of one's spiritual needs tends to make his or her mouth go dry and slow, they got past the desire for privacy and the fear of appearing foolish. Hopefully, this was a first step toward becoming comfortable talking about deep matters of the soul. Spiritual authenticity does not come cheaply.

I hope that they find the Kingdom of God up close this week. That sounds odd, does it not? Yet, it's exactly what Jesus spent most of his time discussing, and he said it would lead to great joy, freedom from anxiety, and the sense of community that humans crave. It's what we talked about some last night--"having the kingdom of heaven in your face". That and serving homeless Danny, a great church in Dallas (The Village), the need for meaningful work, intellectual stimulation, and spiritual authenticity. A good night, centered on community development in the eternal sense of the term.

We humans seem very good at creating communities based on our affinities, needs, and desires. None of them keep their promises for long. They turn elitist by the peculiarities of their consumptive habits or their opposition to consumption. They claim communal values but exihibit exclusion. Churches (too often) have the same marks as secular communities. When we focus on us, we elevate ourselves, and devalue the one who can give us what we want and need (that is, Christ). Our flaws do not make good gods, but he is flawless.

When we focus on Christ, and work toward creating something that flows from his kingdom, I believe that we will find a community worthy of investment. I'm seeking the community of the Kingdom of God this week. I hope you join me. I plan to start every day reading something from the Bible (John's Gospel and Acts come to mind first, but you are not bound to read what I read). I may read some of "Three Cups of Tea" as well. I'll also pray, spending a bit of time on each of my faith community friends. Then I will go for a walk and pray that my neighbors find themselves immersed in the kingdom.

I look forward to hearing how God speaks to our group this week. If you have a song, art, passage, story, or friend that helps you see the kingdom, bring what you have.

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/04/17/our-idea-of-being-the-church http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/04/17/our-idea-of-being-the-church Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:36:00 +0000 Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/2009/04/17/our-idea-of-being-the-church
"Why, we will have to empty the seminaries to start a new church, Jack."

Oh, it might not stop there, friend. Eventually the dreaded fund-raising, earth damaging, air conditioning and energy draining building program BEHEMOTH! Ugh. I got tired just writing that.

Well, we're not going to do all that stuff. This church begins May 31, at Janet's (and my) house in Southwest Austin. We will eat together, sing together (if someone there can sing), talk about what God is doing in our lives and how we can help the city. Then we will pray for each other.

That's it.

I hear your mind asking churchy questions like, "No service?" Of course we have service--we will find a service project to demonstrate Christ's love to the city as a group one Saturday each month or so. We might feed homeless people, clean up a park, or build a house. People attending a particular faith community can decide what we do. I will not make that decision. Not because I'm suddenly indecisive, but because I'd really like to see what God says to all of us through all of us.

"Who leads this group?" If, by "lead," we mean "help keep things on track and moving forward," God has called me to do that. If it means dictate, no thanks. If it means help others grow in their ability to lead other faith communities, I'm in. If it means prevent others from serving or make growth into an excercise in bureaucratic hoop-jumping, no thanks.

I have leadership experience, and God has impressed me to lead this group. You may have experience or want to get some. Let's talk--I am for you, and, yes, you can lead a faith community. If you know Jesus and have a Bible, you can facilitate a group. Facilitate, not teach, but who said a discipleship group needs a teacher? That model is not demonstrated by the early church (the one that grew exponentially and had the favor of all the people). Far as I can tell, a group of people who want to walk with Christ can meet at about anyone's house as long as that person is peaceful (Luke 10, Acts 2).

If you do not have a Bible, I will give you one. I will show you how. I'll meet with you every week until you own the idea (or decide it was just indigestion). If you want to be part of my group, that will make my day. But I will expect you to be helpful to others. Cheers!

]]> http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/0000/00/00/are-christian-events-all-that-helpful-do-they-make-disciples http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/0000/00/00/are-christian-events-all-that-helpful-do-they-make-disciples Jack http://austinhope.snappages.com/blog/0000/00/00/are-christian-events-all-that-helpful-do-they-make-disciples
Several of our community have organized Christian events. A few of us were featured speakers. Everyone had attended one where we felt manipulated.

We heard about the great enthusiasm generated by events, but also that many of the performers strut around like peacocks. Evidently pride runs rampant [...]]]>
Several of our community have organized Christian events. A few of us were featured speakers. Everyone had attended one where we felt manipulated.

We heard about the great enthusiasm generated by events, but also that many of the performers strut around like peacocks. Evidently pride runs rampant backstage. I've been on those stages, and felt the rush of a large crowd. It's hard not to get excited about oneself. Still, what was described was not confidence; it was egotistical arrogance. The big stage can be a big blessing, or a big curse--many things offer that temptation.

We also discussed the lingering effects of large events, or, more correctly stated: the lack of results. No one offered positive comments. It seems that we've all seen the initial enthusiasm fade into apathy. Everyone admitted to feeling manipulated by fast-talking speakers and entertaining singers. Events give people an opportunity to respond to God's leading, and that is good. Few responders, however, seem to stay the course. Most quit within six weeks.

We thought through the enormous burn of energy reuired to stage an event. Is this really the best way to expend so much time, money, and talent? Do the results merit the enormous expense? We found it difficult to say yes.

We agreed that we all see God engineering events in the Bible, so we cannot say they should be avoided. The early church, unlike her contemporary, Western daughter, remained under the radar. Today, we seem to be trying so hard to be noticed that we fail at times to remember Christianity is about Christ (not spectacle or hype).

Our conclusions:

• Christian events are not normal. Two or three gathered in Christ's name is a normal gathering. Small is normal, and small groups make disciples more able to stand through life's storms.
• Events should be well-done, not cheesy or haphazard. The latter do more harm than good.
• Grant status carefully. If a person with a micophone treats the stage hands badly, cut off his mic and send him home.
• It helps to know the purpose of the event (worship, evangelism, blessing, American patriotism), and to communicate that purpose clearly to the audience before they attend. Don't bait and switch.
• Thoughtfully follow up with people who respond to God's leading. Help them walk with Christ without manipulation. Conformity is not conversion. If you cannot handle the follow up, scratch the event.
• Realize what a lavish event says about stewardship of resources. We are commended more for caring for the poor, widows, and orphans than for throwing a nice party. That does not mean we should never throw a nice party--Jesus attended several nice parties--it just means that we are wise to consider the unintended consequences of an event.
• Don't confuse a Christian event with a gathering of Christ's church. Pentecost happened once and The Holy Spirit attended in great power. Thousands of lives changed at Pentecost, but Christ did not promise weekly or annual Pentecost event. His promise is more subtle that whenever two or three gather in His name, He is with us. Millions of lives change, grow healthy, and build faith in very small gatherings. Discipleship is a slow process. Events may kick start a life of faith, but they do not build one.
• Pay close attention to the prevailing culture. Avoid events that purposely offend the people who need to know God unless God clearly instructs otherwise. Neither are Christians smart if they host events that offend God's people, again, unless God says to go ahead and offend, which Iadmit sounds fun. Sometimes the prevailing culture will be offended by something God tells his people to do, and other times a Spirit-led event will offend the Christian sub-culture. Count the cost, but do whatever God says to do. Hopefully, he will grant us favor with all the people as he did in the early church.

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