Mike3BC

Hebrews 8:1

2007-04-09T08:31:00.000-06:00

Hebrews 8:1 (HCSB) 1 Now the main point of what is being said is this: we have this kind of high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,

On Wednesday nights, I'm preaching through Hebrews. On Wednesday, April 4, I preached from the text above. I focused on two points from the text.

First, the work of Christ is completed. While the temple priests never sat down because their work was never completed, Jesus Christ work was completed on the cross and there is no further need for a sacrifice for sin to be made! This is the good news of the Gospel. As Christ cried from the cross, "It is finished!"

Second, the position of Christ is assured. He sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens. This position is a position of power. In speaking to those who were questioning him during his mockery of a trial, Jesus said, “You have said it,” Jesus told him. “But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64 HCSB) Knowing that our Lord is in a position of power and that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him, we can go in that power as witnesses of Christ to a lost and dying world.

This position is also a position of influence. In Romans 8:34 (HCSB) Paul says about our Lord: Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. What great joy is there in knowing that the Lord himself intercedes on the behalf of believers. We don't need to pray to saints hoping they will influence God for us. God himself, Jesus the Son, intercedes for us.

Finally, this position is a shared position. Paul says in Ephesians 2:6 (HCSB) that: He also raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavens, in Christ Jesus. Revelation 3:21 (HCSB) says: The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne. Somehow, as joint-heirs with Jesus, we will share in what the Son has won for us. We will rule with Christ!

When Jesus rose from the dead, after appearing to and teaching his disciples, he ascended into the heavens and is even now at the right hand of the throne. Because of the work of our Lord we even now cry, "He is risen...He is risen, indeed!" This is the good news of Easter.

Humble Restoration

2007-02-05T16:22:00.000-06:00

In a culture where individualism is honored, being a part of a team can sometimes be difficult. The NFL, which finished its season last night with the Indianapolis Colts winning Super Bowl XLI, focuses on teams, not individuals. Yet, there are players who strive to stand out in the crowd...for some not because of their play but for their antics both on and off the field.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul says that believers make up the body of Christ. We function as a unit, as a team. When one hurts we all hurt. When one rejoices we all rejoice. But, what happens when one falls, when one willfully sins against the Lord or another beliver? How does the body of Christ respond?

In Galatians 6:1-5, Paul says that those who are spiritual are to restore that brother through lovingly, gently, and humbly calling to their attention their sin and their need to repent. Once repentance has occurred, restoration can then occur. Yet, we've been conditioned that "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." In other words, isn't it prideful to point out the sins of others? Isn't that juding?

Ultimately, our goal is the same as our Lord's goal. In Ephesians 5:25-27, Paul says that Christ loves His bride, the church, so much that He gave Himself for her to present her to himself "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and blameless." When we hold each other accountable for sin and for the need of repentance, we are accomplishing the Lord's desire for a beautiful, holy bride! As husbands will not tolerate anyone "messin'" with their wives, our Lord does not want anyone demeaning or degrading His bride. Sin in the church is serious and we must treat it as such.

Again, this is done lovingly, gently, and humbly with the goal of restoration. May our Lord Jesus Christ grant us the privilege of being a part of a holy, blameless bride that will bring much glory to Him!

The Fruit of the Spirit

2007-01-29T15:54:00.000-06:00

Is an apple tree an apple tree because it produces apples? Or does it produce apples because it is an apple tree? I think the second question is the correct one. I also think that the question can be applied to the lives of believers. We should produce the fruit of the Spirit because we have the Holy Spirit living within us.

As believers, the question is not "what kind of fruit should we produce?" but "are we producing fruit that gives evidence of a Spirit-controlled life?" Do others regularly see within my life the fruit of the Spirit? To I respond to people with the fruit of the Spirit? Are my relationships governed by the fruit of the Spirit?

Hopefully, the answers are "yes." Of course, Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:17 that the flesh is opposed to the Spirit. So, we have a war of competing natures that rages within us. The flesh desires what is in opposition to the Spirit. It will fight, kick, claw, scratch its way into control of my life. But, as a believer, I have surrendered all rights to my life to my Lord Jesus Christ. The flesh no longer reigns in my mortal body. The Lord Jesus does! I am under new ownership and my only desire should be to please my Master. The evidence that I am living in submission to Him will be the fruit of the Spirit for the flesh cannot produce this, only the Spirit can!

Let us each continue to put to death the flesh in order that we may live for Christ! May we humbly pursue Him that we might finish the race before us in anticipation of crossing the finish line in His presence!

The Works of the Flesh

2007-01-22T16:18:00.000-06:00

Thanks to the miracle of modern technology, war is just a click away. Whether it's the click of a computer mouse or a TV remote, we can see war in all its horror. However, we don't have to go to the far reaches of the earth to see war. For Christians, all one has to do is look in the mirror and there he or she will find a battleground.

Paul says in Galatians 5:17 (HCSB) "For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want." This war fought in the life of the believer is ongoing and sometimes quite brutal. The remants of the flesh put to death by the coming of Christ in the life of a believer tenaciously hangs on seeking to regain control of the believer. Yet, the Spirit living within the believer brings the power of God to overcome the schemes of the devil.

The flesh is not subtle in its work. In fact, Paul says in Galatians 5:19 that the works of the flesh are obvious. The list that Paul gives is not exhaustive. It would be nice to say that here are the 15 sins the flesh brings and no more. However, elsewhere Paul says that those who deny God are inventors of evil (Romans 1:30). Humans continue to invent ways to satisfy the desires of the flesh.

Christians sometimes find themselves succumbing to the temptation of the flesh. As conviction comes, we must readily admit our sin and confess that to our Lord as we turn from that sin and embrace the Lord as our Master and Savior.

As we read the list in Galatians 5:19-21, we must all admit we see ourselves in that list. We stand guilty. What is the Good News? Romans 8:1 (HCSB) "Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus!" The Gospel proclaims that our Lord Jesus Christ willingly took the wrath of God upon Himself on the cross so that the ones believing would have eternal life as they repent of their sins and by faith receive Him as Lord and Savior! May the most obvious things in our lives not be the works of the flesh but the fruit of the Spirit! With Paul let us say with rejoicing:

1 Corinthians 15:57 (HCSB) 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

We Are Free!

2007-01-15T15:58:00.000-06:00

I was a youth pastor for several years before "growing up" and becoming a Pastor! During those years, it was not uncommon to hear teenagers whining about their parents and then say something along these lines, "I can't wait until I graduate so that I can do whatever I want! When I leave home, no one will tell me what to do!"

Of course, we must recognize that the absence of boundaries is not really freedom. Too often, we think that the "man" is keeping us down and we wish we were the "man." However, I remind people that the greater the leadership responsibility, the less the freedom. In a recent conversation, a friend was lamenting the number of disclosures one must fill out just to run for office. That doesn't sound much like freedom! The most powerful man in the world, our President, may have the least freedom of all Americans!

Paul reminds the Galatians that they have been set free through the work of our Lord Jesus Christ, but one must be careful not to allow that freedom to become a license to sin. In fact, people who are truly free in Christ are paradoxically slaves (Galatians 5:13 (HCSB) For you are called to freedom, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love). Instead of being free to give into the sinful desires of the flesh, we must serve one another! Serving each other through love limits my ability to please myself because I'm thinking of others needs before my own.

The sinful nature of our flesh that stubbornly hangs onto our lives wars against this kind of selfless living. However, Paul makes clear that as we walk in the Spirit, we don't have to give into the desires of the flesh. When we are free from the power of the flesh and free to follow our Lord Jesus Christ...we are free indeed!

Don't Mess With the Gospel

2007-01-08T09:47:00.000-06:00

Our American culture values tolerance. We are asked by our culture to sublimate our beliefs in the name of tolerance. Thus, those who hold to values and beliefs which are in opposition to others are to remain silent. The reality is...not everyone in our culture plays by those rules.

In America, it's quite acceptable to espouse many unbiblical beliefs while at the same time denigrating Christians and the Gospel. This is not considered abusive at all. However, have a Christian stand up and say certain behaviors are wrong and all manner of venom is spouted toward that Christian.

Paul, in Galatians 5:7-12, speaks out boldly against a group of people who were purposely attacking the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These people were adding the works of the law to the Gospel of grace. Paul would not stand for it and in some of the most harsh language found in scripture even says that if these people want to depend on circumcision to keep them right with God, why don't they go all the way and castrate themselves! Not quite the tolerance we would expect to see in our culture.

Paul reminds us that we must stand boldly for the Gospel. In Romans 1:16 Paul says he's not ashamed of the Gospel. As believers in a pluralistic society, we must cry out that we are not ashamed to be called Christians. We are not ashamed of the Gospel. We are not ashamed to stand up for that Gospel. And...we will proclaim the Gospel as the truth of God and tell others not to mess with it. They may not believe it, they may dismiss it, but don't mess with it! May our Lord grant that we will have the courage to be light in the darkness of a lost and dying world!

Giving Thanks

2006-11-27T16:23:00.000-06:00

1 Corinthians 15:57 (HCSB) But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

As we've just celebrated Thanksgiving, I wanted to offer a scriptural thanks. In the context of the passage above, Paul has focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ with special emphasis on the resurrection and the coming resurrection body of all believers. In 1 Cor. 15:58, Paul says that the sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But through our Lord Jesus Christ, God has given us victory over sin and death.

The victory we have received through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is something for which we should give thanks. Without this victory, each of us would be enslaved to sin and death. We would be hopeless and helpless. Yet, for those who believe, we have received victory!

As we enter the Christmas season, we are reminded once again that God became flesh and dwelled among us. Jesus Christ, fully God, fully man, lived perfectly according to the law in our stead. On the cross, the wrath of God was poured out on Him who became sin on our behalf. The victory cry, "It is finished!" rang out from our Savior's lips as He made a way for sinners into the presence of a holy God.

May each believer never forget why we have victory. God, through Jesus Christ, has given us the victory, a gift of God! Let's give thanks!

Saturday Night Special

2006-11-04T19:38:00.000-06:00

I've heard of preachers who preach more topical type sermons waiting until Saturday night to determine what they will preach...sermons affectionately known as "Saturday Night Specials." Often, these preachers will justify this practice by saying they depend upon God to give them just what the congregation needs on that Sunday. They also say that they depend upon the Lord more because of their waiting on Him for His message.

I have to admit, thinking of preaching this way causes heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and blurry eyesight! I cannot imagine coming into a Saturday night without a clue as to what I'm preaching on the next morning. In other words, "Saturday Night Specials" are not for me.

Now, do I depend upon God as much as the other guy? Does the message I've been preparing for in advance still have relevancy for my congregation? I think the answer to both of these questions is a resounding YES! I preach through books of the Bible (for the most part). Currently, I'm preaching through Galatians on Sunday mornings. I do admit there is a sense of serenity knowing that I don't have to come up with a "topical" message for a Sunday morning, whether I prepare it a week in advance or have it mystically "come to me" on a Saturday night. I'm preaching Galatians 3:15-26 tomorrow...why? Because I finished Galatians 3:14 last week. How easy and reassuring is that?!?

As to topical preaching, I hit lots of topics. I recently preached through the 10 Commandments. Talk about topical!!! As I'm preaching through Galatians, Paul expounds on the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I think that's pretty topical as well, especially in light of the Gospel "light" some receive on Sunday mornings. The fun part of preaching through books? I hit the topics God thinks are important as His Word is eternally true and eternally relevant. Sure, I want to help my folks apply the Word, but God sets the agenda, not me. Preaching through a book helps me to preach the whole counsel of God, not just ideas I think are important. In fact, the more of God and the less of me...the better!!!

No, I think I'll stick to preaching the Word of God by preparing weekly so that on Saturday night, I can thank Him for how He prepared me to preach for His glory. May my preaching of the whole counsel of God bring Him much glory and the people much good!

Lessons from the Gulf of Mexico

2006-10-09T15:27:00.000-06:00

My family and I spent a few days on the beach in Destin, Florida. What a great week we had! The weather was awesome and the water clear. God was indeed kind to allow us the break and to give us such great weather! While there, I had some time to remember some lessons from our Lord and from life:

1) Everyone needs rest...even our Lord Jesus Christ! I am thankful for rest and for the opportunity to go away and recharge.

2) Times with family are to be encouraged and embraced! Just hanging out on the beach or trying to body surf is such great fun with family. My oldest daughter is a high school senior. This trip reminded me of how fast time goes by and how quickly our children grow up.

3) God's creation does indeed cry out that He is Lord of all! Watching the waves crash and feeling their power reminded me that God is the Creator over all and that His power far exceeds all earthly powers!

4) When my mind is still and quiet, I have time to reflect on God's blessings in my life, from my family to my church to my salvation to God's provision in every area of my life. I am thankful that God speaks in such special ways that remind me He is sovereign!

5) When I go away, I realize how I tired I am and the recharging I need. I'm reminded that to pastor a church, serve my family, preach the Word, minister to others in my own strength is spiritual suicide...I am weak but He is strong. Even though I feel revitalized now, I can still do nothing without the strength of Christ!

I am thankful for the time away and for the reminder of lessons. May we all continue to serve our Lord Jesus Christ in His strength seeking to bring Him great glory!

True Worship

2006-08-16T15:18:00.000-06:00

My music pastor and I traveled to a conference last week that is still impacting my life! A friend asked me today what I took away from the conference. Here are some random thoughts:

*God is completely and totally sovereign over His creation...including me!

*I justly deserve the wrath of God because of my willful sin against Him.

*Jesus Christ willingly bore the wrath of God for me on the cross!

*By faith, I am declared righteous in Christ and have been reconciled to God! This faith is a gift of God and not as a result of works. God chose me to lavish His grace and mercy on me!

*When these truths become real in my life, the only natural response is WORSHIP!

I am so thankful that God continues to speak to me through His word and through proclamation of His word. I do want to live a cross-centered life so that I will forever glory in the cross, in Jesus, and in the Father. May the realization of the work of Christ drive each of us to humbly serve Him. This is indeed the power of the cross!

At the Election Booth

2006-08-03T10:19:00.000-06:00

As many people are across the nation, I had the privilege of voting today. Polls opened at 7:00 a.m. and I was number 8 in line. After showing my voter card and getting all signed in, I went to an electronic booth and cast my votes. The results will be in tonight.

As I drove into the parking lot, folks with signs greeted me as they smiled and waved. The signs had the names of candidates hoping to receive my vote. As I left they waved and smiled again. And by the way...it's hot here in Murfreesboro! These folks are taking time from their day to stand out in the sun to smile and wave at potential voters all on behalf of their candidate.

Makes me wonder...what am I willing to do for my Lord Jesus Christ in light of His eternal kingdom? If these folks will make these sacrifices for an earthly kingdom, shouldn't I be more than willing to do even more for Him? Candidates believe that a sign, smile, and wave might sway voters toward them. Are we passionately trying to share the Gospel of Christ with non-believers? Would we be willing to stand out in the heat, wave and smile at passersby if we knew it would make a difference for Christ and His Gospel?

I pray that each of us will not only desire for God to use us, but we will actively go and tell people no matter the obstacles knowing that the lives of people are on the line. And I hope we can do it in a winsome way, showing the love of Christ to a world that desperately needs Him.

How Hot is Hell?

2006-07-19T10:42:00.000-06:00

We've been experiencing a heat wave here in middle Tennessee. With temperatures in the upper 90's and high humidity, heat indexes have been well over 100 degrees. Folks are being warned about heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other ways heat can cause harm to one's health. As of today (Wednesday), some relief is on the way by this weekend.

The thing about this heat is it is temporary. While it can be uncomfortable, irritating, and even deadly, summer will pass into fall and fall into winter. Around January, we'll be longing for the warmth of summer as we now long for the coolness of winter.

However, hell will last forever. Concerned citizens are encouraged to check on the elderly during heat like this. Homeless shelters make sure to open their doors wider at this time. Yet, when one dies in a state of lostness, he or she will spend an eternity separated from God. They will experience for eternity the "God-forsakenness" Jesus did when on the cross bearing the penalty of our sins (Mark 15:34).

Perhaps our concern for the lost will be heightened by the reminder that hell is a real place of eternal torment. While our concern for those affected by the heat is one demonstration of our love for our neighbor, the greatest demonstration of our love comes when we share the Good News of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ with a lost person. Hell may be hot, but God demonstrated His love for sinners through Christ's death on the cross. No longer must we bear the penalty of our sins. Through repentance and faith, my eternal home can be with Christ, not separated from Him!

Let Freedom Ring

2006-07-06T13:09:00.000-06:00

Two days ago our nation celebrated its 230th year as an independent nation, free from the tyranny of England. As I'm sure many of you did, I gathered with family and friends for fun, food, fellowship, and fireworks. Yet, even as the day wore on, a thought continued in my mind. How free are we really?

Just a reminder...our nation, as great as it is, is not eternal. There is only one kingdom which will last forever and it belongs to our Lord! He ushered it in, He sustains it, and one day He will establish it in all its fullness. Unfortunately, many in our nation are enslaved to sin, thus, they are not really free at all. Only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ do we receive forgiveness of our sins and adoption as sons of the Father. Until that occurs, we can say we're free, but we're really in bondage.

My prayer for the USA is that we are truly free will proclaim the goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ to save and deliver us from darkness. I pray that as Christians we will use our civil freedom to proclaim the Gospel to an enslaved world. Only as Christ changes hearts will we truly know freedom. May we as Christians "let freedom ring" through the proclaimation of the Gospel for all to hear. Remember Jesus' words in John 8:36 (HCSB), "Therefore if the Son sets you free, you really will be free."

VBS Musings

2006-06-08T08:41:00.000-06:00

I have a confession to make...I love Vacation Bible School! I always have and, I believe, always will. VBS...when a bunch of children get to learn of the love of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. When adults get to spend 5 days loving on children...many without any strong adult influence in their lives.

One of the awesome things about VBS in the 21st century is that it's updated and better than ever. Some of you remember "sit-down/stand-up chords!" Today, the music rocks, the children are pumped, and the air is filled with excitement and anticipation. Children ask their parents to come to VBS!

Our church does a skit each day during the worship time. The basic idea is that Pastor Mike wants to tell people about Jesus but keeps getting scared by a villian who discourages him. Missions Man, a super hero in the mold of Bible Man, comes to Pastor Mike's rescue and reminds him of God's strength to witness. The children love it. What's awesome is how the children come up to me and want to talk, give me a high five, or a hug. What a great gift that children know their pastor is approachable and cares for them. I have the BEST job in the world!

Let me say again...I LOVE VBS! I want to thank all our adults who so faithfully work during VBS to make it such a success. To Zach, our children's pastor, you are DA MAN! To our Pastors and staff, thanks for all your tireless hours in preparation and execution for VBS! I consider it a privilege to serve a church like Third Baptist!

Rebuilding Lives

2006-05-15T12:28:00.000-06:00

I've just come from 5 days in New Orleans helping to "mud" out a home affected by the flooding associated with Hurricane Katrina. This was the 5th trip our church has taken since December 2005.

On this trip, we helped a young man named Floyd tear out sheet rock, flooring, and anything else with mold on it. It took our crew three days to get done. It was literally some of the hardest work I've ever done due to the precautions we had to take and the scope of the work.

It was also some of the most rewarding work I've ever done! We've been constantly reminded that we're helping rebuild lives, not buildings. Floyd is not a believer, but our Lord is working in his life to show him his need for a Savior. While he has not yet confessed Christ as Lord, seeds were planted and watered that I believe will bear the fruit of salvation in Floyd's life.

I shared with our crew that for me, our work is a metaphor of what our Lord does in our lives. Sin has a grasp on our hearts that is both easily visible and hardly seen. Sin is a part of our nature and affects every area of our lives. But then, our Lord regenerates us and gives us faith that we might receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Our sinful natures are put to death through the blood of Christ and we are given a new name. Where once we were in shambles and slaves to sin, we are now heirs with Jesus Christ.

The house we worked on can easily be destroyed. The work of Christ is eternal. May we continue to ask our Lord to use us as His instruments of grace in a world that needs reclamation for His glory!

The Playoffs

2006-04-26T20:53:00.000-06:00

Folks at my church know I love sports! I've been active in organized sports since I was 9 years old. I think there are a lot of great "life" lessons one can learn from participating in sports...especially team sports.

Currently, the first-round of the NBA playoffs are occurring. Unfortunately, some of the NBA's finest players are not ones from whom our children should learn. We see all matter of selfishness, crudeness, arrogance, disdain for authority, foolishness, and sometimes plain meaness played out in some of these men. Several years ago, Charles Barkley, one of the NBA's 50 greatest players, made a commercial in which he stated, "I am not a role model." He later explained that parents should be role models for their children, not athletes.

Unfortunately, many players are role models because they are used by corporate America to hawk all manner of goods. From clothing to drinks, from cars to credit cards, athletes are paid large sums of money to sell their likenesses for the good of a company's income. Children, teens, and adults see these men and desire to be like them. So they purchase the product and display it proudly. Such is the power of an athlete's likeness and his popularity. Some athletes sell more than products. They sell poor behavior as well.

Paul made what seems a rather bold comment in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ." (HCSB) So much for humility! However, Paul also recognized that he was the worst of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). Paul knew that we need models, people we can follow, people who embody what they say they believe.

I'm sometimes scared to death to think that I'm a role model for my children, for my wife, for my friends, for my congregation. And yet, what a great privilege I have to be used of our Lord Jesus Christ as an instrument He can wield for His glory as people see Him in me! I pray that more athletes will recognize their unique role in our culture as role models. More than that, I pray that more men, especially husbands and dads, will humbly bow before our Lord and submit to His will for their lives so that in His hands, they will be models of righteousness for others to see and follow as they follow Christ.

Marriage...Again & Again & Again

2006-04-18T15:47:00.000-06:00

You know those Hollywood hunks and hunkettes? The ones we grow up admiring and desiring to be like? The ones our kids and grandkids know all about? According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Hollywood's stars have given us another reason they shouldn't be our role models. You see, of the 200 most popular Hollywood stars (Internet Movie Database), 51% of them have been divorced. Us mere mortals divorce at a 31% rate.

We read all the time about Hollywood breakups and rumors of Hollywood breakups...usually while standing in the checkout line of our favorite grocer. Maybe the tabloids are right! Not about aliens abducting Elvis, but about the lack of commitment to marriage in Hollywood. In fact, some wedding vows are taking a more "realistic" bent by replacing the traditional "'til death do us part" for "as long as our love shall last." Of course, some love ends before the ink is dry on the pre-nup!

Throughout the years of doing weddings, premarital counseling, and marital counseling, I've tried to help couples see the difference between emotional love and commitment. Emotional love is a fickle thing. It's what keeps someone from commitment because they reason, "What if I marry this person and then find my soulmate?" I can fall in and out of love in a moment's notice.

Commitment says that my will is more important than my emotions. When Adam saw Eve for the first time, he didn't speak of her beauty in poetic terms, nor gush about how she made him feel. He didn't even say he loved her. Adam said, "This one, at last, is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh; this one will be called woman, for she was taken from man." (Genesis 2:23 HCSB) In today's world, that wouldn't quite sweep a woman off her feet. But, Adam and Eve were married for centuries!

Here's hoping that the church will take its rightful place in society as salt and light within the home. May our culture see men and women committed to each other for a lifetime and when they do, may they see marriage as a reflection of the commitment Jesus Christ has for the church.

Perky Katie Couric

2006-04-07T11:04:00.000-06:00

Big news...really big news! The rumor mill has finally proven to be true. Katie Couric is going to CBS to become the anchorwoman and managing editor for the CBS Evening News. She will also be a contributor to 60 Minutes. After 15 years on NBC's Today Show, those closest to Katie said she was looking for a new challenge. Maybe she wanted to sleep in on mornings!

We live in a society that loves to worship celebrities. We'll even make up celebrities through reality TV. So, can't sing, can't dance, can't act, aren't an athlete? No problemo! Eat some bugs on a tropical island while trying to outthink and outlast your competitors. Or, face your biggest fears. Or, find your "soulmate" through intimate moments with millions of people watching. Or, have a woman with a British accent come to your home and help you fix the problem with your children.

So, we have a journalist named Katie who reads the news, interviews Presidents and psychologists, travels to remote locations for weddings and Olympics, and now will anchor one of the Big 3 network news. She hasn't cured an illness, negotiated a treaty, written a history book, but the nation waited anxiously for this important announcement. Such is the power and seduction of celebrity.

Worship is not the problem in our society. It's the object of worship. In just a few days, we'll celebrate the anniversary of the resurrection of our risen Savior, our Lord Jesus Christ. Many will go to church for their annual tune-up and check-up. For about 1 hour, folks will at least passingly acknowledge there is a God. However, once the service is over, they will go on to their everyday lives with important issues to consider: How will Katie do as an anchor? Will Meredith Viera be a good replacement on Today? How will Matt Lauer do without Katie and with Meredith?

This is not a dig at Katie. But, it is a dig at us. I hope that one day soon, we as a people of the living God will exhibit the same excitement about Christ that we do about celebrities and sports. I hope that the news of the salvation of one soul will fill us with great awe, hope, and excitement. I hope that the work of God in our midst will be the content of water cooler talk.

Good luck, Katie!

And So It Begins

2006-04-03T15:47:00.000-06:00

This will be my attempt to speak to issues that speak to me. I don't know where this will ultimately take us, but it's a start. Thanks for your patience as I am learning the art of blogging! And so it begins...
Mike