i’m a real fan of lifechurch.tv’s series of sketches where they chat with satan. simple, generally good theology in the idea of screwtape letters, witty, and the videos are put together well. i submit this one on how satan uses money in the economy.
where is our hope : dealing with the downturn
this comes from a pastor friend ryan bennett, who posted this on his facebook. thought it was worthwhile sharing today.
Well, the news is out today. The economy is bad – real bad. Recession
is giving way to talk of Depression. The stock market is at its lowest
point in over a decade, taking with it the retirement accounts of many
of our elderly. Things are bad.
is giving way to talk of Depression. The stock market is at its lowest
point in over a decade, taking with it the retirement accounts of many
of our elderly. Things are bad.
So, with things this bad, where are people turning? In Tennessee, the
answer was obvious this morning with the news that February was the
biggest month EVER for the Tennessee lottery. $208 MILLION dollars were
spent on lottery tickets in the month of February alone.
This is a damning statement about the hopelessness and irrationality
that is so pervasive in our culture now. It is also a damning statement
about where people are not turning – the church. Why would people
seeking hope not turn to the church? I guess the answer is that hope is
not what we are offering.
The daily news is offering gloom and doom. Shouldn't the church be more
bold in its offering of Good News? Not good news on the economy but
true Good News from the Hope of the World, Jesus Christ!
I think that the world has largely written off the church. "They don't
care about my needs. They are too concerned with fighting and bickering
amongst themselves about polity and doctrine."
If we can't offer Good News then who can? I believe this is an
opportunity for the church, but we must first relearn the unique
message God has given us then we must engage the world in which we live
in a real way. It will get messy, no doubt. But I don't think there is
anything else we can do and be faithful.
Lord, let the church offer more hope to a hurting people than the lottery.
Ryan
i don't know what more commentary i can put on this, but say "yup." we should be doing better. where do we start?
monday music : loose my soul
shawn michael tipped me off that this video was being released. i’m not a huge listener these days to the ccm scene but this is one song that really have enjoyed since its release.
introducing youthminblog : collaborative youth ministry blog
i am very excited to be asked to participate in a new youth ministry blogging initiative. this is a portal youth ministry blog that is taking in some of the most noticeable blogging & tech youth pastor types.
pretty stoked to be considered in the group as many i've met and almost all i have followed for some time now.
the basic idea, brainchild of chris szulwach, is that we are all going to be posting on some similar/coordinated topics our best thoughts, ideas and perspectives. so plug this into the rss feader, there is sure to be some great discussion on youth ministry practice.
monday music : its a landslide
a little tip to jen lemen for weekend reminder of this haunting gem that i just love. at one point i was close to being able to play this song on guitar..