Like A Tree–Psalm 1
In week one of “Songs Along the Way” we considered how Psalm 1 contrasts the “two ways” of life.
The way of the wise was described as a tree planted by a stream. The way of the wicked described as chaff being blown away by the wind.
Here is a song setting of Psalm 1 by Justin Rizzo. He clearly meditated on the words of this Psalm and is not afraid of repetition! Repetition is a learning strategy that helps us remember.
A Place to Die
Harry W. Schaumburg wrote a blog post entitled “Sexual Sin in the Ministry”. He makes a strong case that our “diagnosis determines the treatment” and suggests that nothing short of the cross will heal people caught in sexual sin.
“The cross isn’t a recovery program, the place to improve on what good is already there. It is a place to die. It is not a question of giving up sexual sin, but of giving up one’s rights.”
Psalms–Songs Along the Way
Kathleen Buswell Nielson believes that our basic problem in Bible studies is that we have forgotten how to read. We are often in too much of a hurry and want to rush into the Bible–grab some ready wrapped truth like we grab a fast food meal.
Survivor and the American Church Pt. 3
A good enemy exploits the weaknesses of his prey. The weaknesses that Mike Breen has identified in the American church are: CELEBRITY, CONSUMERISM and COMPETITION. One sure way to be voted off the island on Survivor—to lose your place on the team—is to turn on someone with whom you have an alliance. Consider how the enemy of competition has made the church turn on our own teammates—and in the process miss the REAL enemy.
COMPETITION
Survivor and the American Church Pt. 2
The enemy of the church identified in yesterday’s post was CELEBRITY. The second enemy in Mike Breen’s list of three is CONSUMERISM. Consider how this attitude has infiltrated and weakened the American church.
CONSUMERISM
We live in a culture that revolves around consuming. Every TV commercial, every store, every credit card company, every bank, every TV show or movie, every piece of clothing, car or product, every website, every restaurant…every everything is tailored to fit your desires, needs or personal preference.
We are easily infuriated when things don’t happen exactly as we want them. We exist in a place that implicitly says this: “We are here to serve you and meet your every whim and desire. Let us take care of you.” What’s more, it’s never enough.
Survivor and the American Church- Pt.1
The 24th season of Survivor premiered on Feb. 15, 2012. America has not tired of watching contestants struggle and strain to outwit, outplay and outlast each other in the hope of winning 1 million dollars.
In every season successful contestants reveal that a key to winning is to identify which of the other challengers is the most threatening enemy.
A recent blog post by Mike Breen made me wonder if the American church has identified its most threatening enemies.
Groupon and Torture Porn
When my friends and I share Groupon recommendations through Facebook, it is usually for things like 2 for 1 entrees at a nearby restaurant, a 
vase of flowers or a cheap teeth whitening treatment.
I was stunned and disgusted to find out that this company is presently selling coupons to tour Kink.com an internet porn company that has its headquarters in a historic building in San Francisco. The ad for the tour suggested that groups may get to see live filming in progress. Seriously…is no low too low?
Selling coupons that will go to support the degradation of young women and children leads me to think it is time to cancel the Groupon subscription.