Sexual Abuse in the Church

LeStourgeon has a very good post addressing the issue of sexual abuse in the church. I commend it to you. At the most recent Southern Baptist Convention there was a resolution passed on this topic. This tragedy, that tore through the Catholic Church, is obviously not limited to one denomination.

Vacation Bible School

Here's a picture of our VBS group. We finished up a busy week last Friday. It was a good week, but tiring.

I did some reminiscing about the "old days" when I went to VBS as a kid. No high tech DVDs, fancy t-shirts or colorful posters. Just basic stuff. Bible stories, Popsicle stick crafts, cookies and grape kool-aid. I have fond memories of the little ladies that worked with us to teach us about Jesus. All in all not much different than today. Just like these kids, I was lost and needed to hear the gospel.

I pray that the Lord will honor our efforts to share Christ with these children.

Today is Flag Day

Today is Flag Day here in the U.S. so I will proudly fly "Old Glory" here Under the Steeple. In 1949 June 14th was officially established as a national day of recognition in honor of the "birthday" of our flag. Read details here.

Additionally, today is the 19th birthday of Rachel Call, my niece.

Fervent in Prayer

I am not always fervent in prayer. This cartoon is funny, but also somewhat convicting to me. Have you ever had this experience? I am preaching on prayer this coming Sunday. As often happens the message does a work on the preacher. While it is not always comfortable, it is comforting (to know He is working on me).

Great Take on Hilton

I just read a great post by Lydia Brownback that looks at Paris Hilton through the eyes of evangelicalism. This is a must read post. (I just discovered Brownback's blog. She is an excellent writer with a godly perspective.)

We have been bombarded by network and cable media coverage with this picture of broken humanity. What were your thoughts as you first heard about the troubles of Miss Hilton? Read what Brownback has to say and you may have have a new take on the hotel heiress.

Happy Plastic People

The lyrics to a song by Casting Crowns are so poignant and I think so applicable to my post last week on building community. If you do not know this song take a few minutes to digest the message behind these lyrics. They are striking.

In a genuine community of disciples we would not feel bound to wear masks. But often we do. There is much work in building an authentic community of disciples.

"Stained Glass Masquerade"
Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small
Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage
The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be
Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

Building Community

Are we really building community in our churches? Maybe we are preaching truth. Maybe we are enjoying enthusiastic music and worship. Maybe we are doing evangelism. But, without a sense of community these things are merely actions. Maybe actions done in obedience but possible in a very weak context. People in our culture long for authentic relationships and community.

These thoughts came to mind as I read a recent post by Dr. Michael Haykin. Insightful words from this historian. Words that should challenge each of us to examine the context in which we are worshiping and ministering.

Are we simply going through the motions, "playing church," or are we part of an effort to build a community of disciples?

Giving to Missions

Southern Baptists surpassed their goal for the annual Lottie Moon Christmas offering. This offering supports missionaries that are sent through the International Mission Board. Currently there are about 5,100 SBC international missionaries.

Total contributions for 2007 topped $150 million! You can read more details here.

William Cowper

I just finished a mini biography on William Cowper (apparently pronounced "Cooper"). It was one of four in the little book Well With My Soul.

Cowper, who died in April 1800, was a hymn writer and poet. Probably one of his most well known hymns is "There is a Fountain Filled with Blood." It is obvious from the work of Cowper that not only was he gifted, but he was a man that loved the Lord.

What makes William Cowper's life and work so intriguing is that he was plagued with chronic depression most of his life. He suffered from what we know today as bi-polar disorder. Of course in the 1700's there was no medication or treatment. Cowper endured great fits of anxiety that lasted for weeks or months. As he processed the reasons for his depression he felt ultimately that he had been abandoned by God. Although he continued to pray, read and discuss the Bible, he did not attend church for an extended period of years at the end of his life. The author of "Amazing Grace," John Newton ,was one of Cowper's closest friends. Newton served as a spiritual mentor for the troubled hymn writer. Following the tragic death of a close friend Newton asked Cowper and the grieving family to move to Olney where he could minister to them. For the next several years the two men were neighbors and they formed a lasting friendship that was anchored in the love of Christ.

William Cowper's life and writings are a testimony to God's grace. However, there are many who would struggle to see God's hand in the life of a man who lived for over 60 years in a dark depression. In fact, there are some that would say if Cowper were truly in Christ his the reading and studying of God's Word could have led him out of his depression. "Maybe he just needed to pray more." "Maybe he was not actually converted."

There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emanuel's veins; and sinner's plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty
stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day;
and there may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away.

E'er since by faith I saw that stream Thy flowing wounds supply, redeeming love has been my theme and shall be till I die.

Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I'll sing Thy power to save; when this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.

How are we to understand the hand of God in the lives of men? Some bold and vibrant for the Lord. Others struggling daily under a tremendous load.

All of Grace.

Billy Graham Library

Last night I stayed up later than usual to watch a replay of the dedication ceremony for the new Billy Graham Library. You can read details about the library here. [The picture to the right is of the Library, cool huh?] I watched the broadcast on TBN. While there are only a few shows on this network I care to watch, they did a very nice job with this event.

Billy Graham is 88 years old. He has served the Lord and proclaimed the message of the cross for over 60 years. Although I may disagree slightly with some of Dr. Graham's theology, I think God has used him mightily and he is a humble man of the highest integrity. Also on the program were Cliff Barrows, long time music director for Graham and George Beverly Shea. "Bev Shea" is now 98 years old and still able to belt out "How Great Thou Art." It was a blessing to watch these men who have so given themselves to ministry. During his opening remarks Franklin Graham presented a very clear articulation of the gospel. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association obviously has the glory of God in Christ as their top priority.

There were also three former U.S. Presidents on the program. Carter and Clinton offered some general remarks and personal words about their connection with Graham over the years. The crowd got a chuckle when Clinton remarked that he and Carter were both Southern Baptists AND Democrats. Needless to say the SBC still has a few folks that are clearly left of center. The dedication address was given by former President George H. W. Bush, who is an Episcopalian. He was very emotional as he talked about the impact Graham has had on him personally and spiritually. He too is showing his age but was very witty and quite engaging.

Toward the end of the program Dr. Graham finally made his way to the podium. He said he felt like he was "attending his own funeral." Apparently his wife Ruth is in very poor health and not able to attend. His remarks were brief but so humble and gracious.

I was convicted and inspired as I reflected on the life and ministry of Billy Graham. He has certainly made a deep and lasting impact on Evangelical Christianity throughout the world. He comes from very modest roots but God has opened doors for Graham to preach to millions. It is a testimony to what God can do. There are many very good preachers in our country today. There are a few solid leaders in the evangelical community worldwide. Is there another "Billy Graham" making his way to the podium of the 21st Century? I pray that there is. It will be interesting to see what the Lord will do in the next 60 years.