No Shirt, No Shoes, Know Jesus

Respecting Our Leaders

So about a week ago, there was a post on Facebook that quite a few people were putting as their status message.  I think it was supposed to be funny and to show their political leanings.  It certainly was anti the current administration, specifically the President.  This one went a little further than most shots at the other party, though.  This one suggested that maybe God should allow President Obama to pass away.  Personally, I find this offensive.

Now, I'm going to break a rule that I usually have.  I don't usually discuss politics.  There tends to be no purpose in it.  I will never publicly endorse a candidate.  I will never preach about who you should vote for.  God put me in my position to advance His kingdom, not the donkey's or the elephant's.  But in this case, I think there is an intersection and I feel compelled to speak out.  That's because God doesn't want us to trash talk the men and women He puts over us.

Whaaat?!?!?  God is in charge of who gets elected President?  Why would I believe such a crazy thing like that?  Well, cause the Bible tells me so.  Check this out...

 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.   Romans 13:1

I wonder if by "all" authorities He means the Obama Administration?  Maybe? Possibly?  OF COURSE HE DOES!!!  ALL MEANS ALL!!  God allows governmental power in order to further His plans for humanity.  He doesn't make decisions for them, whether good or ill, but He allows them to have authority in order to accomplish His purposes.  In recognizing this, we are challenged how we respond to those over us.  Look at this one...

For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed.   I Peter 2:13-14

Respect.  You don't have to agree with the President, you do not have to like his decisions, but God tells us to respect him.  And I'm not just talking about our current administration.  The last eight years, the President was the whipping boy of his own citizens.  Now, after a change in party, the new guy has to get it too and this time God's people have gotten into the act.  Most of the folks who had posted that joke on Facebook were believers! 

Now before you get this all twisted and think this is all bias, I need to make a confession.  I didn't vote for President Obama.  I voted for the Old Guy!  I do not like the current administration's politics.  I disagree with many decisions that they have made.  And I am free to say so.  But that doesn't change the fact that he is the duly elected President of the United States of America, my President as a U.S. citizen, and I will respect him.  If you are a follower of Jesus, you are called to do the same. 

My Jesus Rant

I recently watched an interview with Paul Verhoeven on MTV.  Verhoeven is the director of such classics as Robocop, Total Recall, and Starship Troopers, making him the perfect person to tackle the definitive take on...Jesus?!?!?  That's right, Mr Verhoeven was interviewed about his upcoming book, and possible adaptation, about the life of Christ.  He admits the book is controversial (shocker!) but insists that it is a work of scholarship and true.  In the interview, Verhoeven denies that the suffering of Jesus resulted in forgiveness of sin as well as suggesting that Crucifixion is nothing compared with other suffering such as having lost a limb.  At this point, my sarcastic nature is straining to lash out, like a rabid pit-bull after a fat kid, but, in an attempt to not be offensive toward the genius who brought us Basic Instinct, I am going to try to restrain myself and simply say...STOP USING JESUS FOR YOUR AGENDA!!!!

Don't get me wrong, it's not just Verhoeven.  A couple of years ago, James Cameron tried to jump start a post-Titanic career by claiming to have found the bones of Jesus.  (luckily for James, he has since gone on to save the earth himself through the power of blockbuster films)  The Oscars, and every other award show for that matter, is filled with "Thank you, Jesus" acceptance speeches by people who wouldn't know Him if He was making wine for the after party.  Athletes, Rap Stars, Politicians...they all use Jesus if they think the mention of Him can further their personal agenda.  And look, I can understand, you want to be successful, you want to accomplish your goals.  All I'm asking is that you leave Jesus out of it!  Stop pretending you have the inside scoop on Him, that you have the true story, that He won you some rewards, or that He approves of your message.

And don't think I'm not calling you out as well, church!  Jesus is not your personal brand to market.  Slapping a fish on something does not make it Jesus approved.  And for you guys and gals who are using Him to line your pockets every Sunday by playing on the desperation of of broken people, knock it off!  I understand that its a cash cow for you, but stop suggesting that Jesus wants everyone to be rich.  He and his first followers were all poor.  Work that out, scholar!  Yeah, I know you like the bling and just can't get comfortable in anything but Armani and the easiest way to get that is to fleece the faithful.  Just stop using Jesus to do it!  Try an ponzi scheme.  It's somehow less...dirty.

Look, Jesus had an agenda.  He was rather clear about it.  He told His disciples that He was going to the cross.  He told them He was here to save the lost.  He called people to repent of their sin and accept the Good News that there could be reunion with God.  He asked people to believe in Him.  Pretty straight forward actually.  You don't have to like it, you don't have to believe it, but He was transparent about it. 

So have your agenda.  Just don't use Him to promote it.  He's doing His own thing. 

The Losers

I am a huge movie fan, so it should be no surprise that I try to get to the theater as often as possible.  When a new comic book movie releases, that drive to grab some popcorn and a giant diet Coke, find my favorite seat (front row in the stadium section so I can put my feet up on the bar), and settle in for two hours of cinematic goodness is uncontrollable.  That's how I found myself in the 12:10 showing of "The Losers" Friday afternoon.  Sure, I was ditching out on work, but I had to see that movie.

Turned out to be a rather formulaic, root for the underdog against the overwhelming forces of evil, type of movie.  A small group of people face terrible odds and almost certain death in order to right an injustice.  Fun to watch but not at all original.  As a matter of fact, that plot device may be the second most used in the history of film.  (the first being the unlikely couple who find true love)  It got me wondering why we are so attracted to this concept.  Why are we such fans of the underdog?

I think its because, at a core level, we realize that we are all victims as well.  We live in a world that is not what it is supposed to be.  Our safety is threatened at all times.  We are oppressed by an enemy that can seem all powerful and indefeatable. Were we really created to suffer like we do, to live in fear of pain and death?   Is it our destiny to be losers?  It can feel like it at times.  I think we root for the losers because, in some strange way, we are rooting for ourselves. 

The underdog plot also tend to include anther movie staple, the deus ex machina, latin for "god from the machine".  This refers to the previously unknown ability, object, or persons who appear in the story to save the day and advance the plot just when things seemed the most hopeless.  This is often lamented by critics as a cheap save and hackneyed writing, and that may be a fair assessment when applied to film.  But what about real life?

The truth is, we are victims, inheritors of the choices of our originating parents.  We are forced to contend with an overpowering nature that desires rebellion and which leads to the wickedness that is so widespread throughout our world.  Make no mistake, we are the losers in this scenario and unless God steps in to fix the mechanics of our world, we are truly hopeless.  Thankfully, God loves pulling off the save, though for Him it is never cheap.  He is willing to help us overcome, to conquer, to win despite the odds.  Just like in the movies.  So maybe we root for the losers because we understand that they don't have to stay that way, that there is hope in the Deus ex machina, that they can win in the end.  And that makes for a great story.

Disconnected?

I'm not feeling very spiritual today.  I know, right?  How can that be?  I mean, as a pastor, shouldn't I be overflowing with peace and holiness at all times?  Well, that would be nice, but nope, it ain't even close to true.  I've got a cold and I slept terribly last night so it's affecting my mood.  I'm grumpy and it's making me feel critical about myself and that is making me feel depressed.  Kinda a vicious cycle.  I think I may go back to bed.

Now, I'm not whining here to get attention or sympathy.  No, I want to share some insight on a very common experience.  We all have seasons where our emotions tend to suggest that we are far from God.  We get depressed, apathetic, cynical, morose, or melancholy and we think that those negative emotions imply that God has taken a hike and left us alone.  That feeling of being unable to connect with God is a terrible one and typically exacerbates those feelings that caused us to struggle in the first place.

The problem is, our emotions tend to be all over.  Most of us wouldn't know emotional consistency is it bit us on the butt.  Let's be honest, changes in the weather affect our mood.  I would suggest that makes what we feel suspect.  We can't always trust what our emotions tell us. 

The good news is, that while we may be all over the place, Jesus is constant.  Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  That means that even though we have emotional fluctuations stemming from high gas prices, relationship struggles, the barometer, and even the common cold, Jesus is rock steady, consistently offering His grace, understanding, forgiveness, patience, and peace. 

So maybe I have the blues, maybe this cold is kicking my bottom, that doesn't mean that I am disconnected from the One that loves me best.  That is incredibly reassuring to me.  Hopefully to you as well.  Now for that bed...

Preview for Sunday....

In Defense of Our City

Over the weekend, Joakim Noah, of the Chicago Bulls, took some shots at our fair city, suggesting that Cleveland sucks.  Personally, I think he just had his knickers in a twist after the Cavs started the playoffs by whipping up on his team.  Nevertheless, I took offense at Mr. Noah's comments and feel the need to set the record straight: Cleveland doesn't such.  We rock!  (it says it in that song)  As a matter of fact, we are much better than Chicago.  To prove that, I have listed the Top Ten Reasons Cleveland is better than Chicago.  Hope you enjoy!

10.  We don't have to deal with the hustle and bustle of an economically thriving downtown.  Our downtown is nice and quiet.

9. Their politicians are crooks.  Ours see spaceships!

8. Chicago dyes their river green every St. Pattie's Day.  Ours turns different colors everyday of the year!

7.  We have never lost a Super Bowl!

6. Their most famous building is named after a department store.  Our is named after the Terminator!

5. We have the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, which holds new induction ceremonies every year...in New York.

4. We have an Iron Chef

3. Chicago sits on Lake Michigan, and as every Ohioan knows, Michigan sucks!

2. Forget dish pizza!  We have Angelo's!  Lakewood, represent!

1. Oh yeah...we have a better basketball team.  Check the scores.  How you like them apples!

Well, that list should have offended everyone.  Let the comments begin!

The New Dirty Word

Last night I went to see the new movie, Kick-blank, blank, blank. (A little self censoring is in order today.  This is a family site and I have to protect the kiddies!)  Turns out that this controversial movie has earned its controversy.  But it's not the merits of the film that I want to discuss here.  Rather, I want to consider a scene in the film that just set me off.  There is a moment with the main character and his girlfriend where they struggle to communicate their feelings with each other.  Very tentatively, yet sweetly, they settle on "I like you...a lot."  Most people probably went through that scene without blinking an eye.  I on the other hand, was apoplectic!  In a movie where a eight year old girl drops f-bombs like crazy, where we have already seen our superhero wannabe and his leading lady get it on like Donkey Kong, and where the conversation is prompted by our main man heading into a peril, the script writers balked on saying that most filthy word...love! 

I suppose I wouldn't have been so shocked if I wasn't already a bit sensitive to the subject.  One of my favorite shows on TV, The Big Bang Theory, recently aired an episode the centered around the main characters struggling with the L-word.  One is willing to express it while the other finds they cannot.  This is after an entire season where they have shown them in bed together every episode!  Oh, it's ok to go at it like its their sole responsibility to continue the human race, but don't dare utter that word!

Now it may seem like I am a little naive here.  I recognize that sexual interaction in our culture has changed dramatically over the last few decades and that often emotional commitment like love plays zero part in who you go to bed with.  I recognize it...I just think its FREAKIN' CRAZY!!!  If you're all in with your body, you should be all in with your emotions.   And I hate how cultural media suggests that this is not only reality, but it should be acceptable.  Look-it, no one want to be an outlet for someone else's hormones.  (Our your own for that matter!)  We want to be loved.  And its ok to say it!

Now hear me out...I'm not advocating dropping the L-word to every hottie that you fancy.  The Song of Solomon advises us to not arouse or awaken love until IT desires.  Simply put, don't say it unless its true and there has been adequate time to recognize that.  What I am saying is that I hate seeing love downgraded to something that is completely unnecessary in a physical relationship.  Love is not a dirty word, people.  It should be the goal of our romantic relationships and can be the greatest experience and expression that two people can have.  If we could learn that and stop cheapening our love-making (yeah, its got that word right in the description!) maybe our relationships would go a whole lot better.  Something to think about.

What I Learned This Week

What I learned this week is that I am a bigger wuss than I thought I was.  Let me explain.  I've been play a game on my Playstation 3 (thank you, Suresh!!!) called "Uncharted".  If you are not familiar with the game, which I will assume includes most of you, it is a cross between Indiana Jones and National Treasure.  You control a character named Drake who is searching for El Dorado.  Pretty cool set up, right?  The game has you traveling to exotic locations, exploring for treasure, and getting in gun fights with bad guys.  All in all, a great time. 

So I'm playing the game late at night when it undergoes a bit of a change.  I find myself in a secret bunker with no lights, that is populated with zombies.  Not the arms outstretched, shambling along kind either.  No, these were the "quick, scuttle across the floor, and bite you in the neck" kind.  The popped up out of no where in the game.  Scared me so bad I nearly jumped out of the chair.  I managed to fight them off but then I had to explore a creepy tunnel and they kept jumping out at me.  Just when I finally thought I was done, one dropped down on my character from the roof.  Scared me so bad I dropped the controller!  That was it!  I turned it off and had to finish it during the daytime.  Painful to admit, but apparently I cannot play certain video games at night...and that's what I learned this week.

What's In A Name?

So there have been a lot of questions about the name change, everything from why did we make a change at all to why we chose the name Open Source Church.  The second one is the crux of the matter for me.  Why Open Source?  What are we hoping to convey with such a different name for a church?

The obvious connection is with the computer terminology.  Software that can run on any computer and is not restricted to one operating system is a great idea.  Information accessible to all is an appealing thought to me.  The new name came from a discussion with a friend of mine as we considered that concept.  That was the starting point.  But it doesn't stop there.

One of my biggest struggles with Christianity in America is the cart before the horse mentality that we have taken in our approach to people.  Often, we expect a person to change their lifestyle, actions, wardrobe, and assorted other hang-ups before we allow them to meet Jesus.  Oh, we may not say this outright, but our actions and attitudes make this sentiment quite clear - get your act together first and then you can be a part of us and connect with Jesus.  We forget that without Jesus, no real change can ever occur in someone's life.  Yet those who are most ostracized, who are most hurting in life, cannot get to Him to allow His power to move in their lives because we have created a checkpoint that effective bars them from reaching Him.  We were never called to be Christ's security force, checking everyone to make sure they conform to our pre-determined image of what a church goer should look like.  Rather, we were called to make introductions, allowing anyone who wants to met Jesus to find Him.

We believe that Jesus is the "Source" of all life, that He and He alone is the way to God.  That being the case, we want to be "Open" to anyone who wants to find HIm at our church.  That can be messy at times.  We are going to have people show up and be a part of our community that do no fit the biblical standard. (I'm not going to worry about the church standard.  We've moved pass that looooong ago.)  And while they grow, while they come to a decision about Jesus, it may make for some unusual circumstances.  But we are committed to allowing anyone the opportunity to find Jesus and to loving them while they search.  Can't be any more messy than the fishermen, thieves, IRS agent, philosophers, and terrorist that He called the first time around. 

So welcome to the Open Source Church.  It's not only who we are, it's what we do!  And that's something to be proud of!

Just a bit of encouragement to get you through the week....