A classic Chandler rant...

So true...

(On single people in the church)

So you're single and you can't seem to find a godly woman, you can't seem to find a godly man. You know you're supposed to be steadfast and okay with your singleness, but it just seems to war on you and it's not what you really want, but in church and in group you say that's what you want because someone has lied to you and told you that as soon as you become content, that's when you'll get the other deal. And so, they feel overwhelmed.

- From Ecclesiastes series part 16.

4 things to define a Christian

Matt Chandler gives our culture's definition of a Christian (around 26:20):

1. I attend church regularly

2. I don't cuss in front of you.

3. I have some scripture memorized that I can quote in certain situations.

4. I can give you moral advice.

If I can do those 4 things then I am a godly man or woman in our culture.

I would add any number of things to this list including: I don't drink alcohol, I only listen to Christian music, I only wear cool clothes, or I only wear really nerdy/ unattractive clothes for that matter.  The possibilities are endless. 

But doing those things do not at all exemplify what I believe scripture teaches is the characteristic of the truly converted, that which he describes as one dealing with the dark places in the heart and being obedient not to the arbitrary rules of religion but actually having communion with God, a relationship with the divine for which we were created.  

I know I suck here.  I haven't always, but always more than is acceptable.  I suppose anything lacking is unacceptable since I don't see where you could draw the line and say "I'm alright now," since that would be making arbitrary religious rules too.  Funny how that works.

Patriotism Same as Racism?

I don't believe this is necessarily true, but taken to the degree many Americans do (as well as other nations as well), I believe it can certainly be considered coming close to racism.  Matt Chandler makes a strong point for this in this strong (and hilarious: he talks about Star Wars at the beginning in classic Chandler, Brian Regan-like, humor) sermon:

If my nation [America] is ultimate [in importance], does that not then force me to look down upon other nations, nationalities, and cultures?  It absolutely does.  If we're the best, if we're ultimate, then that means everyone else is secondary, and that's not too far away from racism.  You put anything else as ultimate [other than God] and things start to break down.

His point is that sin is the root of all of our problems.  The reason we have war is sin, and problems in the economy in America were caused by sin, greed especially.  We Americans don't want to hear that though.  It's never really spoken of that way in the media or by the president.  Instead of being honest and assigning blame where it's due, it's always, "man, we are just having some rough times so we need some more bailouts and stimulus checks."  I think the underlying root of all this is the sinful pride of extreme patriotism.  I'm not against being proud to be an American, but I think it is idolatrous to put up any place as the promised land above another that God has created.


This is especially interesting since most Americans value things like "tolerance", where presumably the attitude above would be far from close.  But a little hypocrisy never hurt anybody...

Nehemiah - Part Three - Mark Driscoll

Nehemiah - Part Two - Mark Driscoll

Nehemiah - Part One - Mark Driscoll

Between the Sheets

Kaleo Church in Houston is starting a look into Scripture's most risque display of sexual liberation. Pastor Bill Streger is going through the Song of Solomon, and apparently going to be as frank as possible without crossing the line into the world of crudity and crassness, a feat certainly not accomplished more impressively than the American sex-perverted culture where sex is simply a vehicle for self-gratification and is all but detached from love, marriage, children, and God. It should be interesting. Perhaps I will write more of my thoughts on this topic at a later time.

There are banners you can click on on this blog, or you can go to www.whatsbetweenthesheets.com for the fancy official series page.

Additionally, something I've found very enlightening about this topic is a similar series on the Song of Songs preached by Mark Driscoll. He is a very effective communicator and doesn't shy away from speaking the truth, especially when it's not what we want to hear. See links below.

Part 1. The Virgin and the Vineyard I - Waiting for Love
Part 2. The Virgin and the Vineyard II - Falling in Love
Part 3. The Damsel and the Dream - Growing in Love
Part 4. The Queen and the Quest - Reflections on Consummating Love
Part 5. Recollection and Romance - Reflections on Growing in Love
Part 6. Romance and Reality - Reflections on Mature Love
Part 7. Homestead and Honeymoon - Reflections on Rekindling Love
Part 8. Tenderness and Tragedy - A Final Reflection