In The Attic

Last October, Dale and I installed a new ceiling-mounted projector which required us to crawl up into the attic above the sanctuary. Of course, I saw exactly what I expected to see - ceiling joists, roof trusses, insulation, and a web of electrical wires and conduit.

Having had the benefit of a father and a father-in-law who were both carpenters by trade, and having had the privilege of being involved in the construction of several buildings myself, I naturally began to consider the sacrifice of time and effort that had been invested to provide our congregation with a worship facility. That sacrifice came primarily, if not exclusively, from members of our congregation who realized that their efforts would achieve eternal benefits for their generation and generations to come. And that realization must be credited to God working through the Holy Spirit in the hearts of his people.

Let's Dance

Ok, I admit it. I watch So You Think You Can Dance. But before you begin casting dispersions my way, let me point out that in a culture which increasingly blurs the distinctions between the sexes, this show upholds the traditional roles of men and women. In the formal dances, the guys are expected to lead, be strong and project an aura of masculinity. The women are expected to be elegant, graceful, feminine and responsive to the leading of the men.

When done properly, such a dance is a thing of beauty, of harmony and is indicative of the craft of the choreographer.

Every Knee Shall Bow

Comedian George Carlin died yesterday from heart failure. Known for his biting satire, Carlin seemed to become ever more vitriolic as he aged. Never one to avoid controvesy, he frequently addressed religious issues in a mocking and blasphemous way. Now, he is in the hands of the Almighty.

One can only wonder what takes place in the moments after we die. Is there an individual encounter with God? Are unbelievers addressed as individuals, judged by him in person, singly, or do they pass through to their eternal dwelling place via an impersonal sorting device like a piece of mail?

The Poor

I recently ran across the following comments from a pastor in the U.S. : "If all the churches across the world united and took all the resources God had given them...withing a week starvation could be eliminated, every person could have access to drinking water, poverty would be eliminated, and the world could not only know the name of Jesus, but they could see Him if we became one. By Sunday, the world would worship like never before as they have come to know the glory, power and love of Jesus through His followers."
I'm thinking of what Jesus said, "For you always have the poor with you." I'm also thinking of the crowds reaction to Jesus after he fed them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves."
Thoughts?

Any Idiot with a Computer

The power of internet is that any idiot with a computer can start a website or publish a blog... but this is also the drawback of the internet. We might as well join the club. Unlike Duncan and Dever (sounds like a shady law firm) we can't claim to have met while studying in the UK, but let's not let that stop us. We have always kicked around the idea of making opportunity for consistent interaction - perhaps this can be the first step.

Speaking of Mark Dever, has anyone ever seen him and Jack Black in the same room? Could this be a Dr. Jeckyl - Mr. Hyde phenomenon?