Pop Goes The Church (Chapter 3)

I am currently reading a book called “Pop Goes The Church: Should the Church Engage Pop Culture” by Tim Stevens. I’m reading this book with three other guys…. all of whom are pastors and much wiser than I…. and we’re going to record our thoughts about each chapter on our respective blogs. The other bloggers/readers are: Dan Hudson, Nate Liston and Mike Demastus.

Chapter 3 simply defines “pop culture.” Stevens defines pop culture as “the world of movies, music, television, shows, books, magazines, fashion, sports, art, video, games, and the internet that has a following and acceptance by millions around the globe.”

Why is this important to the church? Because of the tremendous impact pop culture has on society. People are looking for answers about life and are looking to pop culture, not the church, for answers.

Journey Through The Bible (James 2)

* This chapter focuses on faith; our faith in action.
* James instructs us not to show favoritism. Don’t show favoritism toward rich vs. poor or based on a person’s age, their interests, their looks, their achievements, their affluence, etc.
* We should not view the rich and affluent as “more blessed” by God.
* A person who has broken one law is just as guilty as a person who has broken all law.
* We can’t make ourselves look good to God based on the things WE’VE done. It’s His Mercy that saves us from judgment.
* We’re ALL lawbreakers. Everyone.
* Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.
* We have to realize and accept that we are free from judgment; that’s how we’ll gain the attitude to show love & mercy.
* The alternative to judgment is not tolerance (as culture teaches), but mercy.
* When we withhold forgiveness, we show that we don’t understand God’s mercy toward us.
* Faith must: go beyond mere words; go deeper than intellect; go further than emotion; touch your will; affect the way I act.
* You can trust God more than you can trust yourself.
* If you were arrested for being a Christian, would their be enough evidence (works) “against” you?
* We are justified (saved) through grace.
* Works are a RESULT of our faith.
* Genuine faith is a faith that makes a difference in our lives.
* If we feel we take three steps forward and two steps back, the question is do you trust Jesus? Does your trust change the way you live your life? In other words, are you growing spiritually?

Hometown boys win championship

The Centerville Big Reds (my hometown high school) won the class 3A state baseball championship on Saturday! Way to go Big Reds!

Pop Goes The Church (Chapter 2)

I am currently reading a book called “Pop Goes The Church: Should the Church Engage Pop Culture” by Tim Stevens. I’m reading this book with three other guys…. all of whom are pastors and much wiser than I…. and we’re going to record our thoughts about each chapter on our respective blogs. The other bloggers/readers are: Dan Hudson, Nate Liston and Mike Demastus.

The message of this chapter is that people in churches tend to use language that is not understood by outsiders. I’ve certainly been guilty of that before. I remember one time I told a non-Christian friend of mine that I was going to go to an event so I could witness to people. He had no idea what I was talking about. Christians are often guilty of speaking in “Christianese”, which leaves outsiders on the outside.

My takeaway from this chapter is that we all have filters that we use to process information and respond to it. Stevens points out that someone raised in an abusive family would have a different “family filter” than someone raised in a loving family. Each person has his/her unique set of filters. Stevens gives a great example using the Columbine tragedy. He points out that many people blamed assigned blame to different elements of society. Some assigned blame to violent music and video games, others blamed gun control, while others blamed parents. Each person assigned blame according to his/her filter.

As communicators of the Gospel, we need to be aware of these filters.

That’s quotable

A continual looking forward to the eternal world is not a form
of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a
Christian is meant to do.

— C. S. Lewis

Podcasts I listen to

Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg daily radio show

Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg are America’s Family Coaches. You can listen to the Rosberg’s daily radio show online or via podcast. The Rosbergs offer great insight into marriages and parenting.