A New Day

It is official. A new day is upon us where children rejoice and men weep with joy. A day that brings great happiness and jubilation. A day that will forever be etched in the minds and hearts of all who are living. The Miami Dolphins have been victorious. They have defeated the Baltimore Ravens. Let's hear it now...three cheers for the Phins. Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!

Indeed, the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers retain their sole claim to the only winless season. Pop the cork on the champagne! You can celebrate once again Buc fans...you don't have to share the record books with anyone!

As the Dolphins awaited a Matt Stover (Ravens) field goal attempt in overtime you could feel what was going to happen. You see the Phins have lost 6 games by three points. 6 games! That means there have been 6 games that the Phins almost won. As Stover, who is a pretty clutch kicker, lined up...you just knew that this would be number 7. But, to our great ecstasy...he missed. We had another shot.

A couple plays later Cleo Lemon hit Greg Camarillo with a short pass and Greg proceeded to sprint to the goal line for a 64 yard TD! The Phins win! The Phins win! Going into the game on Sunday, Camarillo had only caught one ball for 2 yards. The only time his name was ever really mentioned in the post-game comments before was in regards to a holding penalty that brought back a Ted Ginn Jr. kick return for a touchdown. They lost that game by three points.

In Miami...and the hearts of Dolfans everywhere, Camarillo is a hero. I guess you could say that he is the savior of the Dolphins season. A receiver who no one expected would change the game as he did. The defense accounted for the speed of Ginn and the strength of Booker. They even took care of Martin. They didn't however account for what an unknown receiver who after leaving Stanford, was not recruited. If you watch the play...you can see that the safety did not respect his abilities. He was too worried about the other guys.

The defense was watching for something. They were watching for many things. They thought the "savior" would be Ginn or Booker. Never did they think it would be Camarillo. But it was. And, they were not ready for it.

It sounds a little like people waiting for a savior that fit their paradigm of what a savior should be. The Bible depicts many people doing the same thing. They were looking for a king or a warrior. Anything...but certainly not a child...born in a manger...to a family that was not of royalty. A boy that would grow up to reject the idea that a savior had to be a warrior or a king. He was who He was...the unexpected expected one.

The moral of the story? Well...the Dolphins win!!!!!! That was pretty much my point...the rest were just rambles. Do with it what you wish.

No Fairweather Fans Here

So, if you have not heard this before, my biggest pet-peeve is when someone is a fairweather fan. You can be a fan of any football team and you don't have to have any good reasons to be a fan...I mean...look at Colt fans. While I was in high school my frustration with fairweather fans developed. I even wrote an article about it in the school newspaper. Not many people liked the article because...I think...they knew I was talking about them.

Fairweather fans are those who only like a team when they are doing well. For instance...Colt fans. They are the ones that spurred the article in the first place. The year was 1995. Jim Harbaugh was the quarterback and the Colts were entering the playoffs. It was just four years earlier that the Colts went 1-15 for the season and just 8-8 in 1994. Things were different now. Not because they were in the playoffs...while that was different. No...things were different because there were fans! The Colts were winning and people were supporting them. I predicted that year in my article...I remember my words clearly..."When they lose...and they will lose...no one will care about the Colts anymore." Within 2 years the Colts' record was 3-13 and the fans were gone. They then drafted a quarterback from Tennessee and some fans began to pop up. Now they win games and there are fans again. Shocking! Many of these people grew up in the very area in which the Colts play...and they finally become fans when the team could be considered "winners". They never even acknowledged that the team was there before. What will happen, I wonder, when they struggle again like they did for so many years? Will the fans turn back to the Pacers...who they have bailed on...since they don't win like they used to?

If you can't tell or don't know, I don't like the Colts (if you don't know that...you don't know me very well). So imagine my frustration. All these fairweather fans watch their team win (who they have supported for a couple of years and claim that "I have always like the Colts") while I, who have remained a Dolphins fan since I was five years old am enduring a season that could end up 0-16...while I do not think it will.

People have asked me..."Why do you like the Dolphins? They suck!" My response...well...I guess it is loyalty. For me it is not about following a winner. That would be selfish on my part wouldn't it? I mean...do I really need a sports team to fulfill some void in my life of overcoming something or of being better than someone else? I hope not. I could always go cheer for the Patriots. They win. But...then I wouldn't be a fan. I would just be a passenger on the bandwagon waiting for the next one to drive by.

An article was recently posted on the Miami Herald's website about the Dolphin fans' viewing habits. Viewership is up. We have not won a game...but more people are watching than years past. Why is that? Because we are fans. We are not fickle. We are loyal. I am proud to be a Dolphins fan. Being a fan in a season like this provides some sort of ownership of my fandom. It is a season like this that builds a real fan...not a fairweather fan...not a Colt fan (I had to get one more jab in there).

Tomorrow I leave for Buffalo to attend the Dolphins vs. Bills game. Win or lose...I am still a Dolphins fan...just maybe a little more frustrated. So...enough with the questions on why I am still a Dolphins fan. Because...the question is really more telling of the asker's fandom than my response is of mine.

Magdalene's Balancing Act

We have been extremely impressed with Magdalene's strength. Between holding her head up really well from week one to rolling over three months before she is "supposed to", we have come to see that she is a very strong little girl. Recently, I discovered that she will sit up in my hand. With a little bit of balancing on my part, she balances herself really well. All I have to do is make sure she does not jerk around and fall off. Check out the video of Maggie's balancing act. I am a proud father!

Hate Mongers

I use the term hate mongers...only because it is the term that was used by ABC News...and I guess, like television I use it for sensationalism. Last night I saw two minutes of television that made my heart weep. You may have heard about Westboro Baptist Church (They are not actually associated with the Baptist denomination). They spend much of their time protesting funerals of fallen U.S. soldiers. The protests are not anti-war protests. What they are claiming is that the soldiers are evil because they fight for and support a nation that supports homosexuality.

The Church, started by Fred Phelps, consists of about 70 people or so...most of which are his extended family. They have protested numerous funerals over the past couple of years. They hit the news recently because they were ordered by the courts to pay around $11 million to a family who's sons funeral they protested at. They will appeal. The interesting thing is that they have hired got the ACLU to support them. This is slightly humorous to me. They protest soldiers and call them evil for fighting for a country that supports homosexuals...yet they are willing to employ the services of a group that spends much time doing the same thing.

Their signs say things like, "God hates you" or "God hates fags" or "Fags die, God laughs". Their message, while sounding harsh and...well...mean, is seen as kind by those who preach it. They feel that it is a message that needs to be spread all across the world. And...from the sounds of it they will continue to spread this false gospel.

I think this group can easily be considered a cult. At the very least...they are not preaching the Gospel message that we call Christian. However...like many cults, they too claim to get their message from the Scriptures.

I mentioned before that this two minutes of programming made my heart weep. The real reason that my heart wept was because of how they are raising their children. The segment of the news program that I observed was focused on the children. They protest too. The mother was arrested, in fact, because she allowed her ten year old son to trample an American flag at a protest.

These children are so young (some younger than ten). And...they are brainwashed. Here are some excerpts from the interview (you can find the entire story on abcnews.go.com/2020):

"They just want to kill us pretty much," said 8-year-old Noah Phelps-Roper, one of Shirley's 11 children. "Because we're preaching the message. … Because they don't like our message."

Ten-year-old Jonah Phelps-Roper says his favorite flag is one that says "Fags Doom Nations." "I like that sign," he said.

When asked what the word "fag" means, Jonah replied "A fag is someone … who … I can't really explain."

"A fag is someone who does not obey the word of God," said Noah.

What is not recorded in the transcript online (which was posted before the broadcast so not everything is there) is the final words in that conversation by Noah. He said..."A fag is someone who does not obey the word of God. A fag is like a Jew."

Wow. This breaks my heart. These poor kids don't even know what is meant by "fag" as their parents use it. They seem to have no idea. At the conclusion of the show a young girl...maybe two years old...sang a song. It was a song of hate. It spoke of God's wrath and how we are all going to hell.

I am left speechless and saddened at such a horrible reality. Is there a difference between them and the KKK, White Supremacy groups, Skinheads, etc.? I am troubled at the unfortunate fact that there are many funerals that people are seeing these protests...and that is their interaction with...well so-called Christians. Will they use the same brush to paint our churches as they use to paint Westboro? Will we be seen in the same light? Also...who will be the ones to reach out to the poor children who have been wrapped up in the hate and intolerance of their families?

My heart continues to weep, knowing that the name of Christ is being used in such a way. May this never be.

I know that the issues of homosexuality is a polarizing one. I do not wish to delve into this topic...only to say that I believe it is incompatible with Christian teaching. I do not believe, however, that our soldiers are being punished for our nations support of homosexuals.

Here is what I do believe. I believe that all people are made in the image of God. There is nothing about anyone that is beyond the redemptive work of Christ.

As we have two sides to this issue...the answer is not hate...nor is it blind tolerance or pluralism. We must, as the Body of Christ, find a way to love all people and speak truth. This is possibly the most difficult choice. It is much easier to enter into pluralism as to avoid the issue or begin to hate as this group has chosen. It is more difficult to love and speak truth in a loving way. But...this is the way of Christ...and therefore the way of the Body of Christ.

The Holy Church of...Blackjack?

The Church should stand as the moral and obviously spiritual example to the world. As a prospective minister in the United Methodist Church, I commit myself to living by the highest ideals of a Christian lifestyle. All ministers in the UM Church take this pledge. As representatives of the Church it is important that we do this. This is important for all Christian denominations and groups. It just seems so obvious why this is important.

Last weekend, Jessamine County (in which I reside) had their yearly "Jessamine Jamboree". It is a fun time (I guess...I was not there). As I read the flyer listing the numerous events and activities taking place, something struck me as odd...and to be honest...disheartening.

The local Catholic Church was participating in the activities. I have heard recently that they brought in over $30,000 at their church. That is pretty good for two days of work. $15,000 a day is considered in most circles to be a good profit. However, the means by which this money came is what concerns me so much. What did they offer the people of Jessamine County you ask? Well...they sold beer and held Bingo, Texas Hold'em, and Poker events. They were not using fake money and the beer was not non-alcoholic.

Now...I am not up on Catholic theology to speak to their doctrines and dogmas in regard to drinking and gambling. I do know though how the United Methodist Church views these things...to which I am in full agreement.

Gambling - "Gambling is a menace to society, deadly to the best interests of moral, social, economic, and spiritual life, and destructive of good government. As an act of faith and concern, Christians should abstain from gambling and should strive to minister to those victimized by the practice...The Church should promote standards of personal lifestyles that would make unnecessary and undesirable the resort to commercial gambling - including public lotteries - as a recreation, as an escape, or as a means of producing public revenues or funds for support of charities or government." - United Methodist Book of Discipline, Paragraph 163G.

Alcohol - "We affirm our long-standing support of abstinence from alcohol as a faithful witness to God's liberating and redeeming love for all persons." - UM BOD, Paragraph 162J.

I do not think, judging by the UMC's stance on these issues, that this would fly in our church. At least it shouldn't. This is not to say that the UMC is any better than any other Christian group but that all Christians should have these views.

Drinking is simply pointless and gambling is a poor use of finances which, as far as I am concerned, is against everything that Jesus taught about the use of financial resources. However, my thoughts are not the issue. The question is whether or not a church should promote and facilitate such activities.

It is probably clear by now that my answer to that would be a resounding...NO!! As an example of the things that could go wrong...I was told by someone who was there that a gentleman was talking to a young lady when another man approached him and informed the first gentleman that he was speaking to the wrong girl. Apparently they were an item. The second man told the first that he would be waiting for him. Following the first man's departure, the second man and a couple of his friends "jumped" the other man and beat him to the point that he was taken to the hospital. This all started at a drinking and gambling event at a church. But hey...they took in $30,000.

My biggest issue with this actually comes from Scripture. Paul, in writing to the church in Corinth, addresses the issue of food that has been sacrificed to idols. The question was...do we eat it? He responded by saying that the idols are false in the first place. They are, in effect, sacrificed to nothing. There is only one God...not many. But, as Paul says, not everyone knows that. Some people think that in eating the sacrificed meat they become defiled...because they are so used to idols. "But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do" (1 Cor. 8:8). There you have it. It does not matter because food sacrificed to a false god is no more than any other food. You may be wondering where I am going with this. Well...I think I am better off letting Paul make the point.

"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall." (1 Cor. 8:9-13)

Paul does not decide not to eat the meat because it was sacrificed to idols. That didn't matter to him. He decided not to eat the meat because it may hurt the faith of others. "The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ by proclaiming the good news of God's grace and by exemplifying Jesus' command to love God and neighbor, thus seeking the fulfillment of God's reign and realm in the world" (BOD, Paragraph 121). If this is our mission...and we are stumbling blocks to our brothers and sisters...we have to ask ourselves...are we paying attention to the right thing?

I think that Paul's message extends far beyond eating sacrificed meats or holding drinking and gambling events at church. Paul speaks to the heart and soul of everyone. If we are going to care more about Christ and His people then we should be willing to give up some things that will cause others to stumble. Whether it be drinking, gambling, stealing, cheating, fighting, swearing, or...$30,000...we do well to ensure that it does not get in the way of allowing the light of Christ shine through us. Otherwise...not only are we doing a dis-service to those around us...but aren't we also doing a dis-service to God?

A taste of the Divine

Every once in a while, God gives humanity what I call a taste of the Divine. Sometimes these are grand movements in the Church, and sometimes they are simply moments in the personal experience of a servant of Christ. A couple of nights ago, I received a taste of the Divine through the heart of my wife.

Magdalene was having a rough night. She was little gassy but at the time, we did not know what was wrong. She has been absolutely perfect for us. She rarely ever cries and when she does it does not last for long. Feeding her did not work, nor did holding her against my chest, which works most of the time. We tried to burp her, but to no prevail.

It was a frustrating time for both of us. But, this is why we did not want people staying with us. We need to get through this stuff on our own.

As I sat on the floor of Magdalene's room, fretting over trying to determine what was wrong, Melissa came in and sat beside me. Eventually I passed Maggie over to Liss and she held her for a few minutes. I noticed soon enough that tears began to stream down Melissa's face. As she looked at Maggie she said, "I just love her so much. I just want to fix whatever is wrong." There it was. A taste of the Divine.

I believe that God looks at us at times, with tears in His eyes and says, "I just love you so much. I just want to fix whatever is wrong." The love that God has for us will never be comprehended. it is too great. In the same way, Magdalene will never know how much we love her. It is too great.

As Melissa said these things, Magdalene's crying slowed down and soon stopped altogether. I like to think that she felt her mother's love at that moment. When we are in pain...when we are crying out...when we need love...do we feel the love of God?

Here is the good news. In our relationship with God, we have an advantage over Maggie's relationship with her parents. We can tell God what is wrong. We can hand over the reigns to our pain, our sorrow, and our heartache and allow God to heal. He desires to fix us...we just have to let Him.

Becoming a parent has truly opened my eyes to the love of God in a new and fresh way. Without hesitating...without pause...without thinking twice...I would die for that little girl. It is interesting how Christ felt the same way about us.

Maggie's Smile

We have noticed over the past couple of days that Magdalene will actually smile while she sleeps. She has also done this a couple of times while feeding and just looking around but it most often occurs while sleeping. Is she aware of what she is doing? Probably not...but she does it, and as far as I am concerned...that is a sign of a happy baby. At least a baby with happy dreams. Here is a very short video of her doing her nap-time smile.

Welcome to the real world!

MAGDALENE RAE JOHNSON

Well...after Bible study on Wednesday night, our precious little girl decided that hearing about Jesus was so great that she wanted to join us. That's right...we are now proud parents! Melissa was actually in labor during the Bible study but it was obviously not difficult labor for her since she did not tell me until about an hour afterward.

By the time we got home... the Doctor told us to come in to the hospital. We arrived at approx. 10pm and were told that this was the real deal. We realized then that we would never go home again as a simple couple...but always as a complete family.


Magdalene Rae (named after the first person to spread the good news that Christ was risen) was born at 2:06pm on September 6th, 2007. She is perfect! So beautiful, so sweet, and so small. She was only 6 pounds and 3 ounces and measured in at 19 inches long. She is amazingly good. Hopefully it stays that way...but no matter what...she is the cutest little girl I have ever seen.

Here tiny little self is so small that it fits in the palm of my hand. In fact...if you go to http://babycentral.centralbap.com/default.asp?group=41358 you can see the picture that Central Baptist posted online. She is sitting in my hand and it really shows how tiny she really is. Notice the hair on her shoulder and back. She has a lot of hair. It is really cute. Mommy had hair like that when she was born so it is only right that Magdalene has that too. It is their special bond. As for her head...you can see that she has a lot of hair up there. In fact, a pastor who came to visit us in the hospital said that he was very jealous of her. He is not so fortunate in the area of hair up there.

Melissa did it all with no drugs. She went completely natural. She is my hero. As I watched her go through it all, I knew that she would make it without drugs but I never thought she would do it with flying colors like she did. She is stronger than I could ever be. I know that labor can be tough...and extremely exhausting but she made it look so easy. She was made for this.

Anyway...our lives have changed dramatically for the better and we couldn't be more excited. God has truly blessed us and I pray that she will be a blessing to Him as she grows up to become a better disciple of Christ than we are.

I have to say...when all was said and done, God did quite a number on my humility level. When you see your child born and hold her the first time...your priorities get in line if they weren't before and you feel the love of God in a whole new way. In a way that you just can't describe. She is truly a gift from God. Thanks be to God!




Thank you to all who were praying for us and thinking about us. Hope to see you all soon.


This is awesome...for the first time I get to sign off by saying..."So long from Tony, Melissa, and Magdalene!" That feels nice.

Battle for the Toybox!!

The battle-lines are drawn. The sides are waiting in anticipation of the coming events. The battle is enevitable. Children all across america will witness the mayhem and destruction within the comfort of their own rooms!

Okay...maybe a little dramatic. But the "Battle for the Toybox" as it is being marketed has begun...and it started in none other than Wal-mart. This time...Wal-mart is on the side of the good guys.

One2Believe has produced the "Tales of Glory" figurine sets. They call them faith-based toys. Some would argue with the use of the word faith rather than Bible since other faiths are not included...but that is a pointless argument that I don't care to venture into.

There are action figures of Jesus with a little boy and a basket of fishes and loaves, Jesus with a disciple and a boat while he walks on water, Daniel and a lion, Moses and the plagues, Jesus in the manger with mom and dad, etc. Asking price is approximately $8. Not bad.

They even have larger figurines, called Messenger of Faith dolls, of Jesus, Esther, Mary the mother of Jesus, Moses, Noah, David, Peter, and Paul. These figurines cost around $20. But wait...it is not only because they are bigger but because they tell their own biography. A biography that quotes Scripture and can be paused. According to their description, they can be used to help children:
a. Learn Bible stories.
b. Understand Biblical survey and the chronological history of the Bible.
c. Learn the cultural background surrounding the Bible characters and their stories.

What a great idea! I am sure this is not a new and brilliant idea as there have been toys made before like this. The great idea is to sell them at Wal-mart.

The only "glaring" problem that I see is in the poster above. That is Samson with a choke-hold on Goliath. As far as I can recall...they never did that. But...how often to little kids use toys accurately anyway?

I think...with our little girl's birth rapidly approaching, I will get one. Maybe a Jesus Messenger of Faith doll. Maybe and Esther. It has to be much better than playing with Barbie.

A Top Ten Music Video

I laughed fairly hard while I watched this display of raw talent. This is such a far cry from the quality of music videos that we are accustomed to. However, David is big in Germany I hear. Click on the link and watch the video entitled "Hooked on a Feeling".

http://www.tv-links.co.uk/listings/5/489

Jack & The Beanstalk

As time has gone by, I have found a few ways in which I can interact with my unborn daughter. The most common of these is the nightly bedtime story. Interestingly enough, she actually responds (or at least becomes active) when I read each night. Now, whether that means..."I like this" or "Shut up dad!" is yet to be determined.

A couple of things take place. First of all, she is hopefully getting used to my voice. Secondly, it starts a habit for myself of reading to her each night which will continue until she is...well...sick of it. Thirdly, it is a way for me to bond with her in a more "tangible" way I guess. Fourthly, Melissa and I get to revisit some stories that we grew up with...for instance...Jack & the Beanstalk.

Upon reading this book the other night...I was shocked! I guess I forgot what the story was like. Allow me, if you will, to recite the final page of our "Jack" text.

He (Jack) swung the axe at the beanstalk and it came crashing down. The giant also fell to the ground and died at once. Now Jack and his mother were safe and were never poor again.

Are you kidding me? I beg you...what is the moral of this story? That is what children's stories do isn't it...give some sort of moral teaching? Not in this one. Jack sells his cow for magic beans. Mom gets mad and throws them out the window where they grow up into the sky. Jack climbs the beanstalk and steals the gold coins. They ran out of money, so Jack climbed up again and stole a hen that laid golden eggs. "But Jack became greedy and he decided to climb the beanstalk again" (Those are actual words from the story). This time he stole a golden harp and the harp ratted him out.

It is here that you begin to think...

Jack got greedy and tried to steal more...but this time the giant chases him. So, logic would tell you that Jack will soon learn a lesson from this unfortunate incident. A lesson that I can teach my children. But...soon we read the final page. Jack cuts down the beanstalk...the giant falls...the giant dies...and they were never poor again.

Based on the recurring phrase of the giant ("Fee-fi-fo-fum, I smell the blood of an Englishman. Be he alive, or be he dead, I'll grind his bones to make my bread."), I always thought that he was the bad guy. Now, however, I think that Jack is the bad guy. And what kind of mother is this who would condone such a thing?

The overriding theme that I can see here is this: If you are poor, go steal from someone who has more. And if you get caught, kill him...it is okay because you will not be poor anymore.

Obviously I am being a bit facetious here. But still...what do our children learn from this story?

Demo Derby

Tonight was quite a night. Melissa and I traveled to the Jessamine County Fair (which is quite small) with our friends Chad and Meredith Brooks. We went, not for the food...or the rides...or the rip-off games on the "mid-way". We went, rather, for the demolition derby.

As we sat on the bleachers, I will have to say the most entertaining thing of the night was not the flinging of mud or the smashing of cars...but the people.

Allow me to delve into what could be a touchy area. In no way, shape, or form am I attempting to be degrading to anyone or any social class. But, I must say that this sort of event attracts a certain type of person. I can say this...because I was there...so...in a way...I am one of them. Some would call them "red-necks" while some would call them "white-trash". I do not advocate the using of either term...but the unfortunate fact is that by stating those two phrases, you probably know what I am trying to get across. I pray that my descriptions and phraseology does not offend anyone. If it does, I sincerely apologize as that is my last desire for this post...I am simply "over-stressing" things to make my point.

Although they do not live life as I do, or as I may think that they should, there are some things that we can learn from this "type" of person. They may not have fancy clothes, fancy cars, or a lot of money...but I think that I see in them something that many people lack. They have close relationships. Their families seem to be close and their friendships seem to be close.

Just by overhearing the conversations, one will notice that they sincerely love one another. Tonight, I heard a father who was proud of his pregnant daughter (not of her pregnancy but of her), a young woman who deeply cared for an entire family that she was not part of, and a small child who desired to be like his daddy as was obvious by his mimicking his dad's mannerisms and style of dress.

Maybe it is all the stuff (of which we do not have an abundance) that gets in the way of our building relationships. Maybe it is all the concern over having a nice car, nice house, nice clothes, etc. that makes it difficult to truly love one another. Maybe money gets in the way of love. Maybe there is more truth to the words of Christ than we know...

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." - Matt. 19:23-24

John 1:1-4

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. -John 1:1-4

Matthew begins his gospel account of Jesus with a geneology of Christ and His birth. Mark opens his with John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus of Nazareth. Luke introduces readers to Christ by addressing the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. John, however, takes a different approach.

The phrase "In the beginning", is a mirror image (even in the Greek) of Genesis 1:1. We do well to remember that in Gen 1:1, God existed...and this is what John is picking up on. In fact, John spends the first two verses trying to point the reader in this direction. Not only is God in the beginning, which is implied in the fact that He created the heavens and the earth, but the Word is present as well. The Word, is not a created thing. The Word was with God...in fact...the Word was God! And, just for good measure, in case the reader misses it..."He was with God from the beginning."

Verses 3 & 4 (creation of "things"), places the Word as an agent of creation. In Genesis, we see that God is the Creator but now John is stretching our understanding of who this Creator is. The Word, in some sense, is the Creator. Again, this language points us back to Genesis as we remember the creation event and connect it to the life of Christ.

So, why does John speak this way? Obviously (as you can tell also from other texts within the Gospel of John), John is concerned with the identity of Christ. He is not simply some guy in a long line of people since Abraham. He is not simply the son of Joseph and Mary. And He is not just some man from Nazareth who was baptized by John the Baptist. It is not that these things are untrue, but rather that they do not capture the fullest essence of who Jesus is.

Jesus was with God. He was in a relationship with God. Not only was He in the beginning of time with God, but He was present when the beginning of time began, therefore, He was present before the creation event. Jesus and God were together as co-Creators if you will. Furthermore, Jesus was God! They are one in the same. Now we are getting to some theology. Jesus and God are two different persons...but yet...they are the same. I think that John understood the concept (at least to a certain extent) of the theological construct that we call the Trinity today. As you begin to read the Gospel of John, it is important that you know who Jesus really is. He is divine! He is God! Yet, as we soon find out as we read on, Jesus also become flesh.

I will note as well that God speaks things into creation by speaking (e.g. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. - Gen 1:3). The Greek word is "lego"...which is a verb. The Greek word used to describe Christ as the "Word" is "logos"...which is a noun. I will allow my Greek oriented friends add some commentary to connections here. I simply found it interesting and...possibly...extremely important in seeing how God spoke things into creation and the Word created all things. Maybe...just maybe...finding the relationship between the Greek words allows one to see how these two statements coincide.

Lyrical Interpretation

Well...it has been quite some time since my last post. I am really busy with coursework this summer in preparation for the arrival of our baby girl in September. So...I thought I would post the lyrics to a song by my favorite band, Hootie the Blowfish.

The song is entitled The Killing Stone. I would be interested to hear some interpretations of the lyrics. I find them interesting...and puzzling...especially since I am entering the pastoral ministry in a short time.

The Killing Stone
by: Hootie the Blowfish

I heard a preacher man speaking on the radio

Remember thinking that I’d like to tell him where to go

Go back to that book that you’ve been waving around
Open it up, and go to that part about

You without sin, pick up that stone

You without sin, pick up that stone

He’s turning it over, to the other side

He’s turning it over now, ‘cause now you can’t hide

All that lies beneath, all the lies beneath

The killing stone, oh


Saw another fella talking on the TV show

Trying to tell me how to live and just how I should vote

He says he believes in the sanctity of life

100,000 died

Tell me are you sanctified


Now you without sin, pick up that stone

You without sin, pick up that stone

He’s turning it over, to the other side

He’s turning it over now, ‘cause you can’t hide

All that lies beneath, all the lies beneath

The killing stone, oooohhhh


We’re all looking for redemption

But is it for our souls

You without sin, pick up that stone

You without sin, pick up that stone

You without sin, pick up that stone

You without sin, pick up that stone

He’s turning it over, to the other side

He’s turning it over, turning it over now ‘cause you can’t hide

All that lies beneath, all the lies beneath

You can’t hide beneath

The killing stone, oh, oh, oh

Killing stone

Oh no, you’re down on

(The killing stone)

Stone, stone, oh

(The killing stone)

Stone

Any thoughts?

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...and it was very good.

I often think about the opening chapter of the Bible. God makes many things and, in God's judgment, they are good. Toward the end of Genesis 1, God creates man (and woman) in His own image. Verse 31 reads..."God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." Not only is God's creation good...it is VERY good.

Melissa and I used to often debate one another on whether people were naturally good or whether they were naturally bad. They were fun days. I say "were" because, even though one of us does not like to admit it...we now agree. I would say that people are naturally good and Melissa would reluctantly concur. This may seem like a silly little debate between a married couple, but I think that this issue is extremely important...and I wanted her to get it right. And, yes...I truly do mean "get it right" because I believe that people are naturally good and I believe that it is crucial to understand this fact.

I point back to the creation of humanity and the fact that man and woman were made in the image of God and it was "very good". This is who we are! We are made in the image of God. To say that the image of God is bad is to say that God is bad.

Okay...what about our fallenness? Sin is a stain. It is a tarnishment that takes away our true beauty and our value. But, as we all know, tarnish can be cleaned and stains can be removed, just as the blood of Christ cleanses us.

As Melissa and I are expecting our first child (which is a girl!) I find an example, which I believe is what swayed Melissa to the "good" side. We love our unborn child. We will love her always. In everything that we do, we will love her with all that we have and all that we are.

I asked Melissa..."What happens if she murders someone and goes to prison? Will we still love her?"

"Of course," she says.

So, I ask..."Why will we still love her?"

She responded, "Because she is our daughter."

"Wait a minute, " said me. "You will still love her, even though she murdered someone and is in prison, simply because she is your daughter?"

"Yes!" Melissa interjected. "The fact that she killed someone does not change the fact that she is my daughter. It does not change who she is."

"Exactly!" I exclaimed.

You see, such a horrible thing such as murder will not make us stop loving our daughter. It will make it difficult considering the fact that she is in prison and there is hurt to overcome. But healing can be had and she can be rehabilitated to be a valued asset to society and our family.

If she committed murder, we would continue to love her because we know that at her deepest core...she is our daughter. The same little girl that I read to each night in Melissa's womb. The same little girl who will someday bake cakes with her mommy, and learn to play softball with her daddy. It is the same little girl who will make me cry on her first day of school, when she graduates from High School, and when she weds. No amount of horrible deeds will ever change the fact that she is the image of me and Melissa.

Likewise, no amount of sin will ever change the fact that we are made in the image of God. Sure, there is sin in our lives that make it difficult to act as though we are made in the image of God, but it does not change the fact that we are. It is one of those great truths! No matter how hard you try, you cannot escape where you came from. You cannot change who your parents are and you certainly cannot change who your Creator is.

No matter how much sin you have piled upon yourself, you are still made in the image of God! This is your deepest core! It may be buried pretty deep, but it is there, if you search hard enough.

I mentioned before that I thought this was a really important truth to grab ahold of. One reason because of the implications of the "good" view and the "bad" view. The "good" view says, "You are not bound by your sins. You can be holy! You can become entirely sanctified." The "bad" view, on the other hand, tells us that, "You are bound by sin forever. You cannot escape the grasp that sin has on your life. Entire sanctification and holiness are not in your lifeplan."

Personally, the "good" view give me an optimistic outlook. But, it does not mean that the "good" view is easier. In fact, it is harder...at least it should be because the "good" view tells us that we should not be sinning. We have no excuse for it anymore. We were made to be better than sinners and we should strive not to be sinners. Rather, we are to return to what we were meant to be...perfected in love...entirely sanctified...holy.

Sanctification

There is much debate, at times in regard to sanctification. In our Wesleyan heritage, our belief is that entire sanctification, or what John Wesley refers to as Christian perfection, is obtainable in this lifetime. At least...I thought it was what our heritage gave us.

As I sat in class last night and we discussed this issue, I became all too aware that we are losing our holiness roots. The T.A. asked if becoming perfected in love (Christian perfection) was possible in this lifetime. As I nodded my head yes, and a couple other people did the same, I realized that we were the only ones standing on this ground. Some were shrugging their shoulders and some were shaking there heads no.

As the conversation progressed, most everyone agreed that we were striving for entire sanctification. The problem was that many did not believe that it was possible. How can one truly strive for something that does not exist? It is like striving for a grade higher than an "A". You will never get it...because it does not exist. Thoughts like these (striving for something that we cannot obtain) bring to mind the popular Ecclesiastes verse..."Vanity of vanities!,: says the Preacher, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity." (Ecc 1:2)

Later on...we began to discuss why the Gospel is no longer treated as good news. Maybe...just maybe...we don't treat it as good news because we have lost the idea that we can overcome sin and can be perfected in love and be entirely sanctified. We are not defeated. We are victorious through Christ's victory over death. We must understand that if we truly want to follow Christ. We are freed from our bondage to sin to become the people that we were meant to be. Believe that you can be that person. Sin reigns no more in your life...but Christ sits on the throne and calls you to be holy! So...we should strive for this sanctification...with the expectation of achieving it.

Poetry

I often argue with my good friend Anna Flemming (I hope you don't mind my mentioning your name Anna) about art. I personally do not get it. Basically, what I have learned is that art is completely subjective. Anything can be art and it can mean whatever you want it to. Extreme postmodernism?

Anyway...within our discussions we often talk about poetry...which I really do not get. So, I came across this Sherman's Lagoon comic (Best comic strip ever!) which, in reality, summarizes our disagreements.

Time for Some Yum-Yums!

I have noticed over time in chapels at Asbury that communion is a fixed part of the weekly worship services. Each Wednesday the Eucharist is celebrated as a celebration of the resurrected Lord.

However, I have been disheartened recently at the post-Eucharist actions taken by many...and I do mean many people within the community. Let us first review what takes place after our communion services.

As always...we conclude with a benediction. This is great! However, the problem comes when people begin to dismiss. If you simply sit back and observe, you will find that people begin to approach the table and grab large pieces of the communion bread and...in no uncertain terms...snack. They joke around as they do this and have conversations about a large number of things...which rarely include Christ.

I know what you are saying. Consuming the elements is one of the ways in which we are supposed to "properly" dispose of the elements. Let us take a moment to review what the United Methodist Church says in this regard.

"The consecrated elements of bread and wine are used for distribution to the sick and others who wish to commune but are unable to attend congregational worship. If any bread and wine remain, they should always be disposed of by (1) the pastor and/or others at the pastor's direction consuming them in a reverent manner following the service; (2) returning them to the earth by pouring (2 Samuel 23:16), burying, scattering, or burning." {http://www.gbod.org/worship/thisholymystery/elements.html}

Take a very close look at #1. Notice the term "reverent". The question that must be posed now is whether or not "snacking" at the table is a reverent action. I would give a resounding NO! Maybe some of my problem is that the consuming takes place in such a way at the table itself. It takes place in front of people who are still worshipping. It is as if the elements are consecrated during the service and the benediction somehow unconsecrates the elements.

Why don't we treat the elements the same way after the service as we do during the service? As a friend noted...maybe it is because, for the most part, we are low-church within this community. This would entail a fairly low view of the sacraments. If this is the case...maybe it explains things. But...does it make it right? Maybe it is just easier not to allow our theology to influence how we worship. If we did...we would have to be intentional about things.

Do not, therefore, regard the Bread and the Wine as simply that; for they are, according to the Master's declaration, the Body and Blood of Christ. Even though the senses suggest to you the other, let faith make you firm. Do not judge in this matter by taste, but -- be fully assured by the faith, not doubting that you have been deemed worthy of the Body and Blood of Christ.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem (22 [Mystagogic 4], 6)

Reverence, therefore, reverence this table, of which we are all communicants! Christ, slain for us, the sacrificial victim who is placed thereon!
St. Chrysostom (Homilies on Romans 8:8)

No Easter?

As I sat in a relatives home here in California, I watched the local Los Angeles newscast about a school's new policy in regards to Easter. Their policy: No Easter baskets or Easter celebrations were allowed.

The reason that they gave for such a rule is that they do not want to show preference or a bias toward any one religion. Therefore, they will not celebrate any holidays that are based in religious tradition. How stupid is this? I guess I can understand...from their point of view...what they are trying to do. But...from a Chrisitian point of view...this is not a good thing.

This story got me thinking though. The kids probably just think that Easter is about a large bunny who brings candy and possibly a gift or two. A distant second to Santa Clause I might add. I mean come on...Santa is much cooler and more popular.

If the kids do not think of Easter as a religious holiday, then why punish them by not allowing them to celebrate Easter. After thinking even more...I began to think...maybe this is a good thing. Maybe, if the kids are forced to take their decorations down and take their Easter baskets home...maybe they will ask their parents why. And maybe...just maybe...some of these kids will hear for the first time what Easter is all about. No longer will Easter be about a bunny with candy but rather Easter will be about the resurrection of Christ. Wouldn't that be a welcomed addition to a young childs pool of images?

Besides...is it the school's responsibility to ensure that kids celebrate holidays? Or, is it their responsibility to ensure that the kids learn? Just so you know...I am not on the school's side here. I guess I am just an eternal optimist...hoping that through this the kids will grow closer to the Truth of Easter.

Jesus in Houston????

So...I am watching TV last night...as usual...and I see a Primetime special on a man who claims to be the second coming of Christ. That is right...he claims to be the second incarnation of Christ.

There are many problems with this. First of all, he states that the same spirit that was in Jesus is now in him. I smell heresy all over the place. He smokes and drinks. He drives a BMW and wears a diamond encrusted wristwatch. He has been divorced and filed for divorce from his second wife. He claims that there is no sin, there is no devil, and there is no hell. He calls the children the "supreme race" and they salute him...much like with Hitler.

He says that it is okay to drink but never to get drunk...for him anyway...I mean come on...he is Christ (obviously I am not serious here). However, he said that he became the second incarnation while he was in jail for theft in 1973. (Oh yeah...he used to be addicted to heroine). I believe the show found that he was arrested and convicted of a DWI or DUI somewhere between 1997 to 2000. Looks like he lied about not getting drunk.

So...according to this so-called Christ...Christ is a lying, stealing, person who serves no real function because there is no such thing as sin, the devil, or hell. So...why do we even need him?

Unfortunately, people do follow him. They give him money and gifts. One young couple, who were millionaires, gave him millions and now live in a small apartment because of it. It feels and sounds much like a cult. It is frightening. Oh yeah...devote followers get a tattoo. The tattoo is "666". Are you kidding me!!!!! It is basically a slap in the face to Christianity and because this guy also calls himself the anti-christ. If you want all the facts about this guy...just google "de jesus" and you are sure to find something.

Here is the problem I have...well one of many in this case. Why are people following him? I will tell you why. They follow him because they are hungry for truth! Although this guy is not speaking truth...he sells it that way. He is charismatic and wins people over. Sure...there are some who are just...well...crazy, but I am sure some follow him because it artificially fills the void in their hearts where Jesus belongs. Some day they will realize that this man is not the real deal. Hopefully they will find the real Christ and realize what it really feels like to have the void filled...I mean really, truly filled.

Maybe...just maybe...he succeeded where the Church failed. Maybe the Church fell short with a lot of these people. Maybe we didn't care enough about them to help them see the light. Maybe he shows them something that the Church has not done.

There are a lot of dynamics involved here...but the point is...they need Jesus. We know they need Jesus...and Jesus knows that they need Jesus. They even know they need Jesus. They are just confused on who Jesus is. I think it is times like this that the Church needs to step back and consider whether we are doing enough in teaching who Jesus is and what Jesus is all about...because this guys is contrary to who Jesus is...and they follow him. They have no ides.l