I surveyed some college student recently, and one of the questions I asked was: "What is the current view of Christians on campus (FSU)?" The two main results: judgmental and hypocritical. I find it ironic that in John 8, we see that Jesus had the exact same view of the Pharisees. And here we are, some 2,000 years later, fighting the same battle. Are we the new pharisees?
I sure hope not. But, let's look to John 8 for some insight:
Wow. Talk about a pharisaic-slap in the face. Some believe that when Jesus bent down to write in the sand, he was listing the specific sins of the Pharisees. Booyah!
Regardless, the Pharisees got put in there place. And to be honest, this text put ME in my place. I can be a pharisee sometimes.
And before I can point out how screwed-up the "Church" is, or how mis-lead a church leader is, I've gotta check myself.
We ALL fail. We ALL screw up. How can we condemn others? Unless we are perfect, we have no right. And Jesus WAS perfect, but he STILL chose not to condemn. So, don't be a pharisee. Be Jesus.
Just in time for Christmas cards, I'm offering a one-time special for families, singles, couples, bands, etc. until November 21st. For $100, you'll receive a photo session with me (and your family, bandmates, or significant other) and all of your photos (edited by me, of course) on disk. This is a first come, first serve basis, as I have limited spots til the end of the year. So, book today! (lecrawford2@gmail.com)
I am having a GREAT time on vacation in North Carolina, along with a short stop near Atlanta to photograph a wedding. The weather is beautiful, the relaxation is amazing, the company is wonderful, and I've enjoyed every second of it. I'd like to share some thoughts & photos from my trip with you all, but before I do, I have to get something (3 things actually) off my chest. I am a list person, so here is my official list of current frustrations. I promise this will be my last political post for a LONG time.
Here's what Mark Driscoll had to say about the election:
"In my years of pastoral ministry I have worked very hard to not be political. I believe that my job as a pastor is to preach and teach the Bible well so that my people make their decisions, including their voting decisions, out of their faith convictions.
This election season which has dominated the cultural conversation for many months has been particularly insightful regarding the incessant gospel thirst that abides deep in the heart of the men and women who bear God’s image. Without endorsing or maligning either political party or their respective presidential candidates, I am hopeful that a few insights from the recent election season are of help, particularly to younger evangelicals.
First, people are longing for a savior who will atone for their sins. In this election, people thirst for a savior who will atone for their economic sins of buying things they did not need with money they did not have. The result is a mountain of credit debt they cannot pay and a desperate yearning that somehow a new president will save them from economic hell.
Second, people are longing for a king who will keep them safe from terror in his kingdom. In the Old Testament the concept of a peaceable kingdom is marked by the word shalom. In shalom there is not only the absence of sin, war, strife, and suffering but also the presence of love, peace, harmony, and health. And, this thirst for shalom is so parched that every election people cannot help but naively believe that if their candidate simply wins shalom is sure to come despite sin and the curse.
The bottom line is obvious to those with gospel eyes. People are longing for Jesus, and tragically left voting for mere presidential candidates. For those whose candidate wins today there will be some months of groundless euphoric faith in that candidate and the atoning salvation that their kingdom will bring. But, in time, their supporters will see that no matter who wins the presidency, they are mere mortals prone to sin, folly, and self-interest just like all the other sons of Adam and daughters of Eve. To help extend naïve false hope as long as possible, a great enemy will be named and demonized as the one who is hindering all of the progress to atone for our sins and usher in our kingdom. If the Democrats win it will be the rich, and if the Republicans win it will be the terrorists. This diversionary trick is as old as Eve who blamed her sin on Satan rather than repenting. The lie is that it’s always someone else’s fault and we’re always the victim of sinners and never the sinner.
Speaking of repentance, sadly, no matter who wins there will be no call to personal repentance of our own personal sins which contributes to cultural suffering and decline such as our pride, gluttony, covetousness, greed, indebtedness, self-righteousness, perversion, and laziness. And, in four years we’ll do it all again and pretend that this time things will be different. Four years after that, we’ll do it yet again. And, we’ll continue driving around this cul de sac until Jesus returns, sets up his throne, and puts an end to folly once and for all.
In the meantime, I would encourage all preachers to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and repentance of personal sin. He alone can truly atone for our sins. He alone can deliver us from a real hell. He alone is our sinless and great King. And, he alone has a Shalom kingdom to offer.
Lastly, for those preachers who have gotten sidetracked for the cause of a false king and a false kingdom by making too much of the election and too little of Jesus, today is a good day to practice repentance in preparation to preach it on Sunday. Just give it some time. The thirst will remain that only Jesus can quench. So, we’ve still got work to do….until we see King Jesus and voting is done once and for all."
Booyahkahshah!
This is from Saturday's game against Virginia Tech:
Click here to vote for FSU as the game-changing performance of the week.
Something parents should know....
Parents, get those computers out of your kids' rooms!
Pornography destroys.
"I'm no social scientist, and I don't pretend to believe what John Q. Citizen thinks about this, but I've lived in prison for a long time now, and I've met a lot of men who were motivated to commit violence. Without exception, every one of them was deeply involved in pornography - deeply consumed by the addiction. The F.B.I.'s own study on serial homicide shows that the most common interest among serial killers is pornography. It's true."
-Ted Bundy (in an interview with James Dobson just 15 hours before his death)
To read the full article click here.
Pornography destroys.
Ok, I'm trying to get back into blogging (for the 4,753rd time). In my efforts, I want to start a new segment entitled, Right Now. Much like Ben Liles' Mind Dump, I'll be talking about what I'm into right now (books, music, etc.) & discussing important non-political issues. Here goes....
Music -
Believe it or not, Mark Driscoll has introduced me to an amazing rapper named Lecrae. And, I don't even like rap music. But, this guy has brains, and his lyrics are even inspired by Dr. John Piper. THE Dr. John Piper. I think I even saw a picture of the two of them side-hugging.
As usual, Radiohead & Sigur Ros are constantly on repeat on my audio devices. I'm even giving Thrice's The Alchemy Index a try. Not bad.
Books -
I'm currently right smack dab in the middle of Rob Bell's latest book, Jesus Wants to Save Christians. Inspiring so far, although I feel like I've he's been building up to some huge point that is yet to be revealed (and I am over halfway through).
Other Media -
Mark Driscoll (I have a problem, I know) has been doing a series called The Peasant Princess on Song of Solomon. It has been amazing so far, and I think there is about 8 weeks or so left.
Also, Twitter. Just do it.
That is all for right now.
This is no joke. I was just searching on istockphoto for graphics ideas for Diverge's upcoming series "That's Hot" (a series on Heaven & Hell). I simply typed in "heaven and hell" in the search box. Guess how many results there were......
Umm......
Well, we had an amazing time at Diverge last night. We started a new series called My Posse - part of the One Idea concept, Entourage. The main concept of my talk from last night is: who we choose as our posse will directly affect our lives (right now and the future). Anyway, here's a recap of a few highlights:
So, I'm pumped. Can't wait for next Tuesday night!
