Life As It Comes 
All the Runners Run4 Comments
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Are you (am I) taking spiritual training seriously? 1 Cor 9:24-27.
for(nights&&starrySkies)1 Comment
A friend of mine, Paul Emerson, started a band a while back called The Stillpoint Band, named after a ministry he helped start (of which I was later a part) in Northwest Austin.
The latest incarnation of The Stillpoint Band (now based out of HCBCSW) has released a new album called for(nights&&starrySkies), which you can purchase here. It is an awesome album from the perspective of living out a life of faith, day by day. The engineering is excellent - it sounds so professional - and I’m so proud of these guys! Check out the album if you get a chance; every track is solid, and it’s been on repeat in my car the past few days.
Update: You can listen to the whole album on their website.
It’s Friday3 Comments
This actually isn’t the full sermon, but it’s the part that is appropriate for Good Friday anyway.
Perspectives6 Comments
I’m taking a course called Perspectives on the World Christian Movement.
I am enthusiastic about Perspectives because my life and our church are devoted to spreading a passion for the supremacy of God in all things for the joy of all peoples. God intends to be known and enjoyed by every tribe tongue and nation (Rev. 5:9). Perspectives has been essential in mobilizing hundreds of lay people in our church to be World Christians. - John Piper
The course explores Scripture from a “10,000 foot view” (that’s software industry lingo) in the sense that it highlights the theme which is underscored throughout the Bible: God desires to be known and worshiped among all nations (people groups). In Genesis 12, we see God’s purpose set forth — it is this purpose which has been unfolding throughout the centuries and is still unfolding today. God desires to redeem people from all nations. This is why He sent His Son. This is why the apostles were instructed that Salvation through Christ is for everyone, if they accept it. It has been eye-opening to look at God’s story in this way; it has such continuity!
There are many things that have been interesting about the course so far, but one of the most recent points that has me intrigued is the idea that our Western culture must not be arrogant in our understanding of what it means to follow Christ. It is Pharisaic to impose a Western understanding of Christianity on those in other cultures. If the Truth is being understood and lived out in such a way that draws others to God’s glory, that is all that matters. New believers in other people groups should not need to commit “cultural suicide” in order to follow Christ.
It reminds me of a few lines from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (of course Azeem is Muslim):
Small Girl: Did God paint you?
Azeem: Did God paint me?
[laughs]
Azeem: For certain.
Small Girl: Why?
Azeem: Because Allah loves wondrous variety.
I’m headed to New Zealand in early March in an effort to reach the 100,000 or so Chinese tourists that visit the country each year. Our work is associated loosely with the Southern Cross Project. This is a timely message to be considering in light of this trip and just one of the reasons why I’m enjoying Perspectives.
