Faith's Review and Expectation

Sometime in the 1790's a former slave ship captain turned preacher named John Newton penned the most famous hymn in all of modern church history.  Originally dubbed "Faith's Review and Expectation" the hymn is based on Newton's reading of 1 Chronicles 17:16-17. Today, we know the hymn by it's first line, which became it's popular name (I guess "Faith's Review and Expectation" didn't really roll off the tongue).  However the common name, "Amazing Grace," does.

We recently had the opportunity to watch the movie "Amazing Grace" in youth group. Ironically, the movie doesn't focus on the life of Newton, rather it focuses on one of his most influential parishioners, William Wilberforce.  Unbeknownst to many, Wilberforce was one of the key voices in the English Abolitionist Movement.  It was through the tireless work of Wilberforce that many slaves saw their eventual freedom throughout the English empire.  It is really an amazing story, and one that I would highly recommend.

This film is, by far, one of my favorites.  I love the passion with which the actors portray their respective characters.  Wilberforce, consumed by his mission, sacrifices his very youth and health for this cause.  He is driven by a desire and a cause that is greater than himself.  Newton, a broken man, lives with the constant reminder of his previous life, and states he lives in the company of "20,000 ghosts."  

As I watched I couldn't help but marvel at the mysterious ways in which God works.  Who would have ever thought that a boy, who sat at the feet of a slave captain turned preacher, would one day be the sole force in abolishing the very trade that once employed his pastor?  Now that's amazing.

Have you Ever seen the Wind?

Living in Western PA, I've never had the opportunity to experience a hurricane.  After feeling the effects of Hurricane Ike this past Sunday, I don't think that I ever really want to.  The 79 M.P.H. winds (clocked at the Beaver County Airport, which I can SEE from my house) devastated our local community.  Power was lost for over 100,000 homes.  Many families, two days after the storm, still do not have power.  Trees have fallen everywhere, and many families had limbs (or entire trees) fall onto their homes, sheds, or cars.  Yikes!

To be honest, I didn't think, at the time, that the storm was going to be that bad.  I say "storm" with tongue in cheek, as we received very little rain.  It was primarily all wind, all the time.  I had an inkling that things might be taking a turn for the worse when we lost power (and with it the Steeler game) at around 10PM.  No Steeler game?  God must've been ttiiccckkkeeedd!

Anyway, after the game ended (we listened on my roommates flashlight radio) I took a quick look outside.  The wind nearly blew off all my clothes and, for the sake of all humanity, I hurried back into the house.  

I awoke the next morning to more damage then what I could've imagined.  Trees were uprooted and debris was scattered throughout neighboring yards.  As I surveyed the damage I was struck by two distinct impressions.  First, wind (and the God behind the force of that wind) is powerful indeed.  We experienced only a taste of a hurricane, and that was plenty.  Secondly, I was again reminded of just how dependent we have become upon all of our regular household comforts.  

We have the nicest of homes, the most modern of technologies, and comfort rules the day.  It's a rarity that an event occurs to somehow disrupt our regular routine.  I was ticked that I couldn't watch the second half of the Steeler's game!  As if it were somehow someone's fault that the God of creation saw fit to send heavy wind through my area and disrupt my agenda for the evening.  I mean, the nerve!

I guess, in the end, what it really comes right down to it we, as Americans, don't have to depend on God too much for anything.  Occasionally we are reminded that we are not as in control as we may think.  Interesting...

Tim Tebow

Don't know if you had an opportunity to see this ESPN interview with Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Tebow, but it's worth a look.  It's nice to see someone living out their faith...

Tebow Special on ESPN's Outside the Lines

"When I Became a Christian" by Adrian Plass

When I became a Christian I said, "Lord, now fill me in,
Tell me what I’ll suffer in this world of shame and sin."
And He said, "Well, Your body may be killed, and left to rot and stink,
Do you still want to follow me?" I said, "Amen! – I think.

I think Amen, Amen I think, I think I say Amen,
I’m not completely sure, can you just run through that again?
You say, my body may be killed and left to rot and stink,
Well, yes, that sounds terrific, Lord, I say Amen – I think.

But, Lord look, there must be other ways to follow you,” I said,
“I really would prefer to end up dying in my bed."
"Well, yes," he said, "you could put up with sneers and scorn and spit,
Do you still want to follow me?" And I said, "Amen! – a bit.

A bit Amen, Amen a bit, a bit I say Amen,
I’m not completely sure, can you just run through that again?
You say I could put up with sneers and also scorn and spit,
Well, yes, I’ve made my mind up, and I say Amen! – a bit.

Well I sat back and thought a while, then tried a different ploy,
Now, Lord, I said, the Good Book says that Christians live in joy."
"That’s true," he said, "you’re gonna need the joy to bear the pain and sorrow,
So do you still want to follow me?" I said, "Amen! – tomorrow.

Tomorrow, Lord, I’ll say it then, that’s when I’ll say Amen,
You see I got to get it clear, could we just run through that again?
You said that I will need the joy, to bear the pain and sorrow,
Well, yes, I think I’ve got it straight, I’ll say, Amen – tomorrow."

He said, "Look, I’m not asking you to spend an hour with me,
A quick salvation sandwich and a cup of sanctity,
The cost is you, not half of you, but every single bit.
Now tell me, will you follow me?" And I said, "Amen! – No, I quit.

I’m very sorry, Lord, I said, I’d like to follow you,
But I don’t think religion is a manly thing to do."
And He said, "You forget religion then, and you think about my Son,
And you tell me if you’re man enough to do what he has done.
Are you man enough to see the need? Are you man enough to go,
Are you man enough to care for those whom no one wants to know?,
Are you man enough to say the thing that people hate to hear?
And battle through Gethsemane in loneliness and fear.
And listen! Are you man enough to stand it at the end,
The moment of betrayal by the kisses of a friend?
Are you man enough to hold your tongue? Are you man enough to cry?
And when the nails break your body – are you man enough to die?

Man enough to take the pain, and wear it like a crown,
Man enough to love the world and turn it upside down,
Are you man enough to follow me, I ask you once again"
I said, "Oh Lord, I’m frightened”, but I also said “Amen”.
Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen,"
I said," Oh Lord, I’m so frightened," but I also said, "Amen."

What is Mission?

So, I'm currently reading through "Exiles" by Michael Frost.  So far, it's a great book.  In doing some research I stumbled across this video of his on YouTube.  I caution you, watching this movie may spur you to action.  That action could very well wreck your life.  Funny how Christ can do that...

Or click here...

If you have some time...

So, if you have about an hour or so, I would highly encourage you to watch the video of Tim Keller posted below.  Keller presents a short dialogue on his newest book "The Reason for God" to the folks at Google.  I haven't read the book as of yet, but rumor has it that it's a wonderful rebuttal to the new atheism.  It's long, but still shorter then reading the book! =)