Thank goodness....

Great Article

One of my favorite people who I feel have a great pulse on adolescent culture and youth trends just wrote an intriguing article. Enjoy.

Raise your hand!

By Walt Mueller

Okay, this one might get me in some trouble. And it’s all because I’m increasingly convinced we’re doing something wrong in youth ministry. We’ve been chugging along thinking we’ve been doing it right. As a result, we continue to do it wrong because we think it’s right, and in doing so, we’re undermining the very work of the very God who we pride ourselves in serving. Are you confused yet? Let me explain. (Continue Reading)

1 Year Left for Eternity

Today, an epiphany! I am currently taking a Seminary class on Practical Theology. As part of the required reading, I have been engaging in Alister McGrath's book, Theology: The Basics. While reading a theological discussion on the topic of Heaven, McGrath turns his attention to an age old question of what our appearance will be as we walk the streets of the New Jerusalem. He writes:

A final question that has greatly vexed Christian theologians concerns the age of those who are resurrected. If someone dies at the age of 60, will they appear in the streets of the New Jerusalem as an old person? And if someone dies at the age of 10, will they appear as a child? This issue caused the spilling of much theological ink, especially during the Middle Ages. By the end of the thirteenth century, an emerging consensus can be discerned. As each person reaches their peak of perfection around the age of thirty, they will be resurrected as they would have appeared at that time- even if they never lived to reach that age..... The New Jerusalem will thus be populated by men and women as they would appear at the age of thirty (the presumed age, of course, at which Christ was crucified)- but with every blemish removed.

What!? First of all, he says that at the end of the 13th century, "an emerging consensus can be discerned." A consensus? As in a general agreement or collective thought among a group of people. As in more than one person thinks this is true? Regardless if it is true or not, it definitely stands as an interesting theory.

But after reading this, a light bulb went off in my head as this hit home for me. A few weeks back in late January, I celebrated my 29th birthday. Oh Man....the clock is on. I have less than a year to assume the physical attributes I desire that will stay with me for all of eternity (without blemish of course). Have you seen me? I still weigh what I did in junior high school...a buck twenty five wet with my shoes on. I gotta hit the gym! I don't want to literally be chaff in the wind of the heavenly realms for all of eternity. How is that I get the rest of my life to work on my character, but only 1 year left to beef up and buy tickets to my own gun show. I'm eternally screwed....I haven't gained weight in 16 years, what makes this next one any different? I could always try the Michael Phelps diet seen here, but who has that kind of grocery budget each month?

If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. Blessings to any of you who have already surpassed this monumental year....you could be maimed by a bear between now and then and still show up in heaven A-OK. Looks like it's more Vitamin D whole milk for me.....

Saddleback Presidential Forum- Aug 16, 2008

Complete 10 part video of Civil Forum held Aug 16th at Saddleback church with Rick Warren moderating. Felt that it was an interesting angle that the American people don't always get to see through the bombardment of speaking points and slur campaigns. Would love to hear your comments on it.

The Value of a Penny