Bold Faith Via "24"

Wow. It's been almost a year and a half since I updated. No good. In that time, we've:

• Celebrated our 5th Anniversary
• Watched Zachary turn 4
• Started as Worship Pastor for FBC St. Rose
• Jessica started as a teacher at the NOBTS Preschool
• Had another baby (Tyler, born June 17th, 2011)
• Left my position at FBC St. Rose.

So, I guess I'm still looking for a job...maybe not much has changed after all.

As to the title of this post, if you know me well, or have known me long, you know that I love the show "24." While it might not be on Jon Acuff's list of things I shouldn't know exist, it is probably not the best TV show to enjoy as a Christian. Not many of Jack Bauer's actions or justifications echo Christ. Still, it was a wonderful show, and I do hope to see a feature film sometime soon.

But what does that have to do with "bold faith?" Well, again, if you know me, you know that I am a Twitter guy. I love it. I like following people, I like posting, I like staying connected.

Recently, I noticed that James Morrison, the actor who played Bill Buchanan on "24," was on Twitter. I decided to follow him, thinking I might see a few "24" related nuggets, and some interesting insight. What I got was a test of faith and paitience, and ultimately a growth of bold faith.

You see, Mr. Morrison and I disagree on almost everything he says politically, spiritually, and socially. However, I do believe it is his goal to make his followers think. He and I have bantered back-and-forth several times, and I have found that standing up for my beliefs in love has helped grow my faith to be bold.

Christ was bold. He didn't just say, "let's agree to disagree," and move on. He was vocal about who He was and what He was doing. He didn't hit people over the head or start wars, but He did challenge the authorities to drop the formal rituals and pretense, and worship God as we were intended to do. He challenged His believers to take the Gospel and share it with all; to love unconditionally; to be humble; to put others first. Now that is being bold.

So, while I am sure Mr. Morrison wouldn't agree with my conclusions, I do want to thank him for challenging me to remain steadfast in faith while showing love to all...even those who don't accept the Gospel as I do. I must follow my Savior as He calls me, no matter the cost, and no matter what others think. I must be bold.

Just Catching Up...

Man, time managent is a difficult skill to master! It has been a few weeks since I wrote anything here, so I figured I could drop a little line for everyone.

We're doing really good. Over the past few weeks, both Jessica's parents and my parents have come to visit us. I've sung in a few concerts with the "Seminarians," an all male vocal ensemble. And I've had a few tests and papers. All in all, life is busy.

Zachary is growing like a weed. Jessica cut his hair Sunday evening, and it looks good. It's pretty short, but I like it. Zachary is, however, obsessed with parades and beads. He is always playing parades in the house - marching, pretending to be on a float, throwing beads, etc. If we end up leaving New Orleans, he will be so heartbroken without those Mardi Gras parades.

I have been looking for a job, but nothing yet. I have my resume in to several engineering places, as well as about 6 churches. We're praying God will show us which one is right, and lead them to make us an offer. He has provided so far, no reason to think He will stop now.

~E~

A Theological Dissection of a "Miraculous" Victory

Several thousand years ago, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit were sitting around in a pre-creation planning meeting. They were going over God's calendar of events for the universe, when they came to February 7, 2010. Jesus saw "Saints win Superbowl," and, being a bit puzzled, pointed at the date. He then looked at God and asked, "Who Dat?"

Thus, the legend was born.

In all seriousness, here in New Orleans, things are crazy. A lot of claims are being made right now, the most popular being that this was destiny, or that God had planned this. As a Christian, a seminary student, and a (relatively new) Saints fan, I wanted to dissect that claim.

First of all, we know that it was God's will for the Saints to beat the Colts, otherwise, it wouldn't have happened. To get all Calvinist, God had this planned from before time began. None of this surprised God.

Now, so many people in the French Quarter last night were drinking their "spirits" and celebrating like hooligans, shouting into news cameras that this was God's plan, and that this was a team of destiny. There was even a guy dressed as "Breesus," mocking Jesus himself, spouting claims that were, in essence, that "God's team won."

While I agree that it was God's plan, and that this team is a team of destiny, I don't agree that this team is more special than any other. Don't get me wrong, I have totally immersed myself into the Saints, and I do love the team. But in actuality, every team is a team of destiny. The Detroit Lions last year were just as much a team of destiny as the Saints were this year. So were the Pittsburgh Steelers in Superbowl XLIII, the New York Giants in XLII, etc. God has it all mapped out.

Now, the other thing I hear is that God was showing New Orleans kindness for all they had to deal with, with Katrina and the issues there. And that may be true, but I just think that this victory is more of an object lesson for believers in this area. We just have to look for the lesson.

You see, I found myself wondering: Why would God give such joy to a populace who constantly reject and mock him?

See it yet?

Jesus suffered and died for a people that laughed at Him, spit on Him, ripped His beard from His face. They didn't deserve it. They deserved death and punishment. But they were given love, joy, peace. We are given love, joy, and peace. Except the peace, joy, and love of Jesus is worth more than a thousand Saints Superbowl victories.

Seminary Started...

Well, I am finishing up my second week here at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and I am just now getting a few moments to bust out a new blog post. I'm going to keep this short, because I have tons of reading to do, and I really need to get back to it.

Anyway, for those that don't know, I am trying to get my Masters of Divinity degree in Worship Leadership, focusing on Music. It will probably take me 3 years (or more) to get done with the degree, so we will be here for at least that long.

We really enjoy it here. The campus is beautiful, and very family-centric. Outside these walls is a different story, but, as one of my professors said, this just shows what light looks like in the midst of darkness.

For those wondering, I am taking 4 classes this semester: Intro to the Cooperative Program, Baptist Heritage, Exploring the New Testament, and Technology in Worship Music. So far, I like my classes, but it is hard getting back into the swing of doing school work. Time management is key!

Jessica is babysitting a couple of our neighbor's kids. It can be frustrating at times, going from one child to three, but it is good for Zachary. He gets interaction with older kids, and it is helping expand his communication (not to mention, stretch his ability to share).

Over all, we really love it here, and are glad we listened to the Lord's call in our lives.

Anyway, that is about it for now. Love you all, and see y'all soon!