Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Hibachi

Since I've moved to south Florida, I've been exposed to an ever increasing number of ethnic restaurants. Cuban, Spanish, Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, Japanese, French, English, German, Italian, to name a few. I've never been a big fan of most of these.


For me, ethnic is Taco Bell and Chili's, but hey, I'll try anything.

Recently we went out to a hibachi restaurant, Japan Inn in Sunrise, FL. I had fun. The food was good. Let's face it, having a guy cook at the table, make big fire balls, throw shrimp at everyone, while flinging his knives around, making jokes, and talking smack is a no-brainer. And I know what you're thinking - "what rock have you been hiding under that you've never had hibachi?". As I said, I'm more than content with Taco Bell.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Deathly Hallows

I've never wanted to read a book so badly. While I was waiting for each of the Lord of the Rings movies to be released, I promised Jesus that as soon as I had finished watching the Trilogy (the extended versions of course) I would be ready for His return.

I now recant that promise.

Dear Jesus, as soon as I (and my wife) have finished reading "Deathly Hallows", I will be ready for your return. I'm serious this time, really.

Friday, July 13, 2007

The Faith Center

Church Field Trip #4

We've been to the Faith Center once before, to see one of our favorite preachers, Tony Evans. So we knew what to expect, partially, before heading into this one (Word of Faith/Pentecostal). In addition to our posse, there were probably six other "white" people in the entire church that comprised almost 2,000 people. This church was celebrating it's 16 year anniversary (it started in a school cafeteria with Bishop Henry Fernandez and his wife, Pastor Carol. She also holds the titles of Dr. and First Lady.)

As expected, their music/worship was off the chain. There's nothing like dancing and clapping along with 2,000 other worshippers who are all dancing too.

After worshipping for some time, we listened to two different testimonies: one health - a woman who was cured of breast cancer; and one wealth - a couple who gave money to the ministry, then lost $20,000 in an investment, then prayed, and subsequently received $25,000 from various outside sources.

A mission offering was taken to go towards buying school supplies for poor children in Jamaica. Bishop Fernandez asked all who were able to give $100 toward this special offering.

We read through a "confession" that must've used the words: prosperity, wealth, blessing, and health at last half a dozen times each. (An obvious exaggeration, it was more like three times each.)

We then listened to music and testimony from special guest Helen Baylor. She told us of her deliverance from drug abuse and prostitution, and then she gave an invitation to come forward to all those who didn't know Jesus. She even put people on the spot by saying, "If you brought a friend with you today, lean over and ask them if they'd like to go forward with you at this time to receive Jesus."

She also invited anyone who had not yet been blessed with the gift of tongues, "the only sure sign of the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit", to also come forward to receive that most important blessing. "If I couldn't speak in tongues, I don't know how I would get through this life," she said.
Trust me, lady, it's not that hard, really. I've managed it so far.

Bishop Fernandez closed the service with the "first fruit" offering.

Here's the bottom line: my wife and I both love the energy and fun that comes from being partially charismatic (or as Mark Driscoll describes it, "charismatic with a seat belt"), but when the Pentecostalism comes into play, its gone too far for both of us. Translation: "Don't tell me that I haven't experienced God if I'm not speaking in tongues."

Second, I love the "real world" grittiness that comes from a church like this - people talking about their afflictions and struggles with disease, poverty, property taxes and insurance, drugs, Satan, and life in general; as well as people actually believing in the gifts of the spirit rather than dismissing them as obsolete in our modern world. But there is also an obvious obsession with the aspects of the Bible that deal with health and wealth. I look to Jesus to keep me healthy and pay my bills too, but I don't think that I am consumed by that one aspect of our relationship.

That said, I don't think it was possible for anyone to have been a part of this service, and not have been "moved" in some way. Inspirational might be a good word to use.

And while we were leaving the sanctuary, there was a sign that hung over each of the doors that read: "YOU ARE ENTERING THE MISSION FIELD." Perfect. I love it. I couldn't agree more.

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

The Patriarchs

A quick overview of the patriarchs

In looking at these men, pay attention to who initiated the contact - man or God. Also ask why contact was made. Also ask why a covenant was made/confirmed, and what were the conditions/promises of the covenant? As you read through these stories, always be looking for how Jesus ties into them, as He is the centerpiece of the entire Bible.

Adam (lived 930 years)

Gen. 3 - The Fall

Noah (600 years old during flood) (lived 950 years)
Gen. 7 - “because I have found you righteous”
Gen. 9 - covenant – no more floods

Abraham (Abram)
Gen. 12 - Abram called
Gen. 15 – covenant - land and offspring
Belief = righteousness
Read Gen. 15:12-16
Gen. 17 – Covenant = circumcision
Gen. 22 – Abraham tested

Isaac
Gen. 26:3-5 – covenant confirmed

Jacob (Israel)
Gen. 32:22-30 – covenant confirmed
Read Gen. 46:2-4

Jacob’s Sons (70 descendants went into Egypt)
Gen. 46:8-25 – list of sons
Their generation dies, but multiplies
Exodus 1 – The people are enslaved

Moses
Exodus 2 – His birth
Exodus 3 – Burning bush
Exodus 12 – The Passover
Exodus 14:21 – Crossing the Red Sea
Exodus 19 – Arrival at Mount Sinai

We will begin our study in Exodus 19 on July 22 at 6 pm

Monday, July 9, 2007

Relevant Church Miami

Church Field Trip #2
(#3 if you count Church by the Pool)


Thanks to the Relevant Magazine Church Directory, we discovered Relevant Church Miami.

They meet in a middle school auditorium in Miami Lakes, Fl. Upon our arrival (10 minutes late) we received two "genuine" greetings outside and then another once inside the cafeteria. At the door, a gentleman took a picture of each of us individually with a Polaroid and gave us the picture.
The music was mainly acoustic with a background track, though thoroughly enjoyable. They are praying for a band, so if you play (drums/bass/elec. guitar/latin perc.) make your way over there and volunteer. The set-up was very tasteful and very well done, considering the cafeteria setting. The 19 year-old worship leader was enthusiastic and barefoot and open to any artistic expression that one might want to add to the worship service. There were probably about 50 people (July 4th weekend is a notoriously low week for attendance at churches). They started last year with 15 people. The pastor, Dan Egipciaco, was probably the most energized worshipper in the bunch (a bonus), standing right up front, hands raised, leading by example in worship. I should also note that the congregation was mostly 20 and 30 somethings, as Pastor Dan himself was 32. He is tri-vocational. He is a realtor and also a salesman for U.S. Imaging Solutions.
Pastor Dan was a high-energy, relevant, and humorous preacher. He talked about "Perceptions" - specifically our perception of beauty vs. God's perception of beauty. He talked about fantasy, pornography, inner/outer beauty. He used I Samuel 16:7 and I Peter 3:3-4. He mentioned the fact that too often, subjects such as sex are avoided in the church, despite the fact that our generation is crying out to hear what God has to say about it. Dan used the Polaroid picture as an illustration of how God sees us as beautiful. A Polaroid is a moment in time captured and cannot be photo shopped to look better. We have to accept it as is. He recommended that the congregation check out Relevant Magazine, and then he closed by reading an article from it, "This body that I wear."
Pastor Dan briefly mentioned the Gospel in passing during his closing prayer. I was disappointed, but at least glad that it got "thrown in" at the end during a prayer. As we neared the end of the service, I was beginning to fear that the Gospel wasn't even going to make an appearance. I really don't want to criticize, because I really liked this church and I loved Pastor Dan too, but I guess I am just a stickler for hearing the Gospel in a complete and clear fashion. I'll just chalk it up as a non-Gospel week.
At the end of the service, Dan remarked that he didn't really like the idea of "church marketing". "If someone is excited about their church, they will invite people, " he said. He asked the congregation to join him next Saturday in handing out fliers in the surrounding neighborhoods. He also invited everyone to join him on July 14 in providing a Free Car Wash to the surrounding community. They are doing the car wash as a service to the community (they are not asking for donations or money, they are simply telling the community about the church.) They will also be giving out free bottled water while the cars are washed. I really like where this guy's heart is at.
Now let me tell you my two favorite things about this church. When their one-hour service ended at noon, they spent almost an hour talking to us, telling us about their vision, and introducing us to whoever else was hanging out, drinking Cuban coffee and espresso. For an entire hour, no one lifted a finger to break down the equipment. They just mingled, hung out, and chatted it up. Awesome. When the people finally did start to break down the equipment, Pastor Dan handed his 8-week old off to his wife and remarked, "I really need to go help these guys break down, it's not fair to let them do all the work."

I'll just come right out and say it: THEY HAD A DJ SPINNING BEATS BEFORE AND AFTER THE SERVICE. Awesome. The DJ also runs a ministry during the week in Miami Springs, Fl.
We had fun, and we met a lot of cool people. They really seem like they've got it together, and we will definitely be praying for them.


Follow-up: We have been added to the church email list, and began recieving email updates from them almost immediately.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Book of the Law

We have decided to begin a Bible Study in our home. We will meet every other week in our home on Sunday nights at 6 pm for dinner and discussion. We are going to do a quick overview of the Patriarchs and the Exodus (Genesis 1 through Exodus 18). We are then going to begin reading through the Book of the Law (Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). As we read through these books, I will report what we've discovered here on this blog.


Our first meeting is Sunday, July 8 at 6 pm. We are not currently able to entertain children, but we are quickly working to remedy that and should be ready within the month.


Thursday, July 5, 2007

Transformers

When I first heard that they were making Transformers last year, my reaction was, "meh."

When I saw the first trailer that showed the actual robots transforming and destroying stuff, my reaction became, "ok, that looks pretty cool."

After watching the previews and promotions over and over again on t.v., I got pretty burned out on the movie and any excitement I may have had was lost.

I say this so that there is no suspicion of previous bias. I was not a fan of the 80's cartoon, and I was not particularly looking forward to this movie.

I saw the movie last night.

It was one of the coolest movies I've ever seen. Hands down.

The action sequences were off the charts. The sound effects were deafening. The casting was spot on. Nothing was overdone.

You do not want to watch this movie on your television screen at home in six months. I repeat. You have to watch this movie in a movie theatre.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Welcome To Jamrock

Welcome To Jamrock



Apparently, I must be part Jamaican, because I can't seem to shake the reggae music. Though I did manage to shake the ganja.
Unfortunately, I've been hiding under a rock for the past two years, because I somehow missed Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and his album, Welcome to Jamrock. I was in a club last week, and the title track caught my ear. I haven't been able to remove it from my head since.
I'm a big fan of reggae, but have never been a fan of dance hall, its faster paced cousin. I really dig Jr. Gong because he manages to update reggae into the modern era without feeling the need to speed it up.

Sunday, July 1, 2007

To the people formerly known as....

This is a collection of posts that I ran across recently. They are in the order they were given:


The People formerly known as the Congregation



The Penguins formerly known as Waddle



The People formerly known as "The Pastor"



The Girl formerly known as a "normal christian"

While not agreeing with any of them completely, I would be remiss if I did not admit that each of them definitely strike a chord within me. This is the genesis of a revolution after all.

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