Signing Up for Bridge Building

Last week Union University hosted a conference on Baptist Identity with a variety of speakers included in the program. One of those speakers was Thom Rainer, current President of Lifeway Christian Resources. I have known of Dr. Rainer for many years and have become even more interested in his work since I recently started a Ph.D. program that he helped to start. The more I know of Dr. Rainer, the more I realize that his is a voice that we desperately need in the Southern Baptist Convention.

In an article following the conference, Dr. Rainer called on us as Southern Baptists to begin building bridges among our various groups. He states,

I am part of a denomination that has many tracks, but few bridges. And if we don't start building some bridges quickly, God's hand of blessing may move beyond us.

Later he says,

I was and still am a firm supporter of the conservative resurgence. I knew we could not continue down the path we were headed. But it seems as if we can't stop fighting even though the battle for the Bible is over and won. I understand the risk I am taking by writing these words. But silence is not an option. I must be about building bridges.

I for one agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment of the article and will gladly join Dr. Rainer in building bridges.

To read the full article, go here.

2 + 4 from 24 (1pm-3pm)

Because of a nasty sinus infection, I was not able to watch 24 until Tuesday. As a result, here is a delayed take on the episode.


2 Observations:

1. Observation: The two hours on Monday were the highpoint of the season following the 4 hr premiere for me. It seems that they are returning to what make 24 a successful show. And while some of the plot twists are becoming predictable (expected in a sixth season), those formulas are what make the show work. These episodes had the right mixture of action and drama. I am now anxious to see how it continues to unfold.

2. Quote of the Night: "There is a fine line between conviction and stubborness."

4 Questions:

1. How long will it be before we figure out who "Carson" is?

2. What will Morris do to redeem himself?

3. Is a romance brewing between Chloe and Jack (after Morris gave in to the terrorist in a matter of minutes while Jack withstood months of torture at the hands of the Chinese)?

4. Who will reach Gredenko first - father or son?

What were your top moments of the night? Favorite Quote? What questions do you have remaining?

Living Beyond Life's Limits - True Love

What does true love look like? Using Romans 12:9-10, I look at four characteristics of true love.

Just click play.

You Tube Friday - Evolution of Dance

Here is one of the first viral videos to get national attention as inspirational (whatever that means) comedian Judson Laipply tracks dance from the 50's until today. Enjoy the trip down memory lane.

Living Beyond Life's Limits - Making Ripples

Do we have a destiny, or are we all floatin' around accidental-like? This sermon examines how we can claim the destiny that God has for us and make an impact on our world. Looking at the life of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we examine how to make a difference even in difficult circumstances.

Just click play.

2 + 4 from 24 (12 pm - 1pm)

2 Observations:

1. Observation: Both of the big reveals last night were a little too predictable in my opinion. First, Jack's dad's true colors started to come out when he shot the other attacker as Jack tried to protect him (24 Rule - If someone shoots somebody that Jack wants to keep alive, the person shooting has much to hide). The second reveal with Morris was given away when he was the only one able to work and then got mysteriously pulled away. Unlike most major reveals that I don't get early, I had both of those pegged very early.

2. Quote of the Night: "I've seen what happens when you try to protect people." (Marilyn, Graem's wife, to Jack after he and many of his CTU friends had just invaded their house.)

4 Questions:

1. How much more do Jack's sister-in-law (ex-girlfriend) and nephew (or possibly son) know?

2. How will Fayed attempt to get Morris to cooperate, and will it involve Chloe?

3. How will the Vice-President attempt to gain control of the White House?

4. So, if Graem has been answering to dad in the last two years, to whom is dad answering?

What were your top moments of the night? Favorite Quote? What questions do you have remaining?

You Tube Friday - Whitney Sings the National Anthem

Another week - another Super Bowl performance. This performance of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Whitney Houston is one of the all time great performances. It was performed with the backdrop of the first Gulf War. I thought it would be a great way to kickoff Super Bowl Weekend.

Super Bowl Predictions

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Score:
31-17

MVP (Headed to Disneyworld Award):
Peyton Manning (21-26, 272 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT)

LVP (Headed to QB Controversy Award):
Rex Grossman (15-31, 176 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT)

Super Bowl Record:
Devin Hester returns a punt for a TD

God Is Closer Than You Think ... When You Really Mess Up

Here is the last sermon in the current series. The sermon is based on Psalm 51 where David pours out his heart to God following his sin with Bathsheba.

Just click play

2 + 4 from 24 (11am - 12 pm)

2 Observations:

1. Observation: There are often weeks when it feels that the show is really setting up the action for the next week. For me, the last two weeks have both felt that way. If history holds, that probably means we are in for an exciting ride for the next few weeks. (One other note -I have come to have a love/hate relationship with the previews for next week. I cannot help but think that last night's preview gave away too much for next week, just as the week before ruined the meeting of Jack and his dad for this week.)

2. Quote of the Night: "I am glad that we can all finally put our cards on the table." (Graem to Jack and his dad revealing who was in charge of the situation)

4 Questions:

1. Is Jack's dad really that clueless about Graem?

2. When will Karen Hayes get her revenge?

3. Is Walid alive?

4. Who is the mole inside CTU? (This is 24 and there has to be one)

What were your top moments of the night? Favorite Quote? What questions do you have remaining?

A Super Bowl for the Glory of God

One of the most interesting storylines for the coming Super Bowl is that both of the coaches are African-American. Michael Smith of ESPN.COM argues that it is the character of these two men that truly sets them apart. He states,

Dungy and Smith are Christian men who serve the Lord first and spend nearly as much time serving their communities. Doesn't prevent them from winning. And often. In just three seasons Smith, last season's Coach of the Year, has helped build the Bears into a league power. Dungy has won more regular season games than any coach since 1999. Where does color factor into that?

After they won their conference championships, you heard Smith talk about his "being blessed" and Dungy give thanks to God. That isn't just lip service with these guys. As Christians they believe it is their responsibility to let their light shine whenever they're in the spotlight. Just as they have a game plan for each other come Super Bowl Sunday, both plan to use the global platform that the Super Bowl provides to speak words that could make an impact beyond football.

For the rest of the fascinating story, click here.

You Tube Friday - U2 Super Bowl - "Where the Streets Have No Name"

As we get ready for the Super Bowl, here is a video of U2's halftime performance at the 2002 Super Bowl. The game was played following 9/11 and this performance of a song about Heaven paid tribute to those who lost their lives.

One of the most interesting parts of the video is Bono uttering the phrase "O Lord, open my lips that I may shout forth thy praise," (starts about 1:20 into the video). Enjoy and let me know what you think.

2 + 4 from 24 (10 am - 11 am)

Format Change. I will now make two observations (surprises, quotes, or theories) and then ask four questions that are lingering.

2 Observations:

1. Surprise of the Night: Bluetooth Guy from Season 5 is Jack's brother. That is one revelation that makes me want to go back and watch last season to see if there is some tipoff to that last year or if they decided it this year.

2. Quote of the Night: "Trust me, I'm not." (Jack to his brother when Graem says that he is already hurting him)

4 Questions:

1. What country (or countries) is funding Fayed?

2. Why has Jack not spoken to his dad in 9 years?

3. How much do Jack's dad and brother know?

4. When will the other detainees realize that Walid is wired?

What were your top moments of the night? Favorite Quote? What questions do you have?

God Is Closer Than You Think ... When You Feel Unimportant

How do you like yourself? Or more importantly, what does God think of you? Looking at Psalm 139, we are reminded of some facts about ourselves.

Just click play.

Let the Hype Begin

On the Links

Here are some links from the previous week:

- For those interested in more information on 24, here are a couple of resources - A New York Times review and discussion of the show and an extensive amount of information on 24 Wiki.

- With the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship this weekend, here is a great article about former Florida and Saints quaterback Danny Wuerffel - "Wuerffel Ministry Works to Rebuild New Orleans"

- I don't see how this can end well for either the Falcons or Vick - "Off-field Problems Erode Vick's Image" and "It's Time to Let Vick Go"

- An interesting look at young Muslims in the United Kingdom - "Radical, Moderate Muslims Battle for Young English Minds"

- Here is a site of some of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's sermons and speeches - Voice of a King

- An article in the Tennessean about the trend for muscially credible people doing children's music - "Rockers Now Play to Sippy Cup Set"

- Probably not the smartest criminals around - "Shoplifters Ignite Chemicals at Stockbridge Wal-Mart"

- It is amazing how fast Hollywood jumps on stories - "Depp to Make Film About Poisoned Ex-Spy"

- A Shopping Gene? - "The Voices in My Head Say 'Buy It' Why Argue?"

You Tube Friday

Here is a trailer from the upcoming movie "Amazing Grace." The song in the video is a song by Chris Tomlin that reworks the classic hymn. You can find more information about the film, song, and a project to end slavery in our time at the website here.

Take a look and leave a comment to let me know what you think.

Championship Picks

Playoff Record So Far: 6-2
(4-0 last week)

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2 + 4 Questions from 24 (8am - 10 am)

One of the things I like about 24 is that it raises difficult ethical questions. What I like even more is that it never suggests that the answer is obvious or easy. Tonight those choices were woven throughout the show. Wayne Palmer negotiated with Fayed and gave into his demands in an attempt to save American lives. A father did the bidding of the terrorists and even killed a man in an attempt to save his own family. The president chose to give a full presidential pardon to a known terrorist. Walid seems to suggest that the "illegal" capture of the Middle Eastern men is a good thing because of the lives it might save. Curtis cannot stand to think of Assad being released, so he takes matters into his own hands. And finally, Jack choose to save the life of a known terrorist over Curtis.

Now on to the questions:

1. How many are dead in Los Angeles?
2. Is Jack in the radiation zone?
3. Where are the other 4 "visitors" and when are they scheduled to be used?
4. Can the other 4 "visitors" be reconfigured without Hasan Numair?
5. When will Jack and Fayed meet?
6. Will Walid gain the confidence of the terrorists in the detention center?

God Is Closer Than You Think ... When You Are In A Crisis

Here is the sermon from Sunday morning based upon Psalm 23 :
(Just click play)