Initial count of 1,149 at Highland’s grand opening–and this in spite of historic levels of rain and 2 false fire alarms. Praise God! # A post you may have missed: Baptism: U-Turn or Signpost http://is.gd/bRidB… Twitter Weekly Updates for 2010-05-02
Brian McLaren writes in “A New Kind of Christianity” that 10 questions, and the dialogue they spur, may be the key to Christians and churches better expressing the Christian faith to a postmodern culture.
#5 – The Gospel Question: What is the Gospel?
In these two chapters McLaren pits Jesus against Paul – that is, a Modern interpretation of Paul’s definition of “gospel” versus Jesus’ definition of “gospel.” Returning to themes which appeared in the sections on authority, narrative, and the Bible, McLaren argues that most Christians today go to Romans and define gospel from that letter in ways consistent with the Greco-Roman narrative. For them, gospel is solely or primarily a message about being justified by grace through faith so that we might go to heaven.
USA Today recently reported on a major study of young adults in America. It shared these sobering results: 65% rarely or never pray with others. 65% rarely or never attend worship services. 67% don’t read… Youth Losing Their Religion
At the end of 2008, the website connected to television’s “The Travel Channel” posted their list of the “Top 40 Travel Songs of All Time.”[1] A song by Billy Joel came in at #29. The song is called “Travelin’ Prayer.” In it, Billy Joel sings about a loved one who is travelling. And he prays that this loved one will have all she needs during her journey. Here is the first part of his melodic prayer: Hey Lord, take a look all around; And I’d a-find where my baby’s gonna be. Hey Lord, would ya look out for her tonight. ‘Cause she is far across the sea. Hey Lord, would ya look out for her tonight. And make sure that she’s gonna be alright. And things are gonna be alright with me. Hey Lord, would ya look out for her tonight. And make sure that all her dreams are sweet. Said now, would ya guide her along the roads. And make them softer for her feet. Hey Lord, would ya look out for her tonight. And make sure that she’s gonna be alright. Until she’s home and here with me. The song is about providence—divine provision during a journey. Billy Joel prays that God will provide sweet dreams and soft roads and that God will look out for his loved one during her travels. He prays that God will provide what’s needed for the journey. Some of us have probably prayed similar prayers for our loved one as he/she travelled. That common experience helped make Billy Joel’s “Travelin’ Prayer” one of the top 40 travel songs of all time.