What would make you dance like this?

Sam Storms writes...

I haven't sent out a newsletter in quite some time, so you may be wondering what would stir me to do so now.

Well, every so often you come across something that touches a nerve in your soul and feel compelled to share it with others. In my case it was a You Tube video that I saw on a friend's blog. With the potential for a Swine Flu pandemic, together with the ever-present threat of international terrorism, the economic crisis, and who knows what else, we all could use a bit of spontaneous joy.

I found mine in a remarkable event that took place in a Belgian Train Station. Perhaps you've already seen it. It's making the rounds of the internet and is now found on numerous blogs.

In one sense, it's a bit silly. You'll know why when you watch it. But as I watched it (several times now), I couldn't help but think about what makes people dance. For some it is a well-known song from The Sound of Music. For others it is newly found wealth or the birth of a child. Perhaps you dance because of the love you feel for your husband or wife.

It all got me thinking about the absence of joy in our churches, the lack of spontaneity, and the fear of what others might think. If people can display such freedom and delight in something as banal as Julie Andrews singing "Do, Re, Me," can we not do as much for someone as beautiful as the Lord Jesus Christ? O.k., o.k., I know all about propriety in church and reverence and gravity. Yes, God is deserving of our deepest thoughts and most exalted praise and we must never permit our worship to degenerate into carnal or flippant emotionalism.

But does not the thought of forgiveness of sins elicit unbridled joy in your heart? Does not the prospect of eternity with Christ make your feet move? Should not the glory of saving grace and the power of the indwelling Spirit and intimacy with a loving heavenly Father move us in both body and soul?

These are the questions that came to mind as I watched and listened to this video. I wondered, what would the world think of us if our love for Jesus and our gratitude for all that God has done for us in him spilled out into the streets in godly celebration? As you watch the video, be sure to take note of the startled look on the faces of passersby. Watch as their incredulity turns to sheer enjoyment. Then ask yourself, what effect might we have on a lost and dying world if our love for God was seen in holy revelry, in glad-hearted dancing, in unashamed, extravagant affection for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Even if you don't agree with what I've said, I think you'll get a kick from watching this event. But as you watch, it wouldn't hurt to ask yourself a question: For what or whom would I dance?

Our very own superhero....

...Mike Valka to the rescue!

(What we learned on Good Friday)

Pressing On (5)

....As I was saying...

It appears that what trumps the fear of end time predictions of economic collapse, of betrayal (Matt 24:10), hatred (v. 9), apostasy (v. 10), and even death (v. 9), is the promise that amidst the coldness of the hearts of most, there will be an increase in love in the hearts of many.

In other words Matt 24 reflects the biblical understanding that endurance is not just a stoic, gladiator-like face-to-the-wind reaction to an indifferent world. Endurance is not indifference--at least not the way Jesus describes. You don't overcome the indifference of the world by indifference to the world.

Rather, the Bible speaks of endurance is a gift of God to causes a person to pursue God in the face of myriad temptations not to.

To think of it in this passage, Jesus seems to promise that there will be those who don't grow cold with the increase of temptation, but who press on and endure with a bold and courageous love that could only be credited as a supernatural work of God in the human heart.

Moreover, such is the quality of this love--love born of the Holy Spirit, that the gospel of the kingdom is "proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations (v. 16)." This is radical love in the face of radical coldness and opposition.

Let's commit all over again to "endure to the end" together. Don't let the coldness of the world toward God or any doomsdayers tempt you to think that God is not in control of events and moving hearts toward him through them. Let's be those who fix our eyes on Jesus, burn up any coldness, and run to him with endurance.

The Press Meeting - Good Friday

Directions here.

Pressing On (4)

I mentioned last time that whenever we see things like global recessions the tendency of many people is to assume that this is unprecedented and unique in history and certainly a sign of the return of Christ.

Although I do believe that the return of Christ will have economic ramifications (Mark 13:8), Scripture seems to suggest that in many ways Christ's second coming will be in the midst of economic normalcy and routine (Luke 17:28; 12:20). His coming will surprise many who are caught up in the pursuits of everyday life.

So what seems to stand out in his return? It seems to me that the "increase of wickedness" that results when God's common grace over His creation, and over economic structures are removed, "the love of most will grow cold (Matt 24:12)."

More than any economic recession or depression, there will be a recession of the heart. A global depression of love and affection for Christ and for God's people. To the degree that the economy increases this global turning away of the heart from God, I believe the economy does indicate a sign of the imminence of His return.

What is the hope?

Notice the next verse...

Jesus goes on to say, "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come (Matt 24:12-13)."

Notice that in the midst of increased coldness there is an increase in endurance. Don't miss the contrast and the special grace of God. Many will be growing cold in the midst of many who will be growing in endurance!

Do you see that those who endure to the end aren't cold? Do you see that those who endure to the end are those who respond to God entirely differently? While the effects of a weak earthly climate and weak economic climate cause the love of many to turn cold, it does not paralyze the endurance of others. While many grow cold, the people of God will burn in their love for God to the end--until they see His very face.

Moreover, their love for God not only causes them to stand firm in the evil day (Eph 6:13), but it emboldens them to step out in sacrifice for others.

More tomorrow...

Pressing On (3)

I was listening to Christian radio this morning on the way into work. One thing that seems to be emphasized by the global economic recession is how this relates to what is termed "end times." Many people today are asking the question of how the current economic climate relates to the time of the Lord's return.

"Are these signs of the Lord's return?"

If you're asking that question, I'd like to offer my 2 minute response.

Yes...but don't fear...love...

It is true that although technically we have been in the last days since Jesus walked this earth, we are now closer to His imminent return than ever before in history. However, Jesus didn't seem to emphasize the economic climate being the greatest indications of his glorious appearing. Rather, He pointed to worldwide tribulation that ultimately results in apostasy and people falling away. Notice His words in Matthew 24:10-12

"And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold."

More than the economy, it seems the emphasis is on the love of people toward God and each other that Jesus indicates as the major sign before his return. In other words, as evil increases, the leveling effect is apathy, lethargy, apostasy, and downright hatred toward God. That's "the love of many" turning "cold (v. 12)."

So it seems to me that to the degree the current economic recession has this worldwide effect of increased lawlessness, hatred, evil, and a global dampening of affection and love for Christ--then the current economic scene reflects exactly what Jesus speaks about in Matt. 24.

Is there hope? Read the next verse...

More tommorrow...

For directions go here.

Movie Stars

Documentry of Power FM from Daniel Douglas on Vimeo.

Our own Daniel Douglas, Tre Dickerson, and Tiffany Cook are in my mind big time since Daniel put together this video for local station 89.7.

Meet Rob?

Hey guys, my friend Justin has had a series on his blog on "ordinary" pastors. He interviewed me if you want to take a look. Pretty funny stuff...