Do friends pass on massive-multiplayer real-time online baseball games to each other during weeks they need to be working on retreats that will happen that weekend? Do they pass them on even- no especially- when they are free? I don’t think so, Dave.
Next week is TV turn-off week. Check out the official website at www.tvturnoff.org for more information. They’ve got some suggestions for alternative uses of time and activities you can do. Even if you say, “I don’t watch that much tv”, give this a shot and see how it effects you. Make sure you set your TIVO or VCR to record 24 and The Office, and you’ll be all set!
Here are a few facts about tv habits:
You’ve seen some of these numbers. Fast next week with me and see what happens.
No, I didn’t just regress back to 1950 (aka “The Glory Years” in some circles).
I’m talking about today.
According to a recent Gallop poll, Americans who mark “Church of Christ” are more likely than any other denomination to regularly attend worship services at least once a week, almost every week.
You can read the brief article in The Christian Chronicle.
Why do you think we have such high attendance?
“We worship an empty tomb.”
I saw those words written in a workbook my dad filled out from a New Member’s orientation class. I didn’t really process them till this past weekend. During our taking of the Lord’s Supper on Sunday, Troy mentioned how we are all so preoccupied with death during our worship services. It’s so true. We spend so much time agonizing of how Jesus was murdered for crimes he did not commit, and how we are sinful and undeserving of God’s grace. We spend so much time talking, singing, and meditating on the cross…
But the tomb was empty.
Sometimes, we trip over the cross and never make it to the tomb.
On Sunday, we had different tables set up around the auditorium, and went to those places to get the bread and the cup. We were instructed to spend time (gasp!) talking to the people around us, celebrating the fact that Jesus rose from the dead and that we don’t worship a dead Savior, but a RISEN Savior!
The positive, upbeat feel of the auditorium made me realize this is how it should be! The early Christians would have been celebrating. Why don’t we do that more?
It would be comparable to something happening to my wife dying in some horrible and unseen way. I would weep and cry and mourn. Then, a few days later, she walks up behind me and taps me on the shoulder. Would I still mourn her death? Or would I rejoice that she is still alive, against all odds? You can bet I’d rejoice!
And that’s what Jesus wants. The Supper is remembrance of his death, but only in as much as he as VICTORY over it. Without his resurrection, my faith is futile. It gives ALL OF IT meaning!!!
Because we don’t worship a crucified Savior. We worship a risen Lord.
I love it when there are leftovers in the fridge to take to work with me. No preparation needed, no need to prepare it, just pop it in the microwave and have a good meal all over again.
I was reading today about “The Widow’s Offering” in Mark 12:41-44. This is the story about the widow who gave 2 copper coins, worth less than a penny. Jesus honors her by saying she gave more than anyone else because she gave “all she had”- not just what she had left over.
We usually see this only in context of financial giving. God wants it to be a commitment, not just something we do when we’re finished spending money on ourselves. To be honest, if I waited to see what I had left over every month, I wouldn’t give anything at all to the church. I have to write that check first. But, I think he is talking about more than just money.
Left-overs are fine, but they are rarely better than the original meal.
God wants all things in our lives- our money, our jobs, our time. Many people get the money part out of the way, but don’t work as if working for Jesus. I get frustrated with people who don’t “have time” to come to class, mid-week Bible study, church services, have Bible studies with neighbors and friends, serve those around them, or be a friend to someone who needs one, or even to simply pray and read the Scriptures. I’m not saying I’ve got this right, nor am I advocating a turn towards a legalism where church attendance is expected for salvation. I’m just saying God wants us to fill our lives with what’s important first. I see too many people who consistently put sports, academics, work, ahead of participation in spiritual endeavors. They don’t have time, because there isn’t any left-over.
But look at this widow. She didn’t have much, but gave what was there. It doesn’t indicate that she had to starve or live in the streets, but she gave in a sacrificial way. God doesn’t want us to neglect our families or our jobs. But, you can spend too much time at work and so much time with your earthly family that you fail to give God what you need to.
After all, if it weren’t for the original blessing, there wouldn’t even be left-overs.