New Entry Coming

I apologize for the delay in posting a new entry, but just wanted you to be aware that I am still ticking and haven't abandoned my blog. :-) I just have a lot going on with ministry right now and haven't had the chance to post anything new. I am working out my next entry and hope to have it posted by Monday of next week at the latest (hopefully sooner, though).

Thanks for stopping by to read this blog so frequently. In one month this blog has been "hit"/viewed nearly 300 times!!!! Crazy!! Thank you also for your comments! I truly appreciate those who are bold enough to express their own frustrations, hurts, issues, opinions on topics I discuss. I also appreciate the parents who reply out of frustration about not knowing how to respond to such a culture (know that I am praying for you and am available any time you need). I enjoy reading all your comments! They humble me, the encourage me and, above all, challenge me in my faith!! Until the next entry...

CONTEND FOR THE FAITH!!!!!! (Jude 3)

Christian Teen Pics - What Now?? (The How)

Ok, so it happened again. It’s been a little over a week since my last entry. I apologize. With summer here my life is packed with Youth Group planning and events, leaving very little time to blog. That will change in a few weeks when school resumes – so please be patient with me. :-)

Now on to PART 2 (and final part) of “Christian Teen Pics.”

Ok, so we get it – many “Christian teen” lifestyles are anything but Godly. What can we (they) do to remedy this? While my list is no doubt unoriginal and far from exhaustive, it is a start and good reminder to us all about being CONTENDERS for the faith (Jude 3) and lovers of God (Deuteronomy 6). For the most part I address the list below to teens, but parents and others feel free to use it how you see fit.

1. Starts with Parents. Yes, teens make their own choices to live the lives they do, but as parents we have to check ourselves as well. (1) Ask yourself: “Are they simply copying what they see in my life?” (2) Talk with your teens – do you even know what’s on their pages? Their friends’ pages? What’s going on when they’re “just hanging out with friends?” (Note: Giving teens “their space” doesn’t mean being completely removed from their lives or online lives. It means giving them space to make decisions while guiding them and catching them in love when they miss the mark. Trust me – ignorance is NOT bliss.)

2. Your Future Spouse. What about your husband/wife? Yes, I know (teens)… you are not married. However, make no mistake about it – your demonstration of how much you love your future spouse starts NOW! I can’t imagine my wife (or online internet surfers either, for that matter) being comfortable with seeing suggestive pictures of me online (yes, I am having trouble not laughing at this even as I type it). Respect your future spouse enough to protect what will belong to them alone (read 1 Cor. 7:4).

3. Accountability. Get some friends in your life who are willing to say the hard stuff to you, who are willing to point out when you are crossing the line (checkout Prov. 22:6). Another way to help keep you accountable is making your online profiles (all of them) available to your parents to check out. Ask Godly adults or teens whose opinion you respect (because you know they’ll be honest with you) to give you feedback about your online profiles or lifestyle choices from time to time. Partner up with another Christian friend and challenge each other to live lives of truth and faith (hold each other accountable).

4. Challenge yourself to commit to God ABOVE ALL THINGS (even if it means not doing the things everyone else labels as “ok”, “good” or “acceptable”). Our loyalty is to our Creator above all else – to include friends.

5. Love God. Learn now what your faith and relationship with God mean to you. Learn to love it more than anything else. Demonstrate that relationship with God in your other relationships and character (to include your private and online life).

6. NEVER COMPROMISE (never be willing to give up) ANY part of your relationship with God for anything else. Remember – sin takes ALWAYS takes us further than we want to go, leaves us longer than we want to stay and costs us far more than we were willing to pay.

Now the decision is yours. What kind of Christian teen are you going to be? The kind that lives one life in title (“I’m a Christian” or “Jesus Freak” or “Washed by the Blood” or “Sold Out Believer” or whatever other title you might use to describe your faith) and another in practice (talk like heaven and live like hell)? Or are you going to be the kind that sets the standard and challenges their friends to live lives of hope, as well? You can’t have both… a decision must be made. Trust me, the world around you can already tell what your decision is just by the way you live your life…

And that’s what “Christian Teen Pics - What Now” is all about Charlie Brown…

Christian Teen Pics

Craziness! Teens partying/drinking (usually beer) and taking risqué pics of themselves and posting them all over the internet for the world to see is not new news (sad, but true). And at no point do I expect Christians to be perfect, but over the last several weeks I’ve stumbled across (and for the record it wasn’t that hard) many of these partying and/or racy pics that either feature “Christians” (at least according to their profiles or the fact that they've said they are) or are featured on a Christian’s page/profile. Since I only have so much space and you so much time/attention (take your pick), I cannot fully address this topic in a blog article but will address each of the two subjects (partying/drinking and sexually suggestive pics) with a few points.

Alcohol and Christian Teens:
To clarify, I am referring to pics (and behavior, whether pics are taken or not) that show teens partying with alcohol (regardless of what type of party it is).

1. Honoring the Law. Even if the Bible is not anti-drinking (though this is a sensitive conversation by itself), it is all about honoring the law and the last time I checked underage drinking is illegal. To even be around that practice makes you guilty by association (as my dad used to tell me growing up – a lesson which is a reflection of Biblical teaching and one I wish I had listened to at a younger age – if you don’t want people to think you’re doing something wrong, then don’t be around it).
2. Witness. “There’s nothing wrong with it if I’m not drinking. Plus, how will I witness to non-Christians if I don’t hang around with them.” Let’s go ahead and call this what it is – an EXCUSE (especially the second part)! Most Christians have about as much intention in witnessing to their intoxicated friends as the “legalize marijuana” people do smoking Pot for medicinal purposes. Not to mention the fact, what witness do you have left after being associated with illegal activity? I digress…

Suggestive Pics and Teens:
These pics are hard to define as they show up in many forms: posing in underwear/bathing suits/suggestive/revealing clothing (usually in a mirror or holding the camera away and posing for themselves), posing in suggestive positions or poses with friends, statues, props, people, etc., making sexually suggestive faces or gestures, girls acting romantic with other girls (and at times, guys with guys), etc.

1. “God gave it to me, why not use it/show it off”. First, as Christians we are NOT our own, you were bought at a price (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Second, is that WHY God gave it to you? Last I checked we were told not to be consumed in outward looks (not that it is unimportant), but instead drawing people’s attention to God, not our bodies (1 Peter 3:3-4). Third, your “showing it off” makes it difficult for viewers (especially guys) to fix their thoughts on things above (Col. 3). Be honest with your actions – you are intentionally tempting your fellow brothers/sisters (in Christ) to look and think inappropriately about YOU (and misleading Lost people about what it looks like to be a follower of the Christ Who saves).
2. These pics are seen by many more people than just intended audiences (facebook and MySpace safety features aren’t that good). And once you put them online, they are forever public. Vanessa Hudgens (HSM star) picture drama ring any bells? Nude pictures taken by her for a boyfriend (at 15 years old!!) are still making their way around the internet (4 years later).
3. Future Spouse. How thrilled is your husband (or wife) going to be knowing that their spouse took revealing and suggestive pics of themselves? Yes, you as a teenager are not married, but I think a little forward “one day” thinking would benefit you greatly… your body belongs to your future spouse (1 Cor. 7:4) not the world.
4. Sexually suggestive pics (posing alone or with others in suggestive manners) might be done in fun and with innocent intentions (“just being funny”), but as an outsider let me be blunt: I can’t tell if you’re just having fun or actually that promiscuous. Matter of fact, the only people who know what’s really going on in the pic are those who were there when it was taken. The rest of us (even if we think we know you) are left to guess if you’re just playing around or giving the world a sneak preview of what you’re really like outside the walls of the church. And if those that know you have to guess, it’s a pretty safe bet that those who don’t know you just assume your life is anything but God-honoring.

My intention is not to make you angry (though a reaction of any sort might be a start) or get you to be better at hiding said pics or behaviors. Instead it is to challenge you as teens to RISE ABOVE it! There is a myth that has been circulating for some time that “you are only young once” (and also in the form of “you’re young and stupid and going to make mistakes”) as if giving permission to be intentionally unwise in making decisions or ignoring the fact that consequences do not only attach themselves to those 21 and over. I recommend instead 2 Timothy 2:22:

But run away from the evil young people like to do. Try hard to live right and to have faith, love, and peace, together with those who trust in the Lord from pure hearts. (New Century Version)

Next blog: HOW to be a facebooker/myspacer with Godly-integrity and drive (or the parent of one)… (COMING SOONER THAN A WEEK, sorry for the long delay between the last post and this post, but because of its nature wanted to take my time writing it)

Until next time, that’s what “Christian Teen Pics” are all about Charlie Brown…

MOVIE REVIEWS: "Definitely, Maybe" and "John Adams"

First, a note on my movie reviews. Since my wife and I rarely make it out to movies (kids, $$ - $10 per person adds up quick!, etc.), many of my reviews are of movies on DVD. My primary concern is first with its message (what worldview is being offered?) and then with its technical and creative elements (was it good? well written? creatively done? how's the cinematography? did the medium properly portray the message, or did it hinder it? etc.). On to the reviews (which will pop up here and there in my blog)...

DEFINETELY, MAYBE

(definitely, well, maybe 3 stars)

sticking with the cliche star-rating system

I am quite conflicted... I have 2 ratings for this movie. First, the positive: 4 stars for acting and creative story line. Make no mistake about it, this IS a typical Romantic Comedy, but with a creative approach (can't say much without spoiling it - no it's not THAT big of a twist, but an interesting one).
Now for the not-so-positive feedback: 2 stars. There are several issues with this movie. First, its utter lack of understanding of what love is. Second, its reliance on the child to be the redemptive hero (with not so wise advice - "dad, trust me, you're not happy"). Third, all the characters' consistent lack of moral direction is ASTOUNDING (and why would the dad talk at length about such a lifestyle with his CHILD?!?!). Fourth, as it is with most Hollywood movies now, there is very little consequence for such poor morals. I did, however, appreciate the film at least making an attempt at pointing out the dad's moral flaws on occasion - even better was that it was his daughter busting him ("you did THAT?"), then forgiving him ("I still love you"). How often we forget our decisions not only affect us, but those around us (and some times not even until years and years later). So as you can see, I am conflicted, so I split the difference and gave it 3 stars.

JOHN ADAMS

(5 Patriotic Stars)

PHENOMENAL! I thoroughly enjoyed the first and second discs of this series and look forward to watching the remaining two episodes. To be honest, I was quite nervous watching another HBO series (the others have been unwatchable due to the ridiculous amounts of nudity, sex, language, etc.), but this one has set a new standard! Episode 2 is particularly powerful - especially the scene where the forefathers declare independence... not at all how I pictured that scene taking place (what a powerful scene!). Paul Giamatti is a gem of an actor - every time I see him he's better and better. The cast assembled for this mini-series was brilliant - Tom Wilkinson (as Ben Franklin? Who knew?!?! Good pick!), David Morse (would have NEVER pegged him as George Washington, but WOW! Great performance), Laura Linney... really good cast. Even better is the amazing view of God they had (my fav. line to date in a movie is in this; Abigail Adams to her son as he was leaving: "Remember, you are accountable to our Maker for every decision you make."). The forefathers, though not perfect (or played as perfect), had an amazing sense of their place in this world and their accountability to God. Both my wife and I are loving this (and that says a lot because my wife does not typically enjoy historical pieces)... on to Disc 3!!!

8 Ways to Be an Offensive Christian (without being Offensive)

“The greatest, single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians; who acknowledge things with their lips, but [walk out the doors of their church] and get on by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” (From the D.C. Talk album Jesus Freak)

I LOVE THAT QUOTE! It is absolutely true… Christians are some of the most offensive beings on the planet. They preach and get excited about a faith that many of them refuse to live themselves. They offer guidelines for living, but rarely live by them. They get angry with people who habitually sin differently than they do. They expect lost people (those who do not believe) to hold to the same morals and standards the Bible does when they have little use for such standards (if they do not believe in God, why would those morals mean anything to them anyway?). They preach about loving others and not gossiping when they themselves are typically the biggest culprits.

IT IS TIME FOR THIS TO CHANGE!!!! How can we expect a lost world to find value in a God that we only value with our lips? So on that note, I taught a lesson this last Sunday (in our youth group) about being an offensive Christian for the RIGHT reasons and challenged my students to come up with a list of guidelines for living such a life. So here is their blended list:

8 Ways to Be an Offensive Christian (without being Offensive)
Authors of each are in parenthesis.

1. Respect the values of others, while questioning the reasoning behind them (High School: Sara J, Drew G., Ashley S., Ian H., Sam A., Brandon W., Cierra D., Catherine B.)

2. Be willing to discuss issues with people, while warning of the possible consequences (High School: Sara J, Drew G., Ashley S., Ian H., Sam A., Brandon W., Cierra D., Catherine B.)

3. Be willing to challenge messages in media versus accepting them blindly (Jr. High: Trandon J., Tre R., Christian R., Ben O., Nadzeya P., Amanda R., Cameron M.)

4. Be honest and hard working students (desiring to raise the standard) (Jr. High: Trandon J., Tre R., Christian R., Ben O., Nadzeya P., Amanda R., Cameron M.)

5. Be a Christian influence with friends (Jr. High: Trandon J., Tre R., Christian R., Ben O., Nadzeya P., Amanda R., Cameron M.)

6. Be willing to not watch or listen to shows, movies or music that have highly offensive messages or content (Jr. High: Trandon J., Tre R., Christian R., Ben O., Nadzeya P., Amanda R., Cameron M.)

7. Be willing to talk about and deal with sin in a loving and gracious manner (all of it, not just the easy stuff) instead of ignoring it or acting as if “that’s not my place to tell them that” (Christian)

8. Learn to love the world that God so loved by choosing to show faith (love your neighbor as a part of loving God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength – Matt. 22:37-40) versus just talk about it (Christian)

Good job students! Now the key is (for teens and adults alike) to challenge themselves to try to live out such a visible demonstration of faith, versus just talking about it…

And that’s what “8 Ways to Be an Offensive Christian (without being Offensive)” is all about Charlie Brown…