OK - If you did not see it in the theatre, or rent it on DVD yet, I'm telling you - you NEED to watch the movie "Amazing Grace." Go rent it - right now! Seriously!
Here's the trailer:
It is the true story of a man named William Wilberforce. An abolitionist in the English Parliament who fought for years for the end of the slave trade. When he first entered the political arena, there was some support for his position, though never enough. Then, when war broke out with France, promoting abolition became near treason and his support almost completely dried up.
There is a scene in the film during this time period (the war with France) where William Wilberforce is standing alone in Parliament SHOUTING at the top of his lungs his message of abolition while nearly everyone else in Parliament is shouting back at him to shut up and take his seat. He was one man - alone against many - speaking for those who had no voice. It was an incredible scene, an inspiring scene. Here is a man who was willing to do the right thing, no matter the cost to him personally.
He was a man of faith. In fact he wrestled over entering the ministry or politics. For twenty years he fought an uphill battle to overturn the acceptance of the slave trade within the English empire. A large part of his success was because he had the strength and fortitude, based on the convictions of his faith, to never allow his voice to be silenced. His lone voice was the conscience for an entire nation, prodding action to be taken against an incredibly inhuman practice. Though he suffered countless defeats, and even his personal health suffered, he never gave up - he never lost site of his goal. He refused to be silenced.
John Newton plays a role as a mentor in William Wilberforce's life. John Newton was a former slave ship captain who became a Christian and left that lifestyle. He went on to become a minister and pen the words to the great hymn everyone knows still today called "Amazing Grace." The discussions between Newton and Wilberforce in the movie are powerful. In Newton, you see a man filled with regret and remorse over his previous lifestyle. When he wrote "a wretch like me" he really meant it. He talks about his "20,000 ghosts." But, in his life, he experienced God's amazing grace and it changed him completely.
I can't say enough about this movie - except you need to see it. If you're squeamish, another thing I really liked about this movie is that it is not graphic. There are a couple times where they describe what the ocean passage was like for the slaves, and what life was like, if they survived the trip, in captivity. And this is enough - sometimes when we use our own imagination to fill in the gaps of what is being described it is more powerful than having it graphically displayed on the screen. This was one of those times, for me anyway.
See the movie. And then ask yourself what lessons can you draw from it for your own life? For your own faith? What can you apply? And, maybe be so bold as to ask yourself, "how can I change the world?"
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
U2 Christmas - Week 1 - "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"
We are starting a new message series this Sunday called "U2 Christmas." For the next four weeks John's messages will be centered around the lyrics of songs from U2.
This coming Sunday the theme will be "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." The band will be performing this song during the service as well.
I remember when U2 released "The Joshua Tree" CD. U2 was a popular band before this, but this CD propelled them to the top of the world stage. It was 1987, the year I graduated from high school - and suddenly, you couldn't turn a radio on without hearing "Where The Streets Have No Name," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," and "With Or Without You." There was something unique and fresh to their sound back then, and even when I listen to this CD twenty years later it still sounds like something that could get released by a new band today. These songs just do not age.
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is a song that explores the yearning in each of us for something greater, a restlessness for something yet unfulfilled. The final verse of the song speaks directly of Jesus when it says:
You broke the bonds and you loosed the chains
Carried the cross of my shame, of my shame
You know I believe it
And then, followed by the final chorus:
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
As Christians, don't we believe that true fulfillment in life is found in a relationship with Jesus? How can we say we know Jesus, and in the same breath say that we still haven't found what we're looking for? This is one of the reasons I love the music of U2 - it makes you think. Is everything in our lives as we would like them to be? Is every part of our lives the way God wants them to be? Is everything in the world right and just? My eight year old is learning there are bullies in the world. I wish she didn't have to learn that - I wish there were no bullies. But don't these things stir a yearning within us? Aren't there things we are still looking for, even as followers of Christ? Not necessarily material things - but the state of things.
Are we content with the world the way it is, or do we see the potential of lives changed helping to change the lives of others through God's grace? I hope we are all still looking for that - and jumping in to make it as much a reality as possible.
This coming Sunday the theme will be "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For." The band will be performing this song during the service as well.
I remember when U2 released "The Joshua Tree" CD. U2 was a popular band before this, but this CD propelled them to the top of the world stage. It was 1987, the year I graduated from high school - and suddenly, you couldn't turn a radio on without hearing "Where The Streets Have No Name," "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," and "With Or Without You." There was something unique and fresh to their sound back then, and even when I listen to this CD twenty years later it still sounds like something that could get released by a new band today. These songs just do not age.
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" is a song that explores the yearning in each of us for something greater, a restlessness for something yet unfulfilled. The final verse of the song speaks directly of Jesus when it says:
You broke the bonds and you loosed the chains
Carried the cross of my shame, of my shame
You know I believe it
And then, followed by the final chorus:
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for
As Christians, don't we believe that true fulfillment in life is found in a relationship with Jesus? How can we say we know Jesus, and in the same breath say that we still haven't found what we're looking for? This is one of the reasons I love the music of U2 - it makes you think. Is everything in our lives as we would like them to be? Is every part of our lives the way God wants them to be? Is everything in the world right and just? My eight year old is learning there are bullies in the world. I wish she didn't have to learn that - I wish there were no bullies. But don't these things stir a yearning within us? Aren't there things we are still looking for, even as followers of Christ? Not necessarily material things - but the state of things.
Are we content with the world the way it is, or do we see the potential of lives changed helping to change the lives of others through God's grace? I hope we are all still looking for that - and jumping in to make it as much a reality as possible.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Running On Empty
At Meadow, we are a church that is not afraid to use secular music in our services. Of course, there are conditions on this. We are not going to do a secular song just for the sake of doing a secular song - but if a secular song contains a theme or thread that corresponds to the sermon for that day, we may just use it.
Why do we do this? Because music, all music, paints a picture and can be used as an illustration to drive home a point. For instance, last week we did the Stevie Wonder song "Superstition." Why would we do a song about superstition in church? Isn't God against superstition? Yes He is. But the song itself is not necessarily pro-superstition, in fact the chorus states, "Superstition ain't the way." And, in fitting into the theme of the message last week we wanted to drive home the point that to determine God's will for your life you need to study the Bible, and seek out counsel from other Godly people who have gone through what you're going through. Just because we used a song with the name "Superstition" does not mean we are advocating that as a church. It only means we are using a song most Christians and non-Christians alike have heard to make a point - if you're seeking God's will and direction for your life then "superstition ain't the way." God has outlined the methods we are to use to discover his will - and those are the methods we should use. The song reinforces the theme for the day.
There is another older secular song that we will be performing this coming Sunday. It is "Running On Empty" by Jackson Browne. Now, if the Christian life is supposed to be a life of spiritual fullfillment, why would we do a song about running out of gas? Remember, the message series is about God's will - what does life look like for those who don't know God, or understand his purpose for their life, or his grace, or his forgiveness? Wouldn't it look a lot like someone who is running on empty? Running blind? The song can be taken allegorically, to paint a picture of life from the perspective of someone who is searching for God, for his will and purpose in their life. We are not advocating that we should run blindly through life. But when viewed through the filter of allegory, this song has an incredibly strong impact. And that is how we need to see the secular songs that we perform at Meadow - allegory, a tool to tell a story and drive home a point (definition of "allegory" from Dictionary.com - a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another).
To be honest - I love this song. It is one of my all-time favorites. It's simple melodic hook and message of searching have gotten it stuck in my head many times throughout the years. Here are some of the lyrics. Read them through the filter of allegory - see the picture they are painting, the description of life from the writer's perspective.
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields
In sixty-five I was seventeen and running up 101
I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on
Running on, running on empty
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun but I'm running behind
Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive
Trying not to confuse it with what you do to survive
In sixty-nine I was twenty one and called the road my own
I don't know when that road turned on to the one I'm on
Running on, running on empty
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun but I'm running behind
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
I don't know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels
I look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through
Looking into their eyes I see they're running too
Running on, running on empty
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun but I'm running behind
Why do we do this? Because music, all music, paints a picture and can be used as an illustration to drive home a point. For instance, last week we did the Stevie Wonder song "Superstition." Why would we do a song about superstition in church? Isn't God against superstition? Yes He is. But the song itself is not necessarily pro-superstition, in fact the chorus states, "Superstition ain't the way." And, in fitting into the theme of the message last week we wanted to drive home the point that to determine God's will for your life you need to study the Bible, and seek out counsel from other Godly people who have gone through what you're going through. Just because we used a song with the name "Superstition" does not mean we are advocating that as a church. It only means we are using a song most Christians and non-Christians alike have heard to make a point - if you're seeking God's will and direction for your life then "superstition ain't the way." God has outlined the methods we are to use to discover his will - and those are the methods we should use. The song reinforces the theme for the day.
There is another older secular song that we will be performing this coming Sunday. It is "Running On Empty" by Jackson Browne. Now, if the Christian life is supposed to be a life of spiritual fullfillment, why would we do a song about running out of gas? Remember, the message series is about God's will - what does life look like for those who don't know God, or understand his purpose for their life, or his grace, or his forgiveness? Wouldn't it look a lot like someone who is running on empty? Running blind? The song can be taken allegorically, to paint a picture of life from the perspective of someone who is searching for God, for his will and purpose in their life. We are not advocating that we should run blindly through life. But when viewed through the filter of allegory, this song has an incredibly strong impact. And that is how we need to see the secular songs that we perform at Meadow - allegory, a tool to tell a story and drive home a point (definition of "allegory" from Dictionary.com - a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another).
To be honest - I love this song. It is one of my all-time favorites. It's simple melodic hook and message of searching have gotten it stuck in my head many times throughout the years. Here are some of the lyrics. Read them through the filter of allegory - see the picture they are painting, the description of life from the writer's perspective.
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
Looking back at the years gone by like so many summer fields
In sixty-five I was seventeen and running up 101
I don't know where I'm running now, I'm just running on
Running on, running on empty
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun but I'm running behind
Gotta do what you can just to keep your love alive
Trying not to confuse it with what you do to survive
In sixty-nine I was twenty one and called the road my own
I don't know when that road turned on to the one I'm on
Running on, running on empty
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun but I'm running behind
Looking out at the road rushing under my wheels
I don't know how to tell you all just how crazy this life feels
I look around for the friends that I used to turn to to pull me through
Looking into their eyes I see they're running too
Running on, running on empty
Running on, running blind
Running on, running into the sun but I'm running behind
Grace Under Pressure
We had to start church a few minutes late yesterday. I don't remember the last time this happened - or IF it's happened before. It was one of those mornings that was, how should I phrase this . . . an exercise in character growth.
First, we found a problem with a speaker that was recently replaced and decided we would have to go without the sub-woofer. Then, immediately after that the main speakers went out completely. We had blown the power amp that drives them.
Dave troubleshot the issue and went to work on figuring out how to work around this right away. Within a few minutes we had enough of the sound system back to keep going. Why do I say all this? Because I made two observations during this stressful time that floored me.
First, we are so fortunate to have Dave on our team at Meadow. He is one of the first people there on Sunday mornings and one of the last to leave. He knows the sound system inside and out (in fact he has pretty much designed and built it). He knew what needed to be done and got us back up and running as quick as possible. If it were left to me I'm not sure what would have happened, but John would have had to probably shout during his message as I'm pretty sure we wouldn't have had a sound system. On top of all the sound system drama for Dave, he also was part of the music team. It's not very often that he is able to play, but when he does I'm pretty sure he would prefer not having to deal with a crisis. But he handled everything with grace and professionalism. He commented to me "I live for Sunday's like this." I was like, "Dude."
Second, when something technical goes wrong on a Sunday morning, it is stressful. Being a portable church, there is little room in our schedule for something to go wrong. But everyone on the music team and tech team was calm, cool, and collected throughout. It was awesome to see.
We have a great team at Meadow and I enjoy working with you all. Thanks for using the gifts God has given you and for being examples of his grace and peace.
First, we found a problem with a speaker that was recently replaced and decided we would have to go without the sub-woofer. Then, immediately after that the main speakers went out completely. We had blown the power amp that drives them.
Dave troubleshot the issue and went to work on figuring out how to work around this right away. Within a few minutes we had enough of the sound system back to keep going. Why do I say all this? Because I made two observations during this stressful time that floored me.
First, we are so fortunate to have Dave on our team at Meadow. He is one of the first people there on Sunday mornings and one of the last to leave. He knows the sound system inside and out (in fact he has pretty much designed and built it). He knew what needed to be done and got us back up and running as quick as possible. If it were left to me I'm not sure what would have happened, but John would have had to probably shout during his message as I'm pretty sure we wouldn't have had a sound system. On top of all the sound system drama for Dave, he also was part of the music team. It's not very often that he is able to play, but when he does I'm pretty sure he would prefer not having to deal with a crisis. But he handled everything with grace and professionalism. He commented to me "I live for Sunday's like this." I was like, "Dude."
Second, when something technical goes wrong on a Sunday morning, it is stressful. Being a portable church, there is little room in our schedule for something to go wrong. But everyone on the music team and tech team was calm, cool, and collected throughout. It was awesome to see.
We have a great team at Meadow and I enjoy working with you all. Thanks for using the gifts God has given you and for being examples of his grace and peace.
Monday, November 12, 2007
"What Are These Strings For?"
Stephen Wright, a comedian, did a routine many years ago that I still remember. Actually, I remember a lot of his routines. If you know who he is, I guess that gives you a glimpse of the humor I like. Anyway, he brought a guitar out on stage and started playing a song he had written. He soon stopped and asked, "What are these strings for?" I know it's not funny as you read this, but if you're familiar with his delivery, it was actually quite humorous.
That's how I felt playing guitar last Sunday - "What are these strings for? What are strings? What's a guitar? Have I ever played one before?" Argh! I had practiced for hours during the week, but on Sunday it all went out the window. Many years ago, I would have beat myself up for all the mistakes, when in truth, most people in the congregation probably didn't even pick up on most of them.
What's cool about God is that he is able to use us. He chooses to use us. In spite of our mistakes. In spite of our imperfections. In spite of our sometimes trying to keep him at a distance. So, I don't beat myself up too much anymore. Is it humbling? Yes. Is it something I'm happy with? No. But I have learned this through my years in leading worship - that God uses what happens in the service. No matter how badly we think we've blown it, there is always someone in the congregation that heard something beyond the mistakes that were so obvious to us, and THAT is what mine and our focus needs to be on. Not the mistakes, but on the fact that God uses us and our times of worship together in ways we don't always understand to impact, challenge, and enrich our lives and the lives of the people in the congregation.
That's how I felt playing guitar last Sunday - "What are these strings for? What are strings? What's a guitar? Have I ever played one before?" Argh! I had practiced for hours during the week, but on Sunday it all went out the window. Many years ago, I would have beat myself up for all the mistakes, when in truth, most people in the congregation probably didn't even pick up on most of them.
What's cool about God is that he is able to use us. He chooses to use us. In spite of our mistakes. In spite of our imperfections. In spite of our sometimes trying to keep him at a distance. So, I don't beat myself up too much anymore. Is it humbling? Yes. Is it something I'm happy with? No. But I have learned this through my years in leading worship - that God uses what happens in the service. No matter how badly we think we've blown it, there is always someone in the congregation that heard something beyond the mistakes that were so obvious to us, and THAT is what mine and our focus needs to be on. Not the mistakes, but on the fact that God uses us and our times of worship together in ways we don't always understand to impact, challenge, and enrich our lives and the lives of the people in the congregation.
Crazy Follow-Up . . .
Well, the "baptism in a movie theatre" mission was hugely successful. Dave and John pulled it off without a hitch. By the time I got there Sunday morning for sound check, the baptistry was not only assembled, but full of water - WARM water at that (I'm telling you, they thought of everything!). This actually happened two Sundays ago, so you can see how well I've been doing at keeping my new blog up to date (ya, right!).
Brandon, Meadow's friendly neighborhood plumber, had brought in an industrial strength sump pump thingy and after the service the baptistry was emptied of who knows how many hundreds of gallons of water in less than twenty minutes.
The service itself was incredible. We opened with Chris Tomlin's "Party" and it just took off from there. The best part was, of course, the baptisms. Before people go through the actual baptizing at Meadow, they nail a card with their name on it to a cross as a symbolic statement that they belong to Jesus and that their lives have been changed because of what he did on the cross. And then the actual baptism - a huge step of faith - and wildly out of most people's comfort zone - another symbol. We were dead in our sins, but have been raised to new life through Jesus. It is always extremely moving and exciting. Congratulations to you all!
Brandon, Meadow's friendly neighborhood plumber, had brought in an industrial strength sump pump thingy and after the service the baptistry was emptied of who knows how many hundreds of gallons of water in less than twenty minutes.
The service itself was incredible. We opened with Chris Tomlin's "Party" and it just took off from there. The best part was, of course, the baptisms. Before people go through the actual baptizing at Meadow, they nail a card with their name on it to a cross as a symbolic statement that they belong to Jesus and that their lives have been changed because of what he did on the cross. And then the actual baptism - a huge step of faith - and wildly out of most people's comfort zone - another symbol. We were dead in our sins, but have been raised to new life through Jesus. It is always extremely moving and exciting. Congratulations to you all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)