Church in Contemporary Culture

Entertainment Theology: Last Reading Reflection

2009-03-11T10:39:00.000-07:00

Theological Containers

The idea of participatory theological is an immense challenge for the church, especially the ones in leadership positions. This proposes that not all ministry has be done under the roof of the church but rather that theology is being done outside the church. For many leaders and pastors, this is something to be feared of. But I believe that if the church is able to practically and effectively take the church outside the church walls in ministering to neighbors and other communities, we will better fulfill the great commission of making disciples of all nation. This will also stretch all believers in the church to take into their own hands and create their own ministry. Christians are use to be fed, guided, and directed all within the church but isn't pushed outside the walls to participate and be creators of kingdom ministry. This will take a lot of faith and trust in God and people, but nonetheless i think the church would be more effective in their mission.

Making Signs

In this chapter, the church is challenged to reiterate the message of Jesus Christ in a postmodern world. Many of my experiences in churches have been that there is one central message that is repeated and stayed consistent. To reiterated and create multiple encodings for the Gospel messages seems like a difficult task and possibly dangerous. But I do believe that the message of the gospel can be expressed and told in various ways to various people groups, cultures, and societies. The church needs to be creative in sharing the Gospel message in ways in which it connects with the people, rather than sticking with messages they've given decades ago. The question the church needs to ask is how do we share Christ in todays culture and age? I believe the answer will be threatening to the church, but how should the church respond?

Final Thoughts

I believe this book did an amazing job in capturing today's attitude towards religion and spirituality. If the church is able to take even ideas and suggestions from this book, I think it will be in a spiritually healthier state. Of course, all ideas and suggestions need to be prayed over and discussed with leadership. But to ignore, what the author suggest would be ignorant and irresponsible. Decentralizing authority will be the biggest challenges for churches, especially Korean American, which is my background. The Korean American church is the epitome of centralize authority where the pastor literally and spiritually sits on a 'throne'. I am curious to see if the Korean American church can and will adjust their ministries in respect to the postmodern world. I pray that it does.

March 9, 2009: Lecture Reflections (Wess)

2009-03-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

Today's lecture was interesting. We talked about the Fantasy and the Kingdom of God (Recovering Imagination for Christian Mission. Does the church do a good job in capturing or appealing to people's desires? We talked how most churches tend to speak against or neglect these very real desires that all humans have of wanting to be known, participate in spectacle, to be creative, etc. Once again there is another challenge for the church to recapture and redirect these desires rather than to suppress and ignore them.

March 4, 2009: Lecture Reflections

2009-03-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

We talked about postmodernity today. Some aspects of post modernity poses a definite challenge to the church, especially the acceptance of plurality and ambivalence. How does the church preach, teach, and guide people in a pluralistic society, when what we believe in is one God? Are there other venues within the church that can follow along with a postmodern society without compromising belief or faith. There is a definite need to have discussions about this.

Entertainment Theology

2009-03-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

Surface as Depth: Faith as Fetishization

There are many churches still resisting the reality of the influence and effectiveness of media and technology in the postmodern era. This may the reason why churches are ineffectiveness in their attempts to reach more people. As people become more fluent and accustomed in the language of technology, the church, too, needs to become fluent in communicating to a technologically advanced society. Many churches have already caught on to this cultural shift, and made adjustments. A first step towards communicating to this culture can be to create a website that allows active participation and providing information.

Shopping for God

The church is facing new and difficult challenges in a highly consumer-based society where individual have the ability to choose and purchase whatever they want, including their religion or faith. Churches of course in a ‘shopping around’ culture, cannot hope to reach everyone that is shopping around. Rather, I believe that the church should focus on a demographic. I believe that Mars Hill (Ballard) has captured this idea. In a city that is very liberal, technologically savvy, sexually active, and pluralistic, Mars Hill has successful focused their resources, creativity, and ministry to reach to this specific group. It is one of the fasting growing church, with over half of the being new converts. I believe the church needs to take time to know who they are trying to reach in order to be able to reach out and share the gospel effectively.

Personal Soul Space

Advanced computer technologies, for example, are facilitating a participatory religious construct in which the self is the key determinant of how the religious is manifested in particular lives. If the church can take technologies and incorporated in the fabric of their church culture, I think it can moved individuals to corporately participate with one another outside of the institution of religion. An example of this can be a creating a blog site where people can contribute thoughts and ideas of how the church can be more involved in the community or testimonies of what God has been doing in their lives through sermons, ministries or relationships.

Playing the Future

“In order to survive (church) must change and find a “new way of being in an evolving world.” This is an immense challenge for church with a long history of tradition, culture, and practices. Although I believe that the church should continue to think forward, looking into the future, it is difficult for churches to make transitions and changes when its been grounded in tradition. I suggest that the church allows conversation for innovative church planting committee. Mostly likely, this will be committee will be formed with younger members of the body. It would be wise to have couple elders in this committee to help guide and direct the theological and practical conversation of church planting. This committee should be given resources and tools to prepare for the church plant.

After Christianity

I think it is difficult to have a conversation about theology in a church because this will stir up controversy. Not only would there be a need a competent facilitator to guide the discussion, but also the desire to have a conversation of it. More than talking about theology as a conversation about God, I think there is a need for the church to ask itself how it practices those theologies. For example, how is the church practicing its missiological values and beliefs? These conversations would have to come from the leadership level, in hopes to lead their congregation closer to becoming the ‘church’.

Class Response: February 25, 2009

2009-03-02T17:53:00.000-08:00

Today we talked about the 'second modernity'. Most of our discussion was on the idea of 'individualization'. I believe this idea of being an independent believer is still plaguing the church today. This is when people just attend church without having any interconnectedness with other members. Churches need to encourage interdependent christianity, and not great a ministry that allows individuals to become independent.

Class Response: February 23, 2009

2009-02-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

Today we learned about 'modernity' described by detraditionalization, rationalization, and fragmentation. Under the characteristic of rationalization we learned a term called McDonaldization which has drastically influenced the American society and how functions and operates. Some key principles within McDonalization are Efficiency, Calculability, Predictability, Control, Irrationality or rationality. Our conversation then turned to the church and how the church functions and operates. I don't think these are negative principles. I think there needs to be balance between structure/organization with being spirit led. I believe we need to incorporate gifts of administration in our church worship, ministries, and other programs. Once again i think it needs to be done with Christ in the center open to the spirits leading.

WWJD (Chapter 6)/Entertainment Theology

2009-02-23T11:34:00.000-08:00

What would Jesus Deconstruct?

Chapter 6

“But what, then, is the kingdom of God? Where is it found? It is found every time an offense is forgiven, every time a stranger is made welcome, every tie the law Is made to serve justice, every time a prophetic voice is raised against injustice, every time the law and the prophets are summed up by love.”

I believe in this idea of the kingdom of God. Churches may have this vision and goal as a church to bring about justice, to welcome all, and speak prophetically against injustice but practically speaking they are unsuccessful in carry it out. The church speaks that all are welcome, but they do not have opportunities for people to heal, repent, and recover from their past. One way that the church can really accept anyone and have a forgiving nature is to have a recover program. We preach that all are welcome, but the reality is that people have no way of healing or recovering from their past sin within the church, rather they feel stigmatized. Communication of the vision and purposes of the church needs to stay consistent with the practices of ministry.

Entertainment Theology: Barry Taylor

“Magical, Mystical Polish”

The first chapter talks about the emergence of spirituality expressed in arts: Music, film, painting, and literature. Also it mentions the ‘restoration of wonder’ expressed through advanced media technologies. If spirituality includes the arts and technology in today’s culture, I believe the church can adapt and include these things in their ministries. Ministries have done things the same way for generations, expecting to be effective. I believe that a church can keep to their doctrine and theology while being relevant and expressing itself through the arts and technologies. The church can form a ‘creative arts/media’ ministry.

“The implosion of Modernity and the Rise of the Postsecular”

Modernity created a schism between religion and society or civic space vs. sacred space. Churches today, although unintentionally, creates such environments or experiences where sacred time is separated from ‘secular’ life or everyday life. Most of all effort, time, and resources go into creating a sacred experience on Sundays, but what gets neglected is the rest of the week. The church needs to redefine what is scared and what is spiritual. I believe Christians needs to learn how to live in this world as spiritual beings and not dividing themselves. Creating ministries that helps fuse the scared and social lives of individuals can also be helpful in this. Taking ministries out of Sundays and the ‘church’ building can do this.

“Evolution not Revolution”

But the new spiritual expressions that are emerging are increasingly related to the direct experience the practitioners and seekers have in their daily lives. Once again, I believe that the church has a responsibility of teaching Christians how to be Christians in their lives which includes work places, homes, friendship circles, schools, and wherever. Christianity and faith needs to decentralize from Sunday church and the building to everyday life, where an individual can take ownership of their personal faith. This may mean that people will come to church once a week and not three times a week. Having ministries programmed in the church is a lot easier than having one do ministry at their work places. This can be discipleship training. If done creatively I believe that the church can reach beyond its walls and into all arenas of every believer’s lives.

“Emerging Global Culture/the Symbolic Universe of the Media Generation”

This chapter discusses about the emergence of the Global Culture, which can be characterized by acceptance, assimilation, and use of the technological culture primarily emerging out of the West and elements of Western consumerist tendencies. Although these may be characteristics of corporations and other companies, it is unmistakable that they are more successful in many ways in reaching people compared to the church. There is a lot that we can learn from corporations such as Mac, Starbucks, and other products that have reached a wide audience. This would include organization structure, visions/goals, and use of technology to communicate an idea or spark imagination in consumers. Although out intentions isn’t to get people to purchase a product, there are principles and methods that the church utilize to better serve God and people. In order for this to happen, there would have to be conversations and reexamination of practices and methods used by the church.

Class Response: February 18, 2009

2009-02-18T15:17:00.000-08:00

Today we talked about blogging, remix culture, and collaborative culture. I think it would be interesting to incorporate collaborative culture within the church. This can be around the sermon, passages of the bible, and books. There would have to be someone to maintain and facilitate the blog, but i believe this can be a healthy exercise for church members as the learn and grow in understanding God, faith, and other issues. People can share their personal convictions from sunday's message that can inspire others as well.

Class Response: February 16, 2009

2009-02-18T12:32:00.000-08:00

Today we talked about Do It Yourself culture and how this is impacting the church. We had an interesting discussion about church and how only few individuals are being active in creating culture. Although it takes more creativity and effort from the leadership, the church needs to provide ways in which the church members can be involved in being an active member of the community instead of being a distant observer. This would also mean that the leadership cannot be completely hands on with everything that happens within the church. It can be scary but at the same time healthy for the community.

Class Response: February 11, 2009

2009-02-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

We briefly talked about Church in 'Second Life', which is a virtual community in which you can take on a different identity. A pastor decided to create a church in this virtual reality. I have concerns with this because it redefines the church. There is preaching but how about administering the sacraments, baptism, and correction? Some people argued that it is a positive thing because you can be who you are and come to church without worrying about being judged. But when I really think about this, it is ironic. So you can pretend to be someone else and people will accept a artificial you? It is an interesting phenomenon but i don't know if i can call it church.

What Would Jesus Deconstruct? Caputo (1-5)

2009-02-16T11:43:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1

This chapter would’ve challenged the church to reexamine who they are and what they do. Most churches’ foundations come from history and a long line of tradition. This makes it very difficult for churches to reconstruct. Changes are never easy, but because of inconvenience churches will dishonor God and Christian practices to maintain comfort or even power. The church should allow all the leaders of the church to take a few days to retreat. During this time the leaders can reflect and seriously discuss the church and how effective they are in ‘being’ the church. Hopefully this will be an opportunity for honestly, correction, love and prayer.

Chapter 2

What this author shares about deconstruction and the journey being a ‘risky’ business can make people feel really uncomfortable. I’ve seen, in many circumstances, change being the catalyst for people leaving the church and causing division. How the changes are communicated and carried out needs to be done with wisdom, careful consideration and prayer. Another option is to have a church planting committee. One of the best solutions in harboring new ideas for a church is a church plant. If there are those within the church that want to change directions of where the church is wanting to go, other leaders should encourage and support them through finance, resources, and people. In this way, we don’t neglect those parts of the community that desires to continue in the way of things.

Chapter 3

From this chapter the church can evaluate how they excel in the areas of justice, gift, forgiveness, and hospitality. The author describes these as things that happened but is always arriving. The church needs to ask itself how do these things look and act out in today society and culture. These things can look differently depending on the community, city, and culture the church exists in. After evaluating, the church should move to communicating and teaching all members on these topics. A sermon series can be helpful in teaching, challenging, and encouraging the church.

Chapter 4

A few years ago Evangelical Christians were one of the most feared people in the U.S. I think this is because the church is overly aggressive in protesting and voicing their opinions on what they don’t believe in such as abortion and same sex marriage. In this chapter the author shares about the mercy, compassion, and tenderness of God in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. I don’t believe the church needs to be timid in things that are offensive to God, but I believe there are ways in which we can express the love and compassion of God as we deal with these things.

Chapter 5
This chapter challenges the church once again to look at scripture and Jesus to construct an accurate attitude and approach to some of the challenges in this world. Some churches are too involved in the protests and openly expressing oppositions, but then you get those churches that don’t care at all. Churches need to be well informed of the things offensive to God, but at the same time needs proper perspective in how to go about dealing with them in loving ways.

Class Response: February 9, 2009

2009-02-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

Today's discussion was very interesting. We talked about fan culture and how church can operate on a fan based culture. It was interesting to hear what others have to say when looking at the church in this way. There can be negative and positives to people treating church or members within the church as a pop figure. That is why the leaders of the church needs accountability and be responsible in their influence.

Cultural Studies: Chris Barker (10-14)

2009-02-09T12:19:00.001-08:00

Chapter 10

This chapter discusses the construction of meaning by the television in relation to its audience. Because television is viewed on the daily basis in a domestic setting, the home is a place where construction and contestation of cultural identities happens. The television is effective in constructing meaning or identities because of the consistent intake and the setting it is viewed in. I think the church can learn a lot from impact television has on it audience. Home is an effective place of shaping and producing meaning and identities. What happens is that church is a Sunday occasion, usually with parents and children worshiping separately. I believe the worship needs to continue in a domestic setting on a consistent basis. This can be done strategically through small/home groups, family-based ministries, and other smaller group settings.

Hebrews 10:25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Chapter 11

Many churches have taken advantage of the ever-growing digital age. Especially in the West, people are connecting to the worldwide web, interacting in communities and forming identities. Churches like Life Church.tv have taken advantage of this and provides a place of worship on the Internet. Another church that is taking advantage of the increase in use of mobile phones is Mars Hill (WA). Pastor Mark Driscoll allows congregation members to text message questions, and he answers them on the spot. It will take amazing creativity and strategic planning to engage with the digital age, but nonetheless the church needs to recognize the effects the Internet and cell phone has on people.

Chapter 12

The ‘city’ has been and still is a place where churches are scared to dwell in. The challenges in reaching a post-modern city are daunting. Instead of seeing the city as an opportunity to reach and build God’s kingdom, it is a place that is avoided. The city is a complicated place with diversity in class, race, opportunities and cultures. In order for the churches to be effective in taking the gospels to the city, they would have to be prepared for any and everything. They would have start with a demographic and cultural study of the specific city. According to the results of that study, the church should develop their identities accordingly.

1 Corinthians 9:20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.
Chapter 13

This chapter should open the eyes of church leaders. Churches and their leaders need to think into the future for the next generation. It is important to plan for today, but it’s as pertinent to study and prepare for the future of the church. This can be done through in various ways. Resources can be poured into the youth ministry to develop and educate youth workers about youth culture. Youth ministries, not only need to know the cultural phenomenon of youth, but need to create an appealing subculture for themselves to appeal to the youth. How can a church do this while staying true to the bible?

Chapter 14

In the section ‘The implications of pragmatism for cultural studies’ there were some interesting ideas presented that the church can use and implement in their ministry. Truth inheres in local stories not in grand narratives. I believe churches need to do a better job being intentional about the people they are trying to reach in their city or community. They need to understand the culture, characteristics, and challenges of the city or community to better reach them for God. You cannot do exactly duplicate a ministry in one town and do it the same way in another. Rather we need to focus, study and form a ministry that will be effective in that culture and environment.

Class Response: February 2, 2009

2009-02-03T13:45:00.000-08:00

At the start of class we had an interesting discussion about Radical Orthodoxy and Liberation Theology. Churches today have an enormous challenge of redirecting the hearts of the people towards God. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with products, ideas, ideologies, and media, the church needs to speak up. The church cannot whisper into noised filled world rather we need to loud. We need to point out the messages that are misdirecting people and direct them to God. This needs be done through creative communication, presentation, and ministry.

Cultural Studies (Chapt. 6-9), How to do Media (Chapt. 6)

2009-02-02T12:21:00.000-08:00

Cultural Studies: Chris Barker

Chapter 6

“Postmodern culture is marked by the blurring and collapse of the traditional boundaries between culture and art, high and low culture, commerce and art, culture and commerce.”
With boundaries blurring and spaces minimizing, the church has a great opportunity reach out to community through nontraditional means. This would need to be carried out with careful discernment, prayerful attitudes, and strategic planning. Nonetheless, instead of the church viewing the postmodern culture with scorn, we should see it as an opportunity to reach people. One of the areas they might want to explore or invest in is the digital culture on the Internet. Not that I am suggesting an Internet Church, but making an interactive website, informing people about ministry updates, or discussions boards, articles, etc. Because people spend so much time online, why not invest and make the church website as appealing and creative as possible.

Chapter 7

This chapter concentrates on the study of identity. The church should take note that a person is not composed of one but rather several, and sometimes-contradictory identities. This is caused by postmodern culture where there is instability of language, constitution of multiple discourses, and increasing number of social relationships and sites of activity. The church has a big challenge when trying to encourage one identity in Christ alone. I believe the church needs to be educated and in tune with culture to know what systems, languages, or discourses are shaping the identities of their congregation. In that way, they are able warn, challenge, and preach them back to the one true identity as children of God. This should continually be preached on Sundays and reinforced in the smaller communities within the church, but at the same time being careful not to encourage close-mindedness towards other ideas and discourses.

Chapter 8

Being part of a Korean American church, I see how unintentionally exclusive we can appear. Members are uncomfortable bringing their non-Asian or Korean friends because the church is overwhelmingly represented by Korea-Americans. There were attempts of becoming a more multi-ethnic church. This chapter provides ideas that can help my church successful transition into a multi-ethic church. That idea is Assimilation Strategies. The strategy of assimilation in The Cosby Show and the local news can be implemented in our church. It would have to start with staffing. If the leadership can be multi-ethnic, I believe that the church itself will be more inviting and less exclusive.

Chapter 9

My church can plan a sermon series around this chapter. There are clear distinctions between the roles of men and women in the Korean American church. Most of these distinctions are socially and culturally constructed, sometimes contradicting what the bibles says about who we are as men and women. Instead of assuming and sometimes oppressing either the male or female sex, the church should educate and train everyone about what the bible teaches about our roles. My hopes are that from this series the families will be healthier and leadership in the church healthier as well.

How to do media & cultural studies: Jane Stokes

Chapter 6

This chapter provides helpful insight in how to go about presenting some of the findings in the research of culture and media. The church can definitely learn how to train, equip, educate and present ideas from this chapter. There are definitely things that the church can learn from the research and professional world, such as putting together a presentation of a study that is both creative and comprehensive. I believe this is needed in some aspects of church leadership. Although there is room for casual conversations, when dealing with a program or an idea a professional presentation can be more appropriate or convincing.

Class Response: January 28, 2009

2009-01-29T21:01:00.000-08:00

Today we spent majority of the time critiquing media with the Cultural Critique. We broke up into smaller groups and chose either a book, play, tv show, or movie. Our group chose to critique the movie Iron Man. We listened to others present their findings. This was my first experience in critiquing a move from a Marxist point of view. It was a helpful exercise to better understand Marxism.

Class Response: January 26, 2009

2009-01-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

We ended today's discussion on the conversation that the 'educational system', not the church, is the prominent place where ideologies are formed. I am curious to know how the institution of family influences our ideologies. Of course within the family's ideologies include education and religious background, but if there are opposing ideologies taught the school vs. church vs. family which would dominate? How and when did the 'education system' become more influential than the church?

Who's Afraid of Post-Modernism? James Smith

2009-01-26T12:22:00.001-08:00

Chapter 1

There is a difficult tension within the church of encouraging individuals to be part of community but not confine that community within the walls of church building. Churches today, that I have experienced (including my own), exemplify the characteristics of the ‘modern’ church or Christianity where it is based on the individual, and what the church looks like a collection of individual. As Smith tries to explain the shift from modern to post modernism, he approaches Christianity not from an individual standpoint but as a Church, the body of Christ. Churches need to also make this shift from a privatized, individual faith to a communal perspective of Church.

Chapter 2

My church, like many others, have implemented small groups as a way to grow relationally in intimacy with God by sharing with one another their lives, discouraging the ‘modern’ perspective of faith. When they do come together, instead of one facilitator or leader interpreting and sharing from scripture, each individual can have the opportunity to share their input on what the scriptures might be communicating. Of course, this has to be done with accountability of the leader, but interpretation doesn’t have to be exclusively through one individual. In this way, Christians are able to understand, read, and communicate the scriptures more accurately and responsibility whether it be in privacy or group setting. This can be a healthy practice for people wanting to grow in their faith.

Chapter 3

“Postmodernity should signal new openings and opportunities for Christian witness in the broad marketplace of ideas.” How can the church take advantage of the postmodern culture without approaching the challenge with modern thought? I believe that the church would have to creatively explore new ways in ‘doing’ church. The greatest challenge will be to stay true to God’s word while sharing its truth in ways where it will resound with today’s culture. Hopefully the narrative of the gospel shared within the church can translate into Christian’s living out the story of scripture in their everyday lives. Structural and programmatic changes would also have to made to challenge members of the church to carry out lives in the manner of the gospel, such as encouraging groups to get involved in community service or reaching out their neighbors.

Chapter 4

This chapter challenges the church to realize the disciplinary mechanisms of society that shape form who we are. The system and process we are raise in produces a type of individual. In the same way the church and learn from how society systemically disciplines their people to be the way they are. I believe our church can learn a great deal from the educational system. Each year the standard and expectations are raised for each student, and they have to perform to continue in their education. I don’t think the church should implement the grading system or performance based teaching, but rather constantly pushing and challenging believers to mature in their faith. The church needs to implement a disciplinary mechanism to counter society’s agenda. This can be discussed in the discipleship strategy of the church.

Chapter 5

My church would’ve benefited greatly through this book. In chapter 5, all the ideas, arguments, and suggestions come together. It challenges the church to keep the orthodox practices but be free in its methodology. The chapter ends in beautifully portraying different approaches of performing those orthodox practices specific to time, place, and culture. But the end hope is incarnation ministry, being the church, the hands and feet that reach and serve the world. My church can greatly reexamine their ministry and see how they are being incarnational to the community and people they are trying to reach. They can even reexamine their traditional practices and see if there is a better way or more appropriate approach to them. All for the glory of Christ.

Class Response: January 20, 2009

2009-01-23T16:33:00.000-08:00

Today we spend a time discussing the impact of mass media in the lives/circumstances of people. The Frankfurt School claimed that mass media has lulled people to asleep causing them to forget how difficult and tough their situations really was. Another idea was 'reification', where 'particular' perspectives become 'natural'. I agree, mass media has such significance in my everyday life, how i perceive life, what i believe to be 'cool', 'good', 'bad', shaping my morality in subtle ways. It it amazing to see what has become 'natural' on television, which a few years ago was either discouraged or forbidden. We change along with what is being shown on television and we don't even know it. It is quite frightening.

Reflections: Stokes Chapter 5

2009-01-18T20:04:00.000-08:00

Although there might be ethical issues when interviewing individuals within the church for research, i believe this can be a helpful way for a church to understand their congregation. Studies can range from trying to gauge spiritual health of members, biblical knowledge, effectiveness of ministries, etc. Within the church setting, I believe rather than conducting an oral interview, a survey would be more effective for the research because there is less pressure when filling out surveys. Instead of making assumptions on the health of the members of the church, I believe leaders can makes steps to conduct a comprehensive survey to better understand how the church doing.

Reflections: Stokes Chapter 1-4

2009-01-17T19:25:00.000-08:00

Cultural studies should be an exercise that churches also implement in their strategies of reaching the next generation. In chapter one the author encourages researches to be mindful and think of the ‘current developments’ within culture. This can be a helpful practice when leaders of the church want to grow their congregation. It is important to understand what people are listening to, watching, reading and being influenced by to warn, guide and direct them to the truth of the Gospel.

Chapter two encourages researchers to draw from various sources and resources when conducting a study. In the same way, our church can diversify their library or bookstore encouraging members to be in tune with popular books, thoughts, ideas that are being read by the world. In this way, Christians in the church won’t be ignorant to what the world believes or interested in learning. Instead of stocking the shelves with the newest self-help books, maybe the church can provide the New York best sellers or even secular magazines.

I believe the all methods to analyze media can be used at all levels of ministry from children to adults, but specifically narrative analysis can be effective when trying to understand the student culture of youth. Youth workers or leaders, as an exercise, can watch a popular television show, watch it together, and go through the stages of conducting a narrative analysis. By doing this exercise, hopefully youth workers will be able to understand what messages the students are listening to and corporately come up with a way to either reinforce the message or discredit it.

Chapter four discusses ‘cultural industries’. It is one, which has as it main function the production of distribution of art, entertainment or information. Although the church’s main function isn’t production of such things, it does produce and distribute some of these things. But what is more of an interest is, what kind of Christians the churches are producing. Willow Creek has created a survey and study on the spiritual health of the congregation. Although this was a grueling and long process, it provided great insight into what the results were in the programs, strategies and methods of the church. Doing such study in my church would allow leaders to reassess their programs, methods and strategies to lead people closer to Christ.

Class Response: January 14, 2009

2009-01-14T15:20:00.001-08:00

Today we dove into the philosophies of Karl Marx. The discussion led to many personal convictions, especially when the term commodity fetishism was defined. I don't give much second thought to my consumption of goods and services which results in me objectifying individuals that contribute to the production of some of the things I wear. But I wonder how realistic it is to understand the origins of every product I consume and attempt to find alternatives. It commodity fetishism completely avoidable? How can I more responsible in my consumption of goods without spending an enormous amounts of time researching?

Class Response: January 11, 2009

2009-01-13T10:16:00.000-08:00

There were lots of interesting discussions on the origins of the study of culture. The one that sticks out to the most was the fact that the church during the Industrial Revolution refused to go into the inner city. It is difficult to think of the 'what ifs', but in some ways i feel like that is where separation happened between the church and people. If the church decided to go into the inner city, i wonder what Christianity would look like today.

Reflections: Chapter 5 - Barker

2009-01-12T11:03:00.001-08:00

The church can make good used of what is discussed in chapter 5, but specifically the idea of cultural homogenization. This thesis proposes that the globalization of consumer capitalism involves a loss of cultural diversity. Although this proposition has negative implications, the loss of cultural diversity allows individuals and people groups to be able to connect and relate easier. In a world that is getting smaller and people have more in common than ever, this is an opportunity for the church to send out workers to the nations as well as reaching our neighbors.

Reflections: Chapter 4 - Barker

2009-01-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

As a church, we tend to over-spiritualize situations, problems, and various issues that individuals face such as relationships problems, sense of meaninglessness, addictions, and mental health. Chapter 4 argues that issues and emotions have evolutionary roots that are triggered by cultural conditions. I’ve seen numerous times, church leaders associating relationship issues, depression, addictions, and fear with the individual’s faith and spirituality. They give them spiritual advice and steps to overcome these obstacles. Although these may be true to an extent, one needs to look at the bigger picture of an individual’s cultural background. To assess an individual’s problem by observing their cultural conditions and understanding the possibilities of social construction of these behaviors can be helpful in assisting them. Churches need to students in these areas of cultural studies, so we don’t assume and make mistakes.

Reflections: Chapter 3 - Barker

2009-01-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

Chapter 3 provides helpful insight into how ‘meanings’ are understood and formed in culture. If language is the means and medium for the generations for significance or meaning, my church needs to be cautious in what language is used on Sunday, in small groups, and other gatherings. Because people come from all different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, the meaning of word can vary due to those differences. A Chinese woman hearing the word ‘shame’ in the church will have a completely different understanding than a Dutch woman. Being sensitive and intentional in explaining ideas, words, and concepts can be helpful in sharing the Gospel will all who come to our church.

Reflections: Chapter 2 - Barker

2009-01-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

Raymond William’s idea of culture can help my church as they continue define their own ‘church’ culture. “For Williams, culture as everyday meanings and values is part of an expressive totality of social relations.” (Pg. 45) He understood culture as ‘a whole way of life’. Today, the ‘Christian culture’ is seems to be confined/performed on specific days (Sundays, Wednesdays), ceremonies (Communion, Baptisms), and activities (Small groups, missions). We almost turn 'on' our ‘Christian culture’ and shut it off, when it should be a way of life, everyday, every second. So when our church leaders plan programs or strategize about creating a culture, they need to keep in mind culture as ‘ a whole way of life’.

Reflections: Chapter 1 - Barker

2009-01-08T18:48:00.001-08:00

One thing they can take away from this first chapter is the important fact that 'culture' isn't stagnant, but rather constantly moving and changing. Although this may be a known fact to churches, they are constantly expecting people to conform to the 'Christian culture' instead of adjusting their methodology or even practices to reach the cultures existing outside the church walls. Hopefully, church leaders will be more aware of the ever-changing world and encourage others to take time to understand this as well. This way, as a church we will be able to approach our unbelieving friends, family, co-workers and whoever with sensitivity and wisdom.

Class Response: January 7, 2009

2009-01-07T14:40:00.000-08:00

Today discussion about people movements, small communities and church was very interesting. The question that keeps popping into my head about our discussion as we compare these communities to church is what really constitutes the church? What critical elements are are nonnegotiable as far as what scriptures reveal to us of what church should look like or operate? If there isn't a solid understanding of the role or function of the church, it leaves open several opportunities for people to gather in groups of three in a bar, sharing in a beer and labeling themselves to be having 'church'. So what is the church?

Half way through 1st quarter at Fuller

2008-10-23T21:25:00.001-07:00

Wow, this has been heck of a half a quarter. I don't think I have been challenged or pushed so hard in my life and I am not talking about the academic aspect of school. Rather, I find myself being challenged in my theology and practices of theology. It has been great learning about the books in the New Testament, Greek and the behavior adolescence. Even though it has only been 5 weeks, I feel better equipped to serve the Body of Christ.

I recently turned down an amazing internship opportunity at an awesome church, I won't get into the reasons why but it wasn't an easy decision. I guess I have been doing some soul-searching, trying to understand who I am and how I can be best used for God's glory. Other questions that have been consuming my mind are: What is the church, what does it look like, how should it be conducted, who is the church, what does it need to do, and so many more questions. Yes, the bible clearly answers these questions, but it isn't too clear on how they are carried out or what it should physically look like.

These things have been on my mind, as a possible Church Planter and Pastor. The things, I believe all pastors are unique in their calling, giftings, and even how they think Church should look like and who they want to reach. To be honest, I don't exactly know what that is. I believe this is just the start of an amazing journey to discovering my unique calling.

Thank You Lord for allowing me to struggle and wrestle within myself and even put me in difficult situations because I know for a fact you are building me up and preparing me to serve you the best I can.

Michael Jordan Tendencies

2008-10-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile I have the itch to want to be like "Mike", aint gonna lie. When I am on the court I visualize "Mike" and then end up trying to do the same moves he did. This is not a good idea. Well first of all my vertical is about 26 inches, I can barely dribble the ball with my right hand, I can't dunk, my shooting percentage is maybe 50% or less and my tongue is not long enough to intimidate opponents.

What i end up doing is making a fool of myself or hurting myself.

Coming to Fuller has been challenging. You meet these amazing people with crazy ambitions and passions. And for some crazy, stupid reason I feel like i need adopt their passions or be like them. But if i took it as far as to try to do exactly what they are doing, i will end up making a fool of myself in front of God and others and maybe possibly hurting myself. I am me and i can only be me. Passions and desires can't be given a value, they are all valuable and have a distinct role in the Kingdom of God according to His grace.

I have these 'tendencies' of wanting to be someone other than me. The world is filled with people like me. What we try to attempt is impossible. You cannot be anyone else but 'you'. Comparing yourself to others will lead to two unfulfilling paths: (Rich Warren)

1. You will always find someone better than yourself and be filled with discouragement.
2. Or you will always find someone you are better than and be filled with Pride.

Both are destructive paths. Our attitude should be that of celebrating people's uniqueness and their desires and at the same time being confident and joyful of your uniqueness and giftings.

IN Christ

Can I get a piece?

2008-09-28T21:35:00.001-07:00

Wow, I have been having some major convictions these days. I believe it is through the preaching of God's word. Although it kills me inside, I thank God for loving me to reveal some sick (not used in positive sense) things within myself.

Man, i am so freaken prideful! But its not like the obvious visible pride, but the subtle kind, do you know what i mean? Like you don't realize that it is pride until God's word or the preaching of his word just smacks you across the head. Then you realize what you have been doing isn't actually humility, but pride.

It makes me sick to my stomach, it really does. God help me for realz! How wretched i am, seriously! I found it that even in sharing Christ with others, I want to receive some 'kudos' like I have gained any wisdom on my own in the things of Christ. What I am trying to do is get a 'piece', a piece of God's glory. Dude, are you serious? (Sorry, talking to myself)

I haven't even started my MDIV program and God is speaking to me and wanting to stretch and grow me. I thank Him with all my heart that he is revealing the painful realities of my sinful nature. God is teaching me that the purpose my life is for his Glory. That I decrease and that He Increases (John the Baptist).

Lord, please help me with the temptation of wanting to take a piece of the Glory that is yours and yours alone! Teach me humility, Christ's humility, that you may increase and that I may decrease for your Glory. Amen

To: Addison and Katie

2008-09-24T20:49:00.001-07:00

Hello nieces,

I am really excited to see you guys! I never imagined being an uncle of twins. It is an amazing surprise and blessing! I have to warn you guys, I am afraid that I am going to be too protective of you guys. My sister and maehyung is going to be bad as it is, but I think I will be just as bad. The younger uncle, jonathan, isn't going to be easy either.

I have been praying for you guys ever since I heard the good news. God has an amazing plan and purpose for your lives! You are fearfully and wonderfully made by God! Don't let anyone or anything in this world convince you otherwise! They will try to convince you guys of the opposite, that you don't have a purpose and that you are flawed in all ways; if you don't do this, wear this, or act like this you won't be accepted. DON"T LISTEN, ok, trust me! I went down that path and it leads to nothingness.

To be perfectly honest, the people closest to you will hurt you and disappoint you. You will discover this when you start having friends, going to church, and even from your own family. Unfortunately this is the nature of us, humans. We are sinners! But this doesn't mean that the people close to you don't love you or won't try their best to raise you guys. They will, I will do my best.

You won't be able to understand, but you will hear early in your life about this man named Jesus Christ. We will sings songs about him, talk about him, and even buy books with a lot of pictures of Him. You can trust this name with all your heart. Your family will do our best to help you to understand this God-man.

God sent his one and only son, Jesus Christ, being fully God in heaven came down to this earth you were born into, which he created (everything animals, mountains, lakes, and even humans), became fully man (and still fully God), the very thing He created, lived a sinless, perfect life without doing any wrong, got accused of a crime, got beaten up, spit on, made fun of, and then put to death on a cross, after three days He rose from the grave.

Jesus did this for you guys so that we can have Salvation, a relationship with God, the one that created you. You will soon find out the abundance of sin in this world. Then you will understand why God did what he did by sending His one and only son to die on the cross.

Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and Love others like you would yourself!

Any questions you have, i will do my best to help you answer, unfortunately there will be some mysteries!

I love you guys!

Your Uncle,

DC

Taj Mahal

2008-09-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

If i don't...whose gonna do it?

2008-09-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

I have served at church for almost over a decade now in many different ministries. Just a few:

- Praise Team (Drummer/Co-leader 10 years)
- Small Group Team (6 years)
- Sermon Committee (1 year)
- Pastoral Search Committee (3 years)
- Leadership Board (2 years)
- Director of College Ministry (2 years)
- VBS (6 years)
- Missions ( 6 trips/2 trips as a leader)

I share this not because i am boasting about my amazing service to God and his Church, but rather to be example of what not to do when it comes to serving at Church.

My attitude was to help out as much as i can. If no one was going to do it, i decided to go ahead and take that responsibility. I don't regret doing all these thing. I believe that i have grown and mature through these experiences.

But if you look at the years that i served in each ministry, there are overlaps. There wasn't a year where i served in ONLY ONE ministry.

I thought if i didn't do it, no one was going to it. This is pretty dang arrogant of myself and undermining God. Not only that, but because my mind, body and soul is divided in all these different ministries i am unable to do any of them really well, with excellence. Because i occupied all those positions in ministry, it didn't allow others to serve which is selfish (although unintentional) on my part and retards possible discipleship for others.

Choose one and give everything you have in that ministry, stay committed and faithful. What about the other areas that are in need? Have faith! Faith that God will provide. Allow others to take a step of faith and serve in those areas.

The void in those ministries may be there for a while, but trust in God! don't take things into your own hands. Be prayerful of where you think God wants you to serve, look at your giftings (don't know? ask someone), and then make a decision. Every decision requires faith, make the one that demands more faith.

Fall in love with God and with others!

Peace

EXIT

2008-08-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

I will be closing a 20 year chapter of my life in a couple weeks and starting a new one. Looking back and holding on isn't an option. Letting go is my only choice. But I will always REMEMBER.

Tattoo........

2008-07-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

My friend, who happens to share my exact name, has these tattoos on this triceps. What is reads has stuck with me and reminded me the attitude that we all should have.

On his right tri: "Learn as if you are are going to live forever"
On his left tri: "Live as if you are going to die tomorrow"

Now the first one: "Learn as if you are going to live forever" is something i haven't really heard before. But I love it!

We are all students of life and once we stop learning, we are deceiving ourselves and living in a false reality. This is especially true when it comes our relationship with Jesus Christ. Once you think you have figured out all there is to know of God, you will live in a false reality of your arrogance.

Ephesians 3:17-19

17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Teachability = Sign of Humility

Coming up.....

2008-07-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

July 22 to August 12 - Leaving for New Delhi, India: Leading a team of 9 to serve with Touch India to build God's church in Delhi. Excited for the opportunity, nervous about the weather, excited about the food, nervous about the runs.

August 29 - Driving down to Pasadena, California to Fuller Theological Seminary (MDiv), excited for new relationships and opportunities, nervous about load of school work, excited to room with Danny, nervous about small apartment, excited to be stretched, nervous about stretch marks.

It is crazy how fast life moves and changes.

Seconds Please!

2008-05-06T11:39:00.000-07:00

“Seconds please!”

“Seconds? Finish your firsts!”

We want seconds without finishing our firsts!

Aren’t we all desiring more? More money, more time, more attention, more love, more things, more opportunities, more experiences, more gifts, more spirituality?

Many of us live spiritually frustrated lives because we want more. I see myself as well as others continuing to seek out more in their lives, we want more. Some of these things may be new spiritual experiences, new revelations, profound truths, new gifts, revival, or jump on the next bandwagon of the next ‘movement’. These desires aren’t evil or wrong. I think we should continue to seek and hunger for more, but we get frustrated because many times when we think we have quenched our thirsts or filled our hunger it lasts only for so long. What happens next is a life-long quest to continue to find the next thing.

Many of us seek ‘re’vival without ‘vival’, new revelations without understanding existing revelation, new gifts but unfaithful with their gifts, and so on.

We are asking for seconds when there is a feast already in front of us that hasn’t even been touched. This may sound harsh but this many of us: Standing at the foot of the cross, looking up at Jesus saying, “Is this it? I want more?”

In Jesus alone our thirst and hunger can be satisfied. (John 4:13, John 6:27). For many of us we have not tasted the eternal water or eternal bread. Have taste, feast in it, then ask for more, but you will surprisingly find out you don't need Seconds.

Jesus Christ is everything!

Update

2008-04-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

This year will be the biggest and greatest 'decision-making' year of my entire my life. It is tough because I feel like God is going to allow me to make this decision. The decision is more than just 'staying' or 'leaving'. Implications of both choices are huge. Ultimately, I want to do what God's desires for me, but what do you do when He leaves the choices up to you? (Which we do have the freedom to make).

So here are how my decisions broken down: It is confirmed that I will going to Seminary School (Unless God says otherwise)

- Go to Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA: Find an internship or another position at a new church ($$$$$)
- Stay and go to Fuller Extension (SPU): Continue to serve NLF ($$)
- Finish Application to Regent College (Vancouver BC): Find church there to serve or commute back and forth serving NLF ($$$)

I am excited however and wherever God leads me!

Sometime I just want to know where! But this doesn't require any faith from me.

God grow my Faith (Dangerous Prayer)

Rest in Peace Grandpa

2008-04-07T14:13:00.001-07:00

He is not in a 'better' place, but rather the 'BEST' place!

I Love You

God is Good

2008-04-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

Life: As of Now

Broken friendships - God is Good

Grandfather suffering from pneumonia, counting days - God is Good

Uncertainty of future (got accepted into Fuller Theological Seminary) - God is Good

Brother gets into a car accident - God is Good

Sister pregnant with twins, going through tough times - God is Good

Preparing sermons for my congregation and youth group, heavy task - God is Good

Raising up leaders, not an easy responsibility- God is Good

Preparing another adventure to New Delhi, India, oh the humidity - God is Good

Parents in Turkmenistan, coming home early for my gramps - God is Good

God is Good All Time, All The Time? God is Good!

SPAM

2008-03-19T13:30:00.001-07:00

WARNING: DC's Sensative Side

I was in my car driving towards Pochi's, a tea station, where they serve excellent tea with tapioca balls. I was stalled at a signal light, and turned to my left looking around, hoping to see someone I knew. Unfortunately, I didn't see anyone, but rather I saw this gentleman sitting on a bench, I think waiting for a bus. At first, it was quick observation or a glance, but something caught my eye, and i didn't one of those double takes. Usually, the second glance of the double takes your eyes are locked on (this happens when guys look at girls sometimes).

People say that my sensativity level is too high for a 'guy'. I disagree, but whatever. So when I tell people that my heart was broken or I cried, it isn't much of a surprise. Anyways, its been a while since my heart really ached.

This man was in his fifties or sixties, 5ft 10in, wore a hat, layers of jackets, had small backpack resting on his lap, well aged, with a can of SPAM. At first, i was like, "Why is he holding a can of spam?" It was humorous at first. When I eat spam, i usually eat it with rice, in a Kimchee Soup (Kimchee Jeegae), Spam Misubi, etc. You have to pop open spam, like popping a soda pop, then you peel off the lid. This gentleman was eating SPAM, but because he didn't have utensils he used the lid to scoop the spam into his mouth.

First of all, I have never ever seen someone eat SPAM out of the can. I am not saying what this man was doing is sad, there are people in this world that goes without food for days on end. But it is his reaction as he was eating that tattooed my mind. I still can't wash it out of my mind. Shaking his head in displeasure, disgust, and sadness he continued to scoop and place the 'meat' in his mouth. I was thinking, "You can stop eating it, if you don't like it!" This thought was because I felt discomfort watching his reaction as he ate this meatlike substance. I felt sorry for Him.

Guilt is like a yellow light (although I think the color is actually orange), it is for only a moment, and we zip pass it as fast as possible. It comes into our mind and goes away. So this post isn't to make others feel guilty, because that is temporary.

I have talked to high school kids and other students about how their lives are 'blah' (technical term for sucks). Even for myself, I have my bag full of complaints.

JUST STOP, LOOK, AND OBSERVE THIS WORLD. THERE IS MORE TO THIS WORLD THAN JUST YOU!

MAYBE, JUST MAYBE YOU WILL BE GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE AND CHERISH WHAT YOU HAVE.

SPAM

Loosen Up!

2008-03-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

" My goodness! Can you please loosen up?"

We say this to people that are uptight about life. Why are they uptight? Basically, they want to control every aspect of their lives or the lives of others. What tends to happen is what they have control over, or so think they have control over, they hold so tightly with their lives that their whole life's purpose ends up being maintaining control.

As you know, things in life doesn't always happen the way we want it to. Things that we hold on so tightly ends up getting away from us. Its like a pet or a kid, if you hold it or them too tightly, it will do whatever to get away. It will bite its way away from you.

The reality is, we don't have control over anything, and the thought that we do have control is delusional, it is a misleading thought. So what am i saying?

Loosen up! Loosen your grip! Hold everything dear in your life loosely. I am not talking about being careless. It is the understanding that everything in life is a blessing. Blessings end up biting us when we try to take control of it: Friendships, relationships, wealth, health, resources, family, children, etc.

Blessings can come and go, but when we think we can control it, it ends up getting away from us we become angry, bitter, and hold grudges towards God and others.

Loosen Up! Loosen your kung-fu grip on the blessings that God has given you and share it with others!

Expectations....

2008-02-27T15:32:00.000-08:00

Many of our struggles, which aren’t all that bad and maybe necessary, in our Christian life, come from inaccurate teachings of the Word of God. Our expectations are shaped and formed through messages we listen on Sunday, bibles studies, and even small groups. These can come from many different forms: People, books, bible, circumstances, and others. Expectation is a dangerous creature. At any moment this creature can hurt you and betray you. We put expectations on a lot of things, especially people, especially your friends. When your expectation doesn’t get met, your world is shattered and you respond the way you do: Resentment, bitterness, judgment, discouragement, doubt, sadness, and the worst-case scenario throw in the towel and give up.

Only if we knew that following after Christ meant we would go through storms, when they come we wouldn’t be angrily confused. Only if we knew that following after Jesus meant we would be persecuted, rejected, and maybe lose some friend, we wouldn’t be depressed when they decided to not be our friends anymore. Only if we knew that following after Jesus meant the great things would happen, when great things happen, we would give glory where glory is deserve. Only if we knew that following after Jesus meant unexpected things would happen, when things happened unexpectedly, we would be in awe of this amazingly, spontaneous God that we believe in.

Point of No Return!

2008-02-20T15:20:00.000-08:00

Its weird because i had all the options in the world to do whatever. Its like when the disciples dropped their nets and decided to follow Jesus, they had the option at any point of their journey with Christ to turn away and return to their normal lives, but because of who Jesus is they were committed to their death. These disciples went through some crazy stuff: Storms, demon possessed people, lepers, physical harm, persecution, etc.

I have dropped my 'net' and decided to follow after Jesus Christ. No more looking back!

The Ideal Church.......

2008-02-01T14:29:00.000-08:00

I live in a fantasy world where everything is ideal:

Ideal School
Ideal Girlfriend
Ideal Family
Ideal Friendships
Ideal Marriage
Ideal Career
Ideal Church

And I wonder why i am so easily discouraged. My idealistic way of approaching life has allow bitterness and anger to creep into my life. Don't get me wrong, i believe that things can be better, but lets keep it real.

The concept of the 'ideal' was thrown out the door when the first man and woman decided they new better than God and took of the forbidden fruit. I forget this all the time that i am a fallen person, living in a fallen world that operates on fallen principles!

The Church although composed of Christians, are fallen people. I am not making an excuse for the church saying it is ok for us not be 'good'. All i am saying is that the church, although not ideal, is to be loved because Christ loved and died for the church.

Lead Me To The Cross?

2008-01-31T10:57:00.000-08:00

Savior I come
Quiet my soul remember
Redemptions hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as lost

Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, lead me to the cross

You were as I
Tempted and trialed
You are
Te word became flesh
Bore my sin and death
Now you're risen

To your heart
To your heart
Lead me to your heart
Lead me to your heart

These are the lyrics of a worship song. I heard it on a CD before, but it was the first time I actually sang it at a worship service two weeks ago and again yesterday.

This has to be one of the most bold praise songs out there! I found myself not being able to sing it at certains points of the song. Sections like "LEAD ME TO THE CROSS" and "LEAD ME TO YOUR HEART". These are some bold statements.

Being a part of the worship team for over 10 years, i have become sensitive to lyrics and music that i play and sing. Sometimes i don't think we really know what we are singing.

Let me explain. "Lead me to the Cross....."

This may mean, wanting to be closer to Jesus. But if you really think about it, the path to "the cross" has to be one excruciating, humiliating, and self-deprecating experiences in the world (physically, emotionally, spiritually). Jesus Christ passed through the sea of people being mocked, spitted on, and beaten while holding an unreasonably huge piece of wood. Then giving himself up to be nailed to a 'tree', although innocent died a criminal's death, abandoned by his Father, and ultimately died. This was God's will.

Can i give my life to a mere nothingness, be rejected by men, spitted on, mocked, or beaten?

"Lead me to the cross"

The Beginning......

2008-01-30T13:23:00.000-08:00

Just want to share with everyone my life. This is just the beginning!