Fireworks. Backyard BBQ. Family. Music. Fanfare. Sports. God. USA.
Whatever you equate July 4 with, it better come with a hearty side helping of patriotism. As we Christians know all too well, freedom indeed wasn’t free.
There was a cost on the line – some paid in tears, some in years and many paid with their lives.
We are here today, blogging ad nauseum, because of the bold and the brave, the few and the proud, the men and women who have proudly served this country since King George made a few people so uncomfortable, they bolted England for a new world in the name of freedom.
They made a home, fought for independence, pledged their allegiance to God and country and the rest is history. We are living that history today, and I couldn’t be happier.
So, to commemorate this pomp and circumstance, (and the fact that I promised My Fair Lady I wouldn’t touch this thing all weekend) I give you a video certain to bolster pride, nationalism and joy.
Have a blessed fourth of July wherever you are. Peace to all.
Last year, you may remember the fair warning to have your pets spayed or neutered in commemoration of the Mayan triune barnyard animal, Quetzalcoatl, who is a third snake, third bird and with some man parts sprinkled in there somewhere.
Brief history lesson: The Mayans had this quirky calendar back in 10 B.C. that ends December 21, 2012. I don’t know why?!
Maybe someone back then knew the economy would blow, the GOP couldn’t filibuster in Congress and “America’s Got Talent” would be on for another season. Woof!
Anywhoo, it seems 2012 is so far away, so the Q-Dog (and please know, being a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., that pains me to write ) has decided to make a special guest appearance to our fare burgh.
And darn nice of him too considering he is going to kill us all in a few years for his “Age of Transition.”
In case you haven’t been to the movies lately, it seems Quetzalcoatl’s transition will slither a few years early, just in time to come to a theater near you. So, starring as bird-snake-guy would be John Cusack?!
Okay, a few issues with that thrilling score and fireball-laden preview:
1. Mankind’s earliest civilization was indeed not the Mayans, which neared due north of Anno Domini line. That distinction has historically gone to the Sumer, which hailed from the Fertile Cresent near that Garden of Eden thingy. Oh, and that more than 9,000 years before for those doing the math at home.
2. The preview – I presume the Q Dog’s warning to us all – speaks of this year. And of course, O Cristo Rendentor (the noted Jesus statue in Brazil) is the first sacrosanct thing to get pummeled in the wake of the Mayan bird-snake-guy. Figures.
3. The Vatican is second on the dog doo list. Classy. Haven’t seen a synagogue or a mosque yet, but eh, I’m sure that’s just a co-winky-dink.
4. A large isthmus is hurled in the ocean. Yeah, I think hydroelectricity may save California’s energy crisis too. [Idea credited to Al Gore or somesuch. Carry on.]
5. We are asked to “find out the truth.” Well, unless I see 2012 in my Bible somewhere, I don’t think I’m going to find it helping your Web traffic and marketing efforts. Oh, sorry, that’s what you wanted me to do… drat.
Lastly, I would like to opine about this teaser that has been airing in theatres for about a year-and-a-half, which means the Q Dog is really trying to us non-Mayans’ attention.
So, we have this monk running for the hills to ring a bell. Who will hear that tribal gong? Well, don’t worry about that right now.
What’s important is there is a flood a’coming. Question is, says who? Anyone in production… er, ancient Maya heard of Noah?
I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life (Genesis 9:14 NIV)
If this is the case, then why is that monsoon hanging ten over the Himalayas?!
Answer: That’s Hollywood.
However, it also preying on the lost and the scared. People are apocalyptic by nature. Those who have no hope stored up for heaven think hell is just a rain drop away. And they will look anywhere for a sign of impending doom, from eerie books of faith to ancient civilization to astrologers’ conferences discussing the coming of “what’s his name”.
It’s called faith, and we need to use it – not only to believe Jesus is coming back when he wants, but also to use and tell others of that glorious day.
Regardless if you are Dispensationalist Premillennialists, A-mills, Post-mills or even Historic Mills… it doesn’t erase the Bible… and I don’t need a movie for this headline:
Our Lord Jesus told us that when he comes, we won’t go up to meet him ahead of his followers who have already died. With a loud command and with the shout of the chief angel and a blast of God’s trumpet, the Lord will return from heaven. Then those who had faith in Christ before they died will be raised to life. Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky. From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17)
It’s going to happen, and whether you believe in Jesus or not, one thing I can tell you is there is no bird-snake-dude named Quetzalcotal coming to “transition” you into anything but a movie ticket, a bag of popcorn and about two hours of sweet thrills.
No one can say 2012 is doomsday or the Apocalypse, but I would rather wait upon the sound of a trump as validated through more than 2,000 of proven history than a mythological being that no one has ever documented in reality.
Anyone care to search for that truth? Just read a Bible… or I’m sure you can go to Blockbuster. I think there should be some copies of that Mel Gibson flick to rent. You know, if you like that sort of thing.
If I hear Darth Vader and the guy who invented Members Only jackets are gone, and the 80s will officially be over. And for some people, it already is with the passing of the self-entitled “King of Pop.”
Michael Jackson was many things to many people. There wasn’t a single person alive with the ability to speak who didn’t have an opinion on this man. And who was the last person that could say that?
Even Michael looked like this from time to time
His music was always there – and so were the harrowing stories – and then in a flash, all we had was his music because the man was gone. But despite the rumor mill spinning like a wheel in the middle of the Daytona 500, let me ask you something:
In the words of the hallowed Maximus Dedimus Meridius, “Were you not entertained?”
When Google crashed – yeah, Google – as a result of people trolling for insight on Michael Jackson’s death, one of quickest things that happened was downloading his music.
Why now?
Folk weren’t searching for latest on pedophilia, homosexuality or really bad outfits looking like Captain Crunch.
No, it was the music, because after the source is gone, what’s left is the legacy.
It’s because people don’t really appreciate and cherish items while they are in front of their face.
Jesus people, we can learn something from this mayhem. Much was the case with Jesus and if Ridley Scott was around in Gethsemane, perhaps Christ’s words would have been echoed in a gladiatorial coliseum.
Consider the miracles. The feats of mercy. The love shown despite circumstances. Followers of Christ, “Were you not entertained?”
Why wait until it’s too late to appreciate what we have? Why wait until folk can’t discuss different ideas and ruminate opposing views to simply talk facts? Remove said things and that’s when the memories are beholden to those who had them – whether about Jesus or, in this case only, Michael Jackson.
But, as a body of Christ, we understand we are not here to live for self, but for God. We don’t worry about tomorrow, but today. We exist to serve Jesus, not man.
Probably looking for Jesus there too
And so, to give closure to the countless millions in the Church who still adored Michael Jackson despite the terrible stories, I’ll ask the question out loud that you’re afraid to ask at this week’s Bible study, “Was he a Christian?”
Without question, Jackson was on a quest of “spirituality.” But where did it lead him?
He had a knowledge of the Bible. Listen to the “Man in the Mirror“, read James 1:22-25 and you tell me. But was it a full understanding that Jesus is Lord?
He would be seen wearing a face-covering burga – for some, it was religious practice and for others, it was plastic surgery run-a-muck.
And all the while, no one seemed to care about his soul… just keep cranking out that legendary music, Michael… or however you are spelling it now.
Some consider a person’s doxology should be as private as his vote, but if you are saved, that commitment should be as public as what color you are. [Yes, there's a joke there considering the topic, but I'll reserve that at this time ]
However, it was painfully obvious to those of us who considered ourselves “fans” that Jackson was not comfortable in his own skin.
Again, you don’t go from the Watchtower, tour the Bible and end up on a Musallah and not have plaguing questions about God, Jesus and your eternal demise.
Jackson clearly was riddled with those questions, and he like so many before him, had a public life of good works to help him sleep well at night. From “We are the World” to the amazing benefits he did for children with life-threatening disease, but he didn’t take those with him.
Sure, we all talk about them now, but works aren’t enough, as Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Who was there to tell him that? Jesse? Al? A day late and a dollar short.
He was 8 years old singing with his brothers on national TV. He lived his life on stage, in front of cameras and under the eye of speculation.
And in a life of zoo animals, little children and corny dogs (otherwise known as Neverland), it’s no surprise there wasn’t someone of a Christ-like mindset to tell him about the Lord.
Back to TMatt and the “Get Religion” piece:
So what does this add up to, in a tragic life that begins with — Jackson said — years of physical abuse as a child, followed by years under the knife of doctors, lawyers, psychologists and paparazzi? There is a religion ghost here, or two. But does that mean that there is a religion thread throughout this troubled life, other than yearning and confusion?
To be seen soon in St. Peter's Basilica?!
Candlelight vigils. 24/7 Michael music on local radio. Outstanding tributes on national TV (Shout out to the BET Awards. Very nice). All are necessary for this pop music legend, but it’s not enough if that decision for Christ wasn’t made.
“But will he really be dead? It wouldn’t be surprising if, in a few years, he was spotted in a gas station in Memphis, perhaps with his former father-in-law Elvis Presley, another of those myths – like Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix or John Lennon – that never die in the imagination of their fans. And Michael Jackson, who died yesterday at the age of fifty, is definitely a pop music legend.”
But the eternal question is “What was the King of Pop to the Prince of Peace and the King of Kings?”
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27 NKJV).
Ah well, who knows? But, as you can see to the original opine, he was many things to many people.
And if those aforementioned, his friends or even his own parents didn’t care enough to ask about his relationship with Jesus Christ, I suppose the only question they’re left asking is, “Were they not entertained?”
Until the eternal answer is confirmed – and it won’t be this side of heaven – we will all have his remarkable music and continue to be entertained by the music behind the man… not the other way around.
Fresh on the heels of reading about people “drifting away from God,” this week in video evangelism will teach a stirring message.
Fair warning: I cried when I first heard this not because of guilt or fear, but due to the lives roaming the earth who have no clue a Savior is coming, a truth is here and a decision needs to be made.
2 John 1:9 reads, “Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.”
Everyone – whether they know it or not – are on a quest for destiny. The advantage children of God have is we understand what the heck we are doing standing aimlessly at the starting line.
For all those who would like to know, “I have so much but feel so empty inside. Why?” My earnest recommendation is invest five minutes in your life and peep this video. It’s more than a few minutes; it’s a message that will change your life.
Yeah. It's been awhile since they walked with God.
Recently, WOW News’ The Pew Forum released a gripping study entitled “Faith in Flux” that is certain to make you scratch your head and wonder just what people have been doing while “walking with God.”
And don’t worry, this is equal-opportunity sequestering. So, first, I would like to get all those who consider themselves “Catholic” to huddle up close to the warmth of your monitor as you see what has been uncovered of your ilk.
70% found a “religion” they liked more. Well, unless they went to Buddha or Mohammed, they didn’t find a religion people. It was more like a denomination shift change during study hall. Oy! Oh, there’s another one!
32% were dissatisfied with the atmosphere at worship services. Um, were you expecting the Pope to break out with the “Top 10 Feng Shui tips to attract more parishioners”?
21% were unhappy with the rule that priests couldn’t marry. Yeah, 100 percent of those results were from priests.
71% just drifted away from religion. Anyone seeing a trend here? More on that in a minute.
50% stopped believing in the religion’s teachings. And I’ll bet 100% of my rent that it was because of WHO was doing the teaching.
25% were dissatisfied with the clergy over the congregation. So, I guess the other half were asked the question within hearing range of their former pastor. Just a thought.
What about the reasons you joined another faith within the Protestant Reformation… er, another church?
85% enjoy the newer services and style of worship. Anyone still going to argue with Joel, Bill, Ed and the boys? Bueller?
50% were called by God. Hrm. Wonder what happened with the other 50% who didn’t answer the phone?
36% were attracted by a particular minister. See above at 85%.
Now time for the rant:
1. What is with all this “just drifting away”? Do you mean to tell me Jesus went to the cross for people to wake up one day and tell the Lord, “We can just be friends”?! Um, not so much. Regardless if I am one of those once-saved, always-saved folk (and I am… NOTE: John 3:15-18, John 10:28-30 and Jude 24), but I question whether those drifters were ever serious about their relationship with God in the first place.
Scrub your heavenly flubs. Amen.
If you personally discover what it means to be saved, to be redeemed, why on earth would you try something else? Are chill bumps that addictive? Does God really bless you in the club? Wherever they find themselves, the most miserable person in the world is a truly backslidden Christian.
Drifted. That’s a load. The only thing these wayfaring, lukewarm toadstools drifted from is the regimen of being a Christian. Yes, Jesus welcomes you just as you are. But it’s his house now.
Brother… Sister… you gonna’ take a bath to wash off that muck and mire before you step foot in his crib. (NOTE: The slick advertisement in the picture). Think you won’t? Well, um, there’s another place that is a bit more balmy where you can get your ashy feet anywhere you want. But don’t say you weren’t warned.
2. Who are we walking with anyway? Last I checked the noted poem in small churches across the country, “Footprints in the Sand,” the only time we aren’t walking with God is when he is carrying us! Jesus isn’t that interested in people who can’t commit. With all that “spew you out of my mouth” stuff, I figure massaging his tonsils is not where I would be crazy about hanging. Perhaps these knobby-kneed folk didn’t get that far in their personal journey through the Bible?
Whatever the case, if you want to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, look up… not down. Keep your eyes on the ground and you could bump into something that will slam your face hard. You know, like an Episcopal church that says it embraces everyone, only to discover that embrace is a skosh more intense among same-sex groups. Now, now, Jesus loves all people. And there is nothing wrong with a person who says he or she is swinging that way… except for the way you are heading if no one has the temerity to tell you what is really up.
Aside from the analogy, if you are walking with the King of Kings, ask a brother for his sandals. If your feet are hurting that bad and you don’t feel like walking any more, maybe you just need to walk a mile in his shoes.
3. There’s something afoot among Protestants. Now, this is purely subjective because I am one, but what up with those statistics. It’s almost trendy to shop for churches like clothes. “Well, that preacher just doesn’t fit what I need.” Or, “The youth group wasn’t as exciting as an arcade. Let’s go to Dave N’ Busters.” How about, “How come everyone is in these fancy suits? I like my jeans. I’m out.” And then there’s, “Gurl. Look at that heifer in the choir. You know they just keep her in the middle to make the choir look bigger.”
Where are the people? The A/C was too cold.
Whatever the case, people are transient with their theology more and more every day. Whatever happened with all the biblical analogies comparing us as trees?! If you are going to make a difference in any church, you must set your roots deep. Because lets be honest, churches would be perfect if it weren’t for all those people who walk in there and set down their blessed assurance wherever they feel.
Stay awhile. You will get offended. And if you do… so what? Who are you there to worship? God Almighty or some huckster in a fancy suit?
Listen, here’s where all this walking leads us:
God doesn’t tempt us to sin (James 1:13). He doesn’t even lead us into temptation (Matthew 6:9-13). He leads us through love and grace. If you end up somewhere you shouldn’t be, guess whose brillance you have to blame?
Your apathy brought you there. Your discontent kept you there. Your billigerence prevents you from being welcomed anywhere else.
All that is outside of God. Remember him? Your walking buddy?
Deuteronomy 8:6 tells us to “observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and revering him.”
People can observe. You know, if it’s from the cheap seats. They can even walk, providing they are permitting potty breaks every 10 minutes. But the “reverence” thing. Tsk. Folk have issues with that. Why? We let them.
So I’ll end not with a verse but with a maxim:
Walking with a friend in the dark is far better than walking alone in the light. ~Helen Keller
I… well… you know, I got nothing. That says it all. Happy walking, Church.
Times of playing ball, going to the Zoo or having the kids sent off to the grandparents are typically conjured up for dear ol’ Dad. I did all three with my lil’ Wall Watchers. What about you?
Well, while you think about that, consider a different Father’s Day story from Santa Ana, Calif.
Oh, did I mention both of these dolts were pastors?! Yeah, thought that would add a little pizzazz to the story.
Over five years, prosecutors say the Cunninghams stole from Calvary Baptist Yorba Linda Church and School bank accounts, and used the money to buy time shares in Hawaii and Palm Springs, golf club memberships and a Cadillac.
I suppose being pastors helped, conviction and all, as they have both plead guilty for felony grand theft and fraud charges, as well as paid the total sum in restitution back to the church.
Amazing. In this economy, this dimwitted tandem decides to get nice and keep classy for a pimped-0ut Cadillac and some time shares. Nice.
Funny how it all comes to an end around Father’s Day because these two will be spending much more quality time together with three hots and a cot in the pokey.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, the church Web site has been changed. Gotta’ love that technology. It even has a “financial manager.” For the church’s sake, I hope that’s a new hire. If not, homeboy needs to find a new line of work.
Picture it: An Italian suit-wearing, copious adornment-blinging, freshly inked bible-touting, mightily poised on his throne-sitting, big time preacher in his big time church.
And then, without hesitation, the TV cameras turn off and the aforementioned primadonna says, “Any questions?”
When megachurch pastors care enough to send the very best
You could hear a church mouse fart up in that place. I mean, talk about something that would Marcel Marceau squeak. That question would do it.
Pastor Brad Powell of NorthRidge Church kicked off the “You Asked For It” sermon series last weekend, hoping to engage the thousands who come for worship. The series, he says, is about taking God’s truth and applying it to the countless questions believers and also non-believers have about God and the Christian faith.
Somewhere, closed-minded, uber-snotty, self-aggrandizing megachurch pastors are cringing while thinking to themselves, “Man! I thought once we got big enough, I wouldn’t have to hang with the serfdom. Shoot!”
Now, the PR dude in me is wondering if there were staged questions. Um, not so much.
“Brad, why do you seem so distant?” one question posed.
Although I abhor the practice and trend of calling your pastor by his first name, I adore this question.
Just come out swinging. Pow! What. Up. Who hasn’t thought about their pastor? Yeah, me too, which is why I left a megachurch.
Another asked: “How big is too big for a church?”
Maybe this is Pastor Brad on Halloween?
Crash! I feel like I am jonesin’ for one of those scenes from Adam West’s “Batman” because the smackdown is on like Donkey Kong.
These are questions pew-warming Christians have opined for decades but never had the chutzpah to inquire. Ever.
And why? Name a single megachurch pastor – besides the darling of this post – who does this?! One. G’head… I’ll wait.
Okay, while I’ll separate my whites from colors, I’ll continue with the musing.
The point is this is novel, which is why it made the Christian Post. The problem is a misdirection of view that begins in the pastor’s office.
Churches – big, small or somewhere resting in some cat’s living room – are meant to be theocracies. Governed by God, via the Holy Spirit, through the vessel in-charge known as “Pastor.” The regretful aspect is once these churches get a little growth, notoriety and… oh yeah, cash… the “theo” is put out to pasture and the “auto” stampede comes corralling back to the chapel.
In other words, the pastor gets self-promoted to “Bishop” or just “Mand of Gawd,” stops shopping off the rack, looks into getting his beat-down American-made hooptie on the Carmax home page and sets his eyes on the Bentleys of the world. Sigh.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep (John 10:11 NKJV).
Get that? The good shepherd. So, all those who aren’t… we’re watching you. It’s not about taking life to pad a pocketbook. It’s giving life to pad a soul in the bosom of the Lord. Next?
I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep,and am known by my own (John 10:14 NKJV).
This is regretfully true on both sides of the green pasture. Ask most congregants of a megachurch, “Where do you go to church?” and odds are they will act like the pastor. Why? We are called sheep for a reason. Or better yet, like my father taught me, “A person is smart. People are stupid.”
Now, of course “Shepherd” is a metaphoric term indicating a man who can be trusted with great treasures. Whether those gems are the livestock that pay a herder’s rent or the souls of the lost and found who fill the church, a pastor’s job is to be in charge and feed them, love them and nurture them.
Thank God for Pastor Brad. If he got my mojo working across the U.S., there’s no telling what he did for his people sitting in the back row.
We should be asking our shepherds weekly questions about the food we are being fed, where we are being led and how he intends to get us there. He is not our CEO. He is not our muse. He is not the Pope. He ain’t Billy Graham.
From the megachurch pastor's point of view
Fellow sheep, he is our pastor and he has a job for two reasons: 1.) God called him there (well, most of them can say that honestly) and 2.) We pay his bills.
Wall watchers, ask more of your pastor, minister, reverend, bishop, elder or dude leading church. If they aren’t up to snuff as the Bible in Titus 1:5-9 or 1 Timothy 3:1-7, then either bow up and make your request be made known unto to God and man, or give up the peace sign, the ghost and your membership.
Sheep can’t talk. You can! Anyone disagree? Na-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a.
Thanks to the newest inhabitant of “The ACME Arena,” Extreme Theology, we have this week’s version of video evangelism.
And, quite frankly, I have no idea what to make this huckster-slash-reject-game-show-host.
Is this really what it takes to get people to read the Bible and learn the 10 Commandments? Shilling for the Lawd?
Is this a sanctified game show gone terribly wrong? A multi-level marketing scheme cloaked in a holy tunic? Or just some sage church marketing for the Holy Bible.
You be the judge… and uh, get back to me, because I’m so confused.
adj. Pertaining to certain movements in the Protestant churches in the 18th and 19th centuries that stressed the importance of personal experience of guilt for sin, and of reconciliation to God through Christ.
n. an adherent of evangelical doctrines marked by ardent or zealous enthusiasm for a cause
Amazing how a very popular word, that can be used in two different ways, can mean totally different things.
As an adjective, calling an action evangelical expresses fervor, passion and a firm commitment. However, as a noun, it denotes lukewarm people, phlegmatic expressions and tepid pablum.
You know, “I respect the person but that ‘Aw shucks’ attitude about Jesus is completely annoying.” And then, anyone in the Church rattles off the names ad nauseum: Rick Warren, Ted Haggard, Bill Hybels and Joel Osteen completing the “Non-Prophet Organization” (Imagine my cheesy grin now).
They sell books. They pack stadiums. They get invited to the big boys table at the White House. And they are living large! So, it’s all good, right?
In his new book, an insider critique called “A Lover’s Quarrel with the Evangelical Church” (Authentic Books, $16.99), Smith argues that many, if not most, evangelical churches have lost their way. Instead of sticking with core biblical principles, rich traditions and church-as-community, he says, they promote feel-goodism, technological fads and church-as-entertainment.
Look out. Warren Cole Smith getting nice with “feel-goodism.” I know I didn’t study that theorem in Seminary, but I’m feelin’ it.
And, along with that new theological bent comes the technology to promote it: Twitter (I think I just threw up a little on my PC thinking of this trend for churches).
I mean, we should all have an elevator speech to witness – keep it simple, keep it sanctified. But, to ONLY do it in 140 characters or less?! That’s not outreach. That’s just plain lazy and saying you witness just for the sake of saying you do. But, that seems to be the trend these days.
Revelation 3:15-16 (NASB) tells us, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot… So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
While you kids are gallivanting around in your Learjets teaching the common man to “become a better you”, “being a contagious Christian”, “having a purpose-driven life” or just doing blow with a gay prostitute while fronting biblical organizations, there is all pomp… no circumstance.
Matthew 28:19 (NKJV) commands us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
Are you doing that, or just pitching a tent for a day, promoting a cause, pushing an ATM and leaving town to cut bait?
Now, before you consider me to be some reject ne’er-do-well, consider Smith who is about to punk the guy pushing folk to get “their best life now”:
Joel Osteen has a view of the world that you can have your best life now,” Smith said. “If I were going to rewrite Genesis and put (modern) words into the mouth of Satan … I’d put Joel Osteen’s words there: ‘You’re not so bad. You’re so close to being God now. Just a little tweak, a little tune-up, a little bit better. Just follow these 7 rules.’
Since I found this article, I have read this book… twice!
If you believe there is no issues with today’s Church and how they have become the Freudian couch of tomorrow, think again. If you consider how we are supposed to reach the lost, and aren’t, this book makes you think twice and reinvent the way you live a Jesus life out loud. If you think nothing is wrong, then … uh, I don’t know… read the Bible:
“Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:5 ESV).
NOW… go read the book. This is unsolicited but it got my goat. What can I say? Oh wait, scroll up… no “feel-goodism” there. Let’s hope it sticks.
Although Hollywood darlings like Tom Cruise and John Travolta have much clout, money and enough nuts in their shop to make a mechanic envious, it seems they can’t shove Wikipedia around.
It seems the gaggle of Thetans who while on course to take over the planet and find their alien God wants to edit the Internet Encyclopedia to have a “pro-Scientology” stance. You know, as if there wasn’t enough persuasive mudslinging out there on the Web.
So, come on… let’s put a hand over our hearts and bring up the Constitution. In 3…2…1…
The decision made last week has generated an outcry among some bloggers who worry that Wikipedia, the eighth-most-popular site on the Web, is stifling free speech. But the process is routine. Wikipedia may pride itself as a beacon of online egalitarianism, but it bans hundreds of users each day.
Put to be fair, it seems the acclaimed Web site has been giving the Wiki-Heisman to many more groups of social consciousness, like uh, politicians.
In 2006, Wikipedia temporarily blocked certain Capitol Hill Web addresses when it was revealed that congressional aides had been deleting references to unmet campaign promises. This year, bloggers alleged that the site blocked computers at the Justice Department for removing references to certain terrorist groups.
Just spreading around the love, I suppose, but the Church of Scientology have not been following its own “way to happiness” through stress tests because this cyber shut down has irked them quite a bit as they have been at this for quite a while, thanks to Wired.com:
The case, which began in December, centers on more than 400 articles about the ultra-secretive Church and its members. Those pages have hosted long-running, fierce edit wars that pitted organized Church of Scientology editors — using multiple accounts — against critics of Scientology who fought those changes by citing their own or one another’s self-published material. In fact, this is the fourth Wikipedia arbitration case concerning Scientology in as many years.
Last August, Friedman went to Memphis for the funeral of his friend and R&B legend Isaac Hayes, who was a Scientologist. Preston was also in town for the funeral. Friedman tells us [NY Daily News] that when Preston saw him at the Peabody Hotel, Mrs. John Travolta loudly blasted him for his columns criticizing Scientology. “She called me a ‘religious bigot,’ ” Friedman recalls.
According to “Mrs. Travolta” (nice), Friedman has been on a campaign the recent string of flops created by Mr. “Jerry Maguire” (note lovely demotivational poster). And, according to Friedman, Rupert Murdoch canned him under false pretenses. Naturally, Preston says he’s more than a bigot, but a liar too.
That’s nice. Looking forward to Thanksgiving dinner in the Hollywood Hills… at least those who can afford the cover charge.
Now, for a dose of rich irony for all the L. Ron Hullabaloos: Did you know in1901, Allen Upward coined “Scientology” “as a disparaging termto indicate a blind, unthinking acceptance of scientific doctrine” according to the Internet Sacred Text Archive as quoted in the preface to Forgotten Books’ recent edition of Upward’s book, The New Word: On the meaning of the word Idealist.
What’s the source? Wikipedia. Keep it classy, beautiful people.
God is about his word. A relationship with Jesus is about faith. But nowhere in the history of Christendom would the early disciples have imagined the phrase “Word of Faith” have created such vitriol and irascible angst.
But then came Robert Tiltonwho thought it would be a good idea to transform that moniker into a calling card for interloping and pilfering in the name of the Lord. Nice.
Courtesy DMN Photography
So, where’s he been since he was taken away in cuffs and sent to the pokey?
An indication of just how far below the radar he flies nowadays came in February when a masked gunman invaded Tilton’s beachfront mansion, and the Miami news media didn’t even bother to report the incident.
Yeah, I told you this was good.
I suppose the Miami media (and authorities, if you need them) figures a man who touts to have the batphone to heaven in his friggin’ shower should have received a hit on his hip from the big man upstairs. Only the big man was some fool packing four bills named “Bubba.”
Turnabout is fair play, I suppose.
Oh, save the sanctimony. God is gracious and he forgives anyone for anything at anytime as long as that person’s heart is contrite, broken and full of remorse… not for being caught, but for being wrong.
But, I ain’t Jesus! (Thank God for that. Collective sighs patter around the globe.)
Has he learned his lesson… even after the attempted robbery and kidnapping (his kids were in the house during the botched break-in)? In two words? [No, not those]. Nuh-unh.
After the home invasion, the Tiltons moved out of their 8,000-square-foot Miami Beach mansion and into a South Beach high-rise with 24-hour security. They put the house on the market for $6.9 million.
Sure, because a brother still needs to get his botox on. And it turns out the silver-tongued…er, haired cat is up to his typical bag of tricks.
Still rocking the “God’ll make you rich” scheme, he has a pirated televangelism empire that looks like it is rocking out of his mama’s basement in the Sunshine State. You know, because the dude can’t get a real job vacuuming high-rise condos or something.
Today, Tilton plies his trade on a Web site called streamingfaith.com. On the daily one-hour program called Robert Tilton Live! he promotes his patented Success N Life gospel, which generally postulates that God will reward donors with blessings that far outstrip the amount of the check they send to pastors such as Tilton.
Hey, if those mindless dolts pay it, he will surely keep coming.
So THAT's who he looks like?!
I suppose the saving grace is this dude isn’t plastering his twisted theology all over TBN, Daystar or the Inspiration Network during prime time. No, even better. Mr. Mountebank [not a real name] is actually airing his drivel on… wait for it… BET during the bewitching hour.
You know, my Dad used to tell me when attempting to curtail my curfew, “Boy, the only thing open at two in the [expletive] morning are hospitals and legs… and I know you ain’t sick. But you about to be.”
And before I have post-traumatic stress memories of thorough butt kickings, I have to tell you the theme of that story. Nothing good can happen at that hour.
That includes false proselytizing, money grubbing and preying on the innocent, downtrodden and heavenly minded. You know, the fake evangelist Modus Operandi. I think there’s a handbook out there or something.
And to better prove Tilton has absolutely no business in a pulpit, broadcast or any other medium, is this:
In addition to their church work, Tilton also owns a publishing company and several other for-profit businesses. Records filed with the Nevada secretary of state’s office in 2006 list Tilton as president, secretary, treasurer and director of Stella Vita International, a multi-level marketing operation that sells nutritional supplements.
Now, I know plenty of God-fearing people who are in direct sales and selling excellent supplements. So, nothing wrong with that. But, talk about mismanagement of perception. (?!?!)
Everyone on earth considers this nimrod to be a huckster, and now he is running a Ponzi scheme. (Please, there is nothing “nutritional” about Tilton or his products). Keeping it classy with “prosperity opportunities”, eh, Bobo?
“I’m not so sure I see the difference,” Tilton was quoted as saying in a 2006 news release. “Ever since I got rid of religion, I’ve had a party with God! And now we’re all going to have a party with Stella Vita” – a quote that would make his lawyer wince.
Nice.
Well, there is so much more I could say, but suffice to say, God is still omniscient. He sees the matters of the heart, and although Tilton is able to weasel his way in to people’s homes still, he will reap what he sows. He is all about “seeds of faith,” after all.
So, to commemorate what a loving, endearing megalomaniac he is in balmy Miami, let’s get our vile of holy water, vat of oil from Jesus’ brow and kick it old school with some of his most famous clips found on the Internet.
Without further adieu, some miasma moments and gaseous glory:
Recently, the BarackStar has been on the biggest world wind tour since a certain mythical figure wearing lovely tights and a cod piece. (Anyone see that movie? Woof!)
MEMO to the President: Stay put and mix in a trip through the heartland.
I get the need to improve on U.S. relations with Muslims overseas and love on them while slapping Al Qaeda in the mug.
I understand the U.S. PR bent to close Gitmo and show we are the world.
And I see your struggles to do something about this country’s abysmal predicament with crazed North Korean totalitarians with nuclear fetishes.
But you are the American President! I could care less about you stamping your passport to all places that hate bacon.
Ever been to an Oscar-watching party? Yeah… uh… me, neither.
But if I had, I could tell you watching the beautiful people is typically secondary compared to figuring out all those non-promoted, artsy-fartsy (or agenda-laden) movies that made the cut. And then, based on acting and box-office success, the ones that didn’t.
Some people get to walk the red carpet based on reputation alone. “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” was a Woody Allen film, but really?! I think you could set an egg timer on how long that flick was in theaters, but I guess a screening was enough to get a nomination. That, and a producer with a reputation, because I saw it… woof!
I mean, who’da thunk that Kirk Cameron would be the one instigating this debate. But he is because that movie outgrossed most of the heavy hitters who won awards, even “Slumdog Millionaire.”
Granted, it’s an acting competition not an earning competition.
However, that movie was no “The Omega Code.” It had substance. It had a theme. It had people in theaters for more an opening weekend. And oh, it had Jesus in the movie not appearing as a curse word.
And now, there is this Christian movie “The Secrets of Jonathon Sperry” that has Hollywood, dare I say, “buzzing”? So, enter the director with a few sage thoughts:
“Why is it we watch movies with nudity and all this stuff we know we shouldn’t? I’ll tell you why, because Hollywood rules, not Jesus,” Christiano [the director] said to the crowd. “Pastors, I’m telling you, this is the fight, this is what’s going to steal your youth group; this is what’s busting up your marriages. This is the fight. I need you to stand with us.”
Regardless of what side of the political aisle you reside, there are actually families who are tired of seeing only Pixar movies with the kiddos. They want… well, real people in a movie and not have to worry about covering eyes and ears or having to discuss one of those in flagrante dilecto scenes on the way home.
Now, this director is more than some dude reading Zig Ziglar books. He’s trying to create a movement that started with “The Passion of the Christ” up to now.
“George Lucas supposedly said the church, which used to be all powerful, has been usurped by film. And he’s right,” Christiano said. “The devil knows all this, and he has used films to break down this country; it’s a very powerful tool.”
Bring it, brother! If this guy can back up with mouth with a well-made movie, the Church may have a winner winner chicken dinner.
Christian movies get grassroots support. Evangelicals, Catholics, Pentecostals, Episcopalians and the rest of the God-loving horde go see a movie touting Jesus Christ and biblical principles. But now, the quest is to get the critics to not only see them, but write favorably about them and encourage others to go see them.
Now, on a personal note, I just have to get over our hopes are now collectively pinned upon… Gavin “Captain Stubbing of the Love Boat” McLeod who is the septagenarian in the starring role. Gulp!
Maybe TBN will louse this thing up after all? Let us pray.
Once again, welcome to a video not found on the artist formerly known as GodTube.
I suppose unless it’s a video from MercyMe (which, nothing wrong with that) or some kind-hearted lady selling Avon products, it’s not going to get en”tangle“d in a certain Web site. Nice.
So, what’s this enlightening version of weekly video evangelism about? Knowing Jesus.
It befuddles this pontificate how some people in the same breath can think Jesus is rocking as a tranny, but is still a great guy who died on the cross. Don’t believe me? Never met anyone as utterly confused as to who is Jesus and what he is…
Every company is revisiting marketing strategies, PR outreach and advertising budgets. If your income blows, how are you going to get more if no one knows your name.
Among churches, there is a trend – if your denomination has the cash, spend it to put butts in seats.
Megachurches don’t have that issue because it doesn’t seem they have an agenda. You know, aside from the sundry few who are looking to fatten their wallets (we know who you are).
You have the United Methodist Church pouring $20 million into this country so we can “Rethink Church.”
And then, the Evangelical Lutheran Church is spending a paltry $1.2 million to keep up with the Methodist Joneses with “God’s Work, Our Hands.” (sniff sniff).
But, let’s not forget the rolling stone that began gathering all this moss – the Episcopal Church, who brilliantly deciphered the mysteries of marketing the Gospel into “Get closer to God. Slice Carrots.” Eh… what the… is up with that, doc?
So, why all the cash influx to the American economy and TV sets everywhere?
From 1990 to 2008 alone, mainline Protestants dropped from 18.7 percent to 12.9 percent of the population, according to the American Religious Identification Survey.
People are tired of having to interpret the malestrom created thanks to “religious” versus “Christian.” And the only reason why this is a debated topic is because most people these who call themselves “religious” are not at all “Christian.”
You know the types:
ignoring most of the Bible to create a personal doxology (cough… homosexuality in the pulpit… cough),
using the Bible to get paid
and implementing the Bible as a battering ram to hurl people into the pit of hell without offering some of the love in the Good Book.
I wonder if another brick on the wall, “Church Marketing Sucks” has heard about this tempest because it that sound you hear is a large vacuum among advertisers. Suuuuuuuuuck!
So, what is this really indicative of: people losing interest in church or just losing interest on lazy people who don’t want to do everything God recommends?
On the street there is an adage, “Keep it real.”
Instead of trying to be fully versed in scripture for sanctimony, perhaps Christians need to start sagging, beat boxing and tagging other walls (outside of this one, of course) because “keeping it real” seems to be just what the Father ordered.
) has decided to make a special guest appearance to our fare burgh.
I suppose being pastors helped, conviction and all, as they have both plead guilty for felony grand theft and fraud charges, as well as paid the total sum in restitution back to the church. 
According to Warren Cole Smith evangelical journalist and editor of the Charlotte World 
Are you doing that, or just pitching a tent for a day, promoting a cause, pushing an ATM and leaving town to cut bait?
According to “Mrs. Travolta” (nice), Friedman has been on a campaign the recent string of flops created by Mr. “Jerry Maguire” (note lovely demotivational poster). And, according to Friedman, Rupert Murdoch canned him under false pretenses. Naturally, Preston says he’s more than a bigot, but a liar too.
And then, 
Bring it, brother! If this guy can back up with mouth with a well-made movie, the Church may have a winner winner chicken dinner.
You have the United Methodist Church pouring $20 million into this country so we can 
You know the types:
