It has been awhile since I have listened to the Mars Hill Seattle podcast/vodcast but they never seem to miss what is relevant and applicable to people’s lives today. Maybe it’s because they always make sure Jesus is preached and Jesus is always relevant and applicable.
I am quite stoked about Driscoll’s upcoming Song of Solomon (Song of Songs) series and think that even if I wasn’t a Christ follower, I’d definitely want to listen just because the topic is on sex. And really, honestly, who isn’t interested in that?
Los at Ragamuffin Soul put up an excellent mythbuster post on mega-churches. I, too, tend to have a bitter taste in my mouth when I think of gigantic churches with their fancy buildings and their bajillion people. But then I think about my church and although we meet in a small building, there are six services during the weekend. Thousands of people come. And although I may not see the same faces each weekend, I still feel very loved and find community in the midst of the big community. Props to Los for reminding everyone that we’re all on the same team, big church or small.
Matt Chandler is definitely one of my favorite preachers. It’s hard to believe that God has led me to the area where he happens to be in and that I get to listen to him, live! in person! and occasionally walk by his tall, tall self. I went to many, many lifeless church services growing up and every single weekend at The Village - every. single. weekend*** - is refreshing. The Truth delivered, unapologetically.
Through his wife’s blog, I discovered he has finally done it. He has jumped into the blogosphere that he has mocked and ridiculed on several occasions. And I am stoked about it. Instead of me regurgitating everything he said, visit his blog - www.dwelldeep.net - and see what he has to say about it. And make sure to add him to your reader. And subscribe to The Village Church’s podcast on iTunes while you’re at it. In fact, stop by one of our services. I’ll even share an ugly teal seat with you.
*** Side note: I am not one of those Matt Chandler Makes The Village Church Go ‘Round fanatics that believe The Village would crumble if he were to leave. My ramblings concerning that thought process deserves it own post but I have heard the other pastors and guest speakers, I have experienced life with a lot of the members, and I’m convinced The Village Church would stand without Matt simply because Jesus is the heart of it.
**** Side note to the side note: I do think it’d be funny if shirts were made with Matt Chandler’s head on it with a cartoon bubble that said, “Hey, how are we?” or “Are you tracking with me?” Just sayin’.
Josh Patterson reminded us tonight that we are to shed our old skin for the new. With that comes the responsibility to act in ways that promote community, not tear down community. Selflessness over selfishness. Also, anger and bitterness give Satan a foothold and manifest into such darkness as violence, cynicism, self-pity, depression, self-mutilation, and anger / bitterness towards God.
