culture

Finding Beauty in a Broken World

Lisa Spencer1 Comment

I love this song by the late Rich Mullins. And one line in particular stands out “there’s so much beauty around us for just two eyes to see.


Now one might listen to this song and immediately be struck by some contrasts. The first is that he seems to suggest that God is really at work in America, as opposed to other places. But I think that misses what he is saying in this song. It’s not an anthem about nationalization but about God’s work through the world that he created.  And this raises an obvious observation regarding all the ugliness in the world.  Sure it is beautiful for some, but what about all the displays of our broken world – poverty, homelessness, abuse, crime, drugs, urban blight.

Because the reality is that we do live in a broken world. If we are to take the events of Genesis 3 serious, we acknowledge that something went terribly wrong that subjected all creation to sin and futility, as Paul tells us in Romans 8. We cannot ignore the depravity of humans, who cannot accept God on his terms except for the intervening work of the Holy Spirit. Man’s rejection of God through acceptance of his Son has certainly created animosity against his creation, creatures included. One only needs to take a glimpse at the news to know that’s true. Continue reading →

God in a Word Box

Lisa Spencer5 Comments

I’ve been enjoying this book by T.M Moore on general revelation. I like what he had to say about worship and creation based on Romans 1:18-23. But first a note about revelation and what Paul is addressing in Romans 1. If there is ever a word that I think has been misused and even abused, its revelation. Revelation simply means disclosure and it is up to the one revealing. It is not contingent on our understanding. It comes from God.

In Romans 1:18-20, Paul gives us a glimpse of this revelation

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the foundation of the world. So they are without excuse.

That God has made himself know is clear. It uses no words or pictures, as Moore observes, but demonstrates God himself in what he has made. The problem is not with creation, but with the suppression of truth. And Paul goes on to describe the nature of this suppression in vv 23-32 that results in worship of creation rather than worship of God. Continue reading →

Life in The Moment, Love and Everday Living

Lisa SpencerLeave a comment

the moment_kurt warner2I recently got hooked on this new reality show called The Moment. Former MVP quarterback, Kurt Warner hosts the show that provides a life changing opportunity for selected contestants. Each contestant was nominated by a loved one to live out their dream job, which they could not pursue because life got in the way. In other words, they were on a particular track and greater priorities took over causing them to abandon their goals. Most pretty much settled into a normal life filled with everyday responsibilities that many would label mundane.

For each episode, the contestant is given a test to see where they are and then paired with a mentor who will coach them in preparation for the final interview. The interview consists of an evaluation of their performance by representatives from whatever entity can provide the opportunity. If the reps like them and think they can do the job, they get hired on the spot.

Now if you think these are everyday kind of jobs, think again. They are occupations that demand odd hours, travel and in some cases the public spotlight. That sounds pretty fascinating, doesn’t it? Who wouldn’t give their right arm to live out their dream job? A consistent statement in each show: “I’ve been given a second chance”.

the moment_mentor pic

I think what has fascinated me more are the human dynamics involved and complexities of choice. On the surface, it might seem that all is golden. But after the initial test, it becomes clear that the contestant needs some improvement. With the goal of that dream job in view, they become determined to wipe away the rust that has gathered from lack of use. Frustration and disappointment are not uncommon experiences. However, whatever hurdles exist, the mentors and some friendly words from Warner usually do the trick. Continue reading →

Why So Few African-Americans at Reformed Churches…and will it change?

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CalvinYesterday, John Frame’s page on Facebook posted this question;

Why are there so few African-Americans and Latinos in the PCA? Or in any Reformed church, for that matter? This is, I think, an important question. The Church of Jesus Christ is to embrace all nations, as God fulfills in Jesus his promise to Abraham (Gen. 12:3, Matt. 28:19). This does not mean that each congregation must have a quota of members from every people-group, but it does mean that the church as a whole should reach out to everybody.

I can’t speak for Latinos, but for African-Americans I suspect this might have something to do with it


This video suggests that cultural preferences play a significant role in church affiliation for African-americans, even at the expense of questionable theology and church practice. And yes, it is true that as long as we affiliate with churches that we find culturally compatible, the sad reality is that is that Reformed churches don’t really stand a chance. My own journey to the PCA involved sacrificing cultural preferences amid a primarily white congregation although there is a small multi-cultural presence. While it has been a rich exchange for Christ-centered worship, I know that the cultural gap is huge for many African-Americans.  Though it varies somewhat, Reformed worship is not only foreign but a difficult pill to swallow in most cases. Continue reading →

More on Relevance…I’m Not the Only One, Who Thinks So

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Jill PaquetteOne of my favorite CDs is a self-titled work from a little known Canadian artist named Jill Paquette. The song that I’ve like the most is titled Not the Only One. Musically it’s good in an organic kind of way. But more than that the heart behind the lyrics. She’s saying something that’s hard and disruptive and knows she’s not alone. Check it out.

I have those things that make me restless: tensions from observations, feelings that something of substance has gotten lost in mass popularity, misplaced focus that detracts from the real stuff of life, Jesus, the gospel church and genuine fellowship. When it gets under my skin and I just gotta say it. Sometimes I put myself out there and am relieved when others chime in and I learn that I’m not the only one who thinks so.

Following my post last week on cultural relevance, I’ve encountered some really cool posts that seemed to have come out of the woodwork basically echoing the same thing.

Out of the ones that have emerged, I really appreciated The Beauty of Being Irrelevant. The author points out that the most relevant thing we can do is be ourselves and bring the counter-cultural truths of the gospel to light. It’s ok to be different, it really is.

Why Relevancy is Completely Irrelevant succinctly brings this central truth home, “If the church would just give people what they need, then we would be eternally relevant.”

Top 10 Reasons Our Kids Leave the Church cites relevance as a reason. Trying to be hip and cool to relate.  But it has by and large failed.

But here’s what else I think that all these articles highlight and don’t think I’m the only one. People ache for hope. They encounter struggles, dilemmas and temptations. They want answers, real answers with substance. They may initially be attracted to the coolness of relevancy but when it doesn’t address what they need, they lose interest. To counter that with more relevance will ultimately fail. And that’s where the contemporary church has erred because it’s not what we need.

We need Jesus and his body and a place to grow and rest. We need the fuel of God’s word. We need that explained with clarity, not gimmicks or cute stories.  Give people the gospel and genuine discipleship and let the Lord do his work.  The ones who have not trusted in Christ will trust in him because that’s who we’ve presented and the Father woos them. The ones who have already trust will learn to trust in him more. And people are not stupid. They’ll ultimately pick up the disingenuousness  of contrived methods to attract them. And they will weary of superficiality.

I can only hope that we step back and start assessing how much faith we’re putting into shiny buildings, slick methods and marketing techniques. And maybe stop it and start trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to do his job as we just stick to basics and give people what they really need.

And I’m not the only one, who thinks so.