The Foray

Such Power!

As dangerous and destructive as hurricanes can be, they are nonetheless a truly amazing sight! This photo is of Hurricane Bill, by no means the biggest, baddest storm but still breathtaking.

Greg

Sometimes Being Disappointed Is a Good Thing

As in this case! (here)

For the record, I hope they're greatly disappointed this year! 

Greg

Ironic, Isn't It?

Al Gore's hometown records coldest July 21 on record

I can't help but smile!

Greg

Of Sewers and Senators

In the America of 2009, this pathetic story makes perfect sense! (here)

(NOTE: The story is only a few sentences long, but be sure to read through the end to get the "full flavor" of the insanity!)

And on a separate, but arguably related note, Al Franken, the new senator from Minnesota, is helping confirm the next Supreme Court Justice!

What can I say?

Greg

What Are We Doing?!

Okay, usually I can find words to say, but this time I'm speechless!

And this isn't the worst of it! Experts say that the deficit could grow to nearly TWO trillion by this fall!

Greg

Total Depravity

Click (here) for a modern-day example. What else can you call it?

By the way, "total depravity" does not mean that people are as bad as they can possibly be, but that every aspect of the human being (all the faculties and power of body and soul) has been warped by sin. In other words, all our abilities and best achievements are tainted by evil. There's no getting around the twisted effects of the Fall in Genesis 3. It's the reason why the Bible can speak in such comprehensive terms: "No one is righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10).

With no fear of God in their eyes, human beings are capable of unspeakable atrocities.

So much for the evolution of man!

Greg

 

You've GOT to be kidding!

Already?! (Here) I'm old enough to remember the shock of it starting up before Thanksgiving!

Greg 

Who Cares about Teenagers?

Walt was kind enough to send me a link to a news item (here) that I hadn't seen. I think it prompts some serious soul-searching on our part. "Who cares about teenagers?"

Sometimes around churches, comments will be heard that go something like this: "They don't want my help; they just want the young people's help." Such allegations are patently FALSE! While I obviously can't speak for other local churches, I can speak for MVB: There are NO age limits on anyone helping to advance the good news and mission of Jesus Christ! And further, I know this to be a fact: You've NEVER, EVER heard the pastoral team at MVB say that we don't want somebody's help; on the contrary, we do!

One of the healthiest developments at MVB that could happen would surely be for Zach and our student ministry suddenly to have a flood of volunteers -- especially older MVB members! We desperately need seasoned adults today who will take the time and effort to get to know, listen to, and understand the teenagers in our midst. Were such time and effort to be taken, older folks would discover younger folks eager to listen and learn.

Why this relational "black hole" that exists in so many churches when it comes to adults and teenagers? "It's the kids' fault!" Really? They should be the ones who exhibit maturity? Isn't that expectation turned around? Do we adults think that by avoiding teens or by holding them, their views, problems, and experiences in contempt that they're going to somehow find their way to Christ on their own?

The above study suggests otherwise, not to mention the Bible (Proverbs 22:6).

Please, if YOU care about teenagers, read the above news article and listen for what God might want to say to you. Then seek out Zach and let him know that your heart has been moved to help our student ministry. He and his current team of volunteers are doing an awesome job, but the best of soldiers need reinforcements from time to time.

Greg 

PS Also be sure to check out the ministry of Dawson McAllister (here). A number of MVB members are already working with the HopeLine, and more volunteers are always needed. Get in touch with Walt if you're interested. He'd love to hear from you!

The Sad Exit of Steve McNair

The news about the death of ex-NFL quarterback, Steve McNair, (here) is sad on so many different levels. I'll refrain from commenting much at this point because the details of exactly how things went down still aren't clear. But this much can be said, in relation to what I talked about in yesterday morning's sermon: "A mansion and a Mercedes won't be enough to satisfy your life."

According to the news, McNair was selling a house that the real estate listing described as "gigantic," with "more than 14,000 square feet and photos [showing] a pool, home theater, baby grand piano, and ornate furnishings throughout."

Think YOU could be satisfied with such things? McNair wasn't. Though he was known as a generous and compassionate man who did many good deeds (helping victims of Hurricane Katrina, for example), his heart was dissatisfied to the point of leading him into an adulterous relationship with a 20 year old -- a relationship that ultimately proved fatal.

St. Augustine said about God, "Thou hast created us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they rest in Thee."

Pray for McNair's wife and four children, and that we'll all learn something from his sad exit.

Greg

44 ... and Counting!

"Up and up she goes, where she stops nobody knows!"

Greg