Weekend Thought: When is it too much?

Starting a church can be a difficult task. You hand and mail out fliers. You may make phone calls to invite folks to your new church, but all in all, the amount of folks coming to your newly started church will vary. It could be several families in one weekend, it could be two families in three months. Such a task can be disappointing and difficult at times . For that matter, growing an established church can be a difficult task as well. Some churches try to reinvent themselves; others might operate with the mindset of give-them-what-they-want. It seems to be the trend of churches today that are struggling to bring in new visitors to change their music to more upbeat and contemporary music, to replace all or a portion of their preaching worship services to entertaining dramas and Power Point presentations with movies clips, or to loosen their conservative standards to a come-as-you-are standard. The question is should the church accept this as a nature course of change. I would argue not.

A perfect example of this so called "modernistic church" is seen in the flyer I received today in the mail. As a matter of fact you probably already looked at the picture of it with this post. This particular church promotes a new message series entitled "I love the 80s." The "messages" are entitled "Back to the Future", "Different Strokes", "The A Team", and "The Facts of Life". Some of the things you can expect at this church are "a casual, comfortable atmosphere; a practical, creative message; fun and safe kids ministry; donuts and coffee; and quality nursery." Now some of those things mentioned are good, but why the emphasis on a "casual comfortable atmosphere" or the need to mention "donuts and coffee"? It doesn't seem that the preaching of the Word of God is point worthy for this church.

What is the purpose of church? From my studies and from my own understanding, we go to church to worship God. No where on this flyer did it mentioned the worshiping of God. Truthfully, I find this kind of promotion worldly and only focused on "bringing them in". We live in an entertainment age, where people demand to be entertained. People are even desiring entertainment in the church and some churches are quite happy to give them what they want.

When churches do that, it doesn't breed "quality" Christians. It breeds lukewarm Christians (Revelation 3:14-22) who distort the real thing for something far less in quality. It's more appealing because one doesn't have to be totally committed. They can still have their worldly fun and be a Christian. Jesus warned that you cannot serve two masters and I think we have a lot of Christians trying to do that today.

We do not find in the Bible the early church fathers using entertainment to advanced the Word of God. We find the focus of their ministry the preaching of the Word of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) As it ought to be in our ministries.

I'm not saying that technology is anathema in our churches, but it should never take the place over the preaching of the Word of God. If we have to advertise coffee and donuts to bring them in, our ministries have a problem. We are not to cater to the worldly; nor are we to come down to the muck and mire they live in. We are to lift them up out of that muck and mire and into the fold of God. To show them a different lifestyle, one that changes people, not one that allows them to have it both ways.

You might not agree with me and I understand some people will not. It is my belief that many churches have chosen to mix themselves with the world to gain numbers in the church and that the cause of Christ, the spreading of the Gospel, has been hurt by this. While the Great Commission states that we are to go until all the nations, we are also suppose to teach them the whole counsel of God.

"¹ This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. ² For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, ⁴ Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; ⁵ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. ⁶ For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ⁷ Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. ⁹ But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.

¹⁰ But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, ¹¹ Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. ¹² Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. ¹³ But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. ¹⁴ But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; ¹⁵ And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

2 Timothy 3:1-17

Apple's iPhone release possible release date

According to Engadget this morning, the Apple iPhone will be released on June 11. That is also the start of Apple's Wordwide Developers Conference. Releasing the iPhone on that day should be a great way to kick off the conference. I'm definitely putting this in my calendar as I'm seriously considering an iPhone as a replacement to my aging Lifedrive and Motorola v557. Keep in mind this date has not been officially confirmed, but it does make a lot of sense to me.

Staying fit.

Since my ACL reconstruction surgery, I've added a few pounds. My normal exercising has been reduced to nothing and it's high time for me to get back in the groove. Over the last couple weeks, I've begun to start jogging again. It's been a bit painful, but with each run the pain seems to lessen.

While I jog, I will listen to a message, podcast, or music via my iPod nano. I've found this to be a very useful and fun gadget to have. Yesterday, I stopped by the Apple Store here in Buffalo and picked up the Nike+ sensor for the iPod nano. It helps a runner track their progress and see how well they are performing. I'm really excited about this gadget as I've needed something to help me track my running. This little device has worked quite well so far. I don't think I'll be posting any of my times and distances yet, as I'm well off my normal pace.

It does bring up an important point for those who work in ministry. It's somewhat of a pet peeve with me- lack of exercise. I really believe that each pastor, missionary, evangelist, etc. ought to have some form of daily exercise. Since our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we ought to take care of that temple. It helps us set forth a good example to those we minister to and it keeps us healthier for the ministry. It's not easy to start, but I think the end results will be worth it. Think about it...

Tips for Google Calendar users.

I love Google calendar. So much so, that it has almost replaced my PDA's calendar. The reason for this is I can sync Google Calendar to my phone with goosync and even send appointments from my phone to gCal. Last week, Lifehacker posted some tips for Google Calendar users. I forgot to post about the post, so today I'll post about that post!

"The Web Worker Daily weblog has a great post diving into the finer points of making Google Calendar a more productive calendar tool.For example, the post points out this handy little Greasemonkey script that adds a small red line to your calendar displaying the current time (pictured above) so you have a frame of reference for how close an upcoming appointment is."

Source: Lifehacker

Google adds more software to their Google Pack.

I just mentioned spyware removal tools below and then I read about Google adding some spyware removal tools in their Google Pack. According to the Google Blog, the Google Pack will now included "Symantec's Norton Security Scan, which detects and removes viruses, and PC Tools' Spyware Doctor Starter Edition, a top-rated anti-spyware utility."
I checked on the Google Pack page, but didn't see these apps listed on the page. I didn't take the time to try and download the Google Pack, so maybe that are included, but not listed yet. Still, it's good to see companies like Google helping out PC users.

Tackling spyware.

Spyware can really cause your internet experience to stink, slow down, and compromise your computer. Today, I spent some time working on a church member's computer that had acquired some nasty spyware. It took a couple hours for me to final rid the plagued PC from the spyware. I thought I'd share some of the tools that I used today and others I've used to eliminate spyware on my PC and others. Keep in mind one spyware tool usually doesn't get all the spyware on your PC. It's quite helpful to have two or three programs that you run to eliminate spyware.

Spyware Blaster - A program that doesn't scan for spyware but rather it helps prevent spyware from being installed in the first place.

Spybot Search and Destroy - This one does remove spyware and also can begin a scan before Windows is fully loading helping you to eliminate some of the tougher spyware out there.

AVG Anti-Spyware - From the makers of AVG Anti-Virus Free edition, comes this excellent freebie that eliminates spyware and works just as well as their virus protection software.

PC Tools AntiVirus Free Edition 3.1 - CNET gives this spyware removal tool 4/5 stars.

Windows Defender - This is a Microsoft program, but I'm sure some folks may prefer to use a "name brand" application. If that's you, try this one.

All the applications I mentioned above are freeware. Some maybe a lite version of a paid program, but they can and will effectively remove spyware from your PC. So if you are having some issues with your PC and you think it might be spyware, try this apps out and you'll soon be back to safe happy surfing.

Keeping it simple, while being a gadget lover.

We, gadget lovers, can find it difficult to take our gadgets with us. I've tried carrying them in a bag with their necessary accessories and even adding some in my pockets. Still it was a burden to carry them around. So what should a gadget pastor do?

1. Limit your essential must haves gadgets - I've limited my must have gadgets that would go with me to work and when I travel. This way I won't be weighed down and worried about leaving gadgets behind.

2. Learn the essential gadgets - My iPod and my cellphone can also handle my calendar appointments. I can sync my iPod with Outlook or even possibly sync my iPod with Google Calendar if I can get the software to work right. I can do this and not have to lug around my PDA, cellphone, and iPod. (I know some of you are thinking get a smartphone!) You would do well to learn to use all the features of your gadgets before buying a new gadget. You old one might do the job and help save you from a plethora of gadgets and an empty wallet.

3. Lighten the load of accessories - that's right I've begun to back off the amount of accessories in my pockets and my bag that I carry around. I've eliminated most of my extra cables and other little accessories that I seldom use. I've been surprised as I've found these extra things weren't really necessary to begin with.

4. Leave the gadget bug behind - Saying this on the Gadget Pastor blog may not make sense or be somewhat hypocritical, but keep in mind that our time in the Lord's work is precious and many times gone too fast. As pastors, missionaries, evangelists, etc. we cannot allow ourselves to be drowned in our gadgets. Learning this one or that one, finding accessories for this one or that one, figuring out why this one is acting up, etc. it turns out to be a never ending ordeal which consumes much of our time. Make some time for you gadgets, but don't let them overtake that time you've set for them. Keep it simple with your gadgets and if it works don't buy another gadget. Keep the one you've got that you already know until it breaks!

High-tech churches

Theology meets technology at high-tech churches one of the latest news articles to focus on churches that employ technology into their services. While I don't agree with all the comments in the article, nor do I feel that technology is more important then the preaching of the Word of God, I do see technology as a tool that we can use to minister in our churches and be a help to our people. Uploading sermons, Bible studies you've done, outlines ,etc. on your website can be a help to folks and other pastors, missionaries as well. It's a definite must for churches to have at least a website covering their ministries. As for adding tech into services, that's up to the pastor how much and how far. I definitely think recorded messages is a must as many folks will ask for a sermon to pass onto friends and family.
I've posted part of the article for your reading pleasure!

"Spreading the gospel has gone high tech as more churches are incorporating technology into their worship service.

At Riverbend Church in West Austin, services combine preaching and production. The church has technical team for sound and lighting and a webmaster who uploads sermons to the Internet."

Tolerance yes! To Christianity? NO!

I'm amazed that with all this cry for tolerance in society it seems that God, Jesus, the Bible, and Christianity, is not to be tolerated whatsoever. Honestly, I'm not so amazed. Every since the church began on the day of Pentecost, the church and early Christians then were persecuted. Why would today or anytime after that be any different?
Here is the latest article I've found in news, specifically the Washington Times, regarding Christians being persecuted. This time it is happening on a college campus of where you'd think that free speech would prevail. The Washington Times article itself is entitled "It's called 'free speech'."

"Georgia Tech is perilously close to deserving the "anti-Christian" label some detractors are now throwing at it. A speech code and an Orwellian "free speech zone" have been used to prevent Christian students from voicing dissent on homosexuality. A judge threw out the code and the zone. Brochures from the school's "Safe Space" program have declared certain biblical interpretations on homosexuality to be wrong, comparable to slavery apologias. All this has landed the school in court. Within the next several weeks, we hope, the judge will send the remainder of the school's repugnant policy the way of its code and zone."

More tech, no tech...

While I'm seeing where God would have me to serve next, I've had to consider a few pros and cons to a future move. Understand I do not base where I will serve next or move on any of these things. I'm just thinking aloud on TGP.

1. Cell phone reception - Some places I have looked at have little or no cell service. While I think I could easily get by with out a cellphone, it does mean that I would most likely have to use a PDA still. Lately, I've been considering an Apple iPhone as a replacement to my current cellphone. However, if I live in an area with poor or no cell service, this would not be practical.

2. I'm also considering purchasing a laptop down the road as I'm thinking it would be much easier to have all my documents and current messages with me rather then at home. That will mean though carrying around a laptop along with any other items I might need. (Bible, books, etc.)

3. Internet service will definitely be an issue for me. I've grown to enjoy broadbad internet service and I cannot imagine going back to dail-up, but it could be a possibility. One option that I could have is internet service thru a satellite dish. However, I've never personally experienced this kind of service and so I'm not sure how well it would work in comparison to what I have now.

These are just a few things I've thought about and I'm wondering if anybody else has thoughts on these thoughts? Technology can be very useful and helpful, but some places don't need all the tech and get by without. How about you? Is technology a necessary tool in your ministry or is it a tool that sees little use? Please share your comments below.

Opera browser for Wii delayed

The Wii browser by Opera has been delayed apparently. Wired is reporting that the final version will become available sometime in April. I've been using my Wii to surf the web and for the most part its been good. A few sites wouldn't render probably, but I'm still impressed with the capabilities of the Wii console. If you haven't tried surfing with your Nintendo Wii, I'd say give it a try as it's a fun way for you to view the web on your TV.

Apple TV is official shipping and soon to be available in stores this weekend.

If you've been following Apple TV since its announcement, you're probably glad to see it finally shipping and soon to be available in stores. I for one am interested in one, but practically speaking I don't think I'll buy one until I have purchased a HDTV. I'm wondering if a lot of people will buy these things and find out that they won't work with their current TVs. I also don't see a real need to have one of these devices as I'm limited to iTunes content. IF Apple allows more content to be played (i.e. Internet videos, etc.) this could be a very useful device. Here are a few links to other views and opinions of Apple TV.

Apple TV Has Landed by David Progue, NY Times Tech

From PC to TV -- via Apple by By Walter S. Mossberg and Katherine Boehret

Hands-On Impressions: What You Don't Already Know About AppleTV from Gizmodo

Apple TV unboxing from Mac Daily News

Apple TV's official site from Apple

A portable PC on a flash drive, iPod, or harddrive with Mojopac

Today, I was searching for a way to install an operating system on my USB flash drive. I figured that it would be fun to try something like this. A while back on Lifehacker, they mention a software application called MojoPac that will allow you to use an iPod, USB 2.0 flash drive or harddrive, even a cellphone as a portable PC. You can even play games from your portable device and even use specific software like MS Office, Photoshop, etc. It appears to be a rather straight forward device and this would be a convenient piece of software to have on an iPod I would think. Not sure how much space this would take on an iPod, but it would be nice to have all my stuff available to me that I have on my home PC. Here are some more features of this product.

pick ANY Device
MojoPac can turn any USB 2.0 compliant portable storage device, including your iPod, or your USB flash or hard drives, into your Personal Computer - your MojoPac PC.

run ANY Application
You can install any of the most popular Windows applications on your MojoPac PC. You can use the same version of the applications you use daily at work (such as Microsoft Office) or at home (such as Photoshop, iTunes, IM and Games).

use ANY PC
With MojoPac, you can go to any Windows XP computer, plug in your MojoPac device, and bring up your MojoPac PC. The experience is exactly as if you are logging into your Personal Computer, complete with your desktop, shortcuts, applications and preferences.
*** Free Microsoft Vista support coming Q2 2007 for all current customers.

Privately and Securely
Your applications, browser history, and activities leave no trace on the computer you are connected to. What happens on MojoPac, stays on MojoPac.

Source: Lifehacker

Brighthand reports Palm Acquisition May Be Announced in Two Days

It looks like all those Palm takeover rumors could be coming true and it might just happen in a couple days. Brighthand is reporting that Palm might be out by Nokia, Motorola, or quite possibly to a private equity firm. It seems to me that having a private equity firm would be the best choice for Palm users as Palm wouldn't go thru too many major changes. If Palm is bought by Nokia or Motorola, we could see some major changes to the company.
The one question that surrounds this for me is will the Palm platform survive such a buyout? I must admit that my time with the Palm platform could be coming to a close as other devices like the iPhone and Google phone will be hitting the market soon. Palm has yet to refresh the design of the Treo and revamp the aging Palm OS. I've waited long enough with this and I personally will not wait any longer. If Palm can do something by June in the form of an announcement or a new product release, I may stay with Palm, but if they don't I will move on to something else. Until then, we'll have to see how this rumor plays out. It should get fun now!

Google Phone is in the works, say insiders

Now that the iPhone has been announced, it seems folks are now waiting with baited breath for the Google Phone. It has been rumored for sometime now and apparently there are some "insiders" that have now confirmed this. However, Google has yet to confirm official this "insider" news and officially report on a Google Phone. What is exciting about this phone is that it is rumored to have a low cost to it.

"SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Google Inc. is developing its own mobile phone, according to industry insiders and analysts, while a Google official in Spain last week acknowledged the company is "investigating" such a project.

Google isn't commenting directly on leaks from Europe and the United States which describe a low-cost, Internet-connected phone with a color, wide-screen design. Newspaper and blog reports in recent months have Google shopping its phone design to potential mobile phone manufacturing partners in Asia.

"Mobile is an important area for Google," Google spokeswoman Erin Fors said on Friday. "We remain focused on creating applications and establishing and growing partnerships with industry leaders to develop innovative services for users worldwide. However, we have nothing further to announce."

Our Daily Bread on your PDA

I think finding something that is suitable and enjoyable for your own personal devotions can be difficult. From time to time I change my devotions from reading a chapter of Proverbs to reading a particular book thru to reading My Utmost for His Highest to another devotional guide.

One devotional guide I have used is Our Daily Bread from RBC Ministries. It's a short thought that will challenge you for the day and suggests some Scripture reading along side it. I've found them to be refreshing and helpful in my spiritual life. You can also have them downloaded to your PDA as well, which makes them very accessible for the pastor on the go.

By the way, today's devotion is about a favorite place of mine- Mt. Shasta, CA. I spent much of my teenager years under Mt. Shasta. I loved that area as the beauty of it I've never seen anywhere else. Definitely, visit the site and take a look at Our Daily Bread, it could help bring a change in your devotions.

How the Wi Remote works.

Every since we bought our Nintendo Wii, I've been wondering how the Wii Remote works. How can it tell the difference between me swinging it like a baseball bat or a golf club? Well, Popular Science has a brief article on the Wii Remote and how it works. It's rather interesting to understanding how it can know the difference.

Source: Digg

Book Recommendation: Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie

I'm a big fan of Charles Ryrie. I love my Ryrie Study Bible and Basic Theology by Ryrie. Basic Theology has been a great help in my ministry when it comes to understanding doctrine. I've found that Ryrie does a good job in explaining the views on particular doctrines and it helps me better understand them. I'd definitely recommend this book for your library or even a Bible college students'. The book sells for $23.09 at Amazon.

"Theology is for everyone.Everyone is a theologian of sorts. Theology simply means thinking about God and expressing those thoughts in some way. But sloppy theology is a problem. As Christians, our thoughts about God need to coincide with what He's said about Himself in the Bible. With his clear understanding of the Scriptures and unpretentious writing style, Charles Ryrie has written Basic Theology for every student of God's Word, from the devotional student to the seminary student.Ryrie's name has become synonymous with dispensational theology and his texts on the subject invaluable to the Bible scholar. Now Ryrie's Basic Theology is available to you from Moody Press, the company that brings you the Ryrie Study Bible. Featuring charts, definitions, and Scripture and subject indices, Basic Theology will give you a clear and comprehensive picture of Ryrie's approach to systematic theology. Its 94 chapters are arranged in outline style for easy reference. Considerable emphasis is given to explaining the dispensational view of the end times."

Review of ZBible from Mobile Ministry Magazine

This caught my eye on my Google homepage. Mobile Ministry Magazine has reviewed ZBible which is an online Bible, especially suitable for viewing on mobile devices. This looks like it could be very useful on my Lifedrive.

"There is nothing really new about online Bibles for most of us. We are accustomed to going to places such as eBible and Bible Gateway to quickly look up a verse or a collection of verses on a particular subject. But what about when out and about and those sites, while great for what they can give, are a bit to much for a smartphone's or normal phone's screen? There is only so much that can go on a page, and well, eBible and Bible Gateway are just a bit too much..."

READ MORE

How to know if that email is true.

Have you ever received an email with some amazing store or been told to ban a product because of their attack on Christianity or that a virus named Osama vs. Bush will erase your entire hard drive if you answer the question it asks or that forwarding an email will help earn support for a little girl with cancer? Have you ever wondered if these emails are true? Quite often I've learned these emails are either hoaxes or email rumors, sometimes called urban legends.

How to spot a email rumor or hoax.

1. Note whether the text you've received was actually written by the person who sent it. Did anyone sign their name to it? If not, be skeptical.
2. Look for the telltale phrase, 'Forward this to everyone you know!' The more urgent the plea, the more suspect the message.
3. Look for statements like 'This is NOT a hoax' or 'This is NOT an urban legend.' They typically mean the opposite of what they say.
4. Watch for overly emphatic language, as well as frequent use of UPPERCASE LETTERS and multiple exclamation points!!!!!!!
5. If the text seems aimed more at persuading than informing the reader, be suspicious. Like propagandists, hoaxers are more interested in pushing people's emotional buttons than communicating accurate information.
6. If the message purports to impart extremely important information that you've never heard of before or read elsewhere in legitimate venues, be very suspicious.
7. Read carefully and think critically about what the message says, looking for logical inconsistencies, violations of common sense and blatantly false claims.
8. Look for subtle or not-so-subtle jokes — indications that the author is pulling your leg.
9. Check for references to outside sources of information. Hoaxes don't typically cite verifiable evidence, nor link to Websites with corroborating information.
10. Check to see if the message has been debunked by Websites that debunk urban legends and Internet hoaxes (see below).
11. Research any factual claims in the text to see if there is published evidence to support them. If you find none, odds are you've been the recipient of an email hoax.

Source: About: Urban Legends and Folklore


The danger of forwarding one of these emails.

If you decide to forward a potential hoax or email rumor to all your contacts, it makes available all your friends and families email addresses to just about anyone. The average person will just click forward and entire address book and then send. I seen some of these emails with loads of email addresses in them and could easily be added to someone's spamming list. It would behoove you to use the BCC option in your email message which sends a message to multiple recipients in such a way that what they receive does not contain the complete list of recipients. This can help avoiding giving your friends and families email addresses out freely, but it doesn't help the poor folks whose email addresses are already on the email, unless of course you copy and paste the main story to a new email message.

How to verify if an email is hoax, rumor, or truth.

Here are a couple websites for you to bookmark and use for the next potential email hoax or rumor comes into your inbox.

• Scambusters - Helped People Protect Themselves From Clever Internet Scams, Identity Theft and Urban Legends Since 1994
• Snopes - lots of stuff here broken down into specific categories, seems to have a lot of popups though.
• Truth or Fiction - a website to find out whether an eRumor that has been forwarded to them is true or not. My favorite email hoax and rumor site to use.

I hope this helps you eliminate some of these emails from your inboxes and outboxes. Maybe you could send a link to this post here at TGP to help others fight email hoaxes and rumors.