The Newsboys was one of those groups that always had a distinct sound. This is due to Peter Furler and George Perdikis who are native Australians. The Newsboys began way back in 1985 in their hometown of Mooloolaba, Australia. Seventeen albums later, this Christian rock band still tours today with former DC Talk member Michael Tait. Tait’s addition as lead vocalist has helped the Newsboys evolve and remain popular today.
Martha replied, I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on) Me, although he may die, yet he shall live; John 11:24-25.
What first attracted me to the Newsboys was their drum set up. Once strapped in, the lead drummer would rotate 180 degrees like a looping roller coaster and still play the drums. When I taught at Red Lion Christian Academy a decade ago, the school would host one to two major concerts annually. During my final concert at Red Lion, I served on the stage crew and my job was to put together and take apart the drum set for the Newsboys. This tour just happened to feature today’s song God is Not Dead. Enjoy!
One of my most viewed blogs over the past decade is The Second Glance. Yet, this is only the beginning of the demise of King David. According to 2 Samuel 11, David’s second glance at a naked women led to sexual relations with a married woman. When Israel’s king wasn’t able to cover up Bathsheba’s pregnancy as he initially planned, David gave orders to for Uriah to go off on a suicide mission resulting in his death.
In the spring, when kings go forth to battle, David sent Joab with his servants and all Israel, and they ravaged the Ammonites [country] and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. 2 One evening David arose from his couch and was walking on the roof of the king’s house, when from there he saw a woman bathing; and she was very lovely to behold, 2 Samuel 11:1-2.
When I was a member of the Spiritual Life Committee at Red Lion Christian Academy, I took a group of senior high students to an annual retreat. During one of these conferences, the keynote messages was based upon the consequences of sin. Using Romans 7 as a reference, the speaker claimed that sin will cost you more than you ever expected, sin will captivate your attention longer than you planned, and sin will make you stay beyond the time you intended. This is exactly what happened to King David.
David sent and inquired about the woman. One said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite? 4 And David sent messengers and took her. And she came in to him, and he lay with her—for she was purified from her uncleanness. Then she returned to her house, 2 Samuel 11:3-4.
Christian artist Kenny Marks sings about a similar fall from grace in his 1986 hit The Party’s Over. Kenny writes about a rendezvous that two students have at a high school party. Like the start of any romance, infatuation leads to lust, lust triggers passion, and uninhibited passion leads a young woman to give her virginity away. Like David and Bathsheba, this one stand conceived a child placed into a no-win situation.
In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 15 And he wrote in the letter, Put Uriah in the front line of the heaviest fighting and withdraw from him, that he may be struck down and die, 2 Samuel 11:14-15.
Sin turns a curious child into a rebellious prodigal. If you don’t have anyone to hold you accountable for your actions, you’ll end up like a wayward son or daughter on the highway to hell, Matthew 7:13-14. When sin becomes full blown, James 1:15, Christians end up like the apostle Paul in Romans 7:15-16, under the influence of sinful addictions. Before this gets out of hand like David’s situation, confess your sins and turn back to Jesus today, James 5:16. Go now and leave your life of sin before it ruins your life.
During my last couple years of teaching at Red Lion Christian Academy, the school started an Activity Period so that athletes wouldn’t miss as much class time for away competitions. One of the most popular activities was Ultimate Frisbee. When the weather was too cold or raining, my class met inside the gym. When the weather was nice, the school had a turf field where we had several memorable games. One of the students in this class introduced me to Thousand Foot Krutch who sings today’s featured song.
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore, Psalm 16:11.
My favorite Thousand Foot Krutch album is The End is Where We Begin. The majority of the songs on this album are upbeat with a couple of ballads. Yet, the Thousand Foot Krutch song that touched my heart the most comes from the 2003 Phenomenon album. This is a Call contains a series of trials that people are going through. The lyrics begin with a girl whose mother is battling cancer. If you can’t relate to this, there are two other scenarios that may stir your soul. I hope you enjoy This is a Call.
One of the last albums I purchased before my local Christian bookstore went out of business was Group One Crew’s Outta Space Love. At this time, I was still teaching Bible at Red Lion Christian Academy so I was looking for a hip hop artist who could reach teenagers. According to my students, the music I had shared up to this point in class was too Christian and not cool enough.
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might. 6 And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be [first] in your [own] minds and hearts; [then] Deuteronomy 6:5-6.
While driving my kids to school, my oldest son James connected with the opening song on Outta Space Love entitled Live It Up. However, my younger son Daniel and I both felt that one other song was slightly better. Breakdown is not your typically Christian song, but it’s great for rolling down your windows and blasting the volume for others to listen. When you add solid lyrics to this beat, Breakdown is one of the best Christian hip hop tunes that I have found.
In the opening scene of American Beauty screenwriter Alan Ball introduces Lester Burnham. Played by Kevin Spacey, Lester shares that he has been dead inside for sometime. Lester’s not sure how or when this happened, but something in his soul can’t stand the person that he has become. This confession sets the stage for Lester to wake up from this spiritual slumber so that he can truly live once again.
In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God [b]Himself.2 He was present originally with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being, John 1:1-3.
Ten years ago, I was living a dream, teaching the Bible to high school teenagers and coaching golf. While it took me nearly 40 years to discover God’s will for my life, I was blessed by God for a decade as spiritual fruits began to blossom. Unfortunately, when Red Lion Christian Academy was sold and the church was disbanded, a part of me died. After pouring my heart and soul into this institution, I was fired and left leaving like a failure.
In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. 5 And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it], John 1:4-5.
Like Lester’s character in American Beauty, joy returned to me in the midst of sorrow. While attending a memorial service for two members of the Hanson family over the weekend, spending time with my extended family brought a new appreciation for life. You never know when your time will be up; when your life will permanently expire. Therefore, it’s time to live by start taking chances and try to become all that God wants you to be. As I start to wake up from my spiritual slumber, join me by opening up to know the living God.
Up until a few years ago, my Christmas shopping destinations included a couple of local Christian Bookstores. Whether I was looking a Bible, the newest Christmas CD or an inspirational gift, I went to explore to see what I could find. Whether I left empty handed or not, the people I encountered made every trip worthwhile. I could write an entire chapter in a book about my previous conversations at Christian bookstores throughout the country.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it, John 1:5.
The one store which has made the most impact on my life was called the Sonshine House. During my first year of teaching Bible at Red Lion Christian Academy, I discovered that one of my students’ mom was the owner. This was sort of a reunion as Jackie, the former owner, helped me build my Christian music collection while in college. This woman of God was always encouraging, like a ray of sunshine in a dark world.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” John 8:12.
Due to the popularity of companies like Amazon, Apple Music and other online competitors, most local Christian Bookstores have vanished. While there may be a few local establishments like Blockbuster, abandoned store fronts are a sign of the times. Instead of promoting malls, retail shops and town centers, a growing number of people would rather shop online. Although this may be more convenient, the social aspect of life is being ignored. May this blog inspire you to become a light for Christ in places where the sun doesn’t shine spiritually.
The first class that I taught as a Middle School Bible teacher at Red Lion was entitled Wise Up: the Book of Proverbs. While the textbook was waterer down more than I cared for, the premise of this book was spot on. God established boundaries in the Bible to protect individuals from harm while keeping evil out. Those who know, learn and practice these principles replace chaos with structure.
So the Lord God took the man [He had made] and settled him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may freely (unconditionally) eat [the fruit] from every tree of the garden; Genesis 2:15-16.
In the days following Creation, the Garden of Eden served as an oasis in the desert. This hidden paradise was given to Adam with two simple expectations, cultivate and maintain this tropical paradise. The Lord gave Adam and Eve free reign of this garden, able to eat fruit from every tree except for one. God’s only restriction (rule), was do not eat of the tree of knowledge. Obeying this rule kept Eden free from chaos.
But [only] from the tree of the knowledge (recognition) of good and evil you shall not eat, otherwise on the day that you eat from it, you shall most certainly [h]die [because of your disobedience],” Genesis 2:17.
Moses does not detail how long it took for Lucifer to convince Eve to taste this forbidden fruit. However, ever since this decision known as Origin Sin persuaded this couple to disobey God, chaos has reigned on earth. Once Pandora’s Box has been opened, it’s impossible to alter the past. Yet, there is a way to restore order. The most logical step is to rplace chaos is by practicing godly principles from the Bible.
As someone who grew up in the Catholic church, I was raised to believe that priests were the only individuals who were worthy enough to study the Bible and teach God’s Word. After a revival during the 1970’s, some priests began to encourage members of their congregation to start reading the Bible outside of church. Unfortunately, the church my family attended in Wilmington, Delaware was stuck in the dark ages until my dad’s relocation to Cleveland, Ohio. About this same time, I began to open my own Bible outside of church which exposed lies within my heart.
The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart, Luke 6:45.
When I started teaching high school Bible at Red Lion, a Sunday School class that I attended introduced me to a book called Restoring the Foundations. Written by Chester and Becky Kylstra, I discovered that this book inspired a healing ministry based upon addressing ungodly beliefs individuals have collected over the course of their lives. Like spiritual baggage weighing down your heart, soul and mind, this integrated approach introduced me to new terms such as soul spirit hurts. As people unpack this baggage, exposed lies can haunt you; preventing you from being healed.
“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is recognized and judged by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart,” Matthew 12:33-34.
During the first century, Jesus introduced a troubling new teaching. When these words were first verbalized, I’m sure conviction silenced any whispers in the crowd. The thought of lies within your heart likely deflated souls previously filled with confidence and pride. This biblical truth sent shockwaves across town as murmurs echoed of this hidden evil from within. Scholars likely declared the words of the prophet are true, Jeremiah 17:1-10. As modern believers are introduced to this truth today, lies within your heart can finally be addressed by an integrated approach to healing.
A drifter is defined as a person who is continually moving from place to place. Those who fit this description are referred to as a transient, vagabond or wanderer. Individuals who fall into this category often do not develop permanent meaningful lasting relationships. Without a good reason to stay, people drift into new communities hoping for a place to call home. As America has lost its sense of community within cities, neighborhoods and towns, a growing number of nomads have a emerged, disconnected and unknown by the person next door.
Now there are [distinctive] varieties of spiritual gifts [special abilities given by the grace and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit operating in believers], but it is the same Spirit [who grants them and empowers believers]. 5 And there are [distinctive] varieties of ministries and service, but it is the same Lord [who is served], 1 Corinthians 12:4-5.
Over the last two decades, a new classification has been added to this term, spiritual drifters. When someone enters into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, finding a church that meets your spiritual needs can be difficult. Larger congregations can be superficial, challenging to connect with a mentor who understands who you are and what you are going through. Smaller churches offer a more intimate setting, but if you don’t share common interests, developing a close bond rarely occurs. Thus, countless Christians go church hopping, visiting new places each weekend, searching for a place to call home.
And there are [distinctive] ways of working [to accomplish things], but it is the same God who produces all things in all believers [inspiring, energizing, and empowering them]. 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit [the spiritual illumination and the enabling of the Holy Spirit] for the common good, 1 Corinthians 12:6-7.
As a former elder in a church for seven years, I’m the last person you would expect who would become a spiritual drifter. Yet, for the past seven years, my family and I are still in limbo. Initially, we spent a few years attending a small church that served as a time of healing after Red Lion was sold and disbanded. My two youngest children found a great youth group for two years until that church suffered the same fate, closing it’s doors to sell their property. While each family member has a favorite, none of us have been blown away or sensed the Holy Spirit say this is home. Thus, for now I continue as a spiritual drifter, hoping that one day soon I can stop watching, connect and become an active member of a church again.
Over the weekend I made my first venture down to Lynchburg, Virginia to see my niece graduate from Liberty University. As I listened to Jeb Bush, the keynote speaker address the commencement crowd, I pondered about the hundreds of students I taught in high school over a decade. After a couple of minutes I was drawn to a class to remember.
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”- Acts 17:5
Every so often a teacher encounters a classroom full of angels. While each may be rough around the edges, inside hearts of gold set the tone for a special connection. Back in 2005-2006, I had the pleasure to create my first Bible elective: Biblical Leadership. Little did I know back then that those 13 individuals would make such an impact for God’s kingdom.
No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. – Romans 4:20-21
One of these students, Joseph Feeley went home to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with cancer. Prior to this diagnosis, I was introduced to this warrior for Christ. Joseph inspired his classmates to transform the spiritual climate at Red Lion Christian Academy. Daily discussions turned into slices of heaven on earth as each student spurred one another on to leave a legacy of faith. Although only 12 remain living today, I will always treasure the year I spent with this class to remember.
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