Why Culture Matters

"In The Beginning, God Created.." (Gen 1:1)

   Sometimes we are asked questions that haunt us over the years, even if we cannot remember the exact context of the conversation. I remember reading such a question many years ago. It stayed with me over the years, although I cannot remember exactly where I found it.

   The question was this: "We read in Genesis that God created.... well everything.  But how do you think he did it? When he created daises, did he just crate all of them at once, or did He make a daisy and then in joy, shout again. And then made another one and shouted AGAIN, over and over?" I suspect it was the latter.

  Sometimes we can get so left brained when we read Scripture, so linear and logical, that we miss the thread of joy that runs through it.  I believe that when God created the heavens and the stars he did so with glee. He created each flower with joy. And that's how He created you and I. It's good for us to remember that no matter the history of our birth, we cause Him joy.

  Why does all of this matter? Because Genesis also teaches us we were made in God's image.  We were made to be creative and to do it with joy.  This is why culture and the Arts matter in the church. When we are creative and give those gifts to God with joy we are in touch with God's image in us.

  That's easy to see when we hear Bach or Handel.  Or when we look at the images in the Sistine Chapel. But it's also true when we read the lyrics of Contemporary artists such as Chris Tomlin or David Crowder. When we create we reflect God's image. And we touch the hearts and imagination of others with the Gospel. It enables them to see and hear God in ways that go beyond a Sunday School Lesson or Bible study. Of course the studies are needed. At best they work hand in hand.

  This is why encouraging Art and Music in the local church is so important. When we allow someone to sing, play an instrument, put their art in the art gallery we are allowing them to use their gifts to glorify God. And it allows them to point the way to the Father of all creation and to Jesus.

  One of the things I love about Trinity is that it allows everyone to use their gifts. Children display their art work, they participate in Children's sabbath. The Youth often sing or play in the Praise Band.  When we do this  we affirm their gifts and talents. We say to them "You are an important part of our ministry." We teach them that what is done in joy to God, even if not perfect, can be a blessing to others.

 So today as you sing in the car, write a note or poem,  take a picture, even sketch something solely to amuse yourself in a meeting may you hear the delight in the voice of God as He whispers to you "Again"

in Christ,
Dr. Brian Jones

 

Who Is Your Jesus?

There are certain scenes in movies that never fail to get a laugh, or at least a smile from me, when I see them. One of these is the "Grace Scene"  in the movie Talledega Nights. (Please note this is in no way a recommendation of the movie, nor do I approve of much of the subject matter. )

In this scene the family gathers for a meal and the race car driver, Ricky Bobby, leads his family grace by praying to the "Baby Jesus".  When his father in law protests that Jesus was a man, Ricky simply replies "It's my prayer, and I like the Baby Jesus best"  This quickly disintegrates into a discussion of how everyone has their own favorite way to picture Jesus, and what Jesus they like the best.

Certainly it's played for humor, but it's not so far off the mark is it? Many of us have a preferred Jesus. Sometimes it is the cuddly non threatening  Baby Jesus. After all a Baby Jesus makes us all warm and fuzzy, but doesn't demand much sacrifice from us. We prefer the Jesus that welcomes children rather than the one who tells us to take up our cross and follow Him. We prefer the Jesus who says "He who is without sin, cast the first stone" (John 8:7) over the Jesus that over turns the tables in the temple driving out people with a whip in His hand.

The truth is the real Jesus we see portrayed in the Gospels is much more unsettling than we might think. He is both loving and demanding. He is both gentle and able to stand up to the religious leaders of His day. He can both cast out demons and calm storms with one word, and remain silent as He goes to the Cross.

That's the Jesus we all need. Because that's a Jesus who is willing to calm us in our weakest moments, and call us to Holiness.  That's what it's really all about after all isn't it? It's not about making Jesus into our image, but allowing Him to transform us into His. 

In Christ, 

Dr. Brian Jones