In yesterday’s sermon (Joseph: Courage In Adverse Circumstances) I made the point that Joseph trusted that God is sovereign, even over evil. And I stated that this was not meant to say, “men did evil but God turned it for good,” but rather, that God ordains events - even sinful events - to carry out his good purposes.

One question I was asked is, “How can God ordain sin without being guilty of sin?” It’s a great question, and today I happened upon a short article that speaks to it. If you’d like to read some insights by Jonathan Edwards (and summary comments by Tyler Kenney), click the link to head over Desiring God ministries: http://bit.ly/cLiJIv

I’m officially a gadget-boy, I think. I’m writing this post on an iPhone app, and typing it in through my Bluetooth-connected wireless keyboard.

One small part of my job has been to look at DEC and try to gauge what the future of things might look like. DEC 3.0, if you will. And one thing I’m wondering about is how our congregation’s use of technology might be reflected in how communication happens in the future.

So let’s get specific: How many of you have iPhones?  (Of course, the follow-up question is: do DEC-ers who have iPhones read this blog?)

Let me know!

Durham Evangelical Church’s first recording, My Father’s Face, features 10 DEC-birthed songs and arrangements, fit for corporate and personal worship. The team is also thrilled to introduce 2 new songs written specifically for this project.  Here’s the track listing for the project.  And don’t forget to stay tuned for more information on the recording’s release date!

1. Sing Louder
2. I Believe
3. Explode With Praise
4. My Father’s Face
5. Healer
6. My God Is For Me
7. Just As I Am (I Come)
8. Holy, Holy, Holy
9. Salvation
10. I Can’t Wait To Go Home

The days are counting down to the release of My Father’s Face, and I’m so excited. I’ve already told you how proud I am of the team of people that have worked so diligently together on this project, but I’m also THRILLED at how the recording has turned out.

We’ll have more information in the days to come, but until then, here’s a preview of the title cut.  I hope you enjoy it. Just push the play button below:

“My Father’s Face” (preview) [mp3, 1MB]

As I stood between the gas pump and my car today, the church across the street caught my eye. And drew my eye up. Up its steeple toward the heavens that surrounded it. Instantly, I thought of the God who inhabits those heavens, and I was reminded how architecture can be used to literally point the heart back towards its Maker.

Then I realized, “That’s not really that high.” Compared to skyscrapers I’ve stood next to - heck, compared to the other (newer) buildings in town - that steeple just doesn’t stand as uniquely as it did in an earlier era. And I just paused to wonder for a moment if skyscrapers are the new “steeple.”

I won’t try to answer that (except to say that I think that steeples - and all such “sacred space” - hold a unique value that can never be replaced).  But at the very least, it got me thinking: shouldn’t all Christian artists and artisans seek to give their very best to create works that point others toward Jesus?  It’s a worthy use of our gifts.

I know because today, somebody’s imagination, design and hard work drew my attention to my God, and reminded me that I am small, but He is big.

Any thoughts?  Any artists or artisans out there?  I say, go create a Spirit-inspired masterpiece for His glory.

Recently, Pastor John spoke to us from Revelation 3:14-21, and the problem of judging that can be all-too-common in our lives.

The problem stems, in part, from the same malady the Laodicean church had - thinking to ourselves, “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,” and yet, “not realizing that [we] are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17) - instead of, perhaps, following Jesus’ directive to, “first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5).

As we know, Biblically, there is “judging” (right from wrong, identifying & disciplining sin) and there is judging (condemning, treating as inferior, looking down on). This post is about the latter.

• Have you ever struggled with being judgmental? How did God help you to see that?
• How about this: do you see judging as a problem in the Body of Christ today?  How can it be remedied?

Any blog readers out there?  When I’ve had time, I’ve enjoyed reading several blogs from pastors, worship leaders and thought leaders. My current 2 favorites are:

Mark Driscoll - The Resurgence - for its practical theology & ecclesiology

Bob Kauflin - Worship Matters - for its worship theology and practical training

I usually tend to be more drawn to specific articles of interest, and vlogs (video blogs), especially when it comes to teaching and training.

How about you?  Your top two.

There are a number of you who are carrying God’s love to the fatherless. Some have adopted, some serve as foster parents, some support children through Compassion International or another advocate agency, and  others give of themselves, their time, their love or their money in a host of other ways.

And this group is doing an important work in God’s eyes. James 1:27 says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” And Isaiah 1:17 plainly says, “Defend the cause of the fatherless…”

So take a minute and let us know how you (or someone you know) is carrying out this ministry that is so dear to God’s heart.

Please join us in the Function Hall anytime this coming Sunday morning (5/16) for the DEC Ministry Fair. This is a great place to see the big picture - what DEC is doing through its ministries, and how you might serve at DEC. I can almost guarantee there’s more going on and more opportunities to serve than you expect!

If you’re unsure of how to get involved at DEC - or if you’re under the assumption that all the ministries are “all set” without you - THIS IS THE PLACE TO BE!

For the record, we don’t even look at ministry like that. One of DEC’s big values is Serving Together. That’s because Jesus has gifted you and called you to serve. He has placed you in this church to be a blessing to others. And He invites you to find real Life as a Christian by giving your life away. Sometimes people just don’t know this, so consider the following Scriptures.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 4:4-7 ESV, emphasis added)

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Galatians 5:13 ESV)

For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. (Matthew 16:25 ESV)

Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (Romans 12:11 ESV - ouch! I think that one was for me!)

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16 ESV)

Serving God in a DEC ministry is a great way to give glory to God, using your life and time and gifts in a way that says, “God is worth serving! Building His Kingdom is the best investment I could make!”

The Worship Ministry has lots of different places for people to serve - and they’re not all on stage! They don’t happen all on Sundays!  It’s not only for musicians!  Did you know that? Come to our table and find out more.

So if there’s any question in your mind: YOU BELONG HERE! God has a place for you to serve, build His Kingdom and taste the joy that is found by following in His footsteps.

See you downstairs this Sunday!

While on vacation, Kelly and I joked about the fact that we could watch the news on TV if we wanted to (we don’t have television now, and even when we did, somehow, watching the news with the kids around didn’t seem like a fun idea).  So that got me thinking:  how do people get their news nowadays?  Reading the paper?  Watching it on TV?  Online? Or do people even care about the news anymore?

Me?  I read it online, usually on my phone.  How about you?