Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Harmonizing
I lead music for the youth on Wednesday nights. I play guitar and sing. I've played guitar for about 8 years now. I'm not great, but I know a thing or two about writing music and how to generally make the guitar NOT sound like a dying cat. I also sing. I've only been singing for a year. I don't think I'm horrible at it. I can carry a tune (granted, my bucket still has a few holes in it.) But one thing I've never been able to do is Harmonize. If you're unfamiliar with what Harmonizing is, its essentially singing a different melody over top of the melody that everyone else sings. It makes the music sound more full and complete (Remember that for later.) I can't sing the harmony, and I struggle to sing the melody while someone is singing the harmony beside me. It pulls me off and makes me frustrated (and sometimes angry) because they aren't singing the same notes as I am. I don't get angry that they are talented and awesome at singing the harmony, I get angry because it pulls me off, challenges me to concentrate hard, and make sure that I nail the notes that I'm supposed to sing perfectly, or else we'll both get off.
Why is he telling this story? I know there is a spiritual lesson here somewhere, but i don't see it! Actually, you've probably already guessed where this is going. =)
1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Notice the word usage. "harmony." Why does Paul choose the word "Harmony" and not "Unison?" Because we're not meant to be in unison. We're all apart of the body of Christ
1 Cor. 12:4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men....... 14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
We have created a pitfall in the american church (and specifically, the Southern Baptist Denomination) in thinking that everyone who serves Christ has to serve in the same capacity as we do. We're turned off by people who do things differently, people that break barriers, people that do things so radical that the church is flipped upside down. Here's a quote from Steve Jobs, found of computer giant Macintosh.
"Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."
We're totally open to missionaries in foreign countries. We hear stories of how bluetree was playing music in a bar in Thailand and recieved divine inspiration for the song "God of this City." We hear that and think "wow! that's awesome!" No one will argue with that. But when people hear that the Wall Highway music team will be playing at Jimmy's (we're not, this is just hypothetical), people flip out! "That's so 'unchristian-like!' How could they do that!? Playing music in such a sinful place!" But I ask you, what is the difference?
Why is he telling this story? I know there is a spiritual lesson here somewhere, but i don't see it! Actually, you've probably already guessed where this is going. =)
1 Peter 3:8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Notice the word usage. "harmony." Why does Paul choose the word "Harmony" and not "Unison?" Because we're not meant to be in unison. We're all apart of the body of Christ
1 Cor. 12:4There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men....... 14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
We have created a pitfall in the american church (and specifically, the Southern Baptist Denomination) in thinking that everyone who serves Christ has to serve in the same capacity as we do. We're turned off by people who do things differently, people that break barriers, people that do things so radical that the church is flipped upside down. Here's a quote from Steve Jobs, found of computer giant Macintosh.
"Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes... the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules... You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things... they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."
We're totally open to missionaries in foreign countries. We hear stories of how bluetree was playing music in a bar in Thailand and recieved divine inspiration for the song "God of this City." We hear that and think "wow! that's awesome!" No one will argue with that. But when people hear that the Wall Highway music team will be playing at Jimmy's (we're not, this is just hypothetical), people flip out! "That's so 'unchristian-like!' How could they do that!? Playing music in such a sinful place!" But I ask you, what is the difference?
This is exactly the kind of thing I'm talking about. Not recognizing the different roles of the body of Christ. Some are meant to be the head - Pastors, planners, wealthy businessmen who give huge monetary donations for the cause of Christ- some are meant to be the hands - young people who are full of energy and physical capabilites - some are meant to be the shoulder - those people who you can go to when you're upset and need someone to comfort you - and some are meant to be the feet - going places where the gospel has never been preached and doing things that have never been done for the sake of Christ.
People with different gifts and different callings make the church more full and complete.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
I'm Appalled
quick post.
I've heard so many disrespectful, rude comments in the past few days directed toward President Obama by people who claim to follow Christ. I don't care if you agree with his government philosophies. Calling him names, yelling "booo" everytime his name is mentioned is downright disrespectful and doesn't reflect Christ in the least bit.
Wake up people. Obama isn't the Anti-Christ. He simply has beliefs that differ from most of ours. Instead of disrespecting him, lets pray for him and support him.
Makes sense doesn't it? Of course it does.
I've heard so many disrespectful, rude comments in the past few days directed toward President Obama by people who claim to follow Christ. I don't care if you agree with his government philosophies. Calling him names, yelling "booo" everytime his name is mentioned is downright disrespectful and doesn't reflect Christ in the least bit.
Wake up people. Obama isn't the Anti-Christ. He simply has beliefs that differ from most of ours. Instead of disrespecting him, lets pray for him and support him.
Makes sense doesn't it? Of course it does.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Simple Question
I have one simple question for the millions of faithful followers of my blog (pffft....ya....).
Paul the Apostle was one of the greatest advocates for the Christian faith in history. Let's speak hypothetically here though. Suppose Paul wasn't born during the time of the early church. Suppose he lived now. One day, your church body receives a letter entitled, "To the Church in America" and enclosed is the exact same letters he wrote to the church in Corinth (but remember, Paul never existed, so you have no knowledge of 1 and 2 Corinthians or any of that stuff because, obviously, it never existed). Now i know there are many little things that could be argued like "well, we wouldn't be doing X or Y if Paul had never existed." But let's keep it simple.
Question: Would Paul's Theology be questioned by the modern-day church?
Paul the Apostle was one of the greatest advocates for the Christian faith in history. Let's speak hypothetically here though. Suppose Paul wasn't born during the time of the early church. Suppose he lived now. One day, your church body receives a letter entitled, "To the Church in America" and enclosed is the exact same letters he wrote to the church in Corinth (but remember, Paul never existed, so you have no knowledge of 1 and 2 Corinthians or any of that stuff because, obviously, it never existed). Now i know there are many little things that could be argued like "well, we wouldn't be doing X or Y if Paul had never existed." But let's keep it simple.
Question: Would Paul's Theology be questioned by the modern-day church?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
My First Battle (step 1)
As I sat thinking as to how I would tell my parents about my conviction, I asked myself, "What's the most challenging, enlightening, and tactful way I could present my conviction to my parents." So it hit me. Don't ask them to debate me, but ask them to examine scripture. It seems kind of like a "duh" thing, but I wanted to make absolutely sure I remained tactful and loving toward them, but still challenge them. The last thing I want to do (as previously stated) is come off as "just another rebellious teen." Surprisingly, they were incredibly open to it. Here are the three things that my proposition asks of them.
Challenging- It forces them to search, examine, and make inferences regarding the teachings of Christ and the rest of Scripture (mostly the New Testament.)
Enlightening- Hopefully, through the examination of Scripture, their minds will be opened and they will realize what Scriptures say ( or don't say) regarding this particular issue.
Tactful- Basically, they can argue with me and and my personal beliefs, but they CAN NOT argue with Scripture. My approach alleviates any friction that might come about because of such a sensitive ("sensitive"-whodathunkit?) issue.
Shane Claiborne tells a story in his book The Irresistable Revolution. It goes something like this: There is a young boy walking along the road one day when he sees a house in flames (I'm not talking about a little kitchen fire, I mean FREAKIN ABLAZE!). So the boy runs to the house next door and grabs the water hose, turns it on, and runs over to the house that's on fire. As he begins to spray the flames he realizes that across the street from the house there are several fire trucks full of sleeping firemen! Now the boy faces a choice. He can continue to spray the fire with his puny little hose. OOOOOORRRR, he can spray the firemen, waking them up and they can put out the fire together, and with much more firepower (or.....eh.....waterpower.)
I know that there are many people who see things wrong with the American church. They are are completely cool with wearing raggedy clothes to Sunday morning church gatherings. But knowing HOW to put out a fire and actually PUTTING out the fire are two different things. People who know HOW to do something are a dime-a-dozen. But those that are actually willing to do it are much more rare. I'm hoping that the number of people who are fed up with this nonsense will increase, and that those people will actually put their anger (righteous anger, i might add) into play.
And just a clarifier, When i said that I don't think that coming on Sunday mornings to the sanctuary is fellowship, i didn't mean that it cannot become fellowship. I just meant that in its present state, for the most part, it is not anything close to fellowship.
Challenging- It forces them to search, examine, and make inferences regarding the teachings of Christ and the rest of Scripture (mostly the New Testament.)
Enlightening- Hopefully, through the examination of Scripture, their minds will be opened and they will realize what Scriptures say ( or don't say) regarding this particular issue.
Tactful- Basically, they can argue with me and and my personal beliefs, but they CAN NOT argue with Scripture. My approach alleviates any friction that might come about because of such a sensitive ("sensitive"-whodathunkit?) issue.
Shane Claiborne tells a story in his book The Irresistable Revolution. It goes something like this: There is a young boy walking along the road one day when he sees a house in flames (I'm not talking about a little kitchen fire, I mean FREAKIN ABLAZE!). So the boy runs to the house next door and grabs the water hose, turns it on, and runs over to the house that's on fire. As he begins to spray the flames he realizes that across the street from the house there are several fire trucks full of sleeping firemen! Now the boy faces a choice. He can continue to spray the fire with his puny little hose. OOOOOORRRR, he can spray the firemen, waking them up and they can put out the fire together, and with much more firepower (or.....eh.....waterpower.)
I know that there are many people who see things wrong with the American church. They are are completely cool with wearing raggedy clothes to Sunday morning church gatherings. But knowing HOW to put out a fire and actually PUTTING out the fire are two different things. People who know HOW to do something are a dime-a-dozen. But those that are actually willing to do it are much more rare. I'm hoping that the number of people who are fed up with this nonsense will increase, and that those people will actually put their anger (righteous anger, i might add) into play.
And just a clarifier, When i said that I don't think that coming on Sunday mornings to the sanctuary is fellowship, i didn't mean that it cannot become fellowship. I just meant that in its present state, for the most part, it is not anything close to fellowship.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
My First Battle.
I was told 3 weeks ago to "pick my battles" after I wore jeans to our Sunday morning church gathering. The person told me he had (has) no problem with it, but that others in the church body might would not like me wearing jeans while on stage playing guitar in front of everybody. My question to him (as well as anyone who feels the same way) is, "when are we going to pick a battle?" and "What battle IS worth it?"
I understand that what clothes you wear has nothing to do with your relationship with Christ (unless of course, your clothes are immodest). But the issue here goes beyond the actual clothing. It's the reasons for the "clothing rule" that anger me. We have these "baptist" sins - Drinking (debatable), Dancing, Music, and Clothes just to name a few. When, in reality, none of those have any scriptural backup (except drinking, but that's a different discussion for someone much wiser than I). When are we going to challenge these "Baptist Sins?" I'm starting now, you're welcome to join too.
So, I'm about to break it to my parents that I'm sick of being forced to dress up all pretty just to attend Sunday Church gatherings. Christ and this disciples had the clothes on their backs, and that was it. Fellowship among Christ and his disciples didn't consist of putting on their fanciest robes. In fact, they owned nothing. That's right, nothing. Fellowship for them consisted of sitting around a camp fire in the middle of the desert and discussing the days events, their trials, the future, that funny time John was running to catch up with the rest of the gang and tripped over a rock and fell. They did life together. THAT was, and still is, Fellowship. Doing life together. Actually-hypothetically speaking-, now that i think about it, if Jesus and his disciples DID in fact dress all pretty to fellowship together, I'm not sure that i would still dress up to attend Sunday services. Why? Sunday services aren't fellowship. That's right. I said it. Coming on Sunday morning and singing songs and listening to pastor preach and then walking out the door as complacent as ever doesn't equate to fellowship.
True Fellowship is that night that the Wall Highway Music Team sat around at John King's house and improvised praise songs while sipping on ice tea and just having a good time being among fellow believers.
True Fellowship is that time at Larry McWhorters house where those going on the Trinidad mission trip swam, at hamburgers, prepared our hearts for what was ahead of us, and just had a good time being in the presence of other believers.
True fellowship is that time at Ed Courtney's house where Me and Nathan Gilbert sat out by the pool and argued over various theological topics, but at the end of the day, I love him and he loves me because we both know that the other is truly trying to follow Christ.
Now, don't get me wrong. I DO NOT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM condemn those that simply choose to wear suits and ties because that's their style. But it's when they say to me, "my style is more 'church appropriate' so you have to wear what i wear."
I'm going to edit this post tomorrow. It's bedtime for jakey.
I understand that what clothes you wear has nothing to do with your relationship with Christ (unless of course, your clothes are immodest). But the issue here goes beyond the actual clothing. It's the reasons for the "clothing rule" that anger me. We have these "baptist" sins - Drinking (debatable), Dancing, Music, and Clothes just to name a few. When, in reality, none of those have any scriptural backup (except drinking, but that's a different discussion for someone much wiser than I). When are we going to challenge these "Baptist Sins?" I'm starting now, you're welcome to join too.
So, I'm about to break it to my parents that I'm sick of being forced to dress up all pretty just to attend Sunday Church gatherings. Christ and this disciples had the clothes on their backs, and that was it. Fellowship among Christ and his disciples didn't consist of putting on their fanciest robes. In fact, they owned nothing. That's right, nothing. Fellowship for them consisted of sitting around a camp fire in the middle of the desert and discussing the days events, their trials, the future, that funny time John was running to catch up with the rest of the gang and tripped over a rock and fell. They did life together. THAT was, and still is, Fellowship. Doing life together. Actually-hypothetically speaking-, now that i think about it, if Jesus and his disciples DID in fact dress all pretty to fellowship together, I'm not sure that i would still dress up to attend Sunday services. Why? Sunday services aren't fellowship. That's right. I said it. Coming on Sunday morning and singing songs and listening to pastor preach and then walking out the door as complacent as ever doesn't equate to fellowship.
True Fellowship is that night that the Wall Highway Music Team sat around at John King's house and improvised praise songs while sipping on ice tea and just having a good time being among fellow believers.
True Fellowship is that time at Larry McWhorters house where those going on the Trinidad mission trip swam, at hamburgers, prepared our hearts for what was ahead of us, and just had a good time being in the presence of other believers.
True fellowship is that time at Ed Courtney's house where Me and Nathan Gilbert sat out by the pool and argued over various theological topics, but at the end of the day, I love him and he loves me because we both know that the other is truly trying to follow Christ.
Now, don't get me wrong. I DO NOT IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM condemn those that simply choose to wear suits and ties because that's their style. But it's when they say to me, "my style is more 'church appropriate' so you have to wear what i wear."
I'm going to edit this post tomorrow. It's bedtime for jakey.
Monday, January 26, 2009
I'm sick of it.
Follow The Wolves-Demon Hunter
Run
Every second is a pure affliction
But I can feel your pain
Choke back the burn of wrath as they violate your name
No sign of innocence in this godforsaken place
When the truth is in your hands, they'll spit upon your face
Dismantle the ground they stand on
Give power a name
You've traveled the path of slander
Now bury the shame
Shed rejection
Learn to follow the wolves
Run away to the blackened sky, through the fear of disbelief
Run away from the hollow cries, to the shelter of release
Run away to the blackened sky, through the fear of disbelief
Run away from the hollow cries, to immunity
See the struggle of the faithless lot as they negate their time
How low to sink to the depths of their frame of mind
Dismantle the ground they stand on
Give power a name
You've traveled the path of slander
Now bury the shame
Shed rejection
Learn to follow the wolves
No tear for desolation
Nearing the end of our misery
[The idea behind Follow The Wolves comes from a thought I had about being "wolves in sheep's clothing," and how you could very well refer to us (a Christian heavy metal band) as "sheep in wolves clothing." And in conjunction with that thought, I thought of how the term "sheep" was often used to deem someone a mindless follower. And if someone were being a "sheep" by mindlessly following the flock of worldly desires, then again, we must be the wolves. This idea got me thinking about some of the fans that have written us that feel like outsiders in their schools or churches. There are a lot of Demon Hunter that feel very alone in their principles and convictions within their environment, and they've written to thank us for being a source of inspiration and stability for them. This song is for all of the fans out there, pressured to follow the rest of the world and fit in with the crowd. The pre-chorus says "Shed rejection, learn to follow the wolves," which means to forget about the ridicule from your peers. Follow us, the outcasts. We understand your struggles and we will overcome this world.
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
-Matthew 7: 13, 14]
This song was written by Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter. If you just skipped over it because you didn't feel like reading it, then go back to the top and read it. Don't go any further until you have read the lyrics AND the explanation.
I'm done talking about reform in the Church. We (the Christ-Followers) have the truth. We see how perverted the modern day church is. We know there has to be change, and every day that we do nothing we are no better than the millions of lukewarm "Christians" that come "do church" every Sunday morning and say "amen" to every thing the pastor says but then go out and do NOTHING! We talk and talk and talk about how the church needs change but we're too afraid to act - albeit, some of us have "understandable" reasons (job security, financial needs, etc). I will admit, those are understandable, but still not acceptable. We have the truth about what the church was REALLY meant to be, but we sit.....and wait....but for what? Every day we don't do something about it, we're sending people to hell. We're saying to them "I hate you too much to tell you about Christ and who he REALLY wants you to be! I'm going to set here and live my life and let you burn for eternity in hell. Did I mention I hate you?"
Hebrews 4:12-"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, as it judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart."
When we start doing what Christ said and start going against what the establish, American church says, we're going to be met with opposition. No question about it. People don't WANT give up their comfortable lifestyle. They don't WANT to truly seek after Christ because it requires them to change for real. I hung out with a guy tonight who is absolutely, 100% sold out for Christ. He's going to live with the homeless people in Tent City because God has called him to do it. AMAZING! He told me a quote by an unknown author. It goes something like this, "Lukewarm Christians want to be saved from the punishment of sin, but they don't want to be saved from their sins."
Notice: As of January 26, 2009, Jacob Woods has officially stopped caring about what is deemed "acceptable" by the American "church". The only opinion that matters to him is Christ's. He isn't setting out to tick people off out of rebellion, but out of love for their souls.
Run
Every second is a pure affliction
But I can feel your pain
Choke back the burn of wrath as they violate your name
No sign of innocence in this godforsaken place
When the truth is in your hands, they'll spit upon your face
Dismantle the ground they stand on
Give power a name
You've traveled the path of slander
Now bury the shame
Shed rejection
Learn to follow the wolves
Run away to the blackened sky, through the fear of disbelief
Run away from the hollow cries, to the shelter of release
Run away to the blackened sky, through the fear of disbelief
Run away from the hollow cries, to immunity
See the struggle of the faithless lot as they negate their time
How low to sink to the depths of their frame of mind
Dismantle the ground they stand on
Give power a name
You've traveled the path of slander
Now bury the shame
Shed rejection
Learn to follow the wolves
No tear for desolation
Nearing the end of our misery
[The idea behind Follow The Wolves comes from a thought I had about being "wolves in sheep's clothing," and how you could very well refer to us (a Christian heavy metal band) as "sheep in wolves clothing." And in conjunction with that thought, I thought of how the term "sheep" was often used to deem someone a mindless follower. And if someone were being a "sheep" by mindlessly following the flock of worldly desires, then again, we must be the wolves. This idea got me thinking about some of the fans that have written us that feel like outsiders in their schools or churches. There are a lot of Demon Hunter that feel very alone in their principles and convictions within their environment, and they've written to thank us for being a source of inspiration and stability for them. This song is for all of the fans out there, pressured to follow the rest of the world and fit in with the crowd. The pre-chorus says "Shed rejection, learn to follow the wolves," which means to forget about the ridicule from your peers. Follow us, the outcasts. We understand your struggles and we will overcome this world.
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
-Matthew 7: 13, 14]
This song was written by Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter. If you just skipped over it because you didn't feel like reading it, then go back to the top and read it. Don't go any further until you have read the lyrics AND the explanation.
I'm done talking about reform in the Church. We (the Christ-Followers) have the truth. We see how perverted the modern day church is. We know there has to be change, and every day that we do nothing we are no better than the millions of lukewarm "Christians" that come "do church" every Sunday morning and say "amen" to every thing the pastor says but then go out and do NOTHING! We talk and talk and talk about how the church needs change but we're too afraid to act - albeit, some of us have "understandable" reasons (job security, financial needs, etc). I will admit, those are understandable, but still not acceptable. We have the truth about what the church was REALLY meant to be, but we sit.....and wait....but for what? Every day we don't do something about it, we're sending people to hell. We're saying to them "I hate you too much to tell you about Christ and who he REALLY wants you to be! I'm going to set here and live my life and let you burn for eternity in hell. Did I mention I hate you?"
Hebrews 4:12-"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, as it judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart."
When we start doing what Christ said and start going against what the establish, American church says, we're going to be met with opposition. No question about it. People don't WANT give up their comfortable lifestyle. They don't WANT to truly seek after Christ because it requires them to change for real. I hung out with a guy tonight who is absolutely, 100% sold out for Christ. He's going to live with the homeless people in Tent City because God has called him to do it. AMAZING! He told me a quote by an unknown author. It goes something like this, "Lukewarm Christians want to be saved from the punishment of sin, but they don't want to be saved from their sins."
Notice: As of January 26, 2009, Jacob Woods has officially stopped caring about what is deemed "acceptable" by the American "church". The only opinion that matters to him is Christ's. He isn't setting out to tick people off out of rebellion, but out of love for their souls.
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