12 Witnesses » Video

The Camel in the Christmas Musical

art rogers — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:30:08 +0000

A lot of churches will host Christmas events this time of year. Skelly Drive (where I pastor) used to have a Living Nativity that was somewhat groundbreaking in its day and is still remembered fondly by everyone that I’ve ever met that either put it on or attended.

Invariably, these productions, be they musicals or whatever, will begin to journey into the untested waters of live animal participants. Usually, this works well until they bring in the camel.

Camels are some of the most ill tempered animals you can ever be around. I saw one in a musical with a muzzle on to keep him from biting passersby. They stomp on you, lay down when you want them to stand, stand when you want them to lay down and are generally naughty in every way they think will aggravate you.

And they spit. Nasty stinky spit that you might be able to use as masonry compound in a pinch.

Not to mention that they smell horrible. You can’t bathe these guys often, it’s winter and the water is cold. But even if you can, they’ll be curling the nose hairs of your attendees within a few hours. It’s just their nature.

And pray they don’t pass gas during your event, especially if you are insane enough to bring them indoors. They can have your whole cast on the ground before the first wave hits the audience.

So, a little advice to you Christmas event planners out there. If the donkey, the cow and the occasional goose have worked out all right so far, stick with them. There really is no need to “up the ante” here.

Just because there are camels in the Middle East, doesn’t mean you have to have one in your church to make your event “authentic.”

But if you are stubborn and won’t heed my advice, pray this doesn’t happen to you:

I didn’t even notice it the first couple of times I watched it, but did you observe there was some poor woman, serving God the best way she knew how, coaxed up on top of the camel?

You see her bare feet and then, moments later, her head pops up. She looks a little disconcerted, don’t you think?

Comments

December 19, 2010, Bob Cleveland writes: A year ago, owing to the deconstruction and rebuilding of the Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, they moved the Alabama State Fair to a large lot adjoining the Verizon Music Center in Pelham. My son Brian is the Captain of Paramedics for the City of Pelham, so he worked the Fair as one of the on-duty medics. First night, a camel there on display, accidentally fell on, and was impaled by, a 3' stake holding down the corner of the tent. That was their first call there, and unfortunately they lost the patient. There was some hush-hush talk about animal sacrifice, but nothing was ever proven....

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Invariably, these productions, be they musicals or whatever, will begin to journey into the untested waters of live animal participants. Usually, this works well until they bring in the camel.

And they spit. Nasty stinky spit that you might be able to use as masonry compound in a pinch.

And pray they don’t pass gas during your event, especially if you are insane enough to bring them indoors. They can have your whole cast on the ground before the first wave hits the audience.

Just because there are camels in the Middle East, doesn’t mean you have to have one in your church to make your event “authentic.”

But if you are stubborn and won’t heed my advice, pray this doesn’t happen to you:

I didn’t even notice it the first couple of times I watched it, but did you observe there was some poor woman, serving God the best way she knew how, coaxed up on top of the camel?

You see her bare feet and then, moments later, her head pops up. She looks a little disconcerted, don’t you think?

Comments

December 19, 2010, Bob Cleveland writes: A year ago, owing to the deconstruction and rebuilding of the Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, they moved the Alabama State Fair to a large lot adjoining the Verizon Music Center in Pelham. My son Brian is the Captain of Paramedics for the City of Pelham, so he worked the Fair as one of the on-duty medics. First night, a camel there on display, accidentally fell on, and was impaled by, a 3' stake holding down the corner of the tent. That was their first call there, and unfortunately they lost the patient. There was some hush-hush talk about animal sacrifice, but nothing was ever proven....

Ed Stetzer on Missional Leadership

art rogers — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:16 +0000

Last year, the BGCO (Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma) invited Ed Stetzer to speak to leaders as part of our ongoing evangelism push.

Missional Leadership from Ed Stetzer on Vimeo.

Here’s the outline to the video:

Missional Leadership

1) Reconsideration of Leadership

a) From superman to everyone
b) From church to kingdom
c) From me to we
d) From personal power to people empowerment

2) Rejection of Clergification

a) From three tiers to one mission
b) From “called to the ministry” to “called to ministry”
c) From “called to missions” to “sent on mission”
d) From exceptional to ordinary
e) From “priests” to a “priesthood of believers”

3) Renewed focus on mission

a) From “full service” to “simple mission”
b) From “pay, pray, and get out of the way” to “join God on His mission”
c) From decisionism to disciple making
d) From “mission statement” to “Jesus mission”
Luke 4
Luke 19:10

4) Realignment of priorities

a) God is a missionary God
b) I personally join Him on mission – modeling
c) I lead others to join Him on mission – leadership
d) I equip others – multiplication

Found originally at: The Lifeway Research Blog

Last year, the BGCO (Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma) invited Ed Stetzer to speak to leaders as part of our ongoing evangelism push.

Missional Leadership from Ed Stetzer on Vimeo.

Here’s the outline to the video:

Missional Leadership

1) Reconsideration of Leadership

a) From superman to everyone
b) From church to kingdom
c) From me to we
d) From personal power to people empowerment

2) Rejection of Clergification

a) From three tiers to one mission
b) From “called to the ministry” to “called to ministry”
c) From “called to missions” to “sent on mission”
d) From exceptional to ordinary
e) From “priests” to a “priesthood of believers”

3) Renewed focus on mission

a) From “full service” to “simple mission”
b) From “pay, pray, and get out of the way” to “join God on His mission”
c) From decisionism to disciple making
d) From “mission statement” to “Jesus mission”
Luke 4
Luke 19:10

4) Realignment of priorities

a) God is a missionary God
b) I personally join Him on mission – modeling
c) I lead others to join Him on mission – leadership
d) I equip others – multiplication

Found originally at: The Lifeway Research Blog

Driscoll on Grace for the Disgraced

art rogers — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:43:13 +0000

Driscoll and Idolatry

art rogers — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:01:31 +0000

Amazing two minutes of video:

If we are to engage North America as missionaries, then we have got to deconstruct our own context and see it for what it is. If culture is our god, then we are doomed, but if culture is our language, we can communicate.

Comments

September 20, 2009, Charlie Cruce writes: Powerful and . . . convicting.

Amazing two minutes of video:

Comments

September 20, 2009, Charlie Cruce writes: Powerful and . . . convicting.

Driscoll on aborting a pregnancy from rape

art rogers — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:35:02 +0000

Really tough issue. Like Driscoll, rape incenses me and I have had several close friends who were raped, so my compassion for rape victims is very high.

Here’s how he handled the text message question:

Comments

April 24, 2009, BreAnna writes: Wow. Thank you for posting this. It is cool to see the heart of a pastor come through on these politically charged questions.
April 25, 2009, Kevin Bussey writes: Great video! Kevin Busseys last blog post..The future of Christianity in the United States
April 25, 2009, cb scott writes: Art, Driscoll gave the only answer there is to give. I don't understand why there would even be the necessity for the disclaimer. Frankly, I think part of his disclaimer was silly (buttermilk statement). I, along with many other guys, was preaching the truth of this 35 years ago. (In the small mountain and the megachurch) Women with headcoverings or men who charn their own buttermilk have nothing to do with it. Truth is truth. Guys should tell the truth no matter where they are. Our problem is that we haver so many panty-waist sissies in ministry in the pulpit today that Driscoll felt he had to give a disclaimer before he addressed the question. On a lighter note; I trust you are in well health and prospering in our Lord Jesus. Maybe I will see you around someday. cb

Really tough issue. Like Driscoll, rape incenses me and I have had several close friends who were raped, so my compassion for rape victims is very high.

Here’s how he handled the text message question:

Comments

April 24, 2009, BreAnna writes: Wow. Thank you for posting this. It is cool to see the heart of a pastor come through on these politically charged questions.
April 25, 2009, Kevin Bussey writes: Great video! Kevin Busseys last blog post..The future of Christianity in the United States
April 25, 2009, cb scott writes: Art, Driscoll gave the only answer there is to give. I don't understand why there would even be the necessity for the disclaimer. Frankly, I think part of his disclaimer was silly (buttermilk statement). I, along with many other guys, was preaching the truth of this 35 years ago. (In the small mountain and the megachurch) Women with headcoverings or men who charn their own buttermilk have nothing to do with it. Truth is truth. Guys should tell the truth no matter where they are. Our problem is that we haver so many panty-waist sissies in ministry in the pulpit today that Driscoll felt he had to give a disclaimer before he addressed the question. On a lighter note; I trust you are in well health and prospering in our Lord Jesus. Maybe I will see you around someday. cb

Mark Driscoll on Joel Osteen

art rogers — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:01:42 +0000

Yep, it’s pretty blunt, but not mean spirited.

Comments

April 21, 2009, Bob Cleveland writes: Blunt, yes. Appropriate, yes. Thanks for posting this. Is it just me, or is Rev. Osteen becoming more "name it/claim it" while still avoiding pentecostalism? Hmmmmm. Bob Clevelands last blog post..The Death Penalty: good .. bad .. ugly..
April 21, 2009, art rogers writes: He's always been like that. I grew up in Houston, so I knew that church when his father was the pastor. John (dad) died and Joel sort of inherited it. Their theology/practice always was pretty charismatic. It actually seems that he's gone a little backward from what it was originally.
April 21, 2009, Kevin Bussey writes: Great clip Art. Thanks. Kevin Busseys last blog post..Pay it forward-Birmingham style!
April 21, 2009, Barry Martin writes: I think Driscoll misses the point. Jesus died on the cross and rose again so that we CAN live a victorious life. Joel Osteen doesn't leave God out of the equation. In the above example, he says, "We are children of the Most High God." I think if polled, the members (and attenders) of Lakewood Church, some of which I know personally, would tell you they are living victorious and prosperous lives. It doesn't mean they don't struggle, but they are living in victory over Satan. In addition, they go out into a hurting world and are some of the most encouraging people I've ever met. I say let's not be too quick to judge. Thousands have come to Christ because of Joel Osteen, Lakewood Church, and its ministry. And isn't that REALLY what it's all about? Mouse print: The opinions expressed are those of my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my former classmates, friends, or family members.
April 21, 2009, art rogers writes: I don't think Driscoll misses the point at all. Jesus died on the cross to bring us back to God. The life Osteen describes is not in keeping with the whole of Scripture. On the one hand, Jesus says that He has come to give us abundant life. On the other, Paul says: "29 For it has been given to you on Christ's behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, 30 having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear about me." Phil. 1:29-30 I don't think anyone is too hasty in judging - and disagreeing is not judging. As for how many have put their faith in the Gospel, that is unknown to me - and everyone else, for that matter. Judging that really is beyond us all.
April 27, 2009, Curtis Parish writes: None of the apostles could have measured up to Joel's definition of a victorious Christian life. None of them were wealthy, most ended up in jail and Paul asked many times for a thorn to be removed. If only Paul had heard one of Joel's sermons and known he could have claimed victory over that thorn.
April 27, 2009, Barry Martin writes: Joel, me, and at least 43,000 other people are living victorious Christian lives. Wonder where I went wrong.
April 28, 2009, Bart writes: I claim victory from sin because of Jesus' righteousness. I still sin though. I am not naive to think believers claim a life of properity. Not prosperity in health, wealth, or family. We read that God will be with us always and will not put us through any trial or tribulation we cannot handle. Instead of looking for prosperity we should "act justly, love righteousness, and walk HUMBLY with our God!"

Yep, it’s pretty blunt, but not mean spirited.

Comments

April 21, 2009, Bob Cleveland writes: Blunt, yes. Appropriate, yes. Thanks for posting this. Is it just me, or is Rev. Osteen becoming more "name it/claim it" while still avoiding pentecostalism? Hmmmmm. Bob Clevelands last blog post..The Death Penalty: good .. bad .. ugly..
April 21, 2009, art rogers writes: He's always been like that. I grew up in Houston, so I knew that church when his father was the pastor. John (dad) died and Joel sort of inherited it. Their theology/practice always was pretty charismatic. It actually seems that he's gone a little backward from what it was originally.
April 21, 2009, Kevin Bussey writes: Great clip Art. Thanks. Kevin Busseys last blog post..Pay it forward-Birmingham style!
April 21, 2009, Barry Martin writes: I think Driscoll misses the point. Jesus died on the cross and rose again so that we CAN live a victorious life. Joel Osteen doesn't leave God out of the equation. In the above example, he says, "We are children of the Most High God." I think if polled, the members (and attenders) of Lakewood Church, some of which I know personally, would tell you they are living victorious and prosperous lives. It doesn't mean they don't struggle, but they are living in victory over Satan. In addition, they go out into a hurting world and are some of the most encouraging people I've ever met. I say let's not be too quick to judge. Thousands have come to Christ because of Joel Osteen, Lakewood Church, and its ministry. And isn't that REALLY what it's all about? Mouse print: The opinions expressed are those of my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my former classmates, friends, or family members.
April 21, 2009, art rogers writes: I don't think Driscoll misses the point at all. Jesus died on the cross to bring us back to God. The life Osteen describes is not in keeping with the whole of Scripture. On the one hand, Jesus says that He has come to give us abundant life. On the other, Paul says: "29 For it has been given to you on Christ's behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, 30 having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear about me." Phil. 1:29-30 I don't think anyone is too hasty in judging - and disagreeing is not judging. As for how many have put their faith in the Gospel, that is unknown to me - and everyone else, for that matter. Judging that really is beyond us all.
April 27, 2009, Curtis Parish writes: None of the apostles could have measured up to Joel's definition of a victorious Christian life. None of them were wealthy, most ended up in jail and Paul asked many times for a thorn to be removed. If only Paul had heard one of Joel's sermons and known he could have claimed victory over that thorn.
April 27, 2009, Barry Martin writes: Joel, me, and at least 43,000 other people are living victorious Christian lives. Wonder where I went wrong.
April 28, 2009, Bart writes: I claim victory from sin because of Jesus' righteousness. I still sin though. I am not naive to think believers claim a life of properity. Not prosperity in health, wealth, or family. We read that God will be with us always and will not put us through any trial or tribulation we cannot handle. Instead of looking for prosperity we should "act justly, love righteousness, and walk HUMBLY with our God!"

Songs about Heaven

art rogers — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:23:42 +0000

I was with some fellow American believers the other day and we were looking through a collection of old songbooks that they had. Some predated me, but others brought back some songs that I sang as a teenager. It was somewhat humorous remembering some of the songs that were so shallow from that era. We joined in singing several to give a hint to the younger ones in the crowd what the songs were like, and that was even more humorous – us signing badly.

Then a few older songs of heaven came up and the question was asked, “Why do Senior Adults enjoy songs of Heaven so much?” since they seem to be favorites of many of the seniors we know.

The consensus was that Heaven was probably on their minds, and it was a comfort to them to know where they are going.

The next day I was driving home from dropping my kids at school and Jeremy Camp came on the radio with the song, “There will be a day.”

I realized that our fondness for singing of Heaven was not generational. As I thought about it, it seemed to me that American Christians have always sung of Heaven, seeking comfort.

Why is that? Do Christians from every culture do this? Some certainly have more hardships than others.

It seems that, while Heaven is a great promise and one to which I cling, Paul points us to a longing for living here as a servant to the Kingdom being just as strong a pull:

²⁰ My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

²¹ For me, living is Christ and dying is gain. ²² Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. ²³ I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ —which is far better — ²⁴ but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. ²⁵ Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your advancement and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that, because of me, your confidence may grow in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. ²⁷ Just one thing: live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸ not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is evidence of their destruction, but of your deliverance —and this is from God. ²⁹ For it has been given to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, ³⁰ having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear about me.

Philippians 1:20-30

It seems that we ought to long equally as much to be of some Kingdom use here. In this world and in this time.

Then a few older songs of heaven came up and the question was asked, “Why do Senior Adults enjoy songs of Heaven so much?” since they seem to be favorites of many of the seniors we know.

The consensus was that Heaven was probably on their minds, and it was a comfort to them to know where they are going.

The next day I was driving home from dropping my kids at school and Jeremy Camp came on the radio with the song, “There will be a day.”

I realized that our fondness for singing of Heaven was not generational. As I thought about it, it seemed to me that American Christians have always sung of Heaven, seeking comfort.

Why is that? Do Christians from every culture do this? Some certainly have more hardships than others.

It seems that, while Heaven is a great promise and one to which I cling, Paul points us to a longing for living here as a servant to the Kingdom being just as strong a pull:

²⁰ My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

²¹ For me, living is Christ and dying is gain. ²² Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. ²³ I am pressured by both. I have the desire to depart and be with Christ —which is far better — ²⁴ but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you. ²⁵ Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your advancement and joy in the faith, ²⁶ so that, because of me, your confidence may grow in Christ Jesus when I come to you again. ²⁷ Just one thing: live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, working side by side for the faith of the gospel, ²⁸ not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is evidence of their destruction, but of your deliverance —and this is from God. ²⁹ For it has been given to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, ³⁰ having the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear about me.

Philippians 1:20-30

It seems that we ought to long equally as much to be of some Kingdom use here. In this world and in this time.

Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry Sketch

art rogers — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 06:01:20 +0000

Love British humor.

Apparently, BBC doesn’t want their stuff embedded on blogs, so they disabled it. You can catch it on youtube.

Comments

April 9, 2009, Micah Fowler writes: Hilarious!!
April 9, 2009, Josh writes: I love this skit. I actually showed it to my students a few weeks ago as a transition video. They loved it. British comedy cracks me up.

Love British humor.

Apparently, BBC doesn’t want their stuff embedded on blogs, so they disabled it. You can catch it on youtube.

Comments

April 9, 2009, Micah Fowler writes: Hilarious!!
April 9, 2009, Josh writes: I love this skit. I actually showed it to my students a few weeks ago as a transition video. They loved it. British comedy cracks me up.

Mark Driscoll on Evangelism: Not Imposing but Proposing

art rogers — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 06:01:27 +0000

HT: Cole Hedgecock

Some Missional Minatrea

art rogers — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 06:01:56 +0000

If you don’t know Milfred Minatrea, you should. This is some good stuff to get you started.

The Missional Church Center – using the arts to reach people

Attractional or Incarnational?

More Attractional v. Incarnational…

If you don’t know Milfred Minatrea, you should. This is some good stuff to get you started.

The Missional Church Center – using the arts to reach people

Attractional or Incarnational?

More Attractional v. Incarnational…

12 Witnesses » Video

The Camel in the Christmas Musical

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