As April 8 sneaks rapidly upon us, we here at Escalator Church are working furiously to finalize plans for our 2012 Easter Extravaganza. Even though we cannot yet afford to hold services at the local sports stadium, this year's event promises to rival some of the greatest Easter stunts of recent American evangelical history. No, we won't be forcing you to wear 3-D glasses throughout the service, and we aren't so childish as to ask the Easter Bunny to hop up and down the aisles. But we promise that you will be entertained and that you will leave and wander off to Easter brunch feeling wonderful about yourself and knowing that you are special. Oh, and you will also briefly be reminded that Jesus died for your sin and rose again on the third day. Don't fret, however, we most assuredly will not dwell long on the idea of "sin," because we know that it would only ruin the bright, sunny mood of this Spring day.Ladies, it's well known that an Easter service often causes you to break out the pastels and whites in your wardrobe. While we do not wish to spoil any surprises, we would like to warn you that there is a potential that Silly String and/or "Flying Peeps" will be involved in the service. Escalator Church assumes no liability for any damaged clothing, and will not reimburse any dry cleaning costs that may be incurred. We will, however, offer plastic rain ponchos, and we encourage you to take one and wear it should you be fearful of your Easter best being ruined by any of our activities or illustrations.
Bring your friends, this promises to be the best Easter Extravaganza ever! For now, though, focus on today and peruse your week in review (kind of):
- The Common English Bible is accelerating in best seller status. You remember the CEB, the new translation that decided to change Jesus' title of "Son of Man" to "the human One?" The growing popularity of this translation is just one more sad commentary on the state of "Christianity" in America.
- Phil Johnson discusses the importance of boundaries.
- Russell Crowe is going to portray Noah in an upcoming film. Good to know that I can save myself the $12 and skip that movie.
- A former elder of Mars Hill Church and his wife have decided to come forward and share their experience of spiritual abuse at the hands of Mark Driscoll and the leadership of this church. Paul Petry's website shares extensive documentation of his experience, and his wife has written a comprehensive account as well. Sadly, I fear that his story could be echoed by many within similar mega church empires.
- The Cripplegate discusses the grace-gift of repentance.
- A California pastor will hold his Easter service at a local mosque. (No, it isn't Rick Warren, so don't even bother with that in the comment thread). Ironically, the pastor doesn't even believe in Jesus' resurrection, so I'm not sure I see the point of even holding an Easter service...
- Some of you may have noticed in the comment thread of this post that a special "men only" prayer service was held a couple weeks ago at Harvest Bible Chapel. This post offers some insight into what was said that evening, however it is important to note that the author of that post was not actually present.
- If you were unable to watch the live stream of the Shepherd's Conference, video of the general sessions are now online and available here.
Mark Driscoll is a wolf, plain and simple. I cannot believe how he abused Paul Petry, what a mockery of how the Church is supposed to handle matters of disagreement.
ReplyDeleteI read his wife's narrative last night. It was gracious in the extreme. I know how much spiritual abuse from a pastor of a church hurts, and I can't imagine her pain because she is a mother and a daughter of family members who also attended with her. I am humbled by her grace, and I applaud her courage for writing what she did. I am also glad we serve a holy God who will rectify all wrongs done in His name on His Day.
ReplyDeletePremier hollywood hasn't gone near a bible story in years. We know who controls that industry so we can expect to see it butchered but who knows God could intervene. I'm still surprised to this day at the job Mel Gibson did with Passion of The Christ.
ReplyDeleteMy brother is a children's pastor, my dad is a deacon and my mom just knows alot of people in the church I grew up in (don't attend anymore) and I've heard of things somewhat similar to what I read in his wife's narrative being done. It's why I always assume that nothing is ever the way it seems when it comes to church leadership. I know this might not be right but I can't help it I just go to church but I'd personally rather not know what's going on behind the scenes, there's always ridiculous drama.
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