oh yeah….and the ‘Canes won…..Stanley begins monday night….GO OILERS!!!

Saw The Da Vinci Code last night. Im sure there will be more thoughts forthcoming, but here are a few observations.

When/if you go see this movie, which is worth seeing at least once, have the mindset of going to see a movie. In Indiana Jones, none of us got caught up on what it all meant to the church that there was a holy grail. Enjoy it as the movie/plot/characters/etc. takes you on a journey, and get caught up in it. As a movie, although somewhat predictable, it still has twists and turns.

If youve watched the news, talked with Christians, or read any new books/publications lately, you know that the movie is filled with erroneous information. Information that some of which may have been thought to be true many years ago, but has since been verified as myth/rumor, and has no substance to it. This is most likely why not a TON of buzz has been given to this movies aim to subvert Christianity. Although there are people who now believe Tom Hanks to be an enemy to the faith. I would disagree. Tom, I still like ya, even though your hair in the movie was kinda nasty.

The movie does present to us at least one interesting fact that is worth chewing on. As a church, we have always attempted to project a perfect image. Without spot or wrinkle we sing. Which definitely has its place in our worship, weve been made pure by the blood of Christ!!! But we are still a church that has made, and continues to make mistakes in the name of God. Were not perfect. Not that we need to advertise our flaws, but when confronted, we need to confess them, and repent of them. God is good to forgive, especially His bride. Only when we are honest with ourselves as members of the body, and with the body as a whole, and with those who have yet to believe, can we be what God truly intended. In need of a Savior.

In writings by Donald Miller, he discusses an event he was a part of. On the middle of a campus, he and some friends set up a confessional booth. But this booth was a bit different from the conventional booths weve experienced/heard of. This was a booth where someone would enter, and the Spiritual person on the other side would confess the sins of the church, and ask for forgiveness from the one who entered. The response was a forgiveness and healing process for that group of students that many of us yearn for.

Church.weve neglected poor, because we didnt want to get dirty. Weve made judgements based on color, language, or side of town someone lives on. Weve turned our backs on people for their sins, when Christ opens us with welcome arms. Weve killed in the name of Jesus. Weve made people all over the world, and throughout time feel less than loved by the One who Loves them more than they can imagine. We need to repent, and be transformed.

Lord, be with us, as we seek what it means to be your church. We ask for your forgiveness for these things weve gotten wrong, and pray that even now, you would guide us into correcting the ways weve strayed from your intentions for our lives. We are broken before you.mend us. Make us your church. We are a fickle bride. I am a fickle bride. Pour out on me/us again, let us return to our first love. We are yours.

Amen