Kirk Cameron comes to State College

Last night was Faith Night at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, home of the State College Spikes. I'm the chaplain for the Spikes, so you'd think that I'd be in the park to hear Kirk speak, right? Actually, I could hear Kirk speak from our house--it's that close to the stadium. But, sadly, I didn't make it over to hear him talk about his faith and how his relationship with the Lord has made a difference in his life. My wife was out doing the Mary Kay thing, so I was home with the kids.

But I got to thinking--Is that really the most effective way to share the gospel with people? I talked to a few people who were there last night, and they said that the presentation was really bold and clear, which is good, I suppose. But I don't know that the "Bring in a celebrity to talk about Jesus" mothod is the best way to get people to hear the gospel. My guess is that most of the folks who stuck around (after the Spikes lost) were either church folks or Kirk fans.

Bob Robinson was thinking the same thing on his blog, and he cited a great article from Stan Grenz. Grenz asks the question: Does Evidence Still Demand A Verdict? The bottom line is Yes, but there's more to the situation than just presenting an overwhelmingly factual case. There's an incarnational element desperately needed. My neighbors are not going to be persuaded to follow Jesus by an elegant argument.

I truly believe that the majority of my neighbors are open to talking about spiritual life, but they are more likely to become followers of Christ if we are involved in a relationship. I could show up on their doorstep and walk through the script from Evangelism Explosion or hand them a tract. But I'm sure that they're going to be more inclined to listen and believe when I share my life with them, when I love them.

That's what I'm counting on, anyway.

Oh yeah, the Beaver threw out the first pitch last night! And there was much rejoicing...

Troubles and Trials?

I guess it shouldn't be a surprise that I'm at this point, since it seems to be a recurring theme in my life. I feel like Eyeore, and I don't like it very much myself.

• Big Decision
• Many Options, all with their own pros and cons
• Listening for God to speak direction to me
• Many paths, little clarity, some mutual exclusivity
• Joy stealers along the way
• Indecision and hesitation

I suppose that I should be excited about the possibilities. I know that there are good things ahead. Yet I am feeling tied up and unsure of what to do. When I get to this point I usually become immobile, kind of stagnant. I get quiet, and probably seem depressed to the observant eye.

Sounds great, doesn't it? Poor me. (I hate that)

It's not really suffering for the cause of Christ, I know, but this spoke to me today: Paul wrote that "There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" (Romans 5:3-5, The Message)

OK, so today I will do my beset to live for the glory of God--that glory promised by God himself. I will hope and trust, and work at the big things, be faithful to do the things that I am supposed to do, make the decisions that I can make, and wait patiently for God to reveal himself in the midst of stuff.

Whew. That's better, I think.