Below is the link to the sermon I preached entitled “You Will See Great Things” based on John 1:43-51.
Sermon Link
(Recorded by Voice Record Pro by Bej Bej Apps for iOS)
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
religion
Final Sermon at Bethany Christian Church (DOC)- It All Ends With Love
On May 26, 2013, I preached my final sermon at Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
I was serving there as their Interim Minister. On June 3, I will be a Staff Chaplain at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Texas.
Leaving is never easy to do but I am looking forward to the new opportunities that await me.
To the members and friends of Bethany, thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Interim Minister.
Sermon Link (Romans 5:1-5)
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
Guest Post: The Problem of Human Trafficking is Too Big-Why Bother Trying to Help?
Kimberly Rae is a best selling author, blogger and world traveler. She blogs about a variety of topics but one that is close to her heart is human trafficking. She was kind enough to blog about my letter to Victoria’s Secret and I am happy to have her as the first guest author on this blog. If you would like to be a guest contributor, click here for more info.
Below is her guest post; be sure to check out her site- www.kimberlyrae.com
The Problem of Human Trafficking is Too Big-Why Bother Trying to Help?
A 15-year-old girl and her 14-year-old cousin got permission to walk down to a local Wendy’s late one night to get a couple of Frosties. While they were walking, a car drove up, and by the end of that night, these two girls had become just a tiny, tiny addition to the thousands of minors trafficked in the United States of the America, the “land of the free and the home of the brave.”
Now those two girls have been rescued and are home again. The older girl tells her story in a video on the website www.truckersagainsttrafficking.com, a video that will hopefully be part of required training for men joining the trucking industry in the future.
Why? Because things will never change unless people care enough to act. I think many of us look at the huge statistics and decide, why bother? There are 20 million slaves in the world today. It’s a problem too big, one person can never make a dent in it.
That’s true to an extent. Each of us on our own are pretty powerless to change the huge statistics. None of us can expect to do the impossible.
However . . . we can make a difference in one life. It may not seem much, but if that one person was your daughter, or your friend, or yourself, wouldn’t you want someone to “bother”–to put forth the effort to make a difference even if they couldn’t save everybody?
I would. As I place myself in those young girls’ shoes, being forced to sell myself to strangers, staying because of threats against my family or my own life, I know I would desperately want to escape but likely not have the courage. Or the resources.
But if someone came along, someone who didn’t just look through me but really saw me, if they cared enough to ask one or two important questions, then make just one phone call–a call that would deliver me and give me back a future, I would reach out for the freedom offered me. I would grasp hold of the possibility of a future and a hope.
Isn’t that, after all, what Jesus gives us? (Jer. 29:11)
And wouldn’t He rejoice to see us doing that for others?
That’s what happened recently when those girls who’d been trapped for 10 years in a home in Cleveland were rescued. All across our country, girls (and some boys too) are being taken, trapped, and forced to sell themselves against their will. A major part of this happens within the trucking industry. Girls are taken to truck stops, where they are forced to go from truck to truck, offering their “company.” They even have a name. Lot lizards.
But things are changing. Thanks to Truckers Against Trafficking, men are finding out that many of the girls they see do not want to be there, no matter how they pretend. Truckers are making phone calls to the human trafficking hotline—1-888-373-7888—and girls are being rescued.
One man called in his suspicions and, without endangering himself, caused the rescue of 9 young girls and broke down a 13-state trafficking ring. Just one person! Just one phone call.
Helen Keller once said,
“I am only one, but still I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
I will not refuse to do the something I can do.”
If this can be said and lived by a woman who could not hear or see, shouldn’t we be inspired that we can do our part, too?
So let’s stop looking at the massive need, the big statistics, or our own limitations. Instead, let’s become aware, and be ready to respond if God places someone before who is in need. Our actions and reactions may make all the difference in the world to someone who right now is trapped, and desperately wants to be free.
Go with God,
go for God,
go because God goes with you.
For of Him, and to Him, and through Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:36
Kimberly Rae has lived in Bangladesh, Uganda, Kosovo and Indonesia. Her Christian suspense/romance novels on international human trafficking (Stolen Woman, Stolen Child, Stolen Future) are all Amazon bestsellers. Rae is currently working on a new series on trafficking for teens. Find out more at www.kimberlyrae.com or like Kimberly’s facebook page, Human Trafficking Stolen Woman, to get updates on the fight against human trafficking.
What A Difference 3.8 Million People Make
Two months ago today I clicked publish on a post about Victoria’s Secret Spring Break Collection called “Bright Young Things.” The aim of the letter was to let Victoria’s Secret know (as well as whomever would listen) that I disliked their marketing to a younger demographics and how they set up an unattainable standard of sexuality and beauty.
To date the letter has been read/viewed on this site nearly 3.8 million times from all around the world. The letter is still be read today and shared over the internet.
To date the letter has been shared on Facebook over 765,000 times, on Twitter over 5100 times, almost 100 times on LinkedIn and over 550 times on Google Plus.
I want to take this time to say thank you for everything!
Because of the exposure I received, I have begun to contribute to a few websites- the Good Men Project, Sojourners and RadicalParents.com. I am humbled and honored to contribute to these great sites. I will try to post my articles here whenever I can.
I have been completely overwhelmed by all of this and I all of you to thank. Without you sharing, liking, emailing and commenting- none of this would have ever happened.
I still have not had an official response from Victoria’s Secret (and I do not expect to), but another clothing company did.
About month ago Fruit of the Loom contacted me to let me know that they had seen my letter online. They liked it and wanted to send my daughter “age appropriate” underwear. They sent my daughter 10 pairs! She was so excited to get them in the mail.
I want to take this opportunity to say a big THANK YOU to Fruit of the Loom. Thank you for generosity and for thinking of my daughter! (The items pictured can be found here and here.)
Thank you again! Keep reading, sharing and liking!
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
Film Review: For The Bible Tells Me So
Film poster for For the Bible Tells Me So – Copyright 2007, First Run Features (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
One of the most divisive topics that is dividing the Church today is the issue of homosexuality. For decades (if not longer) this has been an issue (whether we like it or not) on the forefront of Church. Recently some denominations have had decisions and votes on whether or not to ordain open homosexuals; it has caused dissension, grief, hurt feelings and in some cases it has cost ministers their job. Many churches and even denominations have decided that in the interest of keeping everyone happy, they have not or will not broach the discussion at all.
In matters of church conflict or even church doctrine, the normal question to ask is “What does the Bible says regarding this issue?” It is a natural place to start. However, there are varying ways on which the Bible can be interpreted and thus a problem can emerge.
The film, For The Bible Tells Me So, explores the issue of homosexuality as it relates to the Church and Christianity. This film tries to demystify the stigmas that have been placed on a certain group of people and tries to look at the issue from different angles.
Film Synopsis from forthebibletellsmeso.org:
Can the love between two people ever be an abomination? Is the chasm separating gays and lesbians and Christianity too wide to cross? Is the Bible an excuse to hate? Through the experiences of five very normal, very Christian, very American families — including those of former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson — we discover how insightful people of faith handle the realization of having a gay child. Informed by such respected voices as Bishop Desmond Tutu, Harvard’s Peter Gomes, Orthodox Rabbi Steve Greenberg and Reverend Jimmy Creech, FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO offers healing, clarity and understanding to anyone caught in the crosshairs of scripture and sexual identity.
This film dives into the Biblical text from a number of different perspectives trying to encapsulate the essence of the text as the original authors intended. Scholars from many different denominations and faiths weigh in on this issue.
This film is presented in a way that brings in new ideas and understandings about homosexuality and how the Bible has been used and mis-used to subjugate a particular group of people. The interviewees do not hold back with their position and thought process when it comes to the controversial issue. They are open about their feelings and in some cases have regret for the way that they treated their child when their child came out.
One of the positives of the film is that it does try to show different view points with regards to how different families react to their children telling them they are homosexual– not all families reacted the same way then or even now. For many it has been a journey that they have to take one day at a time.
I believe that this film is an excellent conversation starter no matter what side of the issue you are on; the key (as with many controversial topics) is that those watching must do so with open eyes, hearts and minds. For many Christians this has become a hallmark issue; it has become the benchmark of righteousness and orthodoxy. It is easy to hear something counter to your belief system and immediately get defensive and stop listening. It is in those moments of struggle where we can learn and grow. It is through difficult situations and conversations when we are able to open up to the possibilities of seeing a particular issue in a new light.
The website for the film also has two discussion guides (here and here) for further study and dialogue.
Overall, this film is well done and thought provoking.
I highly recommend it.
★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars
Film Website
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
(Trailer Below)
Trailer
Review: “The Rapture Exposed: The Message of Hope in the Book of Revelation”
One of the most talked about and polarizing texts in all of the canon of Scripture is the book of Revelation. This book has been the subject of fiery debates, discussions, theological stances, studies and TV programs on TBN.
At first glance the book of Revelation doesn’t really seem to fit with the rest of the New Testament. It’s style and language are different than anything else in the Bible. Reformer Martin Luther (as well as others) wanted the book to be removed from the Bible.
When it comes to interpretation of this book there are several camps of thought but I will highlight two of them:
- Dispensationalism– a literal understanding of the book; the book portrays events in the future that marks the Second Coming of Christ into the world. The book is a coded message that the faithful need to understand so they can be on the look out of the signs of the return of Jesus Christ. This method of understanding the book of Revelation was first postulated by John Darby in the late 19th Century.
- A message or story of hope and support for a persecuted community– The message of Revelation is one that encapsulates the pain and struggles of a community trying to live and survive in a society that did not like them.
The Rapture Exposed puts forth the thesis that the book of Revelation has been misunderstood for many years. The author claims that the book was not meant to be a future predicting, dispensational text,where people are trying to connect events in the world to the ancient text. The author believes that the message of Revelation is really a hopeful one.
The book looks into the nature of Dispensational theology and how the text does not support this idea; one of the most popular modern versions of the this theology is the Left Behind series. This series has sold millions of books world wide and even spun off into three films (with a reported reboot coming soon starring Nicolas Cage). The Left Behind series follows the life of people who have been left behind after the “rapture” of all Christians on the earth. They have to battle the evil Anti Christ and try to get the message out about the salvation of God in Christ before God destroys the world and starts anew.
The author, Barbara Rossing, writes:
To understand the biblical basis for much of today’s end-times thinking we have to begin our story further back than the book of Revelation. In the view of Darby and other dispensationalists, God’s whole biblical plan for the end-times is already mapped out in the Old Testament. The entire end-times framework of Darby’s dispensationalist system is based on just three verses at the end of chapter 9 of Daniel! (page 25)
The problem according to Rossing is that the Book of Revelation has been distorted to fit the model of theology instead of the Book itself shaping a model of theology. She points out that no where in the text does the word “Anti Christ” appear as well as there is no mention of the Anti Christ establishing a covenant with Israel and then breaking that covenant. These items have been read into the pages of scripture and made to fit.
Rossing lays out well reasoned arguments on why the message of Revelation is one of hope and not World War III. The message of Revelation is one that is centered in the notion of God’s revealing and redemptive power now, not in some predetermined future date. She writes,
Like the visionary journeys of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, Revelation’s vision of seals, trumpets, bowls, and other manifestations are meant to be a wake-up call. They unveil the urgency of God’s justice and judgment by taking us on terrifying journey, all with the goals of persuading us to ally ourselves with God’s vision for our world. The journeys are not intended as literal predictions of events that must; they are nightmarish warnings of what may happen– if we do not follow God’s nonviolent Lamb. (page 91)
The Book of Revelation has been used as a tool for right action and orthodoxy (correct belief). The mode of thinking is: one does not know when the end of the world will be so you better get right with God or you will witness the destruction of the world. The faithful of God, however, according to dispensational theology, will have a front row view of the end of the world and humanity from Heaven.
Revelation is not a book written to inspire fear or terror. But it is definitely written to increase a sense of urgency for our world. It is an apocalyptic wake-up call for each of us, precisely because there is hope for us and for our world. … Revelation teaches us a fierce, urgent, and wonderful hope– not an easy comfort, but a hope that knows the reality of terror and evil and still can testify to God’s love in the face of that terror. (page 170)
Overall I thought this text was a good overview of the pitfalls of a literal interpretation of Revelation and I believe that the message of hope as laid out in this text is a refreshing one, one that the church needs to hear more of. This type of hopeful theology is one that is not being promoted and propagated in the church today; if it is for may it is falling on deaf ears.
★★★★☆
4 out of 5 stars
Amazon Link
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
Sojo.net gets 10,000 signatures on Victoria’s Secret Petition
A ministry colleague emailed me and told me that Sojourners had online petition encouraging Limited Brands to stop targeting young women in their marketing campaign; they cited one of the many article written about my letter in their petition information. I was honored that they asked me to write a piece about my experiences and thought process behind writing the letter to Victoria’s Secret.
Sojourners has been petitioning Victoria’s Secret to stop objectifying young girls; they have had about 10,000 people sign their online petition. When some one signs it an email is send to Limited Brands. According to a follow up piece on Sojo.net (see below), Victoria’s Secret has given them the same standard answers. Catherine Woodiwiss, the author and Associate Web Editor of Sojourners, writes
This statement about “Bright Young Things” — what Sojourners has always made clear was a campaign, not a line — does not address Sojourners’ central concerns over reinforcing confusion about the value of young women, to young women. Over the action alert’s charges that oversexed objectification contributes to a culture of abuse, rape, and distorted worth, Victoria’s Secret gave no comment.
Please read the articles below and consider signing the petition.
Thanks for reading and supporting me.
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
My article Link on sojo.net
Follow up article- 10,000 Emails, Victoria’s Secret Continues Business As Usual
Consider signing the petition to tell Victoria’s Secret to stop objectifying teen girls.
Review of “They Like Jesus, But Not The Church”
It’s no secret, the church is in a decline. Attendance and support for the Church has been in on a steady downturn for many, many years. A whole host of reasons have been given on why this is. Some blame MTV and iPhones, others blame parents for not taking their children, while others blame extra-curricular activities and sports. Whatever the problem might be, rarely does anyone blame the church itself and the people that are attending it.
Dan Kimball is a minister and author. He noticed that when he met people and got to know them that there are a great number of people who like Jesus, but not the Church.
The book discusses what the Church has done to foster these views, and how to address them. Kimball encourages Christians to leave the “Christian bubble” and listen to what non-Christians are saying.
Through a series of interview Kimball articulates six objections that people have with the church. At first glance a person is who in the church and has a connection with God because of it might be defense and even dismissive. Therein lies the problem. Kimball argues that Christian live in a “Christian bubble” and therefore think they know and understand those who do attend church or even believe in God.
Here are the six objections
Objection #1: The church is an “organized religion” with a political agenda;
Objection #2: The church is judgmental and negative
Objection #3: The church is male dominated and oppresses females
Objection #4: The church is homophobic
Objection #5: The church feels Christianity is right and all other religions are wrong
Objection #6: The church is full of “fundamentalists” who take the Bible too literally.
Kimball does a good job of showing both sides of the issues, expect for number four; on this particular issue he touches on the accepting side of the issue but still comes down (and pretty hard I might add) on the side of homosexuality is sin.
Selected quotes from the text:
“The more we focus on what we stand for instead of what we stand against, the more we will line up with Jesus and his teachings about the kingdom of God, and the more we will be seen as a people who will believe in truth and love.”
“We need to be open and honest about the difficult passages and odd stories in the Bible. It seems more people are doing their homework about the Bible outside the church than they are inside the church.”
“Our goal should not be to get people to ‘go to church.’ We should be inviting people to participate in the life of the church community and to participate in the activity of God, not merely inviting them to attend our worship services.”
Kimball’s book may not be the end all be all to Christian evangelism and prevalence but I believe that this book is a good conversation starter. Kimball glosses over a few things here and there but for the most part drives home the point that the church has to do something to reach out to the emerging generations.
I think that this text would be good for the leaders of a church or even an evangelism committee. The point of reading this text is to start conversation, not to change minds… that takes time.
Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5
Happy Reading!!
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
God In Our Midst: Review of “The Guardian”
On February 14-17, Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Houston, Texas will host the first annual Texas Christian Film Festival. You can learn more about the festival by going to TXCFF.com. “The Guardian” is one of the films being shown.
“The Guardian” is a short film (15 minutes in length) written in 2010. The screenwriter was a sophomore at Pasadena High School when she won Houston’s Cross Wind Productions’ Teen Scriptwriter Contest. The prize for her winning was to have her screenplay professionally produced. While most sophomore aged high school girls are worried about getting a date with the star quarterback, this screenwriter had her sights set on bigger things.
“The Guardian” is a wonderful film of finding God in our midst. The short film follows the life a young teenage girl who has lost her father and her way in life. Her home life is not the greatest and she is looking for someone. In a strange encounter, she befriends a homeless man who for some reason cares for her. Through her interaction with this man (played by Houston’s own Wayne Dehart) she sees that God’s hand is active and alive.
While the film is short, the message is powerful.
3 out of 4 stars
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
Update: We have received word that this film is a finalist at the Milan Film Festival in Milan, Italy. Congrats!
Finding God In Tragedy: A Review of “Faith Under Fire”
On February 14-17, Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Houston, Texas will host the first annual Texas Christian Film Festival. From now through the festival I will be posting reviews of the films shown. You can learn more about the festival by going to TXCFF.com.
June 22, 1980 was no normal Sunday. This particular Sunday in the quiet town of Daingerfield, Texas will never be forgotten. On this date, Al King, Jr. entered the First Baptist Church and opened fire, killing seven people including a seven year old girl.
This day and the days after it are the subject of a documentary entitled “Faith Under Fire.” (Trailer Below)
This film recounts the moments that changed so many people’s lives on a typical Sunday morning in Daingerfield. Director Sondra Martin Hicks takes the viewer on a emotion filled retelling of the tragic events.
You can hear the pain, the anguish, the heartbreak, the “what ifs”, the “why them?” and the raw emotion still after 30 years. Hicks weaves the story of the event and the the reflection of the event in a powerful way. At one point, the viewer is able to hear the original church audio of the moment when King entered the church and opened fire.
“Faith Under Fire” examines how faith, community, love and justice co-exist. For some this experience brought them closer to God, for others it was years before they could return to a relationship with God. I began to question how I would react if my child or wife was killed. Would I call for the death penalty? Would I chose to forgive? Would I hate the person who did this? Could I ever learn to “deal with it”?
During this film you hear the reaction and thoughts of the family of Al King, Jr. It was surprising to hear their version of that fateful day. King was cold, mean and abusive and his wife and children were powerless under his reign. In their minds, there was nothing that could have stopped him from committing the act of violence that he did.
In the end, this film brings up so many different emotions. But through it all, the viewer is left with a sense of how faith even under fire can hold up and restore people.
4 of out 4 stars.
In Christ,
Rev. Evan Dolive
Rev. Dr. Evan M. Dolive 