Crossroads

One of my favorite composers is Beethoven. I’ve been recommending his piano sonatas and symphonies to Steve Whitacre. I think he’s hooked… He told me that today (12/22) in 1808 was the premier of Beethoven’s 5th symphony, which is my favorite among Beethoven’s symphonies. It’s amazing to realize that almost 200 years after he wrote the piece, Beethoven’s music is still performed and enjoyed by many today. But I also know that though Beethoven’s music is glorious and many aspects, it is just a faint reflection of God’s glory. Heaven is going to be filled with more amazing music and thunderous singing of the saints to the Lamb and we’ll see the full revelation of God’s glory. We have much to look forward to, don’t we? So go buy Beethoven’s 5th and listen to it and anticipate our future in God’s presence…

Covenant Life Church’s singles ministry has invited all of us to their monthly ONE meeting on Friday, 12/14 at 8am. They’re currently in a series called Build from the book of Titus. (Check out their website here.) Immediately after the meeting there will be a concert with Zelos and Reilly to support an e-team that will be going to Uganda next month. The concert is free, but there will be a chance to donate $$ to support this mission.

Those of you who were here for the West Coast Revival concert would remember that Reilly opened for them, and they rocked the house! This will be a great chance to drive up with your friends and have fun… 

We’re continuing our series on the book of James called "Devoted" tomorrow night at our monthly Crossroads meeting. I’ll be preaching a message titled "Devoted: No Partiality!" from James 2:1-13. What is one way to find out whether or not you are doing well as a Christian? Come find out the answer from God’s Word tomorrow night! As usual, the meeting starts at 7:30pm. Come early for coffee starting at 7…

"The release of The Golden Compass as a major motion picture represents a new challenge for Christians," writes Al Mohler on his recent blog post. This film will be released this weekend, and I’d recommend everyone to read Dr. Mohler’s post to help you think biblically about this movie. Here are some excerpts:

"Philip Pullman [the author of the book this film is based on] has an agenda — an agenda about as subtle as an army tank.  His agenda is nothing less than to expose what he believes is the tyranny of the Christian faith and the Christian church.  His hatred of the biblical storyline is clear.  He is an atheist whose most important literary project is intended to offer a moral narrative that will reverse the biblical account of the fall and provide a liberating mythology for a new secular age."

"This is about the battle of ideas and worldviews.  While Christians will not celebrate the release of this film, we should recognize the mixture of challenge and opportunity that comes with millions of persons watching this film and talking about the issues it raises.  When the movie is mentioned in the workplace, in school, on the playground, or in the college campus, this is a great opportunity to show that Christians are not afraid of the battle of ideas."

That’s right folks, the Redskins are playing against the Bears this Thursday, and we’re watching the game on the big screen at the church building! Come at 7:30pm to the Basement Auditorium. Feel free to invite your classmates, co-workers, non-Christian friends, etc. to watch the game with us. We’ll provide some snacks, but you’re welcome to bring your favorite to share… Hope to see you all there!

CJ Mahaney was interviewed by Steve Shank on the topic of biblical masculinity. I’d encourage all the single men to read this. You can get the transcript of the interview HERE.