Tuesdays with Morris

This Sunday, as I talk about the 3-R’s, I’ll also be talking about two ridiculously popular television programs.

The first program I find extremely annoying, yet extremely addicting…That would be American Idol. I enjoy watching the initial auditions…when it gets down to the competition I feel it gets boring. I just love watching some of the goofy people that actually think they are going to make it. I feel sorry for many of them because it’s obvious that something’s just not right. So, I’ll make a couple of references to American Idol.

The second program I’ll discuss is one of my fav’s…The Sopranos. I’ll probably have some people that will think I’m awful for watching this mobster trash. However, the same people that will get upset probably watch Oprah and buy into some of her odd spirituality stuff. And, they probably watch General Hospital for all the steamy mid-day love stories. Anyway, there are some beautiful struggles…inner battles within some of the characters on the Sopranos that really reflect the 3-R’s. Part of the reason I enjoy watching the Sopranos is because I have this longing to see Tony realize the source of hi inner turmoil and turn over a new leaf. He’s struggling, and deep down knows why…he’s just not willing to do anything about it. Anyway, I’ll mostly be looking at Tony and Carmela Soprano.

So, Sunday we’ll have the 3-R’s, Tony, Carmela, Simon, Randy, and Paula! It should be interesting.

“No man can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true.” (Nathaniel Hawthorne quote which popped up on a Sopranos episode…causing Tony to reflect a bit)

This Sunday, I’ll be giving a message titled “If You Say So…” To be honest, I loathe sermon titles. I know of pastors that spend more time trying to come up with catchy titles that the congregation and people passing by the church sign will think is clever than they actually put into their sermons. I do know people who like the titles because it gives them an idea of where the pastor is going…sometimes. I know many pastors that just throw a title together, putting no thought into it, and leave their congregation wondering what the title and the message had to do with one another. So, this Sunday is, “If You Say So…” I sort of cheated because it comes directly from the text I’ll be using.

While preparing for this message, I’m beginning to fear that I’m turning into the typical, 3-point sermon, Methodist pastor. That’s freakin’ scary!

As I’ve studied the texts I’ll be using this weekend, I’ve come up with 3-R’s. I’m not going to give them here…hoping instead you’ll come to worship to find out what they are. This whole message broods of systematic theology (a practice that I seriously question). Systematic theology, as it is used in most evangelical circles, is simply a presenter coming up with their ideas, topics, and points, and then manipulating the Scripture to support their own thoughts. I tend to like to basically dig into the text, get a little dirty working through it, and see what thoughts and questions God places on my heart. In all honesty, that’s how I came to the 3-R’s. I didn’t sit down with the 3-R’s and then search for some passages that could validate my points. But, if you were to come in and listen to what I have to say this weekend, you might just think I’ve fallen into the systematic traps.

My problem with systematic theology and 3-point sermons is this…Not all Scripture has three solid points. So, in an effort to find three points, we often go outside the original intent of certain passages. Also, some passages are meant to bring up questions, rather than solidly defend a position. Systematic theology seems to always be looking for a way to prove points. So much of the Scripture is story and metaphor, and while it communicates a larger truth, it doesn’t always prove that if you follow these three or five simple steps you’ll have a better life. A lot of those that utilize systematic theology are answer people that are often afraid of too many questions. In many evangelical circles, questions are seen as the enemy. Yet, Jesus asked a lot of questions. Many times, when asked a question, Jesus responded with a question.

I guess what I’m trying to say is this…just because I may have a catchy 3-R sermon this Sunday doesn’t mean I’ve sold out and gone off the deep end. It just so happens that the text I’ll be using have some pretty clear things to say to us. But, I’ll still be posing the ever-important questions.

On Saturday, I hit the Borders in downtown Indy. I picked up a new book…“Love is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time.”

I’m only 5 chapters into the book, but I love it. The book is basically a memoir, using the music that author Rob Sheffield listened to throughout his life. It’s funny, sad, and brilliant all at the same time. He talks about music being what makes his memories. He hears a song and it takes him back to a particular place and time in his life.

I can truly identify with this, as I’m a music nerd. And, there are times when a song comes on and I’m delivered to memories…some fond, some tragic, some indifferent. The book reminds me of how everytime a particular Cranberries song comes on the radio I’m inspired to roll down my windows, singing at the top of my lungs as Gern, Hartman, and I did in the mid-90’s on a road trip to Philadelphia. Every time I hear Bill Mallonee sing “Crescent Moon” I’m taken back to the beautiful memory of my wedding day. When I hear “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”, I’m reminded of a moving worship experience in San Diego. I could go on and on.

What memories do you associate with music?

This Sunday, I’ll be preaching about “freedom or fury.” I’ll be using the passage of Scripture from Luke 4:14-30. The passage deals with Jesus announcing that he has come to free us from the trappings of this world. This is met with great joy…until he points out to the crowd that this freedom won’t really be for them because of their unbelief. This is the point when fury enters the story.

The crowd is upset because they’ve just heard this wonderful news that a Savior has come and that true freedom is available, but this news is followed by the report that due to their inability to view Jesus as this Savior, the freedom is for “others.”

And to further stoke their fury, Jesus points out that this freedom is available to those that might be considered enemies to this particular crowd. When we see others experiencing joy, freedom, peace, healing when we’re in the midst of a battle, it can make us furious. “Why can’t that be me?”

Today, we have a choice. We can either embrace Jesus and enjoy the freedom He brings…or we can not believe Jesus is who He says He is and become a captive. When others are delivered, we should celebrate their freedom…knowing that our freedom is just around the corner.

Recently, I read a verse that said “Jesus came to rescue us from this dark and evil age.” This verse has been stuck in my head for weeks. I believe it’s because of the power of the statement that Jesus came to rescue us…from the world, from sin, from ourselves. I think that verse could be read on a Sunday morning and stand alone as a powerful sermon. No need to give clever thoughts or insight…just let it be said that Jesus came to rescue us. We are a people in need of rescuing…and God loved us enough to bail us out through Jesus.

I hope that you’ll go throughout this day and the days to come knowing that we who have Jesus have indeed been rescued.