Tennessee 31, Vanderbilt 16

To kick off our Thanksgiving week break from work, we went to Knoxville on Friday night and stayed for the weekend. Saturday morning we slept in, did a little shopping for Christmas gifts, and then headed down to the UT campus about five hours before game time.


Lunch at Mellow Mushroom!


Sixteenth Street


Around 4:30 P.M.

Watching from above as the crowd filled in to watch the Vol Walk

The color guard marches into the stadium

The Pride of the Southland Marching Band

The majorettes perform in the shadow of Neyland Stadium

Drummers

It was Senior Night, so UT's senior players got to run through the "T" by themselves, one at a time. Later, at halftime, the senior band members and cheerleaders were announced, too.

Despite a weakened defensive line, Tennessee led for almost the entire game, and scored a final touchdown in the last seconds, rousing the 100,000 + fans in attendance and securing a bowl game appearance.

Our God Increases the Joy of the Humble

On November 15 our Sunday morning Bible study was on Isaiah 29:11-24. These are some notes related to the study. Questions within the notes are for contemplation and/or discussion.

Verses 11-14

• If we have the appearance of religious people, and claim that we are “believers”, yet do not truly know God and do not submit to Him with our daily lives, then we are hypocrites. In this scenario, we are holding the traditions of men to be more important than the laws of God.
• That is what the people of Ariel (Jerusalem) are accused of doing here. God says, “their fear of me is taught by the commandment of men”; in other words, the people were doing what was right in the eyes of men, but their hearts were far from God. That God can see deep within our hearts and hear each thought is both extremely comforting and supremely terrifying!
• What are some “traditions of men” that we follow, and what should they mean? I’ve listed a few significant religious traditions we follow: (1) Praying before a meal (but rarely before a snack); (2) Praying before a long trip (but also before short ones?); (3) Praying before church events (but also before non-church events?); (4) Praying “in Jesus’ name” (what about the Father? Or the Spirit?); (5) Church services on Sunday (Why on Sundays?); (6) The Lord’s Supper four times per year (why not every time we meet?); (7) Baptism by complete submersion in water; (8) Christmas and Easter; (9) Baby dedications; (10)Marriage
• The “marvelous work” that God promises to do in verse 14 is to render the “wise men” suddenly unwise, and to render their prudence shockingly unhelpful. They will be shown to be fools. Are there “wise men” of our time who God would show to be fools? Who?

Verses 15-16

• God, through Isaiah the prophet, here describes the central folly of the atheists and hypocrites: they exist and enjoy their freedom by virtue of the grace and mercy of the very God they deny! “Surely [they] have things turned around!” To use the words of Matthew Henry: God will manage their lives as easily as a potter manages his clay creations!

Verses 17-18

• Nonetheless, our God is a God of mercy, and a God who keeps His promises. So to Jerusalem He offers hope: “the eyes of the blind shall see”. Ephesians 1:18 declares it is by Christ that we have access to the Father; 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
• So God is calling for patience on the part of His faithful. It wont be long, He says, until all will see that what I’m saying is true.” The fruitful field are the people you might expect to be godly—but they will be “esteemed as a forest”, meaning they will be humbled. On the other hand, Lebanon, whom you would never expect to be godly, will be “turned into a fruitful field” (v. 17)! This may be a reference to the great number of Gentiles who believe in Christ. In Acts 26:18 Jesus tells Paul that he was being sent in order to turn the people “from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God…”

Verses 19-21

• Whose joy will be increased? The humble! The poor among men! Should we then strive to be humble? How? Should we then strive to be “poor among men”? Does that mean no money? In Matthew 5:3 Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This is actually the very first Beatitude. Two verses later He also said, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
• Verses 20 & 21 declare that even Satan will not escape this “turning of things” by God. Satan will be “brought to nothing” (this is through Jesus’ death, according to Hebrews 2:14. Jesus’ death destroyed the devil!). Who is being talked about in verse 21? Who “watches for iniquity” and “lays a snare for him who reproves at the gate”?

Verses 22-24

• Just in case we forgot, the God who is talking to you is the God who redeemed Abraham (v. 22). (A little bit of sarcasm, but from the children of Abraham really do need the reminder.)
• The good news: “Jacob shall not now be ashamed.” No more shame! Because of God’s love and His gift of a Redeemer who accepted the penalty for our sins in our place, we will not wear shame on our faces in heaven, but instead can hold our heads high, clothed in the righteousness of Christ as we cast our crowns at His feet.
• God’s plan from before the foundation of the world, the plan that included the redemption of Abraham and Jacob, extends all the way to us today and to future generations also. The plan is for some in the world to hallow His name, and fear the God of Israel.

2012

I don't think I'll necessarily be spoiling anyone's 2012 experience if I share this brief list of world-famous landmarks that get completely destroyed during the course of this 2.5+ hour film: Hollywood, the Las Vegas Strip, Yellowstone National Park, the Washington Monument, the White House, Air Force One, and Vatican City (the Pope is actually leading thousands in prayer from his balcony in St. Peter's Square when the entire structure comes crashing down). Whether by earthquake, volcano, or tsunami, the end is near.

We knew what to expect going in (and by "we" I mean me and my brothers; Brooke didn't go for this one) and we weren't disappointed. There probably won't be any awards handed out for 2012, since the acting is inconsequential and the plot is thin at best. What matters here are the special effects, and they are worth paying a few bucks to see on the big screen. It's fast-paced, watchable, and definitely raises the bar high for future disaster movies in terms of melodrama.

Only God Offers Us True Security

On November 8, our Sunday morning Bible study was on Isaiah 28:11-29. These are a few notes related to the study. Questions within the notes are for contemplation and/or discussion.


Verses 11-13

• In these verses we are told that the people would not hear the word of the Lord, even though it was being preached to them. And as a matter of fact, the Word that was being preached was a word of comfort, rest, refreshment. Yet, the people “fell backward” and were “broken and snared and caught” by sin. What are some reasons a person might hear the gospel, but not respond positively? Why are some sermons life-changing, but others not? What’s makes the difference?

Verses 14-15

• Wow! These verses reveal what was in the hearts of the “scornful men” who ruled the people of Jerusalem: a) By choosing to ignore God’s Word and accept sinful living, they are said to have “made a covenant with death” and to have “made an agreement with Sheol (the grave)”; b) They firmly believed that they were in no danger, even during hard times, because they were taking “refuge” in their “lies”. They had “hidden” themselves under “falsehood”.
• What are some “lies” that people in our culture hide themselves under today? Here are some lies (or statements based on lies) that I have observed people in our culture hiding and "taking refuge" in: (a) “There might not be a God after all"; (b) “God is love, and I’m not that bad, so He will forgive me in the end”; (c) “Compared to other people, I haven’t ever done anything too sinful”; (d) “My family and I go to church, so I’m a Christian”; (e) “I'm a Christian, but that doesn't mean I ever have to go to church”; (f) “God might be real, but most of what happens in life is up to chance”; (g) “If it’s between heaven and hell, I would actually rather go to hell, because who wants to spend eternity in heaven with a bunch of boring religious people when you could spend it in hell with a bunch of fun-loving partiers?”; (h) “Science has proven that a lot of what the Bible says simply is not true”; (i) “Some thing that are true for you might not be true for me”.

Verses 16-19

• God promises that, in spite of the people’s sin, He will make sure that His truth prevails. And it all hinges on Christ, the “stone for a foundation”, the “sure foundation” (v. 16). With Christ, God brings justice and righteousness and makes lies vanish (v. 17). The people’s false security will be their downfall (v. 18); their future is to be so bleak that they will cringe at merely hearing about the pitfalls of others (v. 19).
• So, for today’s culture, it is no different. People who die without confessing Christ as Lord and accepting Him as Savior are sure to suffer eternally in hell, just as our pastor has been preaching lately.

Verses 20-22

• God will now act in judgment toward His own people, Israel, just as He had done in the past against their enemies, at Mount Perazim in David’s time against the Philistines, and at the Valley of Gibeon in Joshua’s time against the Canaanites.
• The events mentioned in verse 21 happened way too far in the past for any of the Israelites to have remembered; therefore, we have here evidence that the books that describe those events (Samuel, Joshua) were published and well-known during Isaiah’s ministry period.

Verses 23-28

• Jesus would always begin his parables with “He who has an ear to hear, let him hear”…and we see Isaiah beginning this picture with a similar call.
• The parable could be taken several ways. First, we could read it as a call to work hard for the gospel and endure hardship for the cause of Christ. The plowman does keep plowing all day to sow. But second, we could read it as further warning against the sinful nation: God has been sowing, but will not keep doing so forever; eventually he will stop and reap.

Verse 29

• God taught men how to work the ground and grow crops. We have him to thank for our “daily bread”—whether it be physical nourishment or spiritual truth. For He is "wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance"!

Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show

Sports Illustrated reports today on its website that The Who has been selected to perform the Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show in Miami on February 7.

All I know about The Who is that they are a British rock band formed in the mid-1960s, have sold millions of records, and became well-known for destroying their instruments during live shows. Sports Illustrated seems extremely confident that they are to play the Super Bowl, despite the fact that the NFL hasn't officially said anything about it yet.


The Who in 1975

The Who in 2007

A Few Gold Rush Photos

We didn't take many pictures at this year's Gold Rush Days in Dahlonega. It was really cold; maybe we just didn't want to take our hands out of our pockets. Or maybe it just looked so much like every other year. Anyway, the three we got are good ones! I know it's been almost a month, so I'm behind on posting these. Sorry!


Brooke and Valerie on the Square just before the parade began


Please don't hate me for taking a random candid photo!

Right there in the middle is our friend and Sunday School class member Nick Camp, who is attending North Georgia College.

God Foreknows the Destinies of Nations

On November 1, our Sunday morning Bible study was on Isaiah 27:12-28:10. These are a few notes related to the study. Questions within the notes are for contemplation and/or discussion.

Verses 27:12-13

• The Lord, though he threshes (a term symbolizing wrath), will for the children of Israel be like a loving Father, gathering them one-by-one, a description that signifies His personal care for each of them as individuals (v. 12). One of the most spectacular and comforting truths about our God is that, though He is the terrifyingly powerful creator of the universe, He also calls us each by name and loves us personally. How do you suppose religious life would be different if God were impersonal? How would our worship service this morning change if God were impersonal?
• Verse 13 emphasizes that it will be the outcasts and “those who are about to perish” who will be brought to God’s holy mountain and who will worship there. Does God bless “outcasts” more than popular people? If a person is very popular, or idolized, can that person still be humble and godly? Can you name some biblical heroes who were outcasts among their own people? What should our attitude be toward people we know who seem to be “outcasts”?
• Recall our pastor’s sermon last week: to be “lost” and without Christ is the same as “perishing” in Scripture. The people who are here called to worship are those who are “about to perish”. God’s glory is magnified when a person who is perishing gets rescued from death via Christ’s sacrifice. Though the gates of hell yawn before us, yet there is no condemnation for those in Christ. Hallelujah.

Verse 28:1

• The word “woe” in the Bible is a word we seldom use, but it is a word that we should not take lightly. When woe is pronounced on someone by God or a prophet of God, it means judgment, death, hell. It is horrible. Remember, Isaiah declared woe on himself before he was gloriously saved by God (see ch. 6). Here, it is the prideful “drunkards of Ephraim” who should shudder and repent.
• The “beauty” of the world is but a “fading flower” compared to the surpassing, indescribable beauty of Christ. Remember the song: “I’d rather have Jesus than anything the world affords today!” That is the song of a believer who has seen (and not forgotten) the glory of God. Or another song: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus…and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” What things of the world still captivate your heart? Is it sin to allow that? Is it possible to be completely, totally captivated by Christ? Is there anything you once thought awesome, but no longer do because of Christ?
• The sinners are here described as being “drunkards” and “overcome with wine”. And this kind of description is used frequently throughout Scripture. Do you think this description is literal or symbolic? What is symbolized by the wine? What is symbolized by “drunkenness”?

Verses 28:2-4

• Who is the “mighty and strong one” of the Lord, who will “bring them down”?
• Just as we cannot escape God’s love for us, we neither can escape His judgment. Here his wrath toward Ephraim is described as a “destroying storm” or a flood. What is symbolized here by the “verdant valley” or “valley of fatness”? What is symbolized by the “first fruit before summer”?\
• So, we should contrast these verses with the last few verses of chapter 27. On the one hand, you have the children of Israel who are outcasts and who are about to perish in the land of Assyria. They will be saved and gathered to worship God at His holy mountain at Jerusalem. But on the other hand, you have the prideful Ephraim, blind and drunk with sin, unrepentant. And they will be “trampled underfoot” by God’s “mighty and strong one”; their beauty will fade fast.

Verses 28:5-6

• What is significant about the name “Lord of hosts”? What does that name mean?
• “In that day”—when the children of Israel are gathered in worship and their wicked enemies are destroyed—God will be a “diadem of beauty” and “crown of glory” for His people. God will provide wisdom and strength (v. 6) as He reigns from on high at Jerusalem. Has this prophesy been fulfilled, or is it yet to be fulfilled? What does Isaiah mean when he says God will be the people’s “crown of glory”?

Verses 28:7-8

• Ah, but even the humble Israelites are to be ashamed, for they, too, have stumbled in much the same way as their enemies. So why did God destroy one people for drunkenness, but save another?
• Verse 7 takes care to mention that even the priests and prophets had fallen into the same trap as the common people. From this we may learn a) that your station in life does not give you license to sin; b) that your station in life will not shield you from temptation; c) that people in positions of power have greater responsibility to abstain from destructive behaviors, for they lead the people astray.
• Verse 8 says “no place is clean”. Is that true in our world today? Is any place "clean"?

Verses 28:9-10

• If ever we needed a biblical call for the wisdom and leadership of mature Christians in the church, this is it. Can a brand-new Christian lead? Sure, in some respects. Can a new convert teach knowledge and understand the gospel? Yes. But not to the extent that an elder can. We must respect our elders and value their Christian counsel. “Precept must be upon precept”—in other words, as we grow in our knowledge of God we must take things one step at a time—and wisdom does not often come overnight. Line upon line. Here a little, there a little.
• For us, this means making sure we are not surrounded by those who are “just weaned from milk” and “just drawn from the breasts”. It is good and well to have friends who are new Christians and discussions with them. In fact, that should be. But we must turn to those who have more years than we do—more years of growing in Christ and more years of studying His word—and turn to them when we’re in need of guidance or leadership. Don’t take older believers for granted! Is there an older person in your life who has helped you spiritually? Has a new Christian or young child ever come to you for spiritual questions?
• In the following few verses it sounds like perhaps it was the youth or inexperience of the Israelite spiritual and political leadership that led to their sin and suffering (see v. 13). But God saved them, set them straight, and provided for them according to His eternal promise—just as He has done for you and I.

Cagle's Corn Maze in Canton, GA

A couple of weeks ago Brooke and I went with a small group from our Sunday School class to Cagle's Corn Maize in Canton. Our original plan, though, was to go to their much larger (and haunted!) one near Resaca, GA. So we drove all the way up there; it took an hour. When we were pulling into the drive, though, we were stopped by a worker who told us it was closed! Closed due to mud. We were told that we'd get stuck in the mud if we tried to park on their field.

We were very disappointed. But we were given directions and free passes to the Canton maze, so we drove another 45 minutes to it. It was more crowded, smaller, easier, and not haunted. So it would have been way better in Resaca. But we still had a very good time goofing off.


Brooke and Kodi


Chris and Chelsea

Shanon and Kodi

Chris, Ryan and me...and then some crazy girl in the front

Shanon kept running ahead, trying to scare us

Kodi as a pumpkin farmer

And, I caved

Brooke and Kodi in the punkin patch. Yes, punkin.

Perfect Peace Comes Only When We Trust In Christ

On October 25, our Sunday morning Bible study was on Isaiah 26:1-15. These are a few notes related to the study. Questions within the notes are for contemplation and/or discussion.

Verses 1-2

• These verses describe a city that sounds more like the “new Jerusalem” than any city that has existed historically on Earth. The people who will be welcomed in are only the “nation” that is righteous and “keeps the truth”.
• Pastor Joe said he plans to preach on heaven soon. What will heaven be like? Do you imagine heaven as a bustling city, or as wide open country?
• What does it mean if a person “keeps the truth”? What would it mean for a nation?

Verses 3-6

• Only when our minds wander from Christ and the things of God do we suffer anxiety or unease. So trusting in God means “perfect peace” in our lives. Can you testify that this is true? What can we do to ensure that our minds are always “stayed” on God?
• Verses 5 and 6 are provided as evidence that verses 3 and 4 are true. It’s as though God is saying, “Because I have humbled the exalted people and destroyed their ungodly city, therefore trust in me forever, therefore I can give you perfect peace.” So, what is the connection here? How does a city’s ruin help ensure God’s peace?

Verses 7-8

• Note the name of God here: “Most Upright”. And He is called this in a verse that makes reference to the requirement that, if a person is to be an inhabitant of the “strong city” described in verse 1, that person must lead a life of “uprightness”. In other words, that person must be like God. In what ways are we called on to be “like God” in our lives? On the other hand, what things should we not do? What things are left up to God?
• Verse 8 is the verse that Passion 2010 (and all other Passion Conferences) is about. If we say it ourselves, and make it personal, then it’s like we’re talking directly to God, declaring that we are Christians who walk in His ways, and confessing that our hearts’ desire is for Him to be made famous. Is the #1 desire of your soul Christ and His fame? What have you intentionally done this week to help spread the gospel of Christ?

Verse 9

• The word “early” in this verse may also be translated “earnestly”. Either way, Isaiah is confessing his need of God and his efforts to waste no time in building his relationship with God and learning the laws of God.

Verses 10-11

• In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that we should ask God to forgive our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us. Is this something you could easily pray: “Let grace be shown to the wicked”? Has God ever shown grace to you, even though you were wicked? When? How? (Think: the Cross!)
• Verse 10 is not saying that God will “deal unjustly”, but that the wicked man will. So, since there are wicked people here, we must no longer be talking about the nation that is within the walls of the New Jerusalem.
• Note that, even though a sort of grace might be shown to the wicked, if he continues in his wickedness he “will not behold the majesty of the Lord” (v. 10); instead they will see the shame of their own sin.

Verse 12

• The Bible is not merely an “instruction book” for life, telling us what do do and what not to do. Nor is it like a “road map” for life, so that we may look into the future and know what decisions to make every day. Rather, the Bible is more like a revelation of the character of God, and a history of God’s ongoing redemption of His creation. He will establish peace for us, His people.
• So, then, in consideration of what the Bible is, and in consideration of God sovereignty over His creation as revealed in the Bible, we must recognize that God has done all our works in us, or for us. In other words, insofar as we are righteous, it is because Christ is righteous, and Christ lives in us. Insofar as we are obedient to God and serving God, it is because Christ was obedient and served God, and He is working in and through us because we are His “vessel”.
• Therefore, we can take no credit whatsoever for the good things we do. (On the other hand, we must accept all of the responsibility for the bad things we do—but that is a different discussion). This is so that we may not boast of our accomplishments. It is so that God—the one who deserves the glory—will be the one who gets the glory. And that should be are ultimate desire anyway (v. 8).

Verses 13-15

• Note the contrast between human “masters” and the Lord God: they once ruled, God will forever rule; they are dead, God is alive; they are powerless, God has destroyed them and their renown; they were fruitless, God increased the nation. So God Himself is the king of this people. Should He be the king of the U.S.? Wouldn’t humans still be needed to discern what God was saying and doing? Does this mean there is no human person who is called “king”?

Where The Wild Things Are

If motion pictures could be hung on the wall in art museums, this is one of those movies that would be there, perhaps side-by-side with paintings by Matisse or Picasso. The problem with art of that calibre is that you're not quite sure what to make of it. On the one hand, you might appreciate the aristic talent and thoughtfulness behind the work; but, on the other hand, you're tempted to ask, "What's the big deal?!" and dismiss it as indulgent or--worse--meaningless.

So, here goes:

On the one hand, we can't believe this film ever got made in the first place. It is based on a children's book that has far more pictures than words, has a very thin plot, and at times can make you weary of its intense emotion (boredom sets in on more than one occasion...you wonder when the film will finally end).

But on the other hand, it is beautiful, masterfully directed by Spike Jonze, and so fundamentally different from most other films that it's hard not to appreciate it for its absurdity alone. And, if you know any child psychologists, call and ask them what they thought. Though this melancholy tale is ripe for deep analysis, thankfully the filmmakers left that entirely up to the viewer.

I'm hesitant to badmouth this movie, but I also can't force myself to praise it. Since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has increased the number of Best Picture nominees from five to ten this year, I wouldn't be surprised if this one is nominated. If you'd like a quick verdict from us, here it is:

Brooke's grade: F

Grant's grade: B-

Average: C-

God Guarantees His Own Glory at the End of the World

On October 18 our Sunday morning Bible study was on Isaiah 25. These are a few notes related to the study. Questions within the notes are for contemplation and/or discussion.

Verse 1

• The prophet addresses the Lord in a song of praise. He refers to God as his own personal God, and promises to exalt Him. He acknowledges the “wonderful things” God has done and affirms God’s dependability and truth. What are the kinds of things you usually say when you pray? Is there anything that you feel you should always say when you pray? What is your favorite name of God? Why? What does it mean to “exalt” God? Isn’t He already exalted?

Verses 2-3

• Among the many “wonderful things” God has done, He saw to it that the enemies of God’s people were brought to ruin. Their city was destroyed, never to be rebuilt (v. 2). And therefore God is given glory, and the even Israel’s enemies will recognize and fear Israel’s God. Should we glorify God because of what He does, or just because He is who He is? Should we celebrate when God’s enemies are defeated? Who are God’s enemies in modern times? Are entire nations His enemies? If God is a God of unconditional love, how can He have enemies in the first place?

Verses 4-5

• God is the place where we should turn when we are weak, poor, needy, distressed. God is desiring for us to come to Him. He “has been” a strength, refuge, shade—but only for those who seek the shelter He freely offers. Why is it hard to turn to God sometimes, even though we know He loves us? In practical terms, what does it look like when a needy person “turns to God”?

Verses 6-7

• Isaiah now turns from a remembrance of the things God has done, and focuses on the future—to a time when the children of God will feast at His banqueting table, when the “covering” or “veil” of separation from God will be lifted, such that believers may enter into an everlasting, intimate, saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Do you think we’ll really eat in heaven? What will our bodies be like in heaven? Will we ever get hungry?
• Someone read Ephesians 4:17-19. The theme of that New Testament passage corresponds with the theme of Isaiah’s words here. Looking back on it, was there a “veil” over you before you were saved? What do you know about God now that you didn’t know before salvation?

Verse 8

• At some point in the future, death will be a thing of the past, and so will sadness, and so will all of the challenges that face God’s people. When will this happen?
• In 1 Corinthians 15:54 Paul says this prophesy will be fulfilled at the time when God’s people are raptured. Here in Isaiah, however, it sounds like this is a reference to the Second Coming of Christ, based on verse 7. So this is a good example of how prophesies in Scripture can have more than one application.
• These things are sure to happen “for the Lord has spoken.” It’s as if God is reminding us that He simply speaks things into existence—and Isaiah agrees. And God doesn’t just believe that these things will occur, He guarantees it. Our God has exhaustive foreknowledge of the future free actions of His creatures.

Verse 9

• So not only can God say with certainly what events will happen in the distant future, but He also can predict with certainty what individual persons will utter in the future. How can God do this? Don’t we have the freedom to do & say as we please?
• Also, we may reach the conclusion that God does what He does so that His people will one day proclaim these things about Him. And we may conclude that every event throughout all of history is connected, and leads toward this sure end.

Verses 10-12

• What mountain is spoken of in verse 10 (and verse 6)? Does God really have a hand? If not, what does it mean that His hand will rest on the mountain?
• Anthropomorphism is a word that characterizes God’s entire revelation of Himself to us. We may look at verses like this as “anthropomorphic” (i.e. God has human body parts and does things humans would do and experiences emotions humans would experience). But we must remember that He reveals Himself in this way as an act of grace and condescension. He reveals Himself in the only terms we could possibly grasp. And, don't forget: we were created in His image. We are like Him, but He is not like us.

Hotel Rwanda

If you vaguely recall hearing the words "Rwanda" and "Tutsi rebels" and "genocide" on the news when you were a teenager (as we do), this moving film will very adequately bring you up-to-date on the horrible events in Africa that you perhaps didn't care anything about when you were 14 years old.

Don Cheadle, portraying a character similar to that of Oskar Schindler in Steven Spielberg's Schindler's List, does a terrific job as a Rwandan luxury hotel owner who makes the risky (and ultimately life-threatening) decision to turn his hotel into a refugee camp when his country is in the midst of war. In his relationships with his family, neighbors, employees, and others, we get to see the heart of a man whose compassion trumps his businesslike sensibilities.

This movie (first released in 2004) is by no means as powerfully put together as Schindler's List, but its story is just as heart-wrenching. Brooke cried, and I don't blame her for it.

Why Can't Every Day Be Sunday?

Nothing like a temperature in the 30s to get you ready for some good preaching! When we got to church yesterday it felt more like December 18th outside than October 18th. After a good Sunday School class we sang a song called "Jerusalem" in the choir, and then our pastor preached on Acts chapter 3. Then, Brooke played tennis (bundled up) and I went to Buffalo's for lunch with some friends.

While I cleaned the house up a little I got to watch the New England Patriots absolutely destroy the Tennessee Titans--in the snow!


The scene in Foxboro, MA



But then came the big game. We had several friends over to watch it with us at our house. It was the Falcons playing the Bears at the Georgia Dome in the nationally-televised night game. And our team looked good!


Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez celebrates after scoring a touchdown.

The Falcons force a Chicago fumble at the goal line. Their red zone defense was second to none!

This morning, though, it was back to work for me--and the first of four days off this week for Brooke! She's headed to Alabama with her mom.

Grant's 10 Year High School Reunion

I am very thankful to the handful of my Cass High Class of 1999 classmates who took the initiative to plan this special night. It was a lot of fun for those who attended. The location was the new Hilton Garden Inn on Main Street in Cartersville. The food was great, and so was the atmosphere. I got to see several friends that I literally have not seen even once since graduation.
My only disappointment was that there were several friends that were my best friends who did not come. The night would doubtlessly have been even better for me if they had been there--and I would certainly have wanted to introduce them to Brooke.

But, what can you do? Brooke and I went, had a good time, and didn't take hardly any pictures!




Me with Kasi Freeman, who I remember as Kasi Nyovich


Brandon (left) and Brian Unrein

Brooke spent about half the night talking to Chrissy Martin, with whom she went to Adairsville High.

U2

This past Tuesday night, the biggest rock band in the world showed up at the Georgia Dome in typical larger-than-life fashion. My friend Chris and I witnessed the sold-out craziness from the building's upper deck, and we were awed, to say the least (it was the first U2 concert for both of us!).

Chris has seen far more bands in concert than I have, so when he said this was the best live show he'd ever seen, that carried a lot of weight with me. But, honestly, I can't see how a band could do more to put on a show than U2 did here. The sound quality was decent (the Dome's acoustics leave a lot to be desired), the band's energy was full-on, the set list was what everyone hoped it would be (exception: they didn't play In The Name of Love), and the production and stage were absolutely phenomenal.

Take a look at the pics. Welcome to the 21st century!


Chris and I before the show.


The view from our seat as the crowd was filling in. Later, on stage, Bono thanked the crowd "for helping us build this madness."


The view from the other side of the Dome.

City of Blinding Lights

That's Bono, walking across the bridge to the circular platform.

I'll Go Crazy

For Walk On, local volunteers gathered on the stage.

One

Where The Streets Have No Name

With Or Without You

There were two encores. Here's the set list:

Breath

Get On Your Boots

Mysterious Ways

Beautiful Day

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

Stuck In A Moment

No Line on the Horizon

Magnificent

Elevation

Until the End of the World

Unforgettable Fire

City of Blinding Lights

Vertigo

I'll Go Crazy

Sunday Bloody Sunday

MLK

Walk On

Encore #1:

One

Where The Streets Have No Name

Encore #2:

Ultraviolet

With Or Without You

Moment of Surrender

Some facts I read: The stage for this tour requires 120 trucks to travel. There are over 250 production crew members on staff at each tour stop. The stage cost about $30 million to build--and there are actually three of them in existence. While one is being used in a tour city, another is being dismantled in the prior city, and yet another is under construction in the forthcoming city.

It was a good night, and also a blessing to have over 75,000 people in that room--most of whom were probably not Christians--listening to the very Christ-exalting and spiritually challenging lyrics in many of the band's songs.

Look To Your Maker, O People of God

On October 4 our Sunday morning Bible study was on Isaiah 22. These are a few notes related to the study. Questions within the notes are for contemplation and/or discussion.


Verses 1-4

• This “burden” or oracle is against the “Valley of Vision”, a reference to Judah and Jerusalem, so called because the city of Jerusalem is surrounded by mountains, and because the land of Judah was full of valleys. It is also so called because it was there that God was known. This description (“Valley of Vision”) stands in contrast to Babylon, which is called the Wilderness of the Sea in the previous chapter.
• This prophesy is against the Jews. So, Isaiah, a Jew, has chosen to obey God by taking his message of judgment and wrath to his own people. Can you share a time when God has asked you to do something very difficult? Have you ever had to go to “your own people” with a spiritual word of warning? What message has God given each of us to share with our neighbors today?
• If God already plans to judge the people, why send a prophet? Why talk about it?
• Why do you think the people are “up on the housetops” in verse 1? The peoples’ houses had porches, but these were generally concealed from the streets by latticework. So to see commotion in the city, people went to the roof.
• This prophesy likely foretells the invasion of Jerusalem by Sennacherib’s army (the Assyrians)—not its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar. So the object was describe the city’s fright, not its utter downfall. Isaiah clearly is frightened based on his emotion in verse 4. The once bustling, happy city is now vulnerable, abandoned by fearful armies.

Verses 5-7

• Elam refers to the Persians, and Kir refers to the Medes. These armies are prophesied to have quivers full of arrows and enough chariots to fill the region in war.
• The people cry to the mountain in verse 5, perhaps asking it to fall on them, perhaps asking it to impede the invading army.

Verses 8-11

• “He removed the protection of Judah.” This is always the case when hardship befalls us: God removes his protection. If things go well for us, it is because God’s protection is on us. Thus, we should always give thanks for the protection (grace) of God, and we should continually pray that he not remove it (mercy).
• The Jews did several things in preparation for war: Looking to the “House of the Forest”—and armory built by Solomon—and gathering together the waters of the “lower pool” were efforts to fortify the city and assess its stability and defenses; numbering “the houses of Judah” indicates a review of the number of men available for battle.
• “But you did not look to its Maker, nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago” (v. 11). So, then, what was the sin of the people of Judah and Jerusalem? Is God saying they were wrong to do the things mentioned in v. 8-11? What would Israel have done differently if they had “respected their Maker”?

Verses 12-14

• The people were celebrating and happy, when God believed they should have been mourning and sober. Are we like that today? Should we be mourning or celebrating?
• They weren’t taking God seriously. God’s actions were intended to make the people humble. They should have been repenting of their sins, returning to God’s Word, praying for revival. Instead, they acted as though they were in no danger and had no enemies.
• So, it seems as though God’s patience will run out on a nation, despite His self-proclaimed “slow-to-anger” nature. There would be no atonement for the Israelites, even to their death (v. 14). How is this message from God different from the message He gives us today? What are some major differences between 2009 Christianity and Judaism in Isaiah’s time?

Verses 15-19

• The chapter now shifts from a prophesy about Jerusalem and its neighborhoods to a prophesy about Israel’s king Hezekiah’s court: its treasurer (steward), Shebna (v. 15) and Eliakim (v. 20), Shebna’s replacement. Verse 17 offers a bit of irony on God’s part: Shebna is a “mighty man”, and yet he will be “thrown away violently” by the Lord. Jewish traditions says that Shebna was a traitor, and had an agreement with the king of Assyria to help deliver Judah to the Assyrians. Whatever the case, Shebna’s future didn’t turn out the way Shebna planned: Shebna had an immaculate tomb or monument (“sepulcher”) built for himself, so that he might be honored after his death. But God promises here that Shebna will be “tossed like a ball” into a foreign country to wander and never return.

Verses 20-25

• In Shebna’s place, Eliakim would be installed as steward, and rewarded for his service to God with honor and distinction.
• Verse 22 is a prophetic allusion to Christ and His apostle Peter, of whom something similar is said in Matthew 16:18-19.
• What was wrong with Shebna’s efforts to memorialize himself? What lessons does this story reveal about God? What does it reveal about people? What qualities do you think make a person a good leader? If God already knows who the best leaders are, why does he allow bad ones?

24 Hours Until...

Only 24 hours until U2! This picture is from last month's show at Soldier Field in Chicago. The show tomorrow night will be at the Georgia Dome. It's gonna be an early morning, a long day at work, a 7:00 P.M. opening act, and then the main event! What a Tuesday!

We'll put up pictures and a full report later this week...count on it.

Was Satan Once An Angel In Heaven?

On September 27, our Sunday morning Bible study was on Isaiah 14:1-23. These are a few notes related to the study. Questions within the notes are for contemplation and/or discussion.

Verses 1-2

• Before He created anything, and before time began, the Lord decided that the descendants of Israel (Jacob) were to be His chosen people. He revealed this in a covenant with Abraham, the grandfather of Jacob, in the book of Genesis. He determined to have “mercy” on them.
• This does not mean, however, that no ill will ever befall Israel. Rather, it means that ultimately God will save Israel, and at the end of time history will show that He was always faithful to preserve Abraham’s children in a general sense, for His glory. Ps 102:13: “You will arise and have mercy on Zion, for the time to favor her, yes, the set time, has come.”
• Why did God choose to pick one people group and focus the biblical story on them? Why did God choose Israel? Why not any other people group on Earth?
• In verse 2 it sounds as though the Israelites will have foreigners as slaves “in the land of the Lord”. It also sounds like the same people who used to have Israelites for slaves would now be the ones who are slaves to the Israelites. Slavery is extremely sinful. Why, then, does God let His people do it? Are God’s people getting “revenge”? Is it sinful for humans to want revenge?

Verses 3-8

• The proverb that the Israelites will “take up” is literally said to be a “taunt” against the king of Babylon, their former captor.
• The king of Babylon described in these verses was a real king, of course. But for centuries, Bible scholars have seen in these verses a description of Satan. In other words, many wise theologians have believed that the king of Babylon represents both a real historical figure as well as the devil.

Verses 9-11

• The Hebrew word for “hell” here is “Sheol”. Sometimes our Old Testament will say “hell”, other times it will say “Sheol” and other times it will say “the grave”—but the Hebrew word is the same. The ancient Jews used this word to refer to the state of death in general, no matter whether a person was good or bad.
• Some things we can learn from these verses about hell and Satan: (1) Hell, or “Sheol”, or death, must somehow have existed before Satan arrived there. (2) Satan has not always been there; he came there from somewhere else. (3) The dead people who are in hell taunt and torment and insult each other. (4) Those who are in hell, though proud, nonetheless are weak and miserable.

Verses 12-15

• Satan is called Lucifer (“Day Star”) in this verse alone. The language suggests that at some time in the past, Lucifer was an angelic being, in heaven, and well esteemed. But, Lucifer fell from heaven. How could this happen? Do angels have the freedom to turn against God? When we get to heaven, will there be any chance that we might fall?
• The reason Lucifer is fallen is pride. Rather than focus his efforts on exalting God, and rather than making God the glory of his heart, Lucifer wanted himself to ascend. He wanted a throne for himself and he wanted it to be exalted above “the stars of God” (v. 13). He said it himself in verse 14: he wanted to “be like the Most High.” What’s wrong with that? Shouldn’t everyone want to be like God? Doesn’t God want us to be successful? Why not “make a name” for yourself? How is sinful pride different from our need for approval and encouragement? Since Lucifer once changed for the bad, could he now change back for the good?
• Even though the Hebrew “sheol” can refer to the death of the godly as well as the ungodly, the language in this chapter (“pit”, “cut down”, “maggot”, “worms”, “weak”, etc.) makes it clear that we are talking about the place of the miserable wicked.

Verses 16-17

• The inhabitants of hell—the “chief ones of the earth” mentioned in verse 9—at first do not seem to recognize the fallen king of Babylon. Perhaps this is becaused he is naked, his body is disfigured (verses 11, 19), and he no longer wears the boastful countenance to which they had been accustomed. They gaze and consider him.

Verses 18-21

• The king of Babylon (or, the former Day Star of heaven) is utterly ruined according to the sovereign will of the One True God. How is Satan similar to God, if at all? How is he different? How is Satan similar to a human? How is he different? Is it correct to say that Satan is the “opposite” of God? Why or why not? If Satan truly is “like a corpse trodden underfoot” (v. 19), how can he do anything? What kinds of things does Satan do today? How can we resist him?

Verses 22-23

• Here, God refers not to “him” but to “them”—a possible reference to the “third” of angels Satan took with him in rebellion from heaven (see Rev. 12:3-4). Note, though, that ultimately, we can rest assured that God is the victor, Satan defeated.

No Damage in Fiji

According to the website of the Fiji Times in Suva, yesterday's earthquake and tsunami in the South Pacific has caused no damage or injuries to anyone in Fiji. We were wondering about this, since all of the great memories of those islands and their people are still fresh in our minds from our honeymoon nine months ago.

This picture was taken in Leone, American Samoa, which seems to be the worst-affected place. You can barely see a church, still standing, behind all of that debris.

Labor Day Weekend Photos

On Labor Day weekend we camped at Lake Allatoona with many others from our church. Grant's brother Evan and his wife, Amy, invited us to stay with them in a camper. As it turned out, several of the nearby campsites also were occupied with families from Rowland Springs, including our pastor's family. It was a lot of fun. We actually didn't even get out on the lake, but chose instead to hang out with everyone. We played a lot of cards and cornhole, ate a lot of food, and shared a lot of stories. It was a great way to draw the summer season to a close.


The camper


My brother, Evan, and one of our pastor's daughters, Meredith


Our friend Randi Winn McSwain played a game of cornhole with Brooke


Daniel Nally (left) talks things over with Tyler Brown

Francie and Tyler brown prepare some deer meat

My brother Evan and his wife, Amy

Playing an Amish card game after dinner