Ah yes!  The sweet sounds of 1984!  What a year that was…

But more than the sounds of Punk music at its finest was the passion expressed through the lyrics of the Altar Boys.  My life was tremendously impacted as a result. 

The title track, “When You’re A Rebel,” became my heartbeat.  I was a new follower of Jesus then.  Very passionate with my faith and trust in the man I now called Savior.  I recall the t-shirt I bought from one of the concerts I attended.  If I remember correctly, the t-shirt had black letters on the front that said “Rebel for Jesus”.  And in red letters in the background was Romans 12:1-2. 

Today, the non conforming part of me is still alive.  I think it is so easy for all of us to get caught up in the winds of the latest movements and develop our “new” traditions.  (whatever that may be at the time) There is an element to traditions that are good.  But if we aren’t careful we will lose our mission in the tradition.  Even the church planting movement of today in itself can get lost by trying to be the coolest in town and forget the mission. 

I’m excited about what God is doing today.  It seems like churches are planting left and right all over the place!  A new church plant has the best opportunity to reach those outside of Christianity than by any other means. 

As I watch the news, I can see that we are in some turbulent times.  I don’t know if we have really seen how bad it is.  I’m sick and tired of all the bailout bills that are running through Congress.  Hey, if we really need all of that then lets just stick to the need and lay off of all the pork! 

Sorry about that… back on task – The times we live in are difficult.  Those of us who follow Jesus need to do so more now than ever.  We need to pray and study more to build our faith.  We must take Jesus with us wherever we go.  We each have people around us who need the hope that he gives.  We have been baptized by Spirit and with fire…

…Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind… stay in God’s Word.  Make it your life. 

Seek. Find. Live. Others will follow.