blog blog blog! why am i of the motorcycle wanting? it's strange--though totally written about in Romans--that the more i know i'm not supposed to want this thing, the more i want it. if b were to say, "no biggie, get it," i would probably lose interest. but even though i know little about "bikes", I'm researching more and more so that if the opportunity arises, i might be able to act quickly (before she changes her mind). i just wonder if i wouldn't act this way under other circumstances. and then i wonder if this is why teenagers rebel. they want because they want and the more you tell them 'no' the more they try to get away with it anyway. hmmmmmm.... way back to the church thing: heard a great sermon this weekend but left wondering if it was really worthwhile. for instance, good message, but at the end--the "application" part of the message-- we were left with three examples of "popular opinion" that is wrong: (1) naturalistic evolution (2) abortion (3) homosexual relationshps equated with heterosexual marriage. as these things were whipped out one right after the other, i thought "holy cow, all these relate to one another; knowing why (the big picture) and knowing what to do about it (the particulars) would be really helpful." But no. it was enough to say that these things are popular opinion and incorrect. it would be one thing if then the individual small groups within the church were given resources to deal with these discussions in their groups. but instead, there is this message with compelling illustrations and a call to action. but then what is the action? more protests around abortion clinics? students should argue more with their professors? more lobbying against gay rights at city hall? i guess before i was more in favor of small churches in general. i'm not sure i feel that way unequivocally now. presently, integration--a vision, plan, guidelines--from the pastors to the irregular attender or visitor with appropriate power, supervision, and discipleship administered at every level seems achievable and powerful. i'm not talking "purpose driven church" as much as a group that spends as much time caring internally as externally and runs less like a bank and more like a family. but that's just me.