Driving Notes

I cannot thank you enough for your support of WNZR through Lifeline 2011.  When I see that over 70 new and over 150 past supporters have pledged to financially support this radio station, I am humbled and also energized to glorify God and serve you through our airwaves.

The fact that you would pledge your hard-earned money with WNZR in a continuing time of economic uncertainty has not gone unnoticed.  I cannot say thank you enough for the investment you are making in the future of Christian media and in the lives of our MVNU students.

I thought I would share a response I gave to our student newspaper editor when she asked about the inspiration for this year’s “Live Out Loud” theme:

The leadership team used a book called “Radical” by Pastor David Platt this summer at our retreat.  Platt cautions us not to let our faith be hijacked by the “me-first” culture that is so prevalent in the U.S.  Christ called us to a higher standard, focused on others and working diligently to redeem what is broken.  This happens both through actions and words.  The world needs to see that it’s the promise of the gospel that fuels us to live a life that shines differently.  We also know that you can’t have a positive witness if you’re ashamed of the gospel.  So when Paul tells the Roman church “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes,” that is a good starting point (Romans 1:16).  He sets the table for the whole letter with that statement.  We have to believe, deny ourselves, and embrace the good news before we can ever hope to have the ability to live out loud.

Have a great week!

-Joe

So, 4th of July weekend is here…and in some ways, I almost think it’s turned into the summer version of Thanksgiving.  You hear people all the time talk about why they are thankful to live in this great country.  Plus, there’s plenty of sports and food, just like in November.

It’s easy to count our blessings, and be thankful.  I just hope you remember this and every 4th that we are blessed to, in turn, be a blessing.  Believe me, it’s more than just a catch-phrase for church.

The last week or so, I’ve been reading a very thought-provoking book by David Platt, a pastor in Alabama, called  Radical.  I’ll just tell you now…if you’re going to read this book, you better drop your defenses.  I’ll be writing more about it in the next few weeks, but David’s book is a challenge to the church in America to get out of our comfort zone.  He reminds readers that the gospel has two equally important parts: first, that God loves me so much that He sent Jesus to die for my sins; AND (let’s not forget this part) that because of that grace, I am to make His name known in all the world.

So as you reflect this weekend on your blessings, remember that those blessings are a gift from Him…and that maybe one of the reasons you have been blessed to be here, in this country, is because its freedoms have allowed you to know God, receive his grace, and make Him known to others. 

-Joe