The Father of the Bride movies gave us George Banks, played by Steve Martin, someone with whom this dad can surely identify. He's this forlornly happy husband and father, who invites us to laugh at the pain and joy of family. His own foibles are funny as well as instructive.
In the second movie "Franck" and his decorating partner "Howard" tease George for being a kill joy with the utterly quotable line, "Every party has a pooper that's why we invited you...party pooper George BAAAANKS." It's a great line that also describes how much of the world views Christians.
Party poopers.
But where did this dullard reputation come from and why do we reinforce it? Granted, there is a time to be somber and sincere. Our reverence for God is necessary. But somewhere along the way we lost sight of the fact that Christianity really is Good News, in fact it's Great News! The love of God, the joy of freedom from sin, and the future party that's awaiting us in the Kingdom to come? All reasons to celebrate. Maybe we've lost our zeal.
Consider how King David danced wildly before the Ark. He got chastised by his wife because he danced "commando" (Read 2 Samuel 6). Or take a close read of Zephaniah 3 and discover how God will "rejoice" over us as His children. Or see that Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding feast so that the celebration could continue. Or try to count all the stories Jesus told about feasts in the kingdom of heaven. Or listen to the words of Jesus' critics who thought it slander to accuse him of being a drunkard and a glutton - they knew he liked to celebrate. I like to imagine there was one heck of a celebration in heaven and on earth on that first Easter, too.
To reclaim the joy of faith, we need to learn how to throw a good party that celebrates all that's good in life, all that's from God. Jesus died for your sin and you have a place in eternity with him. Who wouldn't want to celebrate that?
If you're in the Metro DC area this weekend, won't you join us as we redefine the word "party?" We worship at 10:30, and Bible Study is at 9:15. For those who'd like learn more about our ministry partner the American Baptist Convention, come meet Ray Schooler in the fellowship hall at 10am. He'll also be bringing greetings in worship, and meeting with anyone interested in mission work immediately after worship.
Ready to celebrate,
Pastor Gary
Party poopers.
But where did this dullard reputation come from and why do we reinforce it? Granted, there is a time to be somber and sincere. Our reverence for God is necessary. But somewhere along the way we lost sight of the fact that Christianity really is Good News, in fact it's Great News! The love of God, the joy of freedom from sin, and the future party that's awaiting us in the Kingdom to come? All reasons to celebrate. Maybe we've lost our zeal.
Consider how King David danced wildly before the Ark. He got chastised by his wife because he danced "commando" (Read 2 Samuel 6). Or take a close read of Zephaniah 3 and discover how God will "rejoice" over us as His children. Or see that Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding feast so that the celebration could continue. Or try to count all the stories Jesus told about feasts in the kingdom of heaven. Or listen to the words of Jesus' critics who thought it slander to accuse him of being a drunkard and a glutton - they knew he liked to celebrate. I like to imagine there was one heck of a celebration in heaven and on earth on that first Easter, too.
To reclaim the joy of faith, we need to learn how to throw a good party that celebrates all that's good in life, all that's from God. Jesus died for your sin and you have a place in eternity with him. Who wouldn't want to celebrate that?
If you're in the Metro DC area this weekend, won't you join us as we redefine the word "party?" We worship at 10:30, and Bible Study is at 9:15. For those who'd like learn more about our ministry partner the American Baptist Convention, come meet Ray Schooler in the fellowship hall at 10am. He'll also be bringing greetings in worship, and meeting with anyone interested in mission work immediately after worship.
Ready to celebrate,
Pastor Gary
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