The New Man Report

Disturbing Realities

2008-05-05T22:18:00.003-05:00

This week, I've been forced to think about some pretty terrible things.

First, in the current issue of the New Man eMagazine, we ran an interview with Peter Holmes, author of Christ Walks Where Evil Reigned. It’s not an easy read. His book (and the interview) is about the 1994 Rwandan Genocide that left approximately 1 million dead. Thinking about the 100-day frenzy of murder, rape and maiming left me sickened and horrified afresh at the truly demonic capabilities of man.

Second, I interviewed Rob Morris, president of Love146, a ministry that rescues children from the seedy sex slavery industry. Rob’s accounts of children snatched from their families and farmed out to pedophiles made me blink back tears.

Just when I thought I was out of the woods, I stumbled upon youtube.com videos on the topic of abortion, created by a Catholic group called “Priests for Life.” The videos detail two popular forms of abortion that reveal the true horror of these “procedures.” The priest in the video does not dramatize, nor does he vent. Rather, in a matter of fact fashion, he simply describes second term abortions, demonstrating the technique, forceps in hand.

Abortion is one of those practices that infuriate me. Yet I have to admit that—until I was confronted by these unsettling videos—it had been a while since I had been filled with righteous indignation at the practice. It was the same with the Rwandan Genocide and the scourge of child sex slavery. These things, while reprehensible, failed to gain my attention until my brothers in Christ awakened my conscience by peeling back the lid I had placed over those disturbing realities.

Though it was tough to think about these things, I’m grateful I did. Sometimes we need to have our realities disturbed by disturbing realities—especially when our actions can form part of the solution. Today I want to give you a challenge that I will also take myself: next time God awakens you to a disturbing reality respond with your heart and your hands. Don’t shrink away from the pain, and when you feel it, step out in faith and take action. You just may be the answer God had in mind.

Scary Preaching

2008-05-01T09:40:00.003-05:00

This week I did something terrifying. I preached a sermon.

What's the big deal? You may ask. For all you ministry types out there I realize that preaching isn’t scary. You do it all the time. You feed on it. But as an editor who finds himself more comfortable behind computers than in front of crowds, it took all the courage I could muster.

The topic was chosen for me. My pastor was working through a series on the 10 commandments and needed a week off. He asked me to speak on the ninth commandment—the one about lying. My mind immediately started searching for a lie to get me out of speaking, which I took as a sure indicator that I could use some brushing up on this commandment.

When I got in front of the congregation my mouth went completely dry. My lips started sticking to my teeth. I was having a hard time talking, so I had to stop and ask for some water. After I got some moisture into my mouth (and made it abundantly clear to everyone how nervous I was) things went more smoothly, though I leave it to those listening to make the call on how I did.

In the aftermath I’ve been thinking about the role of preaching in the church. Some think preaching is kind of old school, something we should replace with home meetings, one-on-one teaching and more organic kinds of ministry. “Dialogue” is the word of the day while “preaching” has gathered a host of negative connotations. For many the word calls to mind sweaty televangelists strutting dramatically before gullible followers.

But regardless of the abuse preaching has suffered (or the negative connotations it has) I believe that nothing can take its place. Don’t get me wrong. We need other forms of teaching. We need to study the word. We need to discuss it. But something powerful happens when we preach it. There’s something irreplaceable about good old Acts 2 proclamation. Preaching was crucial to the early church’s growth and I believe it must continue to play a central role as we move forward. Preaching is worth the effort … even if it is kind of scary.

Countercultural Marriage

2008-04-24T08:11:00.001-05:00

The following is a quote about marriage from theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. It is taken from a letter that he wrote from his prison cell in Nazi Germany to a young newly married couple. It’s a little heavy, but well worth reading:

Marriage is more than your love for each other. It has a higher dignity and power, for it is God's holy ordinance, through which he wills to perpetuate the human race till the end of time. In your love you see only your two selves in the world, but in marriage you are a link in the chain of the generations, which God causes to come and to pass away to his glory, and calls into his kingdom.

In your love, you see only the heaven of your own happiness, but in marriage you are placed at a post of responsibility towards the world and mankind. Your love is your own private possession, but marriage is more than something personal—it is a status, an office. Just as it is the crown, and not merely the will to rule, that makes the king, so it is marriage, and not merely your love for each other, that joins you together in the sight of God and man.

I like this quote because it expresses a truth about marriage that radically opposes the dominant view in our culture. I can’t count how many times—in movies and in real life—I have heard someone proffer the flimsiest excuses for exiting a marriage: “We just fell out of love,” or “We didn’t make each other happy anymore.” These lines are delivered with straight faces, as if the only criterion for evaluating marriage is personal happiness.

In our me-first era it’s good to be reminded that marriage isn’t all about us. Don’t be fooled by the messages coming from the surrounding culture. Marriage is not a flippant agreement, easily voided the moment it fails to deliver emotional benefits. It’s a sacred covenant with a much larger purpose than just making us happy. It involves God, our family and the whole of society.

Oprah's False Gospel

2008-04-17T09:31:00.002-05:00

I don't like Oprah's show. That's probably no surprise. Most guys don't. Judging from the hundreds of screaming women you see when the camera pans the audience, I’m guessing we’re not exactly the target market.

But whether you’re a fan or not, there’s no denying her incredible influence. Oprah’s endorsement can send a book to the top of the bestseller’s list or maybe even make a president.

It’s no different when it comes to her impact on people’s spirituality. Millions seem to hang on her every word and unblinkingly accept the teaching of each guru she hosts on the show. Though Oprah identifies herself as a Christian, her form of spirituality bears little resemblance to historic Christianity. Her brand of spirituality is not only vacuous—it’s dangerous as well. She teaches that every religion is equally valid and that God is merely a feeling or energy.

I believe we need to take Oprah’s influence seriously. Don’t assume that your wife and children aren’t being affected by her ideas. Her generous references to Jesus and God have duped many Christians into thinking her teaching is orthodox. Since she borrows language from Christianity, her New Age ideas are especially insidious. We must clearly delineate between Oprah-brand spirituality and true Christian faith. We don’t need to feel threatened by the Oprah machine. But we should actively counter her ideas and find “teachable moments” to show family and friends what true spirituality really looks like.

Words I Hate

2008-04-10T09:33:00.005-05:00

We all have pet peeves. My pet peeves have mostly to do with words. Maybe it's because I'm an editor, but some words really irritate me. Overused words. Misused words. Made-up-on-the-spot-and-used-with-confidence words.

But do you know what really gets under my skin? Words with hidden agendas built in. Often the word itself is fine, but the way it’s used has been corrupted.

This week I felt like venting, so here’s a short list of my least favorite (or most often butchered) words. Enjoy!

Heterosexism
I first heard this word in college. My professor noted that a TV commercial was “heterosexist” because it featured only straight couples and no homosexuals. I couldn’t believe my ears. Now every commercial must show gay couples too? The word was designed to make homosexual behavior seemed normative. Talk about an agenda!

Intolerance
In the dictionary tolerance basically means putting up with something you don’t like. But in our culture the usage has strayed far from this denotation. Now tolerance means agreeing with or actively endorsing any and every behavior, no matter how bizarre or evil. “Intolerance” has also become the catchall for anything bad. A friend of mine heard someone opine that Nazism was the result of unchecked intolerance. No doubt the Nazis were intolerant. But was that really their greatest sin? What about racism or genocide? Nope. They were just intolerant. If only they had taken the proper diversity training classes perhaps the holocaust could have been averted.

Dialogue
Now I know what you’re thinking: What could possibly be wrong with dialogue? Again, nothing if you adhere to the strict dictionary definition—“an exchange of ideas and opinions.” But that’s often not how it’s used. “Dialogue” has come to designate a softheaded attitude toward truth and absolutes. This is especially true regarding religious dialogue, where all participants are implicitly forced to surrender any exclusive claim to the truth for the sake of an artificial unity.

Fundamentalism
OK, if you’ve read this far you’re probably thinking I’m a fundamentalist. But you’d be wrong! The term “fundamentalism” is thrown around a lot these days and often at the wrong targets. For instance, all evangelicals are routinely labeled as fundamentalists by the mainstream press. Extremists of all stripes are called fundamentalists too. Even terrorists are called fundamentalists.

A serious clarification is due. Fundamentalism was a movement born in the early part of the 20th century in Protestantism. In reaction to modernity’s attacks on the authority of the Bible, Milton and Lyman Steward published a series of tracks called “The Fundamentals.” It listed the nonnegotiable doctrines of the Christians faith such as the belief in the Virgin Birth and the Ressurection of Christ. The movement that resulted also had particular views of the surrounding culture. Today fundamentalists are people who—in addition to holding to these core beliefs—have an isolationist approach to the culture. They may shun theaters, dancing or the consumption of any alcohol. To apply the term fundamentalist to people who blow up buildings is not only inaccurate, it’s also a rather cruel insult to the quite harmless teetotaling Christians who rightfully bear the title.

Carbon Offsets
I’m not against the environment. Far from it, in fact. I think creation care is paramount, especially in this day of wanton environmental destruction. But what irritates me is the new practice of buying carbon offsets in order to continue an affluent lifestyle while assuaging “eco-guilt” (I may have just coined that term, which I realize is a little hypocritical). For the most part buying carbon offsets is an elitist practice that allows jet-setting celebrities to live lavish lifestyles and then lecture the rest of us about our impact on the planet all while keeping a straight face. Sorry Al Gore.

Adopt a Terrorist for Jesus?

2008-04-02T16:25:00.004-05:00

That's what a new web-based ministry, Adopt a Terrorist for Prayer (ATFP) is urging Christians to do.

Though ATFP believes that the government must fight terrorism militarily, it contends that the real war will be won in the spiritual realm.

“You and I can resist the debilitating effects of terrorism by identifying with this prayer movement, encouraging each other, and challenging others to join,” said ATFP founder Dr. Thomas Bruce.

My initial reaction to this ministry was a little cynical. At first blush the whole notion of “adopting a terrorist” sounded gimmicky, even dangerously naive.

But as I thought about it, I began to see the genius of this audacious approach. The idea of actively petitioning God on behalf of the most hated enemies has potential to change——not only terrorists——but our own hearts as well.

On the topic of enemies Jesus is unequivocal: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27)

But how often do we read these words and completely miss their radical meaning? If any group of people qualifies as our enemies, it would be terrorists. Yet when terrorists are mentioned “love” is usually last word we ever hear, even from Christians.

I’m not saying that terrorists don’t have to be brought to justice. They do. They are evil men and loving them certainly doesn't mean condoning their evil acts. But I’ve grown tired of hearing gruff calls for their blood from people claiming to follow Christ. Terrorists are deluded and dangerous. They are also made in the image of God. He loves them and so must we. We should pray fervently that God will convict them and bring them into His family.

Terrorism is a huge political problem and perhaps even an existential threat. Politicians have called it the “transcendent challenge” of our time. But for the church I see it as a test. Will we love our enemies or succumb to their hate? The world is watching——and so is the One who extended love and forgiveness to His tormentors from a wooden cross.

You Know You're Bad

2008-03-27T13:43:00.002-05:00

I'm not a big fan of reality TV. So it was by pure coincidence (I was at the gym) that I caught a segment of Fox’s latest muckraking show “Moment of Truth.”

The show is pretty simple: contestants are asked a series of potentially embarrassing questions such as, “Have you ever cheated on your spouse? Do you really care about the starving children in Africa?” and a polygraph gauges whether or not their answers are truthful. To heighten the drama, family and friends join the participant on stage as truth after horrifying truth emerges.

In the episode I saw, a young woman had a string of indiscretions come to light, including the fact that she had cheated on her husband.

One of the last questions posed seemed less threatening. The host simply asked her, “Do you believe you are basically a good person?”

She paused and thought about it. The camera panned to her father, who—despite the recent revelations about her behavior—was nodding his head vigorously.

The woman too seemed convinced. “Yes,” she said. “I am a good person.”

You can probably guess what the polygraph said—it was a lie.

As I watched a thought struck me: I’ll bet a lot of people are like that woman. They claim to be good people but deep down they know that they aren’t. Despite all assurances from others and even themselves, they realize that there’s something rotten in their soul. They know they are sinful.

A new survey by Ellison Research found that 87 percent of Americans still believe in the existence of sin. The survey defined sin as “something that is almost always considered wrong, particularly from a religious or moral perspective.”

Though we are constantly told by academics and secular progressives that sin is an archaic notion, it seems to have great staying power in the general population. I believe that’s because it’s stitched into our DNA. Call it fallenness, depravity, the Adamic curse—it’s always there, ready to rear it’s ugly head.

But I believe that there’s an upside to sin. Every time we glimpse our hearts of darkness, we’re reminded of our need for a Savior. As the saying goes: "The darker the night, the brighter the light."

Maybe reality TV can serve a purpose after all.

Failing Homosexuals

2008-03-20T12:52:00.005-05:00

If you're like me—a theologically conservative Christian—you probably get sick of being labeled "homophobic." You hear it in the secular media all the time: people who oppose the practice of homosexuality are benighted, backward and bigoted. Above all we’re accused of being scared stiff of gay people.

I can honestly say that, for me, this is not the case. Yes, I believe homosexuality is a sin. But I do not fear homosexuals. Being around them does not make me squeamish. I have no visceral reaction of disgust when I meet them. I regard them much as I do anyone ensnared by destructive desires—with sympathy and hope for renewal.

But there is something that I must confess. By and large we evangelicals have done a poor job of reaching out to homosexuals.

I know I have. My first failing might be excused. I was about 13 years old when a confused buddy admitted he was experiencing same-sex attraction. “That’s weird, man” was about all I could offer.

I wouldn’t think about the topic until a few years later when the worship leader of our church stood in front of the congregation and confessed he was gay. He immediately stepped down from leadership and submitted to a course of restoration.

That wasn’t enough for some folks. My father was the pastor and heard their complaints. “I’m not bringing kids to a church with a homosexual in it!” one man shouted.

I’m proud to say that my father stood his ground. He refused to banish a repentant sinner from the community. Soon after he would lose his pastorate in no small part because of that controversial, but Christ-like, stand.

My next experience was just a few years ago. My landlord was gay. He invited my wife and I over for a casual party at his place. My wife had to work on the night of the party, but I decided to go alone. When I opened the door to his place, I suddenly found myself among thirty gay men sipping wine and discussing art.

I felt very out of place. I wasn’t scared—just awkward. What could I say to these men who were so very different from me? I grew up playing and talking sports with my father and three older brothers. I had no idea how to relate to these men.

After about a half hour of stilted conversation I excused myself and slipped out the door.

I should have stayed. I should have reached out to those men. I should have let them know that Christians care enough to push past their comfort zones to show them the love of God.

Next time I will. I hope you do too.

Where are the Men?

2008-03-13T11:55:00.003-05:00

Next time you're in church, perform a little experiment for me. Look around the sanctuary and count the number of women. Then count the men. If your congregation mirrors national averages, six or seven out of every 10 people with you in the pews will be female—meaning only three or four out of 10 will be male.

Visit a church during the week and you’ll find the proportion of women to men even more lopsided. Seventy to 80 percent of participants at midweek activities are female, a phenomenon that prompted one pastor to comment, “If it weren’t for the postman, every visitor to the church during the week would be a woman.”

So, what’s behind this trend? And what can be done to reverse it?

Maybe church is the problem. Some claim contemporary services have been feminized beyond recognition. Emotive sermons and flowery choruses have made church unendurable for the average guy.

I think there’s some truth to this critique. Churches have to change. Methodologies must be honed to better meet men’s needs.

But I’m not ready to let me off the hook completely. An emasculated church may actually be the consequence of male absence, not the cause of it. If men want man-friendly services, there is something simple they can do: get more involved!

I understand that church attendance isn’t the ultimate measurement of spiritual health, but it is an important one. I think that many men are just in a spiritual stupor. A lot of Christian guys don’t give a rip about the things of God. They’re content to snore through the occasional sermon, before retiring to the sofa to let cable television wash over him. I’m not just pointing fingers. I often fall into the same rut. I float through life, without really pursuing God, without truly seeking intimacy with Him.

I believe that the lack of male spiritual vitality is one of the greatest problems facing the church today. Please give me your feedback. Why do you think men are so scarce at church these days? And what should we do about it?

The Biggest Threat to Christianity: You!

2008-03-06T11:06:00.006-05:00

I didn't rig the poll. I promise!

Last week when I decided to conduct a New Man poll on the greatest threats to American Christianity, I included the scariest foes I could imagine: Cults, New Age philosophy, Atheism—along with several other scourges.

It was almost as an afterthought that I added a category that seemed far less threatening: spiritual indifference and complacency.

Yet, so far, nearly 60 percent of you have chosen “spiritual indifference and complacency” as the greatest threat. And, after giving it some thought, I have to agree.

If we’re right, that means the biggest threat to American Christianity is not some dark and gathering force beyond the walls of the church. Rather the biggest danger to Christianity is … Christians!

Even your runner-up choice in the poll, “Materialism” has more to do us than “them.”

What’s the answer? How do we wage war against ourselves? I don’t think a spiritual pep rally will do. We need some honest and vulnerable time before our Maker. We can’t drum up spiritual vitality. Only the supernatural power of God’s Spirit can do that.

If we allow God to breath new life into us, together we will become the church that Christ envisioned. And if the gates of hell couldn’t stand against it, one thing’s for sure. All those other threats won’t stand a chance.

Why Isn't Tom Brady Happy?

2008-02-28T14:31:00.001-05:00

If any guy has a reason to be happy, it seems like it would be NFL star Tom Brady. The guy is living every man’s dream. With three Super Bowl rings and two Super Bowl MVP trophies, he’s arguably the best quarterback in the NFL.

And his conquests are not confined to the football field. After dating actress Bridget Moynahan he scooped up Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

So you can imagine my surprise when I viewed the clip below that seems to show unhappiness—even desperation—in the life of the all-star quarterback. Check it out and tell me what you think. To me it just shows that true fulfillment is never achieved through worldly success if Christ’s not part of the picture.

New Man Poll

2008-02-28T13:19:00.003-05:00

What is the greatest potential threat to American Christianity?

-New Age Philosophy
-Spiritual indifference and complacency
-Pornography addiction
-Atheism
-Acceptance of Homosexuality
-Cult movements
-Government
-Corrupt Christian Leaders
-Materialism

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Evel No More

2008-02-25T17:14:00.002-05:00

When iconic daredevil Evel Knievel died at 69 last November, many were surprised—not by his passing—but that he lived as long as he did. The fearless showman made a name for himself in the ’70s with death-defying jumps and spectacular crashes. By the time he retired in 1980 he had suffered nearly 40 broken bones.

But the life of the hard-living legend had a surprise ending. Just months before succumbing to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Knievel had a dramatic encounter with God. In April Knievel was baptized during the Rev. Robert Schuller's Hour of Power service at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. Schuller told of how Knievel had called him a couple weeks earlier, telling him, “I’ve accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.”

The stuntman’s conversion prompted an impromptu mass baptism that morning. More than 500 came forward to committ or rededicate their lives to the Lord. Knievel would die six months later, but it seems his last jump had a succesful landing.

The Coming of Sharia Law

2008-02-21T16:00:00.002-05:00

Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, ignited quite a controversy earlier this month when he suggested incorporating certain aspects of Sharia law into the English legal system. In the aftermath of the media storm, Williams offered no apology. Rather he merely expressed regret over “any misleading choice of words.”

Several major media outlets lauded his comments and portrayed him as an embattled hero. The Guardian described a scene where “all but a handful of conservative evangelicals” gave the leader of the Church of England a standing ovation.

It’s no secret that European Christianity is in disrepair. Low church attendance and rampant atheism have been sounding the alarm for decades. The statistics are alarming. But, if you ask me, the Archbishop’s remarks strike an even more ominous chord—a death knell for a once vibrant faith that now has trouble—not only perpetuating itself—but also resisting evils rushing in to fill the void left by its abdication.

Williams is right about one thing: Islamic practices are encroaching upon public life. And in Europe the problem will only worsen. Muslim immigration and high birthrates could make Christianity’s historic bastion a fortress of Muslim might.

Many fail to understand that Islam is not only a religion; it’s a law too. In the Islamic mind, law and religion are inseparable. In Arabic there is not even a word to express the idea of secularity.

The British may fancy themselves free from the perceived chains of their Christian past. But if they’re not careful, they will find they have only traded them for the iron fetters of Islamic rule.

Clean Hotels...Morally Speaking

2008-02-14T09:26:00.003-05:00

You've been there. Bored on a business trip. Alone in your hotel room.You flip through the channels. No good games. No cool movies.

Then you browse the hotel's film menu. The "adult" list catches your eye. Provocative descriptions and scantily clad women promise to fulfill your every desire.

Home is a thousand miles away. No one would know.

It's the moment of truth. What do you do?

Hopefully you resist. Unfortunately, many men do not. Often they cave in to the temptation and view porn.

According to a CBS special, at the big hotel chains—Hilton, Marriot, Hyatt, Sheraton and Holiday Inn—50 percent of guests view adult films on in-room pay-per-view television systems. Fifty percent!

If you find that statistic startling, this one is downright tragic: xxxchurch.com, a ministry that helps men fight porn addiction, reports that hotel porn rentals increase during ministry conventions. That means that some pastors are viewing hotel porn at a higher rate than the general public!

Bottom line? If pastors fall prey to temptation, so can we. That’s why when you check into a hotel, you need to fend off temptation before walking into your room.

One friend of mine does that by going to the front desk to request that adult films be blocked from his room.

An even better way that I read about recently is to make reservations through cleanhotels.com—a network of lodging facilities that do not offer in-room pornographic movies. I don’t usually plug specific companies, but in this case I’ll make an exception. Before you go on your next business trip, please consider visiting cleanhotels.com. No one is above temptation and taking precautions often makes the difference between victory and defeat.

Evangelism Kirk Cameron Style Part 2

2008-02-07T11:53:00.000-05:00

Last week I tackled the topic of Kirk Cameron's widely televised evangelism efforts. Though I expressed admiration for Cameron, I was critical of his methodology. I didn’t think my view was controversial.

I was wrong!

Like a curious toddler who innocently probes an electrical outlet, I wasn’t prepared for the shock I received. Judging from the comments, I quickly learned that I had touched a live wire. Many of you were defensive of Cameron’s street evangelism.

“Don't knock it until you've tried it!” wrote one reader. “Wow! Harsh criticism,” commented another.

Many of the points were excellent. I don’t have time to respond to each one. However, I do want to offer my reaction.

First, as one commenter wrote, when it comes to evangelism “methods matter.” I agree. Many people have labored long and hard to understand how best to share the gospel in our particular cultural context. Most models like “Friendship Evangelism” and “Servant Outreach” fly directly in the face of Cameron’s approach. Instead of accosting strangers with harsh truths, these carefully thought-out methods emphasize building relationships with unbelievers.

Unsurprisingly research shows these models are far more effective. More than ninety percent of converts come to Christ through a friend or relative. Street evangelism in general—and yes I have tried it—rarely works, even when done with the best approach. Usually you have to earn the right to speak into someone’s life—not just walk up and demand it.

Second, Cameron and Ray show scant regard for the postmodern worldviews increasingly common in our culture. Questions such as, “How will God judge you when you die?” presuppose a Christian worldview. The question just assumes that everyone believes that:

a) There is a God
b) He is the ultimate judge
c) There is an afterlife.

For many these beliefs are now foreign. That doesn’t mean we hide these aspects of Christian truth. It just demands that our starting point is different. I remember seeing one young man shaking his head when confronted with Cameron and Ray’s stock questions.

“Man, I don’t even believe in that stuff,” he said.

He wasn’t convicted. He was confused.

The gospel never changes, but the way we present it does. In every generation God seeks men who will rise to the challenge to present the gospel in new and compelling ways without sacrificing the content of the message. Cameron and Ray have good hearts and their efforts may help some. But I believe there are others blazing trails more worthy of following.

Evangelism Kirk Cameron Style

2008-01-31T14:30:00.000-05:00

You've probably seen them on TV. Former child star Kirk Cameron and New Zealand-born Christian minister Ray Comfort hitting the streets to evangelize with a camera in tow. Their style is confrontational. Every session is basically the same. They approach a stranger and the conversation runs something like this.

“Do you consider yourself a good person?” Cameron or Ray asks.

“Um, yes.”

“Have you ever lied?

“Yes.

“Stolen?”

“Yes.”

“Lusted?”

“Yes.”

“So here’s what you’re telling me: you’re a lying, thieving, adulterer. How do you think God is going to judge you when you die? You’re headed to hell.”

As you can guess, things often turn ugly. The duo has been screamed at, spit on and threatened with violence. But they are unfazed. According to them, their ministry—which they call “The Way of the Master”—only mirrors what Jesus did.

I have two reactions. First, despite their claim to be imitating the “way of the Master,” their approach hardly resembles Christ’s. Yes, Jesus was confrontational and didn’t mince words when it came to truth. But Jesus’ methods were as varied as his audience. And he never resorted to formulas. Instead he moved from soul to soul, whetting spiritual appetites, baffling, probing, and at times, provoking. He was a master at speaking the language of spiritual longing. Just think of his exchange with the woman at the well. Kirk and Ray would do well to take a closer look at his example and follow suit.

My second reaction? I admire these guys like crazy. Sure, their methods might be a little clunky, even counterproductive at times. But I’m reluctant to dismiss the efforts of those who have done far more than I have for the sake of the gospel. I believe Kirk and Ray have a genuine passion to see people saved. I hope that they will consider refining their approach to become more effective in their mission. And I pray that God will bless me with even a fraction of their desire to reach the lost.

Rambo is no Missionary

2008-01-23T18:03:00.000-05:00

The new Rambo movie hits theaters tomorrow. Judging from the trailers and early reviews, we can expect the same extreme violence and over-the-top heroics that characterize the rest of the epic series.

But this time there’s a twist. In John Rambo, Christian missionaries are at the heart of the story. After renouncing his violent past, a reluctant Rambo is persuaded to rescue a group of missionaries being held captive by the brutal Burmese army.

Sounds good, right? Finally Christians can cheer on a hero who fights for a noble cause.

Not so fast, says Glenn Penner of Voice of the Martyrs, a ministry that aides and advocates for persecuted Christians around the globe. Penner pans what he called “the most violent Rambo film yet,” in which the hero “shoots and stabs the missionaries to freedom.”

His main beef is not with the movie’s violence per se; he takes exception to the film’s underlying message.

“The call (should be) to take up the weapons of prayer and the pen, not the bullet and the Bowie knife.”

I wholeheartedly agree with Penn. Killing is always tragic. It is especially tragic when done in the name of Christ, the One who met violence with only silence and love. Any serious suggestion that we should take up arms to violently rescue persecuted Christians would be truly tragic indeed.

But there’s the rub. Rambo is hardly “serious.” I can’t see any guy with an IQ higher than his shoe size expecting a serious moral message from this mindless action flick. And besides, can you imagine how boring a Rambo movie would be where Stallone talked his way out of the jungle? So in the final analysis I’m inclined to give Rambo a break—just as long as it stays on the screen.

In Defense of Jamie Lynn Spears

2008-01-16T15:50:00.000-05:00

I realize that the title of this post might be a little confusing. Why would the name Spears—Britney or otherwise—ever appear in a publication for men? This is New Man, after all, not Seventeen! But I make the unusual reference only to make a serious point.

On December 18, 2007 it was announced that 16 year-old Jamie Lynn Spears (sister of troubled pop sensation Britney Spears) was pregnant. The father was Jamie Lynn’s 18-year-old boyfriend.

Of course the news caused quite a media stir. It brought the issue of teen pregnancy into the public eye and many commentators decried the immoral and foolish behavior of the younger Spears sister, who herself was just emerging as an actor and singer.

There’s no doubt that Jamie Lynn’s behavior was unacceptable. She set a poor example for her peers and made a decision that would change the course of her life. But in all the excitement surrounding the scandalous news, something commendable was overlooked.

Jamie Lynn decided to keep her baby.

To most, her pregnancy would be a prime candidate for abortion. She had a public image to protect. A burgeoning career to defend. Not to mention youthful freedom to lose. She could have quietly arranged for an abortion and continued on with her privileged life. No one would have known. But instead she owned up to her actions and protected the life of her unborn child. I pray that other young women who make the same mistake will exhibit the same courage.

"The Dangerous Path Leading to Infidelity"

2008-01-09T16:14:00.000-05:00

Last week I read a comment on the New Man Web site that made my heart sink. It was a letter from a woman requesting more articles about the “dangerous path leading to infidelity.” The reason for her request? Her husband seemed to be treading on dangerous ground.

First, the woman wrote of what had been, until recently, been a wonderful marriage. The couple enjoyed regular lunches together and had a healthy love life.

But then something changed. Her husband began opting out of their lunches, and choosing instead to spend time with his beautiful 19-year-old secretary. When the wife asked him to have lunch with her again he turned “ugly.”

“I'm praying,” she wrote, “hoping he'll be too satisfied with my words and actions to go elsewhere. But I'm scared.”

Hopefully this woman’s suspicions about her husband are not founded. Unfortunately they quite likely are. If her husband hasn’t already cheated, he’s probably well on his way. I told her that her plan of just being kind to him wasn’t enough. She needs show him some tough love by confronting him about his behavior.

But I would reserve my strongest words for him and other men headed toward marital unfaithfulness. The first step on the road to adultery is the easiest. Most guys don’t wake up one day and decide to commit adultery. It usually starts small. You now what kind of stuff I’m talking about it. Flirting with a female co-worker. Looking too long at an attractive woman. Spending too much time alone with a member of the opposite sex.

If that’s you I urge you to stop immediately. The path to infidelity is downhill and slippery. Before you know it, you’re sitting at the bottom with your life in ruins. Today you have the choice to stop. Tomorrow your options may be much different.

Which Christian man do you most admire?

2008-01-02T17:33:00.000-05:00

First Issue of New Man e-Magazine!

2008-01-02T13:28:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the premier issue of the New Man e-Magazine! As you probably noticed, New Man has undergone several major changes in recent months. We’ve transitioned from print to online and we’re now replacing both the weekly New Man Report and our print magazine with the e-Magazine.

Is that confusing? Let me explain. The e-Magazine will combine the stories, columns and reviews familiar to readers of New Man’s print version with the blog, polls, timely commentary and ease of access of New Man’s online presence.

This is completely new to the industry. We’re going to deliver the closet thing to a print magazine directly to your inbox each week—at no cost.

But it isn’t a one-way street. We want to make every article a conversation, so we’re inviting you to share your thoughts by leaving comments. And we need your help with articles. If you have a story or teaching that has been burning in your heart, share it with us. It just might appear in a future e-Magazine issue.

Enjoy this first issue and send it along to a friend. We’re looking forward to broadening our scope with this new format and we’re excited about the journey ahead!

To sign up for the e-Magazine click here.

Last Minute Shopping

2007-12-24T10:35:00.000-05:00

I had to chuckle when I read the following adaptation of a famous hymn.

Come, Thou Unexpected Jesus(with apologies to Charles Wesley)

Come, Thou unexpected Jesus,
Interrupt our spending spree.
Shopping malls hold all that pleases;
Why would we then look for Thee?
In the midst of all the bustle,
We've lost the most important part.
Teach us that our lowly Savior
Is not found in a shopping cart.
--Jenn Kipp

I have to confess: shopping is distracting me from the true meaning of Christmas. But it’s not because of I've done too much shopping; it’s because I haven’t done enough. Here I sit on Christmas Eve with the bulk of my Christmas shopping still ahead. I plan to finish it all tonight in a Herculean flurry at the local mall.

So I’m feeling stressed. Malls terrify me. The thought of negotiating crowded department stores trying to determine which flowery dress or fancy earrings or perfume is perfect for my wife is daunting. Often I fail. She’ll probably be back with the gift and receipt in hand a few days later getting something she really wants. But she appreciates the effort and so I venture out.

Christmas can be a stressful time—especially for us guys. Busy malls. Travel. Financial strain. It can be easy to lose the Christmas spirit.

That’s why we have to be intentional about remembering Jesus’ birth. This Christmas season I want to encourage you to contemplate the true meaning of Christmas: the incredible gift of Jesus.

That first Christmas makes even our most hectic Christmases look tame. Just think about it. It came in a barn at the end of a grueling trip for a pregnant teenager. That’s when the Savior of the world was born. So this year, don’t miss it. Amid the hustle and bustle of crowded malls, airports and living rooms, take time to reflect on the amazing gift of Jesus’ birth. And if you think of it, say a prayer for me. I’ll be at the mall shopping.

The God of "Legend"

2007-12-20T11:08:00.000-05:00

If everyone on earth is gone, except for a lonely Will Smith and his loyal German Shepherd, does it mean God has left the building, too? That’s one of the themes explored in the blockbuster sci-fi epic I Am Legend, based on the novel by Richard Matheson.

Smith plays Robert Neville, the lone survivor of the aftermath of a “miracle” cure that proceeds to wipe out quite a bit more than cancer. He spends his days practicing his golf swing, working his way through a DVD rental store and broadcasting for other survivors. He also dons a lab coat attempting to reverse the effects the virus has had on the unfriendly zombie/vampire hybrids he spends his evenings avoiding.

As you might expect, it’s not highbrow art but an unapologetically apocalyptic action movie; a good excuse for the filmmakers to cause viewers to jump and Smith to carry a gun around dropping a few one-liners. Still, as the proverbial atheist in a foxhole, he manages to question whether or not there is still a chance for divine intervention at the end of the world, much like Mel Gibson’s character did in another sci-fi flick, “Signs.”

Although some viewers may be uncomfortable mixing questions of faith in a world populated by zombies, others consider that even under the most nightmarish and far-fetched circumstances, there will always be God.

Review by DeWayne Hamby

Halo 3 Church Services

2007-12-19T11:29:00.000-05:00

Hear that deep rumble of video-game bombs exploding? It may be coming from your local church. Some congregations are attracting youth with the popular—and extremely violent—video game, Halo 3. The Microsoft creation, which allows players to fight in a futuristic interstellar war, is rated M for mature content.

The practice is defended as a tool for reaching young males. Associate pastor of Family Church in Albuquerque, N.M., John Robison told the New York Times, “We’re using it as a tool to be relatable and relevant, and most people get over it pretty quick.”

Others balk at the audacious outreach. “If you want to connect with your teenage boys and drag them into church, free alcohol and pornographic movies would do it,” James Tonkowich, president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy told the paper. “My own take is you can do better than that.”