The Portal

Blowout

The Xenos Jr. High Blowout Camp is right around the corner, and it’s an event you don’t want to miss!

Every year, hundreds of Jr. High students from all over Ohio are given the chance to come to this summer camp and hear exciting teachings on the Bible. Kids stay in cabins and engage in all sorts of fun activities and games, and are encouraged to pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“It was a really sweet spiritual time at the meetings,” 9^th grader Ryan Yoerger says of his time there. “I loved having spiritual conversations and hanging with my friends.”

Blowout camp is a place where kids meet new friends and spiritual role models. Marc Johnson will be returning again this year as director of the camp. He is a fun and lively teacher that many kids remember and look up to.

“Marc is a really fun-loving person,” 8^th grader Katie Morscher said. “He’s able to be fun with us and serious about God at the same time.”

For information on when, where and how to sign up, go to the Blowout camp official website.

Marc says "Don't be a loser! Come check it out!"

One brief sentence captures the genius of this remarkable book:

Who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him?  Ecclesiastes 2:25 (NLT)

It seems obvious enough, but it takes a lifetime to understand what that really means.

So it goes throughout the book of Ecclesiastes—one profound statement follows another through a twisting, turning labyrinth of caves running deep beneath the surface of life. Written by Solomon, this book proves why he truly was the wisest person who ever lived before Christ.

The book pierces superficial life with the questions people rarely dare to ask:

In the few days of our meaningless lives, who knows how our days can best be spent? Our lives are like a shadow…
Ecclesiastes 6:12 (NLT)

Yet God gave us this book so we can tackle the deepest despair before it tackles us, like this little shocker that hits everyone, sooner or later.

But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:11 (NLT)

The book really throws uptight people for a loop, too:

So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.  Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NLT)

Especially those negative, melancholic minds get warped by this book:

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 6:9 (NLT)

And just in case the negative melancholic misses the point:

Don’t long for “the good old days.” This is not wise.  Ecclesiastes 7:10 (NLT)

But those self-righteous, phlegmatic minds can’t scoff at their negative brethren for too long in this book:

A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time. Ecclesiastes 7:4 (NLT)

And the silly sanguine who plays the life of the party get a sober shock:

A fool’s laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 7:6 (NLT)

But then Solomon revives the sanguine heart:

So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this! Ecclesiastes 9:7 (NLT)

Of course, the high-functioning choleric also gets smacked:

One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6 (NASB)

And there is insight for young men gawking at the pool this summer:

I discovered that a seductive woman is a trap more bitter than death. Her passion is a snare, and her soft hands are chains. Those who are pleasing to God will escape her, but sinners will be caught in her snare.  Ecclesiastes 7:26 (NLT)

And for women who feel scandalized by such a sexist depiction of the fair sex:

“This is my conclusion,” says the Teacher. “I discovered this after looking at the matter from every possible angle. Though I have searched repeatedly, I have not found what I was looking for. Only one out of a thousand men is virtuous, but not one woman! Ecclesiastes 7:27-28 (NLT)

But for husbands nodding their head in agreement, we have this:

Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil. Ecclesiastes 9:9 (NLT)

It’s a fun book! It’s a great follow-up to our Evidence series, because Solomon tackles the best arguments people raise against the knowledge of God. But he also gives the greatest comfort to broken hearts with these immortal words:

I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 1:14 (NLT)

As you lounge by the pool under a warm summer sun, consider this: “everything going on under the sun…is like chasing the wind.” Perish the thought!

A mind is a terrible thing to waste...

“Be ready in season and out!” Paul said. Fruit-bearing is typically “out-of-season” in summer for those of us engaged in ministry, but what a great mistake it is to sit “under the sun” simply “chasing the wind!” Surely we won’t look back and say, “It is all meaningless!”

But never forget this fact—fall approaches!

Every year fall hits like a bomb, followed by two more seasons of tumultuous growth. Every year those seasons tear apart the seams of our fellowship with burgeoning growth, and how disorienting it is! Unprepared brothers and sisters are like sitting ducks on opening day of duck season.

Experienced Xenos veterans know how to handle summer, because they realize:

• Xenos Summer Institute is coming, which is an incredible opportunity to research and investigate other ministries and get answers to pressing questions. (That is, for those who already know what questions to ask.)
• The need to consolidate relationships neglected by three seasons of high-activity. “They’ll know you by your love,” Jesus said, but ministry activity spreads love relationships very thin. If we don’t reinvigorate those long-term love relationships, our strength will grow weak.
• Baptisms are coming soon, and there are young Christians or borderline non-Christians floating around who still need to understand what Christianity means so they can stand up and testify!
• Who are you, do you know anymore? The push and pull of ministry often leaves us confused about exactly who we are, after so many changes have taken place. Why not try to grasp your new identity in Christ this summer? It will change the way you approach things this fall!

A great read for Jesus Freaks who love the summer! Click the book and read about the Freak who recommends it!

But here is the sure way to avoid “chasing the wind” this summer—there’s nothing that beats a pool, a beer, and a good book! What books are you reading this summer?

Consider some of these books:

• The Problem of Wineskins, by Howard Snyder.
• Stealing Sheep, by Chadwick
• Master Plan of Evangelism, by Coleman.
• Master Plan of Discipleship, by Coleman.
• Reclaiming the Center, by Erickson.
• Church Planting Movements, by Garrison.
• Temperaments and the Christian Faith, by O’Hallesby.
• The Iliad, by Homer.
• Too Busy Not to Pray, by Hybels.
• The Normal Christian Life, by Chairman Nee.
• Generous Orthodoxy, by McLaren (for all you Emergents out there).
• Spontaneous Expansion of the Church, by Roland Allen.
• The Fight, by John White.
• Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandria, That Hideous Strength, by C.S. Lewis.
• The Great Divorce, by C.S. Lewis.
• The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Gibbons.
• Jesus Wars: How Four Patriarchs, Three Queens, and Two Emperors Decided What Christians Would Believe for the Next 1,500 Years, by Jenkins.
• The Edge of Evolution: the Search for the Limits of Darwinism, by Behe.

To paraphrase Peter in 2 Peter 1:8,

“For if these are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Any other recommendations.

If you don’t sign up, you’ll be frustrated like Neil Brooks in this photo when you can’t get the NeoXenos discount anymore!

They may be young, but from what I’ve seen so far, I’m impressed.

Kyle and Jordan (and Keith) will be teaching how the Bible applies in the Postmodern era:

Topics Include:

• An overview of comparative religions.
• Addressing the question of absolute truth;
• Learning how to dialog effectively with the postmodernist.

The three of us are building content, movies, graphics and a handout so you can take advantage of this material outside of CT — and for your guests at CT, too.

Pray for this Evidence Series! There’s so much opportunity for fruit in everyone’s lives. It makes quite an impression to see articulate high school & college-age people with intelligent reasons for their Christian world view.

Can Dawkins trump that? 

Where: Heritage Barn, 5238 Young Rd, Stow, OH 44224

click the picture for a Google map of the place

On May 15, a Pot-Luck Dinner will start at 5:30 PM and teaching at 6:30PM.

XSI’10:  Xenos Summer Institute 2010    Columbus, Ohio      July 21-23 (Wed.night- Fri.all day)

Besides good main session guest speakers, Kay Arthur of Precept Ministries (have you heard her on the radio?) and Stuart Briscoe of Elmbrook Church in Wisconsin (they’ve planted 8 satellite churches in the Milwaukee area), Xenos has added new breakout sessions.  These include:

How to Study Your Bible                       The Bible and Science

Reaching Internationals in Our Cities       What Does God Want Me To Do?

Teaching the Psalms                             Nurturing the Inner Life in a Fast-Paced World

How to Make Your Small Group Really Zing!

‘Want to understand Islam?  Fouad Masri will be back from the Crescent Project.

Struggling with sexual integrity?  Need tips on having spiritual conversations?  Thinking about discipling someone?  Get encouraged at the XSI 2010.

Register individually or with your home group (cheaper) at www.xenos.org/xsi or call 800-698-7884

Would you like to help promote XSI 2010?

• On Facebook:  Sign up for the Institute on Facebook and invite your Facebook friends to come. Over 1100 people have already gotten Facebook invitations!
• By Email: Download a copy of the electronic brochure and attach it to an email to your non-Xenos Christian friends.

The Lord uses the godly, experienced men and women from all over the country (all over the world, sometimes) at the Xenos Summer Institute to help us in our individual love relationships with Him, and to broaden our horizons as a fellowship in expressing our love for Him to the people around us.  Indeed, God used XSI a couple years back to motivate Ted Howell, Terry Alesnik and me to start a Discovery Group.  Come see how God will work in a unique way in your life at the XSI 2010.  See you there!

We handed out Revolution Cards to everyone in sight

We were excited and ready to enlist some help in starting a radical Christian movement. Our team of college and high school leaders donned skull caps and ragged revolutionary clothing to represent the new movement. Our mission was to hand out “Revolution” cards that pointed fellow Xenos leaders to our online publication: The Neozine.

High school leader Adam Esterle said “The spontaneous decision to rock the skullies made me more excited to spread the Jesus revolution!”

The enthusiasm with which our leaders went about handing out cards and talking about revolution was surprising to Columbus Xenos Junior High Blowout Leader Marc Johnson.

“They had Revolution cards popping like maggots fried in hot grease.” Marc explained. “With their coordinated skull caps I knew they meant business.

“I don’t know what the doo-rags were all about, but the cards looked really good,” Dr. Joel Hughes said

The theme of this year’s retreat was our identity in Christ. Many Christians do not realize that becoming more Christ-like involves putting yourself to death and letting the spiritual life that the Holy Spirit imparted take over and rule the heart.

The elders at Xenos Columbus explained that putting yourself to death does not mean trying to be a better person through works, but it involves trusting everything in the Lord. Cell group leader Mike Hudock said the teachings hit with a heavy impact.

“Before this, I wasn’t trusting God to be fulfilled,” Mike explained. “I was trusting in my own abilities.”

Senior Pastor Dennis McCallum kicked it off Friday night with 36 provocative questions Christians should ask themselves. Some questions included: Do I worry? Am I unhappy? Am I envious of others’ success?

He said if any of these questions made you blush, then this retreat is the place to be. Many of the high school leaders were as red as cherries by the end of the teaching.

The next morning, Ruth Welsh delivered a powerful teaching as a testimony to the spiritual authority God exercises through women. She taught on the historical account of David’s courage when facing the giant hulk of a man called Goliath.

Dennis asks us 36 questions Friday night

Her point was that, like David, Christians have no need for fear or cynicism when we have the backing of our creator, God. Fear is saying nobody will help me. Cynicism is saying no one sees the situation like I do. Ruth used the passage in 2 Cor 3:4-5 to proclaim God as the source of our confidence.

“I really struggle with fear,” high school leader Anele Howell said. “Her teaching helped motivate me to take steps of faith.”

Next on the lineup was Scott Risley who taught on different sources from which we take our identity. He said it is easy to take our identity from ministry success or failures instead of from the significance we already have from Christ.

“It’s not that we matter because we minister,” He said. “We minister because we matter!”

Gary Delashmutt, another senior elder at Xenos Columbus, explained the verdict of approval. His point was that we often live for the approval of others rather than from the approval we already have from God. The attitude we have is reflected in evangelism, teamwork and parenting: We either work to impress or please others, or we go with the understanding that God already approves of us through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross.

“But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.” (1 Thes 2:4)

NEO Xenos gathers to share communion

Jim Leffel wrapped things up later that night with an ingenious teaching on where our identities can be rooted. We can either take on our identity as children of God, or we embrace our identity as what Ephesians 2:3 calls “children of wrath.”

After the teaching, our Deacon Ministry Team gathered in the nursery to share one of the only two rituals God commissions us in the Bible to practice: Communion. It was an emotional experience where the people expressed gratitude for everything God has given us. After that, the party started.

Xenos members were throwing parties in every other hotel room, it seemed. We handed out Revolution cards to everyone in sight as we bounced from party to party. Elli Morscher, an 11^th grade cell group leader said she received a mixed reception from people about the cards.

“I think some people were confused,” she said. “But a lot of people were into listening after hearing ‘revolution.’”

Our group had a great time meeting fellow radical Christian leaders, and relating. Marc Johnson says the relational

Marc says"When I told Kyle I already had a card he asked 'Where did you get it?' I said 'From your mom...' This was true,"

bonds NEO Xenos has are unique

Neil Brooks gets enthusiastic about handing out Revolution cards

“They have the kind of fun that comes from taking each other seriously.” He said. “It isn’t dull, cold or demeaning. It is warm and welcoming and full of joy.”

Cards were strewn about everywhere: In hotel keycard readers and refrigerators; on beds, tables, chairs and backpacks; and even in the outstretched hands of sleeping people in the halls. The mission was a success.

“I like these people.” Marc says. “They are the kind of people restaurant patrons complain about because they wish they were having as much fun.”

(Photos courtesy of Rick Yoerger, Darlene McCallum and Marc Johnson)

Dr. Frank Turek

Turek is the author of the highly-readable book by the same name (read a related review at the Neozine). It was a timely event as we will be starting a 4 week apologetic series at CT following our series on Ephesians.  In addition to his book,  Dr. Turek also has a website at www.crossexamined.org.

The purpose for Dr. Turek’s book and lecture series  is to give evidence for the existence of God using four areas.

1. Does trust exist?
2. Does God exist?
3. Do miracles exist?
4. Is the New Testament true?

Dr. Turek thoroughly examines each topic. He makes the point that he does not use the Bible as his starting point, but scientific and philosophical foundations. As he stated in his lecture, he starts with effects and works back

to the cause. The book is an excellent reference and is fairly easy to comprehend – easy enough that most high schoolers and all college students and adults would find it extremely useful to use in discussions with anyone interested in coming to a more educated conclusion about the existence of God.

His website is an even more useful reference. It contains videos and podcasts related to the topics in the book, including a debate between Dr. Turek and Christopher Hitchens, author of God is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything. Mr. Hitchens is one of the most popular public atheists in the media today along with Richard Dawkins. While I have yet to watch this debate, the clip I saw looks very intriguing. The video is available for free on the website, along with other resources. I found it very interesting that the impetus for writing this book and creating the website was the alarming exodus from the church of 3 out of 4 college students. This parallels our burden in NeoXenos.

The Debate

The lecture last night was fast-paced and lively. Dr. Turek explained that he normally takes 2 lectures to cover all the material; however, due to the fact that there was only one lecture scheduled, he was only able to cover his first two points. Despite this, the questions that followed the lecture were varied but predictable, especially from the atheists attending.

The atheists felt that Turek used quotes and evidence from only the scientists who “supported” his thesis. It seemed illogical to me. Turek’s point was that there are noted Nobel Peace Prize scientists, well-respected by their peers, who have come to the conclusion through the scientific method that the possibility of a Designer/Causer exists. This seems an important point as the premise is often made that only ignorant, religious people hold to this view.

They also felt that, given time, science would discover the “uncaused” cause. Considering one of the critiques atheists have against theists is the “God of the gaps” theory, this seemed  ironic. They accuse theists of using faith to back up their claims while apparently using quite a bit of faith themselves.

They also denied that the DNA of the genetic code contained any intelligent

DNA

information and when this was defended, they wanted to redefine the word “information”, a very postmodern, nonscientific approach to the problem. Science use very specific definitions.

One of the funnier questions coming from the atheists camp was, “You keep calling God a “he.” Does that mean God has a penis?” Turek replied that  God was spiritual and immaterial and therefore does not have one, but  Jesus does. This was one of Turek’s weaker answers. The question was obviously meant facetiously and could have been handled as a joke. Despite this, it was a lively discussion and remained fairly convivial.

Keith McCallum and Jake Lagotte both pointed out that debates like this rarely result in atheists moving from  their entrenched position. A more fruitful strategy may be to use straight out conclusions, thereby stating a more firm position.

The apologetic series soon to come in our CT should be quite useful and fascinating. If anyone has any skeptics that they have been wanting to invite, this may be a very good opportunity.

In his recent ministry newsletter, Doug Shearer summarizes their sentiments about our visit together. It’s an education in how our revolutionary ways strikes others:

Keith McCallum is a man after my own heart. Yes, he’s a bit eccentric; but, then again, I’ve never known a revolutionary leader who isn’t. He’s the kind of Christian leader who challenges believers to be authentic – and, yes again, that grates on the sensitivities of men and women who hold to the maxim: “everything in its place and a place for everything.”

I can say this about Keith: his doctrine is “right on” (an old hippie saying that no doubt dates me); his head and heart are in the right place; and he makes salvation of the lost the primary mission of the church – a truth that’s badly neglected among today’s Christians who prefer nurture and safety – and who’ve turned the church into an underground bunker rather than an army of marauders bent on plundering the “devil’s house” for the souls of men and women held captive there.

Furthermore, anyone who comes highly recommended by Elaine Stedman and Lambert Dolphin is very heavy hitter in my book. He cleaves to the pretribulational rapture; but Doug Krieger and I are nudging him in the right direction – and with a little more mentoring on our part I’m sure he’ll come around to a post-tribulational viewpoint (a little good-natured ribbing on our part); but whether he does or not, we’re looking forward to a relationship that will produce much fruit for the kingdom.

Then we also received this excited report from Douglass Krieger:

Brothers Keith and Greg – really enjoyed your communications – Doug and I finally coughed our way through fellowship over you bros. and decided that there is much we have in common – especially, prophecy! Greg gets an A- and Keith needs tutoring, but at this age it might be a loser. [Referring to Keith's pre-tribulation view of the rapture.]

Yep, we need to get out there and enjoy what the Lord has done among you – I’m into the fruit – and the the fruit is good, very good – that’s all I need – that and knowing you brothers are clear on [Emergent leaders] Brian [McLaren] and Erwin [McMannis], sounds good to me. The footsteps of the Messiah can be heard – we’re living close to the events of Matthew 24 – there’s a real urgency in the air, to say the least.

How we can get out there soon enough is in question – so…we’ll see how the Lord works this out somehow…don’t bother on the lingo, we could care less about that – we’re convinced that those who hail from the Church of the Immaculate Perception are living at a level that is so esoteric, in any event, that the earthlings scarcely know their whereabouts in any event…that’s been our lot for so many years that all comedy’s been lost and all that’s left is a bad aftertaste.

What intrigues is the “fellowship of the gospel” or “teaming up for the faith of the gospel” – and in NOTHING terrified by our adversaries…now that’s exciting, even for an old bird.

Finally, for those interested in the real deal, here’s Krieger’s summary of our encounter:

Keith – I forgot to thank you bros. for bringing us back to Bazerkly – to walk the scene again in a somewhat decrepit state of physical exhaustion – we tried to cover it up – I think our bodies were in perfect shape to catch something of the Spirit…why does God have to do it that way?  Guess because otherwise we won’t listen.

Read Lambert’s 2004 piece on your site – great story and so true; that is, and very unfortunate it be, that SOS Ministries is fairly defunct these days.  I guess it could face resurrection if New Life were generated..but old wineskin lurks about as grave-clothes to strangle any possibility.  Most agape-style believers have either succumbed to John Piper’s Covenant-Calvinism or have been blown about by scaramania – a rare disorder demanding signs and wonders preceding, surely not following any gospel message.

Face it, Satan hates Jesus becoming anyone’s friend, certainly not the friend of sinners – that includes everyone, I guess, but most definitely the obvious ones who have no intention of listening to a preacher, that’s for sure.  I think Doug and I are exhausted at playing religious games.  Several years ago Doug started wondering the parks in his neighborhood and sharing Jesus with anything that moved – the results were predictable, many came to Jesus.  For me I began to write about five years ago – figured I might as well do this since I was over 60 and all and it was something the Lord began to bless – we get about 15,000 hits a day from all over the world, and along the way some find Jesus.

Reflecting back on our Jesus Days in the East Bay – putting it bluntly, unbelievable – every day was salvation day for someone and life was very simple.  Again, however, we were blindsided by the coreligionists who sought to kill the life – but God is faithful…

Yeah, Mizzie’s something else alright – also Paul (the smoker) – called me up and wanted to know when we could start a Bible study – gee, think God is doing something here?  Can’t imagine but it’s possible…the fact that so many have lost their proverbial posteriors in this phony recovery should be a perfect opportunity to become twice the child of hell or sons of the living God, I don’t see too much middle ground this time around…got to figure out how to get back to Ohio…

Bless – Doug