Something strange is going on. This fall I've appreciated the leaves changing color like never before. It seems like every turn in the road is another calendar worthy, breath taking snapshot of creation. The leaves are just incredibly beautiful. What's happening to me? Cast your vote on the following possibilities.

a. I am a genetic freak that instead of growing older over time is instead over time becoming a woman (my ever increasing baldness tends to cast doubt on this theory).
b. This year the leaves are the prettiest that they've ever been in the history of the world.
c. Having a fiancée is turning me into a kind, caring, sensitive guy that cares about things like the color of the leaves, sick kittens and starving puppies.
d. I have always been a kind, caring, sensitive guy.
e. This is the first time that I've had a job in the fall where I have to drive around where they have actual trees and not just telephone poles.

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I'm confused. I've grown up in independent Baptist circles. I counseled at one of the largest Christian camps in our circles. I attend one of the largest schools in our circles. I've traveled for this school in several capacities. And racially there's one common denominator--predominantly Caucasian. One race. But then I open my Bible and read in Revelation 5:9 that God has purchased people "from every tribe and tongue and people and nation." Many races. If Christ's blood has paid for people from every race, why aren't they in our churches and institutions?
(Discussion note: This isn't meant to be ranting in the form of a question, so don't let your answer be ranting in the form of an answer. I am looking for answers and would like to hear some thoughtful discussion on this topic.)

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Great googly-moogly! The hip-hop culture has even infiltrated my Bob Jones University Systematic Theology class. Unbelievable, we have "hardcore verses" on every test. Where will the all-pervasive hip-hop culture strike next?

hardcore
(adj) True to what you claim.

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If you're like me, the music issue is one of the most slippery, unsatisfying topics out there. You walk away from every sermon or discussion on music with the same vague unsettled feeling. I really appreciate Even Collier's discussion on music for starting to give me some handholds on this vast, emotion filled issue. Check it out at:Grace and Peace: Three Propositions

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It's still not too late to celebrate Reformation Day. Mike Hull emailed me this good ol' reformation day polka. Jon Sligh will be performing it with accordion, xylophone, and vivacious dance in Founder's Memorial Amphitoruim November 2nd. Hope you all can be there. It's sung to the tune of "Supercalifragilistic-expialidocious"


The Reformation Polka
by Richard Gebel

When I was just ein junger Mann I studied canon law;
While Erfurt was a challenge, it was just to please my Pa.
Then came the storm, the lightning struck, I called upon Saint Anne,
I took my vows, I shaved my head - an Augustinian!
Oh,
(Refrain) Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!

When Tetzel came near Wittenberg, St. Peter's profits soared,
I wrote a little notice for the All Saints' Bull'tin board:
"You cannot purchase merits, for we're justified by grace!
Here's 95 more reasons, Brother Tetzel, in your face!"
Oh, (refrain)

They loved my tracts, adored my wit, all were exempleror;
The Pope, however, hauled me up before the Emperor.
"Are these your books? Do you recant?" King Charles did demand,
"I will not change my Diet, Sir, God help me here I stand!"
Oh, (refrain)

Duke Frederick took the Wise approach, responding to my words,
By knighting "George" as hostage in the Kingdom of the Birds.
Use Brother Martin's model if the languages you seek,
Stay locked inside a castle with your Hebrew and your Greek!
Oh, (refrain)

Let's raise our steins and Concord Books while gathered in this
place,
And spread the word that 'catholic' is spelled with lower case;
The Word remains unfettered when the Spirit gets his chance,
So come on, Katy, drop your lute, and join us in our dance!
Oh, (refrain)

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