LBS
I wish I could post Landon’s sermon tonight on my blog. How do I say this? It was amazing. Rhetorically, imaginatively, and emotionally: it was amazing.
He began in Micah 3 and talked about how the religious leaders were in Micah’s crosshairs — because of their constant tendency to forget the outsiders. The people without a voice. This led Landon into the ministry of Jesus, beginning in Matthew 23 with the words of rebuke to the inside leaders and then on to passages (e.g., John 4) that speak about Jesus’ compassion with outsiders.
He talked about his life among those on the outside. And he spoke about what the stuff church’s obsess on looks like to those on the outside.
Perhaps these messages are being podcast, but I don’t know where. The calendar may say that Landon is 70 . . . but he preached with the energy and vigor of a young man (along with the wisdom and experience of someone older!).
Be sure to hear the other two keynotes so far: Fred Asare and Jerry Taylor. On Sunday night, Jerry rocked Moody Coliseum. As people applauded while he spoke about how wrong it is to respond to evil with war, to bombs with bombs, to missiles with missiles, I thought to myself, “Do people really hear what he’s saying?”
I will get the CD… you never see Landon on programs anymore…he has a special gift.
Yes, it does sound like a great sermon. I might have to get a copy of the CD as well. I’m already planning on getting Wade’s and Jeff’s, might as well add his to the list.
My favorite parts:
His closing question: Does Jesus have to make an end run around you?
If we get the people right we will get Scripture right.
Church leaders as “little Caesars.”
To have any credibility with the Outsiders we need to speak the truth about religion being a bad thing.
“Will God need to make an end run around you?” That will stay with me for awhile.
Obviously Jerry and Landon are two prophets of our age.
Peace.
You’re right, Mike. It was vintage Landon. That last question he asked came to me again while in the shower.
As we walked to the car last night, Susan reminded me how we used to hear Landon in the 80′s — at Harding, in St. Louis, in Connecticut — and how he was this unique voice calling us to look at the world through the eyes of Jesus. And to give up our churchy “insiderism.” I thank God for his prophetic voice that shaped us and so many others with a Christ-centered voice. That voice sang out loud and clear again last night. And hopefully none of us there will ever be the same.
I must say that right now I am a bit envious that I am living on another continent. Although I love the work I am able to be a part of here I miss being able to participate in meetings like this. I especiially miss that I didnt get to here Landon speak because as was already mentioned, it seems like he isnt at many conferences and such lately.
Oh well, perhaps I can find some of it on the internet because I dont forsee a CD making it to me in the mail. Thanks for keeping us filled in Mike.
Landon has helped many, many people to be “Jesus followers”. An amazing man of God.
Jerry rocked, plain and simple, rocked! I pray this next praise of Jerry’s message comes across with the all the admiration I have for him. I’ve said he skilfully weaved a tapestry of the biblical, God-glorifying with the 21st Century politics. Probably the finest I’ve heard since MLK. We are so blessed to be able to sit at his feet in worship and glorifying our majestic LORD!!
Those that know me are aware that I lived on Mars for 30 years,
in Mexico. I have never heard of nor had the blessing of hearing Landon until last night. He spoke to my heart like few have since I returned to the “inside” USA from the “outside” Mexico. What a sermon!
In my experience in Mexico, the churches that were successful in showing the heart and love of Jesus to the people were those that looked like them, looked like outsiders,ergo imho, were believable by the “ousiders”. Those churches that zeroed in on what the building looked like, how skillfully honed were the “worship” services simply were off-putting to the people in general. Please, I’m not saying we should tear down our buildings. Nor am I saying we should be slap dash in planning our church family gatherings, but maybe we should consider what the outsider sees when looking at those beautiful buildings – do they feel welcomed, invited, accepted? If not, how do we individually extend those three to them? Landon brought up those questions in my mind and my heart ached for answers.
One thing I did observe last night was the way a 70 year old Landon touched the hearts of the 20 something students. It was a young gal, student sitting behind me that shouted “Preach it, Brother!” The kids know what he’s saying, relate to it. I pray we of the silver haired generation do also.
I’ve heard it with Dr. Taylor, I’ve heard with Randy Harris at Highland and I’ve heard it with Mike: Scandalous and subversive applications of the gospel and the people all ‘amen’. I wonder the same thing: “Are they hearing this guy? He’s implicating them.”.
Then again, I’ve probably missed a few indictments from the pulpit as well.
Kathy -
A university student told me afterwards that when she saw the age of the speaker she thought to herself, “I came the wrong night.” But, she said, it was one of the most moving messages she’s ever heard in her life. The young man who is SA president, an amazing disciple from whom our church is already learning (especially about poverty), told me that he sat with tears in his eyes for the full message.
So, yes. Being seventy doesn’t mean you can’t connect with college students!
I wonder if I can get some investment capital to buy out a few thousand across the planet.
I also like that Landon probably wrote his version of “Blue Like Jazz” some 20+ years ago.
Justin, you can listen to a live audio feed from the main lectures on internet radio at acappellaradio.net or use iTunes and choose Religious and then choose Acappellaradio as your station.
I’m sorry, I’m out of touch. LBS? Landon?
Sounds great though.
Several people have referenced the question, “Will God need to make an end run around you?” and how powerful it was. Maybe I’m missing something, but I don’t really understand it out of context… could someone give a context to it? Thanks!
Carisse, thank you thank you thank you!
The Landon speech really WAS amazing. At the end, I looked over at the friend with me and just said, “Wow.”
One of last night’s themes, which echoes his 1971 lectures on preaching was this idea of “Don’t be so sure of yourself” (that you’re not the wolf in sheep’s clothing, that you’re not the one who, like Judas, might betray Jesus). So biblical and important.
Mark: Exactly how are you so sure that you are not the one being indicted by the very same words spoken by Jerry, Randy, or Mike? Note Frank’s comment above: “Don’t be so sure of yourself.”
As I listened to Landon speak, I found myself hesitant to cheer or clap. I agreed whole-heartedly with every word, and it made me excited. More than excitment though, I felt conviction. Maybe I can try to do something about getting involved in living out those words of wisdom by sharing joy with those who are placed my life. I hope.
I surely hope 20-year olds can learn something from 70-year olds. If not why would they be studying a document that is thousands of years old? Go Landon Saunders. Go Ancient Words!
Carisse Berryhill: thank you from Austin too. It’s so good to see you here.
I would have loved hearing LS. I can still remember sitting in the Benson on Sunday mornings listening to the “Heart of the Fighter” series. That song has NEVER left my head!
Mike…what’s funny, you had a link to Landon’s website a couple of days ago… when I try to access that (while at work(HU) I can’t get to it because it’s “filtered / blocked”
Hmmmm…
I wept through that sermon and I was the nurse on call last night. I was afraid that something would happen and I would have to respond and I wouldn’t be able to see. Landon and the Holy Spirit of God…powerful combination. I can see that Spirit in his eyes and hear it in his words. I wept when he read scripture on Sunday morning. I love that the fire is still burning in him. I hope that he relit some fires in some that were listening…mine wasn’t out but today feels warmer and brighter from last night.
I am glad that all those there last night got to hear him but I would’ve loved for him to be able to sit down with some of those students and just talk…Matt W. included…I know that they would connect.
I wish that I could hear it all over again right now.
God gave Landon incredible gifts. His insight into the life of Jesus and his ability to communicate is amazing. He has touched so many of our lives through the years.
Maybe he could join us at the ZOE conference in 2009!
My husband and I weren’t able to be in Abilene this year but we listened to Landon last night on totallyacappella website and I agree it was a powerful message. We are looking forward to tonight and tomorrow night as well. I believe the 11:00 messages are also broadcast but I haven’t heard one yet – maybe tomorrow.
“wrong it is to respond to evil with war, to bombs with bombs, to missiles with missiles”
I understand the socio-political context of Jerry’s comments, but I wonder if the millions who were slaughtered in the Holocaust would agree. Was there any way, other than with armed aggression, to stop the pure evil that was the Third Reich? I am not a warmonger, but sometimes war is the only answer.
Monty,
Thanks for bringing this up. I dearly admire Jerry, and have yet others to add to the “admired” list in Langdon and Wade Hodgins, but all have had a similar thread running through their messages, if I’m understanding them correctly, that ALL war is wrong, that there are NO cases when it is necessary nor the right thing to do.
I too am anything but a warmonger, but I wonder if they would extend that stance to include removing all police forces from our midst as we remove all military and enter not into either crime fighting nor war? Do they feel love would then wipe out all crime? Taken to the ultimate end, yes. But are we willing to not fight crime whilst we love our neighbors into being law abiding?
I DO agree we as followers of the Master are not really reaching those that Landon calls, the outsiders. We hole up behind our brick and mortar walls, involved only in Christian friendships, business relationships, schools, activities with little or no contact with the “outsiders” – hence God’s healing love is not reaching those that would steal, murder, hijack, kidnap, decapitate etc.
While we are doing what God would have us to do, take Jesus to the world, how would those that follow the governmental response “…to evil with war, to bombs with bombs, to missiles with missiles” suggest we answer evils such as you mention, Hitler and gang?
While the Enemy roams the earth “seeking whom he may devour” will the fullness of God’s Shalom ever be here on this present earth, or will that come to full fruition when Jesus brings the new earth and new heaven? We, in the meantime yes, should do ALL we can to combat evil with God’s love. But is it not governments’ duty to protect those of their citizenry? Does not God give this power to governments to do so? Romans would seem to indicate that yea, it is governments’ job.
btw-I’ve my small group leader and I have made a covenant that not only in our private prayer time will we pray for all our enemies, be they personal or world-wide, we will also open than prayer in every venue where we partake in open prayer; in our small group, in our classes, in our prayer groups. Everyone is welcome to join us.
I remember the first time I ever heard Landon speak. I was a young college student some 35 years ago and had no ideas who he was…but I was amazed…he was the first preacher I had ever heard that I didn’t look at my watch one time during the whole sermon to see how much longer he had to speak and I was disappointed when he stopped! Now that’s saying something about the quality of the speaker. Since then, I’ve never missed a chance to hear him. He even does a great job at “non- religious” events. He spoke several years ago for a Leadership Bartlett Forum and for the Americam Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. He was wonderful at those places, too!
Thank God for all the good being done to those who are not Christians. Yes, we can always improve but throughout our great brotherhood there are numerous efforts at reaching those who are outside.
For a different take (than Jerry’s) on war and such, you might take a look at Patrick Mead’s series called “Life and Death” over at his blog. Here is a link to the first installment.
http://patrickmead.net/tentpegs/?p=232
See ya!
Another good resource about Christians and war is Lee Camp’s book, “Mere Discipleship.”
I would argue that war is never neccessary. There are always alternatives if people are willing to be brave and creative and driven by love.
Oh yeah, Monty another book that deals with that very question is called “What About Hitler?” It is about creative alternatives to war that played a part in liberating the captives of the Nazi camps.
OK So if tomorrow North Korea bombs us, are we going to protect ourselves or set up a time for Bible study? I think because we are in a war that most people think we shouldn’t be in that we have forgotten that unfortunately war is sometimes the only resort. Peace!
“It is about creative alternatives to war that played a part in liberating the captives of the Nazi camps.”
IIRC, and I was of and age to remember and understand what was going on at that time, the camps were emptied by Allied forces that beat back the Nazis, driving them out of the camps.
Mike…
I am SO jealous. I love Landon. I got a phone call last night after it was over with some rave reviews. I heard he pretty much hit it out of the park.
Question…if messages like Landon’s impact people so deeply, why aren’t we seeing more of a rising up to do the very things we applaud as we sit and listen? It’s really a sincere question. I think many people are feelin’ in. When does it kick in?
Dennis,
I understand the rationality of what you are saying, but isn’t it sad that we can scoff at setting up Bible studies with North Koreans, in essence saying, “Yeah the words of Jesus work for some things, but once in awhile you just gotta pull out the big guns…”
I don’t know the answer, but I just don’t think Jesus was that rational. He died pleading forgiveness for the people who were killing him… that’s not rational, but it’s the nature of God and his kingdom.
Unfortunately, I’m probably alot more rational than I am spiritual… so the same logic you’re using gnaws at me too.
God help us all!
The book of Micah huh? I need to read that book again. I guess it’s been 8 or 9 years since I have. That’s life though. Thanks for your thoughts.
Are we not confusing two different entities and attempting to apply one standard to both? The government has been endowed with a special job, if you want to call it that. It is to carry out justice with mercy and where necessary and with careful consideration, apply the use of the sword.
In our personal lives there is a great difference. Jesus has enjoined us as individuals to be the peace makers, to forgive those that spitefully use us, as He says, to teach Him to all the world on a one on one basis. In our sphere of influence to be the peace makers.
The government has not been commanded to make disciples for Jesus. Individuals have.
Individuals have not been given the power of the sword to be used against lawbreakers, the government has.
When we try to mix apples and oranges we get no fruit at all. But if as individuals we follow what Jesus has asked us to do, certainly sooner or later governments will follow suit – the ultimate goal being peace for all. But IMHO, only the return of Jesus will bring that total, complete peace for all the world. Sad, but true, imho.
And with that comment I leave you all to ready myself for the closing tonight – Jeff Walling. Haven’t heard Jeff in many years, since he left California for NC. Looking forward to tonight.
“war is sometimes the only resort”
and sometimes we resort to war/violence far too soon, assuming it is the best or only option.
Kathy,
Of course you are right. I would never want to turn over the discipling job to the government–we’ve seen what that means! “You’re Christian or your dead!” said the Roman Empire (and others) at times in the past. But we live in a time when our democratic government actually claims to be “of the people, by the people and for the people” a thing that hasn’t happened until recent history. I’m happy for that, but where does it place me and my vote? I can no longer just say “I trust that God is in power over the Empire and that He will use even an ungodly ruler to do accomplish his will…” I actually have to participate in the working out of those laws that govern. Are we called to have a drastically different personal ethic and “governmental” ethic? Are we called to forgive our enemies and bless those who curse us privately but vote “pro-sword” when it comes to policy?
That duality doesn’t seem to match Jesus’ teaching. It wouldn’t be a moral struggle if I was simply at the whim of a dictatorship, but I’m, we’re, not. Of course I’m sure I’m oversimplifying a complex issue, but this does impact what I actually do when I walk into the voting booth. The government represents me and my vote. Am I casting a vote toward my personal ethic or towards my governmental one? More importantly, isn’t there a truth higher than either? Love?
“Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” “Nothing,” they answered. He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.” The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.” “That is enough,” he replied.” (Luke 22:36-39)
Scripture should be allowed to speak its own message without us making it what we want. War is a terrible thing, but sometimes we must defend the “weak and fatherless,” stand up for truth, and sometimes it is necessary to take a life in order that many may live. Reference: 66 books of the Old Testament.
Due to time constraints, I rarely am able to spend much energy in the blogosphere. Yesterday I left a quick comment, then left for a sixteen hour work day. Today may be the same, so just one quick comment, and hopefully I can join in the conversation more fully later.
What do we do with the fact that Jesus – a man of love, peace and humility, God incarnate – stopped, planned, gathered raw materials, manufactured a weapon of violence, and then used it aggressively with extreme diligence against other human beings (John 2:13-15)? Why didn’t he just keep loving, teaching, discussing, dialoging, negotiating, etc.? Could it be that the evil was so great before God that action had to be taken?
First,
There was a reason God didn’t allow David to build his temple– he was a man of war.
Where is God’s temple today?
Secondly,
I’m not sure that making a whip means he beat people… it certainly doesn’t mean he killed anyone. I’m not against strong methods of persuasion–especially when God’s temple is threatened.
And who is God’s temple?
I think lots of very strong persuasion is appropriate when the innocent are threatened. For Christ, the strong persuasion meant HE took the fall–even for the one doing the killing.
I don’t know what all that means about war, but it certainly doesn’t make me idolize the warmongering depicted in the Bible– even AS it was a working out of God’s will. If God wants to orchestrate a war, so be it. I don’t have the omniscience for that sort of thing, and I certainly haven’t demonstrated the Grace necessary to balance it out.
Perhaps the “Church Body as Temple of God” has been overshadowed by “Onward Christian Soldiers”.
No answer, just some thoughts…