February 2014

Ok. This must be shared. Watch the video below.

Are you kidding? I mean, come on. Cellos and AC/DC. Really. Too brilliant.

It’s funny what can strike you when you see a video like this. I loved to see the perspective of an upper class, very composed audience witnessing two very composed classical musicians get completely lost into their very clear love and passion of their craft. It was as if the audience disappeared and, all that was left, was two guys, their cellos and their love of music.

Now this.

Acts 2:42-47 from the VOICE Bible:

The community continually committed themselves to learning what the apostles taught them, gathering for fellowship, breaking bread, and praying. Everyone felt a sense of awe because the apostles were doing many signs and wonders among them. There was an intense sense of togetherness among all who believed; they shared all their material possessions in trust. They sold any possessions and goods that did not benefit the community and used the money to help everyone in need. They were unified as they worshiped at the temple day after day. In homes, they broke bread and shared meals with glad and generous hearts. The new disciples praised God, and they enjoyed the goodwill of all the people of the city. Day after day the Lord added to their number everyone who was experiencing liberation.

Acts 2 gives us a pretty amazing glimpse into the early church. There’s passionate, big words found within the context of this passage. See them? Words like, “awe”, “signs and wonders”, “intense sense of togetherness”, “shared”, “glad and generous hearts”, “praised”, and “liberation”.

See, the early church had this incredible story of Jesus. And He called them to love and love one another well. This was community. It was togetherness. It was their passion. And, the beautiful thing here is that the early church so fully gave themselves to the story of Christ and His life, death, and resurrection, that they played their story so loudly, so vividly, that the audience wanted to be a part. Sure, some may have stared blankly, some may have turned their noses at them. But, slowly, one or two started tapping their feet. Then three or four. Next thing you know, hands are clapping. AND, look out. Before too long, others hopped up on stage and joined in the jam.

What transpired? “…and the Lord added to their numbers daily.”

It makes me wonder. As I live out my faith today, what kind of tune is the world hearing? What about you? Are we living out our calling with such passion that others are wondering, “what exactly do you have and how do I get that?”

Let’s be bold. Let’s live loudly, love beautifully and, in doing so, let’s give the world the music of the Gospel message in real, authentic ways.