Back in the late 80’s mid 90’s a favourite pastime of some sections of the mainstream evangelical church was u2 bashing. I remember Christian Uni students wandering around with t-shirts which had “I’ve found what I am looking for” on the front and with “U2?” on the back. There seemed to be an implication that as a Christian you were meant to be triumphant, have it all together, know the answers. This malady is evident in some sections of Christendom today as well.

The problem with criticising U2 for their faith, and in particular all the critiques that came about because of this song, is that I don’t think people listened to the words!

” You broke the bonds
You loosed the chains
Carried the cross
And my shame
You know I believe it
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for”

Has such a clear proclaimation of the good news about Jesus ever sold so many copies?

Bono and crew are sharing something we all know the be true, though we are saved, and know Jesus, we are still on this side of heaven. The Kingdom has not yet been established. Christ shouted out in triumph, “It is finished”, but at the time He was about to die on the cross, deserted by His followers!
It is this very paradox of the Christian faith that Bono has so eloquently captured in this song.

Here is the newest member of our family, ‘Scout’. Scout is a three year old Irish Terrier.
We have been praying about getting a dog, but could not afford the $1000 price tag.
My wife rang up the breeder and Scout has unfortunately just lost her pups during childbirth. She was no longer able to breed. The breeder was looking for a good home for her.
Scout was the 2006 Australian Champion for her breed!

Scout is a very welcome addition to our family, and we look foward to walks down to the park, runs along the beach, and fun for the kids.

The embarassment of riches continues at Freo with Paul Duffield, the nephew of well known West Australian sports reporter Mark, being elevated from the rookie list to the seniors at the expence of perennial hard luck story, Daniel Haines. (right Achilles tendon)

Duffield showed oustanding pre season form, and has played some great games for the Bulldogs. He has a reputation as a tough ‘inside’ footballer, and was a key reason why South Fremantle won the Grand Final. He was also a Fremantle Supporter before being drafted to the Dockers, how good is that?

If he is to come into the team this week, as Mark Harvey suggested might happen, who on earth will we drop? And what about Cook, Walker and Peake?
Can’t see Duffield coming in before those guys.

I am starting a new four part series on “Identity Theft”
I am using some of the material from Life Church. Basically getting some milk from here there and everywhere and making my own cheese.

It fascinates me how much people let what others say to them affect them. In fact it fascinates me how others opinion of me, shapes and affects my own view of myself. Jesus loves me and has great plans for my life, why can’t I get that?

Should be great!

Okay, he is a St Kilda Supporter, and a Barry White fan, but apart from that he is not a bad bloke.

His blog has been ressurected and you can find it here.

What a great game.
Not only for the win, but the grinding out of it.
In stark contrast to the past two games, the Dockers kept up the pressure for all four quarters.
When Port kicked four of the last five in the third quarter, I was thinking, oh no, we can’t lose this can we?
But we didn’t The tough as nails Mc Manus well and truly kept his place for next week. I dont know where this leaves Walker and Peake, both who could slot nicely into the side.

But isn’t it fantastic to see Hayden back in the side? Haven’t we missed him. And Johnson was almost best on ground.

Aaaaaah, might go and watch the game again, without the screaming, swearing and heart attacks.

Another really great Sunday as we explored the in-between situation we Christians find ourselves in.

Yes Christ is risen, but we still find ourselves in this world, with all its issues, many of them our own making.
We still live with the consequences of our own mistakes, both personally and corporately as human beings.

Yet Christ could cry out, “It is Finished”. And it is, we hope, we have faith, we look forward.

Eliot and Jason did a great rendition of “He’s alive” and U2’s “Gloria”.
Used a great piece of multi-media where an artist painted a picture of the crucified Christ. Quite moving. Good crowd in Church as well, which is always encouraging.