I loved watching the movie Avatar.  To say it was one of the most graphically stunning movies I have ever seen would be to understate the situation.  The storyline was pretty average however this is quickly forgotten – especially when you watch it on 3D!

I remember walking out from the cinema’s and having a chat with my wife as to “how boring the real world seemed” compared to the reality portrayed in Avatar.

I even read how many people had committed suicide after watching Avatar as they couldn’t stand to live in the “evil real world”. 

And to top it off, it has become the most watched movie at the Cinema’s ever.  Period.

Quite an achievement!

However, while I watched, I was also really uncomfortable at the overt Pagan and New Age themes running rampant throughout the story line.  What was uncomfortable was that it really, REALLY appealed to my fallen sinful nature.

It painted a picture of utopia – and my flesh loved it.  And I knew it was wrong – for so many reasons.

And tonight I come across Mark Driscoll’s take on Avatar.  And in typical Driscoll style, he slams the movie for what it is – and advert, albeit an expensive one, for paganism…

I love a great fireworks display.  Ever since I was a kid, they absolutely blew me away.  Living in Australia, I’m blessed to have some of the best fireworks shows in the world come New Years.  I live in Melbourne, which has a spectacular display by many standards.  But I’m happy to say that Sydney probably has the best NYE fireworks in the world!

This year, I was on the Gold Coast and in bed before midnight thanks to an exhaustive, but thoroughly enjoyable day at the beach.  So I was keen to check out how the world brought in NYE with their various fireworks display.

Melbourne’s fireworks were almost cancelled due to a stinking hot day followed by an awesome storm and deluge during the night.  But it didn’t stop the show and below is just a snippet:

Below is Sydney’s awesome show – the best in the world I say!

Next is London – again an awesome show – second only to Sydney!

Next is Taiwan – probably the best way to use a building for a fireworks display – simply awesome!

Another great way to use a building is in Seattle and their Space Needle!

Dubai was pretty cool – big explosions which were nice – but a little boring..

Moscow had a boring show but the backdrop was amazing!

A lot of people say Brazil was a amazing also – pity I couldn’t find a professional version of it…

Anyway, Happy New Year to all.  2010 promises to be one of the most gruelling years mankind has faced for a long time.  At least we can all start off with a bang!

Want an invite to Google Wave with no strings attached?  I’ve got 10 to give out!  Simply leave a comment below with your Gmail address and I’ll “randomly” pick out 10 to give out.

By “randomly” I mean that I may give preference to regular posters to this blog first.  But you never know your luck so leave your Gmail address in the comments below and see how you go.

Promise not to spam anyone and I won’t publish your email address either.

When print was invented, it helped spread the Bible.  When radio was invented, it helped spread the Word.  When TV was invented, it helped spread the Evangelist.  When the internet was invented, it opened up a new way of reaching untold masses.

Enter the world of social media.  Recently social media sites such as Facebook, Myspace, YouTube, Twitter etc have over taken even porn in terms of how many people use these services on the internet.

Social media is now seriously being considered the next revolution in terms of how humans communicate with one another.  My question is, how are we as the Church going to use this tool?

I believe that the invention of print, radio and TV combined pale in comparison to the potential online social media has in terms reaching the world for Jesus.  At the same time, I am sometimes disappointed in the lack of enthusiasm the Church has in regards to engaging the use of social media to advance the message of the Kingdom.

Sometimes we want to stay “cool” and “relevant” to our online collection of so called “friends” and miss the opportunity to spread the Word.  Or maybe we are just ignorant of the potential we have at our disposal when it comes to social media.

Let me make a very clear point here.  It’s not our efforts that ultimately produce real change in people – that belongs to Jesus and Him alone.  After all, didn’t He say that He will build His Church.  And check out the following verse to validate this even further.

“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” 1 Cor 3:7

Having said that, does that mean we sit on our bums and watch the world go by as we wait for God to provide growth? Um, that would be a big fat no – as the following versus say..

He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labour. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Cor 3:8-9

So it’s God that produces real change and real growth of His Church.  But He allows us the blessing of joining him in the process.  And with social media, we are provided an unparalleled tool to spread His Good News far and wide.

Are you on Facebook and have a gazillion friends?  Do you Tweet till all day long?  Do yourself a favour and watch the following video and get inspired at the potential you have with Jesus in your heart and social media at your disposal.

Awesome stuff!  So go nuts and put Jesus all over your social network.  You just never know who God may decide to draw to Him by using your comments or links or video’s or tweets about His Son.

There’s something about spoken word poetry that really resonates with me.  Was never a big fan of poetry on it’s own.  But when it’s spoken with passion and it talks about my King Jesus, well that’s another story.

I first came across Blair Wingo back in March this year and loved her passion and talent.  And now I’ve stumbled onto another great talent – Amena Brown.

Amena grew up without a father figure in her life and wanted to protect herself from being disappointed by a heavenly Father.  So initially she was reserved in her faith. 

So she dug deep into the Word and prayer and overcame this fear.  And the result is awesome.  We now have a talented and passionate daughter of the King who knows very well of the awesome nature of our Heavenly Father.  Hope you enjoy some of her video’s below.

Are you after a sweet app for your iPhone/iPod Touch?  The Mars Hill app is now free to download from iTunes.

And what a sweet little app this is!  The content and ease of use will blow you away.  Once again, Mars Hill have raised the bar!

So what does the app do?  The Mars Hill Church blog says you can:

• Listen to any Mars Hill sermon available on www.marshillchurch.org
• Watch any Mars Hill sermon video
• Stream any Mars Hill music
• Email sermon links to your friends
• Give to the mission of Mars Hill
• Stay informed and up to date through the blog
• Get campus locations and listings

And in typical Mars Hill fashion, all this is completely free!  Here’s a couple more screen shots to wet your appetite:

What are you waiting for?  Download it now from iTunes!