Saddened

I am greatly saddened, not surprised, just saddened. Many of you who read this blog and are Southern Baptist will know who Ed Young is. He is the former 2 time president of the SBC. His son is pastor of a very large church in Dallas, TX. I was sent an e-mail this week directing me to his site. His newest sermon series is titled "Living larger than Life." There is nothing noteworthy or shocking about this title. Many churches today are preaching the pseudo-gospel of success and fame these days. What is disturbing is the video "advertising this sermon series." Ed Young, Jr. goes to none other than Hulk Hogan's house to explain the series. That's right the wrestler. For those of us that were kids in the 80s the guy on Saturday morning ripping his shirt off for all you Hulkamaniacs. I am not here to cast a decision as to Hulk Hogan's salvation. What disturbs me is the video goes through his elaborate house, and Ed Young describes Hulk as larger than life, saying implicitly that this is what you are to aspire to be. I do not recall that being found in Scripture anywhere. Hulk was entertaining, and I am sure he will still bring a crowd. However, not one mention of Jesus was made in regard to the series. I find this to be a growing disturbing trend. A church without Jesus, is just a club that meets on Sunday. If we do not preach condemnation, if we do not preach the cross, why will anyone think they need Jesus at all? For if we can be "Larger than Life" without Him, what did He really redeem us from anyway??