The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown's book has now reached it's 60th week on the best sellers list, and continues to excite both Christians and non-Christians. While it is a book of fiction, there is a very real possibility that the book will result in establishing a following resulting in alternative Christian churches with alternative foundational doctrines (see my post on doctrines earlier this week). Thankfully, several Christian authors and commentators are challenging the theses contained in Brown's book.
I have yet to read the book, but I am planning to do so in the near future (simply to get a feel for what Brown's arguments are). I have hesitated to purchase it because I didn't want to support him any more, so I have been looking for a book to borrow. I should have it next week (on loan from a friend).
Chuck Colson discusses this issue in his newest column, which you can read by clicking here.
Friday, May 28, 2004
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Same Denomination, Different Views
An op-ed piece appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat today comparing the religious beliefs of two well-known United Methodists, President George W. Bush and Hillary Clinton.
The author points out a fundamental fact that the media rarely understands. The Methodist Church is anything but "united." Generally, there are two distinct camps of Methodists -- conservative evangelicals and liberal social justice adherents. Understand, of course, that this is a generality, and you will find a mix of theological and political understandings in any given congregation. However, by and large, the southeastern jurisdiction tends to be more conservative (theologically and politically) and more evangelical than other Methodist jurisdictions, most notably those in the northeastern U.S. and the northwestern U.S.
You can access the article by clicking here.
An op-ed piece appeared in the Tallahassee Democrat today comparing the religious beliefs of two well-known United Methodists, President George W. Bush and Hillary Clinton.
The author points out a fundamental fact that the media rarely understands. The Methodist Church is anything but "united." Generally, there are two distinct camps of Methodists -- conservative evangelicals and liberal social justice adherents. Understand, of course, that this is a generality, and you will find a mix of theological and political understandings in any given congregation. However, by and large, the southeastern jurisdiction tends to be more conservative (theologically and politically) and more evangelical than other Methodist jurisdictions, most notably those in the northeastern U.S. and the northwestern U.S.
You can access the article by clicking here.
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Today in Church History
From the Blog, "View From the Pew"
March 20, 325.
312 bishops of the newly-legalized Christian Church meet in Nicea at the behest of the Emperor of the Roman Empire himself. Their task? To determine, once and for all, what the Church believes about the nature of Christ -- was He God, Man, or both?
The conflict started because of a teacher named Arius. Arius claimed that Jesus was simply a creation of God. He was the first creature, but only a creature. Hi substance and nature were not the same as God's, and there was a time when He did not exist.
In the other corner was Bishop Alexander of Alexandria. He was appauled at the suggestion that Christ was less than God. The dispute caused conflicts all over the Empire, and Emperor Constantine wanted it stopped -- quickly.
Many of the bishops present had suffered greatly under the rule of Diocletian. They had risked their lives for the faith, and for Christ. They couldn't stand to see this man Arius make Christ into a simple man -- He was God incarnate! When a bishop rose to defend Arius, they tore the speach from his hands. The conflict threatened the unity of the Church.
After much debate and arguement (and there IS a difference between the two!), the issue was finally resolved. God and Christ were the same substance (in Greek, homoousion). Christ was co-eternal with God. But in many ways, Nicea only started the theological ball rolling. Later councils would argue about the nature of Christ, the virgin birth, and other Christological concerns. But without the Council of Nicea, there would have been no starting point at all.
From the Blog, "View From the Pew"
March 20, 325.
312 bishops of the newly-legalized Christian Church meet in Nicea at the behest of the Emperor of the Roman Empire himself. Their task? To determine, once and for all, what the Church believes about the nature of Christ -- was He God, Man, or both?
The conflict started because of a teacher named Arius. Arius claimed that Jesus was simply a creation of God. He was the first creature, but only a creature. Hi substance and nature were not the same as God's, and there was a time when He did not exist.
In the other corner was Bishop Alexander of Alexandria. He was appauled at the suggestion that Christ was less than God. The dispute caused conflicts all over the Empire, and Emperor Constantine wanted it stopped -- quickly.
Many of the bishops present had suffered greatly under the rule of Diocletian. They had risked their lives for the faith, and for Christ. They couldn't stand to see this man Arius make Christ into a simple man -- He was God incarnate! When a bishop rose to defend Arius, they tore the speach from his hands. The conflict threatened the unity of the Church.
After much debate and arguement (and there IS a difference between the two!), the issue was finally resolved. God and Christ were the same substance (in Greek, homoousion). Christ was co-eternal with God. But in many ways, Nicea only started the theological ball rolling. Later councils would argue about the nature of Christ, the virgin birth, and other Christological concerns. But without the Council of Nicea, there would have been no starting point at all.
Do You Know the Doctrines?
After reading the post below, "The Do-It Yourself Doctrine," I started thinking about the doctrines of the church. This article alleges that a lot of folks are cafeteria-shopping for doctrines and putting in what works for them and leaving out what they do not like. I think this is accurate, but the bigger question is "Why?"
I have pondered this for some time, and I have been led to the belief that a lot of our problem is that most Americans do not have a strong foundation in orthodox Christianity. They simply do not know what the central doctrines of Christianity are, and so they shift to and fro as the wind of culture blows. Even a lot of those in church do not have a good understanding, because they either were not taught the foundational beliefs as a child or they came into the church late, already being influenced by the culture and non-traditional doctrines.
There are certain central core doctrines that are essential to the Christian faith. You can differ in other areas, but to be in fellowship with God and other true believers, you must believe in these. These essential core doctrines are accepted by all major denominations -- including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant. Here are our foundational beliefs:
* We believe in One God who exists as three separate persons called the Trinity.
* We believe in the deity of Christ
* We believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ
* We believe in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins
* We believe in salvation by grace through faith
There are other, peripheral doctrines in the churches that we can differ about and that separate us from other denominations. For example, doctrines on the method of baptism, the timing of the tribulation, understandings about the rapture, and the structure of church government. These items are not essential to our faith, and we can differ about them and still go to heaven if we believe in the core doctrines.
Misunderstandings about the foundation of our faith and the core essential doctrines have led to good Christians being drawn away by popular fads, such as the Da Vinci Code, gnostic gospels, and false teachings. We must hold fast to our core doctrines in order to remain steadfast in our faith.
What do you believe? More importantly, is what you believe in line with traditional Biblical doctrines?
After reading the post below, "The Do-It Yourself Doctrine," I started thinking about the doctrines of the church. This article alleges that a lot of folks are cafeteria-shopping for doctrines and putting in what works for them and leaving out what they do not like. I think this is accurate, but the bigger question is "Why?"
I have pondered this for some time, and I have been led to the belief that a lot of our problem is that most Americans do not have a strong foundation in orthodox Christianity. They simply do not know what the central doctrines of Christianity are, and so they shift to and fro as the wind of culture blows. Even a lot of those in church do not have a good understanding, because they either were not taught the foundational beliefs as a child or they came into the church late, already being influenced by the culture and non-traditional doctrines.
There are certain central core doctrines that are essential to the Christian faith. You can differ in other areas, but to be in fellowship with God and other true believers, you must believe in these. These essential core doctrines are accepted by all major denominations -- including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant. Here are our foundational beliefs:
* We believe in One God who exists as three separate persons called the Trinity.
* We believe in the deity of Christ
* We believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ
* We believe in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins
* We believe in salvation by grace through faith
There are other, peripheral doctrines in the churches that we can differ about and that separate us from other denominations. For example, doctrines on the method of baptism, the timing of the tribulation, understandings about the rapture, and the structure of church government. These items are not essential to our faith, and we can differ about them and still go to heaven if we believe in the core doctrines.
Misunderstandings about the foundation of our faith and the core essential doctrines have led to good Christians being drawn away by popular fads, such as the Da Vinci Code, gnostic gospels, and false teachings. We must hold fast to our core doctrines in order to remain steadfast in our faith.
What do you believe? More importantly, is what you believe in line with traditional Biblical doctrines?
The Do-It Yourself Doctrine
Los Angeles Times (USA), May 23, 2004
http://www.latimes.com
By Charlotte Allen
WASHINGTON — Call it Christianity Lite. It's the assertion — no, the insistence — that you can be a Christian in good standing though you reject all or significant parts of the brand of Christianity to which you formally adhere. Even Jesus Christ — and who he was — is negotiable, not to mention traditional teachings on sex, abortion and divorce. Who's to tell you what to think and do as a Christian — or to judge you wanting? It's a heresy nowadays to accuse someone of heresy.
The Essential Doctrines of the Christian Faith
Individuals who, while claiming to be Christians, reject one of more central (key) doctrines of the Christian faith are considered heretics. Groups which reject such doctrines while claiming to represent Christianity, are considered cults of Christianity.
Consider these phenomena:
• John F. Kerry, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is campaigning as a Catholic candidate. His website declares that he "was raised in the Catholic faith and continues to be an active member of the Catholic Church." Kerry is also campaigning as the candidate of NARAL Pro-Choice America, the abortion-industry advocacy group, whose endorsement he won with an absolutist stance on abortion rights, which is anathema to the Catholic Church. Several U.S. Catholic bishops recently have stated that Catholics in public life who support abortion rights are not in good standing with the church and should not receive the Eucharist, the church's most sacred sacrament, at Mass. Kerry's response — besides scrambling to find individual Catholic churches liberal enough to allow him into their communion lines — has been to declare that the church has no business "instructing politicians" on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.
• Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code" claims that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, fathered a child by her and installed her as the head of his new religion centered on goddess worship ("the sacred feminine," in Brown's words). None of this is in the Gospels, but that's because, says Brown, the all-male hierarchy of bishops conspired during the 4th century to squelch rival gospels and other Christian texts that granted power to women. The bishops also forced their flocks to adhere to the Nicene Creed, which declares there is but a single, male deity whose son, also divine, was Jesus (in Brown's view, the real Jesus was just a wise human teacher of feminist leanings). In short, Brown contends, what we know as traditional Christianity is simply the result of a long-ago political struggle.
• Religion historian Elaine Pagels' latest book, "Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas," another bestseller, also contends that creeds — professions of faith that go hand in hand with Christian orthodoxy in many churches — were a belated and oppressive development, crushing a vibrant, competing spirituality embodied in the Gnostics, a group of early Christian seekers deemed heretical. Pagels urges a do-it-yourself reorganization of the New Testament that would jettison the faith-promoting canonical Gospel of John ("He who believes in Me …") in favor of the Gospel of Thomas, a loosey-goosey Gnostic collection of sayings attributed to Jesus that stress finding the kingdom of God inside yourself. "I cannot love … the tendency to identify Christianity with a single set of authorized beliefs," Pagels writes.
That's having your Christian cake and eating it too. The phenomenon — a pervasive anti-authoritarianism, a readiness to accommodate religious teaching to prevailing secular mores and an insistence that individuals have a right to carve out their own relationship with the Christian tradition — exists not only among mainline denominations but even, if to a lesser extent, among evangelicals, whose high divorce rate contradicts Jesus' teachings in the Scriptures about the lifelong nature of marriage. "There tend to be much more liberal attitudes toward divorce [in the evangelical churches] than when I was a kid growing up," says John Wilson, editor of Books & Culture, the literary arm of the evangelical magazine Christianity Today. "Evangelicals' expectations about marriage have been contaminated by the expectations of the larger culture," Wilson says. "You give it up and look for someone else who's going to be the perfect person whom God wanted you to marry."
Christianity Lite has not quite reached the stage of the mass-market Zohar studies at the Kabbalah Centre, frequented by Madonna and other celebrities, whose website avoids all mention of the words "Jewish" and "Judaism" and declares, "Kabbalah is about 'light' … not religion!" But the distrust of tradition among many Christians disturbs some observers.
The Creed
"Like Judaism, Christianity is a religion of response, and it makes a difference who you're responding to," says Luke Timothy Johnson, a New Testament professor at Emory University and author of "The Creed: What Christians Believe and Why It Matters." Johnson contends that formal statements of Christian faith, especially faith in Jesus' divinity, began as early as Paul of Tarsus' letters two decades after Jesus' death. "You had Jews calling Jesus Lord, the same way that they addressed God," Johnson says, "so it became a matter of defining what this meant so that you could live it. But nowadays it's amazing how many people believe that the creeds were foisted on Christianity. There's this belief that structure and spontaneity are opposites, and that traditional Christianity is incompatible with mysticism and with communal and egalitarian experience. That's never been true. It's a sociological fantasy of the 1960s."
The cultural and attitudinal shifts of the 1960s are one important source for many Christians' individualistic attitudes. Furthermore, the post-World War II economic roll, still continuing, opened up social and geographic mobility to many Americans for the first time, but it also unmoored them from traditional sources of religious authority in family, church and community.
Cafeteria Religion aka "Salad-bar Religion."
Denotes the trend where people pick and choose religious beliefs, doctrines and practices - mixing and matching them much as they would select food in a cafeteria. A prime example of a cafeteria religion is the "church-free spirituality" promoted by Oprah Winfrey.
A number of publishers refer to the phenomenon as "private spirituality." It is also described as "spirituality without religion."
That said, this eclectic approach is not just popular among non-Christians, but also among people who consider themselves to be Christians. More often than not, the latter do not know how to discern orthodoxy from heresy.
Many, but by no means all, who take this approach are also religious pluralists.
Research resources on Cafeteria religion
"There was a dramatic increase in college education," says W. Bradford Wilcox, a sociologist at the University of Virginia. "Suddenly, many more Americans had the same basic educational training as their pastors and priests, and they felt entitled to make the same decisions about belief …. The second thing that happened is that their professors and the members of the cultural elite became anti-authoritarian themselves."
The sea change hit Catholics, of all Christians, especially hard, Wilcox notes. Somewhat culturally and geographically isolated in urban ethnic parishes until the 1950s and distrusted by their Protestant neighbors, Catholics were moving more into the mainstream, and the election of John F. Kennedy as president in 1960, coupled with rising postwar suburban prosperity, accelerated the migration. Catholicism was becoming even more comfortable with American culture just when it was beginning to change in ways that were incompatible with traditional Catholic moral teaching on divorce, extramarital sex and abortion.
"There's always an antithesis between Christ and culture," says Richard John Neuhaus, a Catholic priest and editor of First Things magazine, "but when JFK was president, 99% of Catholics assumed there was a neat, nonproblematic fit." The old close-knit parishes were disappearing, the children were increasingly in public schools, the ecclesiastical and liturgical changes of the Second Vatican Council were leading many Catholics to question the authority of priests and bishops — and most Catholics, politicians included, simply followed where the secular culture led.
When in January 2003 the bishop of Sacramento ordered former Gov. Gray Davis, a Catholic whose administration boasted of making California "the most pro-choice state in America," to change his views or stop receiving communion, a Davis spokesman accused the bishop of "telling the faithful how to practice their faith."
So, the consumer mentality rules in the world of Christianity Lite: The notion that no one has the right to tell anyone how to practice his or her faith, or indeed what that faith should consist of. Individual choice, not the tradition handed down by parents or grandparents, increasingly governs belief, practice and denominational affiliation.
There is an upside to that, however, as Wilcox points out. "Many are moving out of their traditions, but when they land in a particular tradition, they take it much more seriously. They're better-educated, and they're more self-conscious about passing it on. Our society is becoming overall more secular, but there is in increase in the minority of Americans who take their faith seriously."
That is the paradox of Christianity Lite. It can breed its own dissatisfactions, including a hunger to lose oneself religiously in something outside of and larger than oneself. That is why, by all reports, the Christian churches and communities that insist on going against the "spirituality" zeitgeist and making genuine demands on their members are thriving.
Charlotte Allen, the author of "The Human Christ: The Search for the Historical Jesus," co-edits the inkWell weblog for the Independent Women's Forum.
Los Angeles Times (USA), May 23, 2004
http://www.latimes.com
By Charlotte Allen
WASHINGTON — Call it Christianity Lite. It's the assertion — no, the insistence — that you can be a Christian in good standing though you reject all or significant parts of the brand of Christianity to which you formally adhere. Even Jesus Christ — and who he was — is negotiable, not to mention traditional teachings on sex, abortion and divorce. Who's to tell you what to think and do as a Christian — or to judge you wanting? It's a heresy nowadays to accuse someone of heresy.
The Essential Doctrines of the Christian Faith
Individuals who, while claiming to be Christians, reject one of more central (key) doctrines of the Christian faith are considered heretics. Groups which reject such doctrines while claiming to represent Christianity, are considered cults of Christianity.
Consider these phenomena:
• John F. Kerry, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is campaigning as a Catholic candidate. His website declares that he "was raised in the Catholic faith and continues to be an active member of the Catholic Church." Kerry is also campaigning as the candidate of NARAL Pro-Choice America, the abortion-industry advocacy group, whose endorsement he won with an absolutist stance on abortion rights, which is anathema to the Catholic Church. Several U.S. Catholic bishops recently have stated that Catholics in public life who support abortion rights are not in good standing with the church and should not receive the Eucharist, the church's most sacred sacrament, at Mass. Kerry's response — besides scrambling to find individual Catholic churches liberal enough to allow him into their communion lines — has been to declare that the church has no business "instructing politicians" on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.
• Dan Brown's novel "The Da Vinci Code" claims that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, fathered a child by her and installed her as the head of his new religion centered on goddess worship ("the sacred feminine," in Brown's words). None of this is in the Gospels, but that's because, says Brown, the all-male hierarchy of bishops conspired during the 4th century to squelch rival gospels and other Christian texts that granted power to women. The bishops also forced their flocks to adhere to the Nicene Creed, which declares there is but a single, male deity whose son, also divine, was Jesus (in Brown's view, the real Jesus was just a wise human teacher of feminist leanings). In short, Brown contends, what we know as traditional Christianity is simply the result of a long-ago political struggle.
• Religion historian Elaine Pagels' latest book, "Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas," another bestseller, also contends that creeds — professions of faith that go hand in hand with Christian orthodoxy in many churches — were a belated and oppressive development, crushing a vibrant, competing spirituality embodied in the Gnostics, a group of early Christian seekers deemed heretical. Pagels urges a do-it-yourself reorganization of the New Testament that would jettison the faith-promoting canonical Gospel of John ("He who believes in Me …") in favor of the Gospel of Thomas, a loosey-goosey Gnostic collection of sayings attributed to Jesus that stress finding the kingdom of God inside yourself. "I cannot love … the tendency to identify Christianity with a single set of authorized beliefs," Pagels writes.
That's having your Christian cake and eating it too. The phenomenon — a pervasive anti-authoritarianism, a readiness to accommodate religious teaching to prevailing secular mores and an insistence that individuals have a right to carve out their own relationship with the Christian tradition — exists not only among mainline denominations but even, if to a lesser extent, among evangelicals, whose high divorce rate contradicts Jesus' teachings in the Scriptures about the lifelong nature of marriage. "There tend to be much more liberal attitudes toward divorce [in the evangelical churches] than when I was a kid growing up," says John Wilson, editor of Books & Culture, the literary arm of the evangelical magazine Christianity Today. "Evangelicals' expectations about marriage have been contaminated by the expectations of the larger culture," Wilson says. "You give it up and look for someone else who's going to be the perfect person whom God wanted you to marry."
Christianity Lite has not quite reached the stage of the mass-market Zohar studies at the Kabbalah Centre, frequented by Madonna and other celebrities, whose website avoids all mention of the words "Jewish" and "Judaism" and declares, "Kabbalah is about 'light' … not religion!" But the distrust of tradition among many Christians disturbs some observers.
The Creed
"Like Judaism, Christianity is a religion of response, and it makes a difference who you're responding to," says Luke Timothy Johnson, a New Testament professor at Emory University and author of "The Creed: What Christians Believe and Why It Matters." Johnson contends that formal statements of Christian faith, especially faith in Jesus' divinity, began as early as Paul of Tarsus' letters two decades after Jesus' death. "You had Jews calling Jesus Lord, the same way that they addressed God," Johnson says, "so it became a matter of defining what this meant so that you could live it. But nowadays it's amazing how many people believe that the creeds were foisted on Christianity. There's this belief that structure and spontaneity are opposites, and that traditional Christianity is incompatible with mysticism and with communal and egalitarian experience. That's never been true. It's a sociological fantasy of the 1960s."
The cultural and attitudinal shifts of the 1960s are one important source for many Christians' individualistic attitudes. Furthermore, the post-World War II economic roll, still continuing, opened up social and geographic mobility to many Americans for the first time, but it also unmoored them from traditional sources of religious authority in family, church and community.
Cafeteria Religion aka "Salad-bar Religion."
Denotes the trend where people pick and choose religious beliefs, doctrines and practices - mixing and matching them much as they would select food in a cafeteria. A prime example of a cafeteria religion is the "church-free spirituality" promoted by Oprah Winfrey.
A number of publishers refer to the phenomenon as "private spirituality." It is also described as "spirituality without religion."
That said, this eclectic approach is not just popular among non-Christians, but also among people who consider themselves to be Christians. More often than not, the latter do not know how to discern orthodoxy from heresy.
Many, but by no means all, who take this approach are also religious pluralists.
Research resources on Cafeteria religion
"There was a dramatic increase in college education," says W. Bradford Wilcox, a sociologist at the University of Virginia. "Suddenly, many more Americans had the same basic educational training as their pastors and priests, and they felt entitled to make the same decisions about belief …. The second thing that happened is that their professors and the members of the cultural elite became anti-authoritarian themselves."
The sea change hit Catholics, of all Christians, especially hard, Wilcox notes. Somewhat culturally and geographically isolated in urban ethnic parishes until the 1950s and distrusted by their Protestant neighbors, Catholics were moving more into the mainstream, and the election of John F. Kennedy as president in 1960, coupled with rising postwar suburban prosperity, accelerated the migration. Catholicism was becoming even more comfortable with American culture just when it was beginning to change in ways that were incompatible with traditional Catholic moral teaching on divorce, extramarital sex and abortion.
"There's always an antithesis between Christ and culture," says Richard John Neuhaus, a Catholic priest and editor of First Things magazine, "but when JFK was president, 99% of Catholics assumed there was a neat, nonproblematic fit." The old close-knit parishes were disappearing, the children were increasingly in public schools, the ecclesiastical and liturgical changes of the Second Vatican Council were leading many Catholics to question the authority of priests and bishops — and most Catholics, politicians included, simply followed where the secular culture led.
When in January 2003 the bishop of Sacramento ordered former Gov. Gray Davis, a Catholic whose administration boasted of making California "the most pro-choice state in America," to change his views or stop receiving communion, a Davis spokesman accused the bishop of "telling the faithful how to practice their faith."
So, the consumer mentality rules in the world of Christianity Lite: The notion that no one has the right to tell anyone how to practice his or her faith, or indeed what that faith should consist of. Individual choice, not the tradition handed down by parents or grandparents, increasingly governs belief, practice and denominational affiliation.
There is an upside to that, however, as Wilcox points out. "Many are moving out of their traditions, but when they land in a particular tradition, they take it much more seriously. They're better-educated, and they're more self-conscious about passing it on. Our society is becoming overall more secular, but there is in increase in the minority of Americans who take their faith seriously."
That is the paradox of Christianity Lite. It can breed its own dissatisfactions, including a hunger to lose oneself religiously in something outside of and larger than oneself. That is why, by all reports, the Christian churches and communities that insist on going against the "spirituality" zeitgeist and making genuine demands on their members are thriving.
Charlotte Allen, the author of "The Human Christ: The Search for the Historical Jesus," co-edits the inkWell weblog for the Independent Women's Forum.
Monday, May 24, 2004
The Church Garage -- New Ministry Idea?
Ran across this story by KRISTEN GELINEAU, Associated Press Writer, that I thought you might find interesting. While this may not be a ministry that we are called to, maybe it can get us thinking, "What kind of ministry can we start? What are the needs in our community and how can we meet them?"
BOTHELL, Wash. - Slumped over the wheel of a stubborn car that just won't start, many a desperate person has pleaded with God for help.
For mechanics Craig Brandenburg and Teang Ie, praying for automotive miracles is just part of the routine at Cedar Park Assembly of God church, where every weekday the two service a steady stream of cars in their mechanics ministry.
Cedar Park is one of many churches across the nation offering such a service, where single women, the elderly, poor and others can get a hassle-free fix-up for a low price. Some of the ministries even refurbish donated cars then give them away or sell them at a bargain rate.
"For the last five years, this has taken off all over the place," said Peter Leschuck, lead mechanic for the cars ministry at Willow Creek Community Church, in South Barrington, Ill. Fifteen years ago, the suburban Chicago megachurch opened its mechanics ministry, believed to be the first in the nation, and now advises others on how to start their own.
Church car donation programs have become more popular over the past decade, as two-car families become three-car families, and more vehicles become available, said Jay Van Groningen, of the North American Ministry Team of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. Hundreds of religious organizations now have car ministries, he said.
Brandenburg's shop looks fairly typical. Cars — some on lifts, some on the floor with their hoods open — take up most of the space, and the piercing whine of an air wrench permeates the room. But the shop's wooden cross clock, and its regular shipments from the local Chrysler dealership addressed to "God," remind all of the mechanics' higher purpose.
Every morning before they pop the hood of their first car, Brandenburg and Ie sit in the shop's office and bow their heads to pray. As the two huddled together one recent morning, Ie thanked the Lord for any help he could bestow upon the day's lineup of ailing vehicles.
"I can tell you some great stories about God healing cars," Brandenburg said with a chuckle, as he twirled a wrench in his grease-stained hands. "Sometimes you just pray for a revelation."
The mechanics ministry at the 5,000-member church charges on a sliding scale, depending on the income and circumstances of the customer. One Saturday a month, the ministry, which has serviced around 2,200 cars since it began four years ago, holds a free fix-up day. The shop also accepts donated cars which they fix and either sell for a low price or give away.
"It's always nice to be able to help those who are just in need," Ie said as he plugged up an oil leak in an aging Dodge Caravan. "Every one of us has been in that place."
One of Brandenburg's longtime customers, 73-year-old Kitri Moran, said she would be lost without the ministry. Moran lives alone in a Kenmore trailer park and must drive six miles to get her water from a local well — an impossible task if her 1987 Ford Escort breaks down.
"He's an angel in disguise," said Moran, who scrapes by on her Social Security (news - web sites) checks and occasional housecleaning jobs. "I cried when I walked out of there because he was so sweet."
Pam Cornell brought her business to Brandenburg when her mechanic wanted to charge her $200 for what she later discovered was a $10 repair.
"I needed to find a real mechanic that I can trust," the 38-year-old single mother said as she handed Brandenburg the keys to her Honda Civic. "I know he's not gonna purposely tell me something's wrong that's not."
Cornell's experience mirrors that of many of the single women who attend the divorce recovery ministry at Black Rock Congregational Church, said pastor of adult ministries, Dan McCandless.
The Fairfield, Conn., church started a mechanics ministry two years ago, after noticing that many of the congregation's single mothers were very dependent on their cars.
"If their vehicle went kerflooey, they were sunk," said McCandless. "And they're scared to death to get ripped off."
Brandenburg says he makes sure that doesn't happen. As he pours antifreeze into Cornell's overheated car, he patiently gives her tips on how to keep it running smoothly. When Cornell asks what she owes him, he waves her off without charging her a cent.
"You get to help people out and do what you like to do," he says with a smile. "It's the best."
Ran across this story by KRISTEN GELINEAU, Associated Press Writer, that I thought you might find interesting. While this may not be a ministry that we are called to, maybe it can get us thinking, "What kind of ministry can we start? What are the needs in our community and how can we meet them?"
BOTHELL, Wash. - Slumped over the wheel of a stubborn car that just won't start, many a desperate person has pleaded with God for help.
For mechanics Craig Brandenburg and Teang Ie, praying for automotive miracles is just part of the routine at Cedar Park Assembly of God church, where every weekday the two service a steady stream of cars in their mechanics ministry.
Cedar Park is one of many churches across the nation offering such a service, where single women, the elderly, poor and others can get a hassle-free fix-up for a low price. Some of the ministries even refurbish donated cars then give them away or sell them at a bargain rate.
"For the last five years, this has taken off all over the place," said Peter Leschuck, lead mechanic for the cars ministry at Willow Creek Community Church, in South Barrington, Ill. Fifteen years ago, the suburban Chicago megachurch opened its mechanics ministry, believed to be the first in the nation, and now advises others on how to start their own.
Church car donation programs have become more popular over the past decade, as two-car families become three-car families, and more vehicles become available, said Jay Van Groningen, of the North American Ministry Team of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. Hundreds of religious organizations now have car ministries, he said.
Brandenburg's shop looks fairly typical. Cars — some on lifts, some on the floor with their hoods open — take up most of the space, and the piercing whine of an air wrench permeates the room. But the shop's wooden cross clock, and its regular shipments from the local Chrysler dealership addressed to "God," remind all of the mechanics' higher purpose.
Every morning before they pop the hood of their first car, Brandenburg and Ie sit in the shop's office and bow their heads to pray. As the two huddled together one recent morning, Ie thanked the Lord for any help he could bestow upon the day's lineup of ailing vehicles.
"I can tell you some great stories about God healing cars," Brandenburg said with a chuckle, as he twirled a wrench in his grease-stained hands. "Sometimes you just pray for a revelation."
The mechanics ministry at the 5,000-member church charges on a sliding scale, depending on the income and circumstances of the customer. One Saturday a month, the ministry, which has serviced around 2,200 cars since it began four years ago, holds a free fix-up day. The shop also accepts donated cars which they fix and either sell for a low price or give away.
"It's always nice to be able to help those who are just in need," Ie said as he plugged up an oil leak in an aging Dodge Caravan. "Every one of us has been in that place."
One of Brandenburg's longtime customers, 73-year-old Kitri Moran, said she would be lost without the ministry. Moran lives alone in a Kenmore trailer park and must drive six miles to get her water from a local well — an impossible task if her 1987 Ford Escort breaks down.
"He's an angel in disguise," said Moran, who scrapes by on her Social Security (news - web sites) checks and occasional housecleaning jobs. "I cried when I walked out of there because he was so sweet."
Pam Cornell brought her business to Brandenburg when her mechanic wanted to charge her $200 for what she later discovered was a $10 repair.
"I needed to find a real mechanic that I can trust," the 38-year-old single mother said as she handed Brandenburg the keys to her Honda Civic. "I know he's not gonna purposely tell me something's wrong that's not."
Cornell's experience mirrors that of many of the single women who attend the divorce recovery ministry at Black Rock Congregational Church, said pastor of adult ministries, Dan McCandless.
The Fairfield, Conn., church started a mechanics ministry two years ago, after noticing that many of the congregation's single mothers were very dependent on their cars.
"If their vehicle went kerflooey, they were sunk," said McCandless. "And they're scared to death to get ripped off."
Brandenburg says he makes sure that doesn't happen. As he pours antifreeze into Cornell's overheated car, he patiently gives her tips on how to keep it running smoothly. When Cornell asks what she owes him, he waves her off without charging her a cent.
"You get to help people out and do what you like to do," he says with a smile. "It's the best."
Number of Unchurched Adults has Nearly Doubled Since 1991
George Barna research shows that the number of unchurched adults in the US has nearly doubled since 1991, rising from 39 million to 75 million -- a 92% increase. During that same time, the adult population in the US grew only by 15%. Currently, 34% of all adults in America are considered unchurched. Barna defined the unchurched as those not having attended a Christian church service, other than a holiday service or weddings/funerals, at any time in the past six months.
What does this mean to us? While Barna points out that the majority of unchurched adults live in the northeastern US and in California, it does mean that a significant proportion of the people we come into contact with today are unchurched. They may tell you they are Christians. They may tell you that they belong to such and such church. But in all actuality, if you were to press them, they would not be regular attendees at any church service.
We need to be reaching out to these people and inviting them to church and to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Pick one person this week that you know is unchurched and bring them to church with you this Sunday. Don't just invite them -- go and get them and bring them with you!
If you would like to read the whole Barna report on this issue, click here.
George Barna research shows that the number of unchurched adults in the US has nearly doubled since 1991, rising from 39 million to 75 million -- a 92% increase. During that same time, the adult population in the US grew only by 15%. Currently, 34% of all adults in America are considered unchurched. Barna defined the unchurched as those not having attended a Christian church service, other than a holiday service or weddings/funerals, at any time in the past six months.
What does this mean to us? While Barna points out that the majority of unchurched adults live in the northeastern US and in California, it does mean that a significant proportion of the people we come into contact with today are unchurched. They may tell you they are Christians. They may tell you that they belong to such and such church. But in all actuality, if you were to press them, they would not be regular attendees at any church service.
We need to be reaching out to these people and inviting them to church and to a relationship with Jesus Christ. Pick one person this week that you know is unchurched and bring them to church with you this Sunday. Don't just invite them -- go and get them and bring them with you!
If you would like to read the whole Barna report on this issue, click here.
Sunday, May 23, 2004
Servant Evangelism -- a new way of life
I ran across a website that has great examples of servant evangelism. I would really like us to consider doing some of these to reach those in our community for Christ. Pray about this and see what the Holy Spirit says to your heart.
I have a story attached below that sums up what servant evangelism is all about. If you are interested in the website, you can get there by clicking here.
Greg
----------------------------------------------------------------
Acts of Kindness Show God's Love
By the Editors of Religion Today
Unexpected acts of kindness are surprising and delighting people and leading them to Christ.
...Christians are giving away soft drinks at intersections and mall parking lots, washing cars, cleaning toilets, shining shoes, grilling hot dogs in parks — all for free with no strings attached. Others are picking up trash, tutoring on college campuses, feeding parking meters, buying ice cream for customers at a sweet shop, and returning grocery carts, among other things.
...Steve Sjogren got involved in "servant evangelism" out of frustration, he told Religion Today. Sjogren, pastor of Vineyard Community Church in Cincinnati, found people in the Midwestern city to be quite conservative. "Cincinnati is where men wear both suspenders and belts," said Sjogren, (pronounced SHOW-grin). "They think that if it is fun it must be bad."
...Cincinnati residents, many of whom are Roman Catholic, also are "very skeptical and resistant to traditional evangelism," Sjogren said. In preparation for starting a church, he canvassed neighborhoods, talking with 1,500 people in two years, and got practically nowhere. "I hit a brick wall."
...He then learned from a survey that less than 10% of Christians have the spiritual gift of evangelism, but 90% have the gift of serving. "I wondered if Servant Evangelism would be possible. I believed that if people were served, they would be curious and probably ask questions. I figured that most people could answer questions about their faith."
...Sjogren’s small church started holding free car washes. Members constructed big banners making it clear that the wash and rinse was absolutely free and that the church would not accept donations. "Some people thought they must be on Candid Camera," Sjogren said. "We had everything from a mom in a rusted station wagon to a businessman in a DeLorean."
...The effort was a lot of fun, Sjogren said. What was most amazing was that "those who served actually broke out of their shell — they broke free from their own personal Christian ghetto. People were amazed that they could actually do something for Christ. There was an atmosphere of courage, relevancy, and excitement. They were thinking, ‘Even if I am a wheel washer, I am useful to the Body of Christ.’"
...Eventually, though not initially, many people who had been touched by the outreaches responded by coming to church, Sjogren said. Excitement and fun grew. Congregates knew "they could have a purpose and a place. People knew they had a value." The church tripled in size within a year, and now has 4,000 attending.
..."A very important thing to note is that we don’t do Servant Evangelism to grow our church," Sjogren said. "We do it because the Spirit of Christ is in us and compels us to acts of love and compassion. If you do Servant Evangelism for the purpose of growing your church, you violate His Spirit. You serve because the Spirit of Christ is in you." Often several churches join together in a Servant Evangelism outreach so that God, not an individual church, gets the glory and attention.
...Most people are surprised by free acts of kindness, Sjogren said. People who don’t go to church are "almost always impacted positively. They say things like, ‘I always thought this is what the church should be doing.’"
...Christians are more skeptical, he said. "Many times they ask, ‘Why are you doing this?’ When they are told we are sharing Christ’s love, they ask, ‘What are you really trying to do?’ "
...One girl who offered free cookies said it made her sad when people repeatedly turned her down and made her realize how God must feel when people reject His free gift of salvation.
...Sjogren spends about half his time serving and half "getting people excited that they can actually do this," he said. He has written the book Conspiracy of Kindness (Vine Books) and often is invited to talk about Servant Evangelism. He and others are planning a Kindness Explosion weekend in Nashville in September and one in Manchester, England in the spring. A group from the church will be doing acts of kindness in Gisborne, New Zealand, "the first spot in the world for the new millennium," on New Year’s Day. Secular and Christian events will be held there; and the site probably will receive a lot of coverage from the world media, he said.
..."We’re just trying to show people what God’s love is like, free and with no strings attached," said Mark Daniels, pastor of Friendship Church, a Lutheran congregation in Ohio that undertakes weekly Kindness Outreaches. "It’s sort of a mind-blower for people; and that’s the way God’s love of us is, free and always mind-blowing."
I ran across a website that has great examples of servant evangelism. I would really like us to consider doing some of these to reach those in our community for Christ. Pray about this and see what the Holy Spirit says to your heart.
I have a story attached below that sums up what servant evangelism is all about. If you are interested in the website, you can get there by clicking here.
Greg
----------------------------------------------------------------
Acts of Kindness Show God's Love
By the Editors of Religion Today
Unexpected acts of kindness are surprising and delighting people and leading them to Christ.
...Christians are giving away soft drinks at intersections and mall parking lots, washing cars, cleaning toilets, shining shoes, grilling hot dogs in parks — all for free with no strings attached. Others are picking up trash, tutoring on college campuses, feeding parking meters, buying ice cream for customers at a sweet shop, and returning grocery carts, among other things.
...Steve Sjogren got involved in "servant evangelism" out of frustration, he told Religion Today. Sjogren, pastor of Vineyard Community Church in Cincinnati, found people in the Midwestern city to be quite conservative. "Cincinnati is where men wear both suspenders and belts," said Sjogren, (pronounced SHOW-grin). "They think that if it is fun it must be bad."
...Cincinnati residents, many of whom are Roman Catholic, also are "very skeptical and resistant to traditional evangelism," Sjogren said. In preparation for starting a church, he canvassed neighborhoods, talking with 1,500 people in two years, and got practically nowhere. "I hit a brick wall."
...He then learned from a survey that less than 10% of Christians have the spiritual gift of evangelism, but 90% have the gift of serving. "I wondered if Servant Evangelism would be possible. I believed that if people were served, they would be curious and probably ask questions. I figured that most people could answer questions about their faith."
...Sjogren’s small church started holding free car washes. Members constructed big banners making it clear that the wash and rinse was absolutely free and that the church would not accept donations. "Some people thought they must be on Candid Camera," Sjogren said. "We had everything from a mom in a rusted station wagon to a businessman in a DeLorean."
...The effort was a lot of fun, Sjogren said. What was most amazing was that "those who served actually broke out of their shell — they broke free from their own personal Christian ghetto. People were amazed that they could actually do something for Christ. There was an atmosphere of courage, relevancy, and excitement. They were thinking, ‘Even if I am a wheel washer, I am useful to the Body of Christ.’"
...Eventually, though not initially, many people who had been touched by the outreaches responded by coming to church, Sjogren said. Excitement and fun grew. Congregates knew "they could have a purpose and a place. People knew they had a value." The church tripled in size within a year, and now has 4,000 attending.
..."A very important thing to note is that we don’t do Servant Evangelism to grow our church," Sjogren said. "We do it because the Spirit of Christ is in us and compels us to acts of love and compassion. If you do Servant Evangelism for the purpose of growing your church, you violate His Spirit. You serve because the Spirit of Christ is in you." Often several churches join together in a Servant Evangelism outreach so that God, not an individual church, gets the glory and attention.
...Most people are surprised by free acts of kindness, Sjogren said. People who don’t go to church are "almost always impacted positively. They say things like, ‘I always thought this is what the church should be doing.’"
...Christians are more skeptical, he said. "Many times they ask, ‘Why are you doing this?’ When they are told we are sharing Christ’s love, they ask, ‘What are you really trying to do?’ "
...One girl who offered free cookies said it made her sad when people repeatedly turned her down and made her realize how God must feel when people reject His free gift of salvation.
...Sjogren spends about half his time serving and half "getting people excited that they can actually do this," he said. He has written the book Conspiracy of Kindness (Vine Books) and often is invited to talk about Servant Evangelism. He and others are planning a Kindness Explosion weekend in Nashville in September and one in Manchester, England in the spring. A group from the church will be doing acts of kindness in Gisborne, New Zealand, "the first spot in the world for the new millennium," on New Year’s Day. Secular and Christian events will be held there; and the site probably will receive a lot of coverage from the world media, he said.
..."We’re just trying to show people what God’s love is like, free and with no strings attached," said Mark Daniels, pastor of Friendship Church, a Lutheran congregation in Ohio that undertakes weekly Kindness Outreaches. "It’s sort of a mind-blower for people; and that’s the way God’s love of us is, free and always mind-blowing."
Saturday, May 22, 2004
What Christians Believe?
What do Christians really believe? Do we really believe what we say we believe, or do our actions show otherwise? For instance, consider the orthodox Christian belief that Christianity is the only way to heaven (e.g. Jesus saying He is THE way, The truth, and THE life). According to Christian researcher George Barna, 26% of born-again believers believe that all religions are essentially the same and 50% believe that a life of good works will enable a person to get to heaven! More than one in three (35%) born-again Christians do not believe that Jesus physically rose from the dead. [Mr. Barna defines "born-again Christians" as those who report having made a personal commitment to Christ and expect to get to heaven because they accepted Jesus.]
According to an editorial by Gene Edward Veith in World Magazine, these beliefs are strong evidence of how American Christianity is conforming to the dominant secular culture. We can believe what we want provided we don't impose our views on others. If we do that, we run the risk of being labeled as an "intolerant menace to society."
Mr. Veith goes on to say, "Preachers sometimes exhort people to 'invite Jesus into your heart' without proclaiming who Jesus is and what He has done for sinners. This is evangelism that forgets to preach the gospel. The result will be 'nonevangelical born-agains.' New Christians, like babies, need to be fed, taught, and cared for; otherwise, they will die in their cribs. They need intensive nourishment from the Word of God."
The conformation of our church to the culture and the lack of adherence to biblical beliefs by a large percentage of those defined as "born-again Christians" is frightening. We must buck those trends in our own lives and in the lives of our churches. Disciple those new Christians around you and promote a lifestyle in agreement with Biblical beliefs.
What do Christians really believe? Do we really believe what we say we believe, or do our actions show otherwise? For instance, consider the orthodox Christian belief that Christianity is the only way to heaven (e.g. Jesus saying He is THE way, The truth, and THE life). According to Christian researcher George Barna, 26% of born-again believers believe that all religions are essentially the same and 50% believe that a life of good works will enable a person to get to heaven! More than one in three (35%) born-again Christians do not believe that Jesus physically rose from the dead. [Mr. Barna defines "born-again Christians" as those who report having made a personal commitment to Christ and expect to get to heaven because they accepted Jesus.]
According to an editorial by Gene Edward Veith in World Magazine, these beliefs are strong evidence of how American Christianity is conforming to the dominant secular culture. We can believe what we want provided we don't impose our views on others. If we do that, we run the risk of being labeled as an "intolerant menace to society."
Mr. Veith goes on to say, "Preachers sometimes exhort people to 'invite Jesus into your heart' without proclaiming who Jesus is and what He has done for sinners. This is evangelism that forgets to preach the gospel. The result will be 'nonevangelical born-agains.' New Christians, like babies, need to be fed, taught, and cared for; otherwise, they will die in their cribs. They need intensive nourishment from the Word of God."
The conformation of our church to the culture and the lack of adherence to biblical beliefs by a large percentage of those defined as "born-again Christians" is frightening. We must buck those trends in our own lives and in the lives of our churches. Disciple those new Christians around you and promote a lifestyle in agreement with Biblical beliefs.
Friday, May 21, 2004
Democratic Nomination Not a Sure Thing
For some time now I have been following the presidential political scene as it has played out over the primaries and beyond. I have been reading other bloggers and reading political news, and others have suggested (and I agree with them) that Sen. John Kerry may NOT be the democratic nominee for president, despite winning the required number of delegates for nomination.
According to reports and commentaries I have read, the current thinking in the Democratic party is that Sen Kerry will be unable to beat President Bush in a head-to-head election in November, especially with Ralph Nader in the mix drawing off some liberal voters. Some have suggested that the Democratic Convention would be an open convention, and that the Democratic nominee for President would be elected from the floor at that time. It might be Senator Kerry, or it might be another candidate who the party mainliners feel would be more competitive against Bush in November.
These rumors have now taken on more credibility with the CNN report from today, "Kerry considers postponing acceptance of nomination." Read the story. Read what other bloggers and commentators and political pundits are saying. And see what you think. Regardless, this year's presidential election is shaping up to be more exciting than the last.
For some time now I have been following the presidential political scene as it has played out over the primaries and beyond. I have been reading other bloggers and reading political news, and others have suggested (and I agree with them) that Sen. John Kerry may NOT be the democratic nominee for president, despite winning the required number of delegates for nomination.
According to reports and commentaries I have read, the current thinking in the Democratic party is that Sen Kerry will be unable to beat President Bush in a head-to-head election in November, especially with Ralph Nader in the mix drawing off some liberal voters. Some have suggested that the Democratic Convention would be an open convention, and that the Democratic nominee for President would be elected from the floor at that time. It might be Senator Kerry, or it might be another candidate who the party mainliners feel would be more competitive against Bush in November.
These rumors have now taken on more credibility with the CNN report from today, "Kerry considers postponing acceptance of nomination." Read the story. Read what other bloggers and commentators and political pundits are saying. And see what you think. Regardless, this year's presidential election is shaping up to be more exciting than the last.
God's Remedy for Sin
(From Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby and Claude King)
* Humble yourself. Do not try to justify yourself. Do not hold onto pride.
* Pray. God hears the prayer of repentance.
* Confess your sin to God. Agree with Him that it is wrong. Confess to all who have been directly affected by your sin and ask for their forgiveness (Matt. 5:23-24)
* Repent. Turn away from your sinful ways and return to God and His ways.
* Seek God's face. Seek to renew fellowship with God. Talk to Him. LIsten for His voice.
* If your sin has been an ongoing problem, confess the sin to one or more Christian friends and ask them to pray for you to be set free from sin's bondage (Jas 5:16).
* Grieve. Ask God to help you understand how He feels about your sin. His desire is that you feel grief. When your heart is broken over your sin, you will be less likely to ever repeat the offense (Ps. 51:17).
* Submit yourself to God. Resist the devil. Purify your heart (Jas. 4:7-10).
* Submit yourself to God. Resist the devil. Purify your heart (Jas 4:7-10).
* Claim the promises of forgiveness, cleansing, and healing (2 Chron 7:14; 1 John 1:9).
* Then live in the victory Jesus gives through His resurrection power.
(From Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby and Claude King)
* Humble yourself. Do not try to justify yourself. Do not hold onto pride.
* Pray. God hears the prayer of repentance.
* Confess your sin to God. Agree with Him that it is wrong. Confess to all who have been directly affected by your sin and ask for their forgiveness (Matt. 5:23-24)
* Repent. Turn away from your sinful ways and return to God and His ways.
* Seek God's face. Seek to renew fellowship with God. Talk to Him. LIsten for His voice.
* If your sin has been an ongoing problem, confess the sin to one or more Christian friends and ask them to pray for you to be set free from sin's bondage (Jas 5:16).
* Grieve. Ask God to help you understand how He feels about your sin. His desire is that you feel grief. When your heart is broken over your sin, you will be less likely to ever repeat the offense (Ps. 51:17).
* Submit yourself to God. Resist the devil. Purify your heart (Jas. 4:7-10).
* Submit yourself to God. Resist the devil. Purify your heart (Jas 4:7-10).
* Claim the promises of forgiveness, cleansing, and healing (2 Chron 7:14; 1 John 1:9).
* Then live in the victory Jesus gives through His resurrection power.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Pres. Bush and Same Sex Marriages
President Bush called again for a constitutional amendment to protect marriage in the United States today as same-sex marriages became legal in the state of Massachusett's.
As reported by CNN, President Bush offered the following written statement:
"The sacred institution of marriage should not be redefined by a few activist judges. All Americans have a right to be heard in this debate," the president said in a written statement.
"I called on the Congress to pass, and to send to the states for ratification, an amendment to our Constitution defining and protecting marriage as a union of a man and a woman as husband and wife. The need for that amendment is still urgent, and I repeat that call today."
President Bush called again for a constitutional amendment to protect marriage in the United States today as same-sex marriages became legal in the state of Massachusett's.
As reported by CNN, President Bush offered the following written statement:
"The sacred institution of marriage should not be redefined by a few activist judges. All Americans have a right to be heard in this debate," the president said in a written statement.
"I called on the Congress to pass, and to send to the states for ratification, an amendment to our Constitution defining and protecting marriage as a union of a man and a woman as husband and wife. The need for that amendment is still urgent, and I repeat that call today."
Britney Spears Revisited
After reflecting on my post on Britney Spears and the questions that I raised about how we can positively influence our children to choose right and not wrong, I have reaffirmed my Christian convictions in this area. When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night in which He was betrayed, He specifically said that He was not praying that we would be taken out of the world, but that we would be protected in the world. Christians, then, are to be IN the world, but not OF the world. In other words, we are to be islands of sanity and truth in a world gone mad, a light on a hill that leads others to safety.
How can we steer our children towards the truth and not the moral wrongs promoted by the culture and their prime billboard, Britney Spears? By instilling in our children a desire to know Jesus and to receive Him as Lord and Savior. By demonstrating to them through our life and our words that it is better to choose right than to live wrong.
The experience of a Christian is that of a new creation. When we are saved, the Holy Spirit begins His work to sanctify us from the inside out. It is this cleansing presence in us that protects us from the garbage of the world. The answer is not to isolate ourselves or our children from the things outside, but to worry about what is inside ourselves. Hence Jesus' statement in Mark 7:18-20, "'Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the ouside can make him 'unclean?' For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach and then out of his body (in saying this Jesus delcared all foods clean)'. He went on, 'What comes out of a man is what makes him unclean.'" If we are clean on the inside, then we don't have to worry about the influences of this world.
After reflecting on my post on Britney Spears and the questions that I raised about how we can positively influence our children to choose right and not wrong, I have reaffirmed my Christian convictions in this area. When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night in which He was betrayed, He specifically said that He was not praying that we would be taken out of the world, but that we would be protected in the world. Christians, then, are to be IN the world, but not OF the world. In other words, we are to be islands of sanity and truth in a world gone mad, a light on a hill that leads others to safety.
How can we steer our children towards the truth and not the moral wrongs promoted by the culture and their prime billboard, Britney Spears? By instilling in our children a desire to know Jesus and to receive Him as Lord and Savior. By demonstrating to them through our life and our words that it is better to choose right than to live wrong.
The experience of a Christian is that of a new creation. When we are saved, the Holy Spirit begins His work to sanctify us from the inside out. It is this cleansing presence in us that protects us from the garbage of the world. The answer is not to isolate ourselves or our children from the things outside, but to worry about what is inside ourselves. Hence Jesus' statement in Mark 7:18-20, "'Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the ouside can make him 'unclean?' For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach and then out of his body (in saying this Jesus delcared all foods clean)'. He went on, 'What comes out of a man is what makes him unclean.'" If we are clean on the inside, then we don't have to worry about the influences of this world.
Monday, May 17, 2004
Christian Singer Sounds Off About Britney Spears
CNN reports that Rebecca St. James, a grammy-award winning contemporary Christian singer, who preaches a message of abstinence from sex until marriage, says "she feels sorry for Britney Spears who herself once famously vowed to be a virgin until she wed."
Rebecca St. James gave a concert at Wild Adventures last year, and while I really enjoyed her music and the uplifting message that it gave, I was even more impressed with her bold stance for abstinence that she promoted from the stage. She works closely with the "True Love Waits" campaign, and promotes the abstinence message in her songs, her dialogue during concerts, books, and commercials. I think she is a wonderful role model for teens and young adults faced with this temptation.
The big question then, as I see it, is how to help turn our children onto good role models like Rebecca St. James and turn them away from cultural role models like Britney Spears. In spite of the revelation that Britney Spears lied about her virginity (revealed last June), her one-day marriage in Las Vegas to an old high school flame, and her revealing clothing, Britney is still tops on both the charts and in the hearts of young girls everywhere. Girls everywhere want to be like Britney, and they are dressing just like her. Just go to the mall on a weekend and you can see so for yourself.
But, whose fault is this? Is it the fault of the culture and the times we live in, or does the blame lay squarely on parents and the church for failing to promote more positive role models for our children? Perhaps it's time we took a stand and started actively pointing our children towards following the example of women like Rebecca St. James and others like her.
What can we do to make a difference? I don't know. I try all I can to point my daughter into other directions, but the world keeps dragging her back to it (reminds me of the weeds choking out the seed in Jesus' parable). One things for certain, though. If we don't try, we will never win.
CNN reports that Rebecca St. James, a grammy-award winning contemporary Christian singer, who preaches a message of abstinence from sex until marriage, says "she feels sorry for Britney Spears who herself once famously vowed to be a virgin until she wed."
Rebecca St. James gave a concert at Wild Adventures last year, and while I really enjoyed her music and the uplifting message that it gave, I was even more impressed with her bold stance for abstinence that she promoted from the stage. She works closely with the "True Love Waits" campaign, and promotes the abstinence message in her songs, her dialogue during concerts, books, and commercials. I think she is a wonderful role model for teens and young adults faced with this temptation.
The big question then, as I see it, is how to help turn our children onto good role models like Rebecca St. James and turn them away from cultural role models like Britney Spears. In spite of the revelation that Britney Spears lied about her virginity (revealed last June), her one-day marriage in Las Vegas to an old high school flame, and her revealing clothing, Britney is still tops on both the charts and in the hearts of young girls everywhere. Girls everywhere want to be like Britney, and they are dressing just like her. Just go to the mall on a weekend and you can see so for yourself.
But, whose fault is this? Is it the fault of the culture and the times we live in, or does the blame lay squarely on parents and the church for failing to promote more positive role models for our children? Perhaps it's time we took a stand and started actively pointing our children towards following the example of women like Rebecca St. James and others like her.
What can we do to make a difference? I don't know. I try all I can to point my daughter into other directions, but the world keeps dragging her back to it (reminds me of the weeds choking out the seed in Jesus' parable). One things for certain, though. If we don't try, we will never win.
United Methodist Church Worship Planning Calendars
I imagine most of you have seen the church worship planning calendars put out by the United Methodist Church. These calendars are great helps because they help you track the Christian seasons (advent, lent, etc.) and give worship helps for both the church and individual use. One great feature of these calendars is that they list the lectionary scriptures for each Sunday. While the lectionary is used by many churches and pastors to plan Sunday worship,it is also a valuable resource for those of you wishing to do at-home or small group Bible studies that will correspond to the Sunday School lessons.
You can access the 2004, 2005, and 2006 calendar by clicking on the respective year. This will open up the UMC General Board of Discipleship webpage for each year.
I imagine most of you have seen the church worship planning calendars put out by the United Methodist Church. These calendars are great helps because they help you track the Christian seasons (advent, lent, etc.) and give worship helps for both the church and individual use. One great feature of these calendars is that they list the lectionary scriptures for each Sunday. While the lectionary is used by many churches and pastors to plan Sunday worship,it is also a valuable resource for those of you wishing to do at-home or small group Bible studies that will correspond to the Sunday School lessons.
You can access the 2004, 2005, and 2006 calendar by clicking on the respective year. This will open up the UMC General Board of Discipleship webpage for each year.
THE DEVIL'S BEATITUDES
1. Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians --- they are my best workers.
2. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked --- I can use them.
3. Blessed are those who stop going to church --- they are my missionaries.
4. Blessed are the trouble makers --- they shall be called my children.
5. Blessed are the complainers --- I'm all ears to them.
6. Blessed are those who are bored with the minister's mannerisms and mistakes --- for they get nothing out of his sermons.
7. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church --- for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution.
8. Blessed are those who gossip --- for they shall cause strife and divisions that please me.
9. Blessed are those who are easily offended --- for they will soon get angry and quit.
10. Blessed are those who do not give their offering to carry on God's work --- for they are my helpers.
11. Blessed is he who professes to love God but hates his brother and sister --- for he shall be with me forever.
12. Blessed are you who, when you read this think it is about other people and not yourself --- I've got you too!
1. Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians --- they are my best workers.
2. Blessed are those Christians who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked --- I can use them.
3. Blessed are those who stop going to church --- they are my missionaries.
4. Blessed are the trouble makers --- they shall be called my children.
5. Blessed are the complainers --- I'm all ears to them.
6. Blessed are those who are bored with the minister's mannerisms and mistakes --- for they get nothing out of his sermons.
7. Blessed is the church member who expects to be invited to his own church --- for he is a part of the problem instead of the solution.
8. Blessed are those who gossip --- for they shall cause strife and divisions that please me.
9. Blessed are those who are easily offended --- for they will soon get angry and quit.
10. Blessed are those who do not give their offering to carry on God's work --- for they are my helpers.
11. Blessed is he who professes to love God but hates his brother and sister --- for he shall be with me forever.
12. Blessed are you who, when you read this think it is about other people and not yourself --- I've got you too!
Saturday, May 15, 2004
Parable of the New Soap
Author: Jan Groenveld
http://www.barr-family.com/godsword/soap.htm
Once upon a time in a far-away land, a young man named Joshua announced the discovery of a marvelous new kind of soap.
People were skeptical at first, but they soon found that this new soap made everyone very happy because it got them so clean. Because it was so powerful, it got rid of dirt and stains that had been around for years.
Because Joshua's soap worked so well, men found that they had more time to spend with their wives and children. Marriages got better, people were happier, and everybody admired the young man who had given them the soap. Joshua refused to charge for the soap and gave it away to all who asked for it. This bothered some rich people, but the poor loved it. Not surprisingly, the manufacturers of rival kinds of soap soon became very angry because their business was being hurt badly.
Before long, Joshua had followers who were traveling around the country, giving away the new soap to all who asked for it. Of course, this new soap was an instant success because the people of Joshua's country had been trying for years to make themselves clean with their own homemade soap. Thousands became great fans of the new soap, and they formed small groups to spread its use. The other soap manufacturers became desperate and tried to get Joshua to charge for his soap, but he refused. He said, "I prefer to give it away, because no money would be adequate payment for a soap as perfect and complete as this one is."
When the soap manufacturers found that this strategy wouldn't work, they started a smear campaign against Joshua and his followers. They said that the soap made cleaning too easy - that you should have to work harder to get things clean. They also said that Joshua and his followers were immoral because they had been seen in the company of the dirtiest people in the world. Joshua smiled when he heard these charges, and said, "Although everybody needs soap, it is the dirty people who need the soap the most!" These slanders didn't work because the common people realized that Joshua truly loved them and that is why his soap was free.
Since their other tactics failed, the rival soap manufacturers plotted to kill the young man. They paid an informer to betray Joshua and then arrested him. They paid witnesses to perjure themselves in court, and finally they were able to have Joshua convicted of trumped up "crimes" and executed. The soap manufacturers were certain that this would take care of the problem, but to their dismay Joshua's followers continued to distribute the soap. Persecution of the followers didn't work either, for Joshua's followers kept spreading to new areas and kept giving away the soap.
After many years, the rival manufacturers decided to try the policy of "if you can't beat 'em then join 'em." So they analyzed Joshua's soap and came up with a very clever substitute, which looked the same, but, of course, it didn't work. They used the same name for their soap that Joshua had used and organized a promotion campaign to corner the market. Because of their organization and slick advertising, they made great progress and even got many of Joshua's followers to join them for a while.
Soon, however; these infiltrators started to charge for their counterfeit soap, and, because their distributors had replaced many of Joshua's followers, many people had to buy the soap now - and their substitute didn't really work! However; some people read Joshua's instructions and those of the early users of the soap and discovered how they could get it for free! Because of Joshua's written instructions, down through the centuries there were always groups who distributed Joshua's real soap for free.
After several centuries the leading soap manufacturers decided that they needed a publicity gag to stir up interest in their counterfeit version of the soap, so the started Soap Crusades to go back to Joshua's homeland and try to recover the original bucket in which he had first made the soap. Mighty armies were raised because Joshua's homeland was now in he hands of some people that didn't believe in Joshua's soap. These Soap Crusades resulted in wars and the deaths of thousands of people and much destruction and heartache. Many true followers of Joshua protested against these campaigns, but were killed for their efforts. Finally the Soap Crusades ceased, but they did stir up a lot of interest and sold a lot of the counterfeit soap.
Several centuries later, when soap sales were lagging again, the manufacturers decided to use force to make people buy their soap. They started an intricate system of spies to report on people who didn't use the "right" soap. They also used a group of zealous torturers who called themselves the 'Investigation' to torture people suspected of not using the manufacturers soap. Many people were killed by the Investigation for using Joshua's soap, and yet, Joshua's soap continued to be passed out to all who asked, for free!
After a few more hundred years, a whole new kind of attack on Joshua's soap began. This time the charge was made that Joshua's written instructions were not really reliable. This attack came from two directions.
The first group of attackers said that the instructions were missing some very important parts that the evil rival manufacturers had taken out in centuries past. Various of the attackers claimed that Joshua, himself, had come and appeared to them, giving them special authority to "restore" the lost instructions. Of course, the attackers all had different versions of the "restored" instructions and none of them were even close to being in agreement with each other. In many cases they weren't even in agreement with Joshua's instructions. Even so; they were able to deceive some of the users of Joshua's real soap.
The second group of these attackers used a more "intellectual" attack. They called themselves the "Elevated Critics" who said that the instructions didn't really mean what they said, and certainly they weren't the final authority on how to get clean. They told the people that Joshua was just another good man who had high ideals, but his wasn't the only soap around. So they took the "mythology" out of Joshua's instructions and left an empty shell, which couldn't clean anyone, in its place.
Well, about 2000 years have gone by now, and Joshua's true soap is still available free, and people are still getting clean and being happy. And there are those who try to peddle a similar but counterfeit kind of soap for profit or power. Now, there are some who say you, really, can't get clean, but a little soap is a good thing and everybody ought to have some, but don't go overboard! Others worship books about the original soap, and still others have Joshua's true soap, and have found that only through his power can they become clean.
In our parable, Joshua's soap is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel (which means "GOOD NEWS") could not be stamped out by the "rival manufacturers" or anyone else, because it was a MESSAGE, not an earthly system of priesthoods, rites and organizations. The message of God's provision for the gift of eternal life for sinful men has endured even to our day and people are still getting "clean" by submission of their lives to Jesus Christ - ALONE. In spite of many attempts to destroy the Gospel message by eradication of the believers, or perversion of the message itself, the GOOD NEWS of what Jesus Christ did for YOU on His cross remains as viable today as it was on the Resurrection Morning.
* Truth is not always popular, but it is always right.
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:" - Revelation 22:18
Author: Jan Groenveld
http://www.barr-family.com/godsword/soap.htm
Once upon a time in a far-away land, a young man named Joshua announced the discovery of a marvelous new kind of soap.
People were skeptical at first, but they soon found that this new soap made everyone very happy because it got them so clean. Because it was so powerful, it got rid of dirt and stains that had been around for years.
Because Joshua's soap worked so well, men found that they had more time to spend with their wives and children. Marriages got better, people were happier, and everybody admired the young man who had given them the soap. Joshua refused to charge for the soap and gave it away to all who asked for it. This bothered some rich people, but the poor loved it. Not surprisingly, the manufacturers of rival kinds of soap soon became very angry because their business was being hurt badly.
Before long, Joshua had followers who were traveling around the country, giving away the new soap to all who asked for it. Of course, this new soap was an instant success because the people of Joshua's country had been trying for years to make themselves clean with their own homemade soap. Thousands became great fans of the new soap, and they formed small groups to spread its use. The other soap manufacturers became desperate and tried to get Joshua to charge for his soap, but he refused. He said, "I prefer to give it away, because no money would be adequate payment for a soap as perfect and complete as this one is."
When the soap manufacturers found that this strategy wouldn't work, they started a smear campaign against Joshua and his followers. They said that the soap made cleaning too easy - that you should have to work harder to get things clean. They also said that Joshua and his followers were immoral because they had been seen in the company of the dirtiest people in the world. Joshua smiled when he heard these charges, and said, "Although everybody needs soap, it is the dirty people who need the soap the most!" These slanders didn't work because the common people realized that Joshua truly loved them and that is why his soap was free.
Since their other tactics failed, the rival soap manufacturers plotted to kill the young man. They paid an informer to betray Joshua and then arrested him. They paid witnesses to perjure themselves in court, and finally they were able to have Joshua convicted of trumped up "crimes" and executed. The soap manufacturers were certain that this would take care of the problem, but to their dismay Joshua's followers continued to distribute the soap. Persecution of the followers didn't work either, for Joshua's followers kept spreading to new areas and kept giving away the soap.
After many years, the rival manufacturers decided to try the policy of "if you can't beat 'em then join 'em." So they analyzed Joshua's soap and came up with a very clever substitute, which looked the same, but, of course, it didn't work. They used the same name for their soap that Joshua had used and organized a promotion campaign to corner the market. Because of their organization and slick advertising, they made great progress and even got many of Joshua's followers to join them for a while.
Soon, however; these infiltrators started to charge for their counterfeit soap, and, because their distributors had replaced many of Joshua's followers, many people had to buy the soap now - and their substitute didn't really work! However; some people read Joshua's instructions and those of the early users of the soap and discovered how they could get it for free! Because of Joshua's written instructions, down through the centuries there were always groups who distributed Joshua's real soap for free.
After several centuries the leading soap manufacturers decided that they needed a publicity gag to stir up interest in their counterfeit version of the soap, so the started Soap Crusades to go back to Joshua's homeland and try to recover the original bucket in which he had first made the soap. Mighty armies were raised because Joshua's homeland was now in he hands of some people that didn't believe in Joshua's soap. These Soap Crusades resulted in wars and the deaths of thousands of people and much destruction and heartache. Many true followers of Joshua protested against these campaigns, but were killed for their efforts. Finally the Soap Crusades ceased, but they did stir up a lot of interest and sold a lot of the counterfeit soap.
Several centuries later, when soap sales were lagging again, the manufacturers decided to use force to make people buy their soap. They started an intricate system of spies to report on people who didn't use the "right" soap. They also used a group of zealous torturers who called themselves the 'Investigation' to torture people suspected of not using the manufacturers soap. Many people were killed by the Investigation for using Joshua's soap, and yet, Joshua's soap continued to be passed out to all who asked, for free!
After a few more hundred years, a whole new kind of attack on Joshua's soap began. This time the charge was made that Joshua's written instructions were not really reliable. This attack came from two directions.
The first group of attackers said that the instructions were missing some very important parts that the evil rival manufacturers had taken out in centuries past. Various of the attackers claimed that Joshua, himself, had come and appeared to them, giving them special authority to "restore" the lost instructions. Of course, the attackers all had different versions of the "restored" instructions and none of them were even close to being in agreement with each other. In many cases they weren't even in agreement with Joshua's instructions. Even so; they were able to deceive some of the users of Joshua's real soap.
The second group of these attackers used a more "intellectual" attack. They called themselves the "Elevated Critics" who said that the instructions didn't really mean what they said, and certainly they weren't the final authority on how to get clean. They told the people that Joshua was just another good man who had high ideals, but his wasn't the only soap around. So they took the "mythology" out of Joshua's instructions and left an empty shell, which couldn't clean anyone, in its place.
Well, about 2000 years have gone by now, and Joshua's true soap is still available free, and people are still getting clean and being happy. And there are those who try to peddle a similar but counterfeit kind of soap for profit or power. Now, there are some who say you, really, can't get clean, but a little soap is a good thing and everybody ought to have some, but don't go overboard! Others worship books about the original soap, and still others have Joshua's true soap, and have found that only through his power can they become clean.
In our parable, Joshua's soap is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel (which means "GOOD NEWS") could not be stamped out by the "rival manufacturers" or anyone else, because it was a MESSAGE, not an earthly system of priesthoods, rites and organizations. The message of God's provision for the gift of eternal life for sinful men has endured even to our day and people are still getting "clean" by submission of their lives to Jesus Christ - ALONE. In spite of many attempts to destroy the Gospel message by eradication of the believers, or perversion of the message itself, the GOOD NEWS of what Jesus Christ did for YOU on His cross remains as viable today as it was on the Resurrection Morning.
* Truth is not always popular, but it is always right.
"For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:" - Revelation 22:18
Friday, May 14, 2004
Church Sign for Naylor United Methodist Church
As I learn more about blogs and about this program, I will be able to start posting new items. Just yesterday I learned how to add a link to a post. Today I am attempting to learn how to add pictures to my posts.
For the record, the church sign at Naylor UMC was built by Mr. Robert Tomlinson, a faithful member of our congregation and a skilled woodworker.
******************************************************************
No Excuse Sunday
To make it possible for everyone to attend church next Sunday, we are going to have a special "No Excuse Sunday." Cots will be placed in the foyer for those who say, "Sunday is my only day to sleep in." There will be a special section with lounge chairs for those who feel that our pews are too hard. Eyedrops will be available for those with tired eyes from watching TV late Saturday night. We will have steel helmets for those who say, "The roof would cave in if I ever came to church." Blankets will be furnished for those who think the church is too cold and fans for those who say it is too hot. Scorecards will be available for those who wish to list the hypocrites present. Relatives and friends will be in attendance for those who can't go to church and cook dinner, too. We will distribute "Stamp Out Stewardship" buttons for those who feel that the church is always asking for money.
One section will be devoted to trees and grass for those who like to seek God in nature. Doctors and nurses will be in attendance for those who plan to be sick this Sunday. A big-screen TV will be set up in the fellowship hall for race fans who can't miss the opening flag of the Nascar Race. The Sanctuary will be decorated with Christmas poinsettas and Easter lilies for those who have never seen the church without them. We will provide hearing aids to those who can't hear the preacher and cotton for those who can.
Author Unknown (Printed in Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul)
No Excuse Sunday
To make it possible for everyone to attend church next Sunday, we are going to have a special "No Excuse Sunday." Cots will be placed in the foyer for those who say, "Sunday is my only day to sleep in." There will be a special section with lounge chairs for those who feel that our pews are too hard. Eyedrops will be available for those with tired eyes from watching TV late Saturday night. We will have steel helmets for those who say, "The roof would cave in if I ever came to church." Blankets will be furnished for those who think the church is too cold and fans for those who say it is too hot. Scorecards will be available for those who wish to list the hypocrites present. Relatives and friends will be in attendance for those who can't go to church and cook dinner, too. We will distribute "Stamp Out Stewardship" buttons for those who feel that the church is always asking for money.
One section will be devoted to trees and grass for those who like to seek God in nature. Doctors and nurses will be in attendance for those who plan to be sick this Sunday. A big-screen TV will be set up in the fellowship hall for race fans who can't miss the opening flag of the Nascar Race. The Sanctuary will be decorated with Christmas poinsettas and Easter lilies for those who have never seen the church without them. We will provide hearing aids to those who can't hear the preacher and cotton for those who can.
Author Unknown (Printed in Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul)
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Link to Rev. Dr. Bill Hinson's Talk
Try Clicking HERE to get to his address as mentioned in the earlier post.
Try Clicking HERE to get to his address as mentioned in the earlier post.
***********************************************************************
Splitting the Methodist Church
O.K. Time for me to weigh in on the big news from General Conference, which recently ended in Pittsburgh, PA. I have gotten some additional information from delegates to the event, and now know the true story in regards to the proposed split of the Methodist Church that was bandied about in the news media over the past week.
First, this was NOT an official call for a split and was not the result of a resolution offered on the floor. The mention of a split occurred at the annual breakfast of the Good News organization. Rev. Bill Hinson, the President of the Confessing Movement, suggested the possibility of a split in the future during his address at this breakfast. His comments were then reported on the media as an offical call for a split.
According to the information that I have been able to find, this comment by Rev. Hinson was based on the fact that liberals in the church are gaining more and more ground in pushing forth their homosexual agenda, primarily in two areas -- ordination of gay ministers and same-sex marriages. Rev. Hinson maintains, and I agree, that these views are not compatible with orthodox Christian doctrines or with the underlying doctrines of the United Methodist Church as outlined in our Book of Discipline. So, even though the delegates to General Conference soundly defeated attempts to push through homosexual resolutions this year, the threat is not going to go away.
Here is a direct quote from Rev. Hinson's address to the Good News breakfast attendees:
"We cannot fight both church and culture. Our culture alone confronts us with more challenges than we can humanly speaking confront and challenge. That struggle, combined with the continuous struggle in the church, is more than we can bear. And our people, who have been faithful and patient, should not have to continue to endure our endless conflict. I believe the time has come when we must begin to explore an amicable and just separation that will free us both from our cycle of pain and conflict. Such a just separation will protect the property rights of churches and the pension rights of clergy. It will also free us to reclaim our high calling and to fulfill our mission in the world. Therefore, let us like Paul and Barnabas, agree to go our separate ways."
Thoughts to think on. Jesus said that the world would know we were His through our love and our unity. However, unity cannot be based on false doctrine or incompatible teachings.
If you would like to read the entire address by Rev. Hinson, click on this link:
Splitting the Methodist Church
O.K. Time for me to weigh in on the big news from General Conference, which recently ended in Pittsburgh, PA. I have gotten some additional information from delegates to the event, and now know the true story in regards to the proposed split of the Methodist Church that was bandied about in the news media over the past week.
First, this was NOT an official call for a split and was not the result of a resolution offered on the floor. The mention of a split occurred at the annual breakfast of the Good News organization. Rev. Bill Hinson, the President of the Confessing Movement, suggested the possibility of a split in the future during his address at this breakfast. His comments were then reported on the media as an offical call for a split.
According to the information that I have been able to find, this comment by Rev. Hinson was based on the fact that liberals in the church are gaining more and more ground in pushing forth their homosexual agenda, primarily in two areas -- ordination of gay ministers and same-sex marriages. Rev. Hinson maintains, and I agree, that these views are not compatible with orthodox Christian doctrines or with the underlying doctrines of the United Methodist Church as outlined in our Book of Discipline. So, even though the delegates to General Conference soundly defeated attempts to push through homosexual resolutions this year, the threat is not going to go away.
Here is a direct quote from Rev. Hinson's address to the Good News breakfast attendees:
"We cannot fight both church and culture. Our culture alone confronts us with more challenges than we can humanly speaking confront and challenge. That struggle, combined with the continuous struggle in the church, is more than we can bear. And our people, who have been faithful and patient, should not have to continue to endure our endless conflict. I believe the time has come when we must begin to explore an amicable and just separation that will free us both from our cycle of pain and conflict. Such a just separation will protect the property rights of churches and the pension rights of clergy. It will also free us to reclaim our high calling and to fulfill our mission in the world. Therefore, let us like Paul and Barnabas, agree to go our separate ways."
Thoughts to think on. Jesus said that the world would know we were His through our love and our unity. However, unity cannot be based on false doctrine or incompatible teachings.
If you would like to read the entire address by Rev. Hinson, click on this link:
Monday, May 10, 2004
*****************************************************************
Methodist Church Affirms Its Unity
[From South Georgia Conference -- The Link]
On Friday, May 7, the General Conference overwhelmingly (95%)
approved a resolution expressing our intention to remain in Christian fellowship with one another even through difficult and painful decisions.
The full text of the resolution is below:
As United Methodists we remain in covenant with one another, even in the midst of disagreement, and reaffirm our commitment to work together for our common mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
This action was in response to inaccurate and misleading news stories reporting a planned split within the United Methodist Church. While there were some informal and unofficial conversations earlier this week, neither the idea of separation nor a plan for separation had been presented on the floor of General Conference or considered in a legislative committee. We
remind you that only The General Conference can speak for the United Methodist Church.
For a detailed article, to download the Unity Resolution or to read the verbatim transcript of Unity Resolution, visit
http://www.sgaumc.com/General%20Conference/Day%2010article%205.htm. (Copy and paste into your browser)
Methodist Church Affirms Its Unity
[From South Georgia Conference -- The Link]
On Friday, May 7, the General Conference overwhelmingly (95%)
approved a resolution expressing our intention to remain in Christian fellowship with one another even through difficult and painful decisions.
The full text of the resolution is below:
As United Methodists we remain in covenant with one another, even in the midst of disagreement, and reaffirm our commitment to work together for our common mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
This action was in response to inaccurate and misleading news stories reporting a planned split within the United Methodist Church. While there were some informal and unofficial conversations earlier this week, neither the idea of separation nor a plan for separation had been presented on the floor of General Conference or considered in a legislative committee. We
remind you that only The General Conference can speak for the United Methodist Church.
For a detailed article, to download the Unity Resolution or to read the verbatim transcript of Unity Resolution, visit
http://www.sgaumc.com/General%20Conference/Day%2010article%205.htm. (Copy and paste into your browser)
***********************************************************************
UNITY CONCERT!
The local contemporary singing group Unity will be in concert at Messiah Lutheran Church, 500 Baytree Avenue, Valdosta, on 22 May at 7:00 pm. This group performed at Naylor UMC this year and are a dynamic trio who have been gifted by God to bring forth His message through song. They have just released their first CD, and have been getting airplay on Benny Daniel's radio show. Everyone who has heard them expects great things from them.
Please keep this date in mind and share with all who might be interested.
UNITY CONCERT!
The local contemporary singing group Unity will be in concert at Messiah Lutheran Church, 500 Baytree Avenue, Valdosta, on 22 May at 7:00 pm. This group performed at Naylor UMC this year and are a dynamic trio who have been gifted by God to bring forth His message through song. They have just released their first CD, and have been getting airplay on Benny Daniel's radio show. Everyone who has heard them expects great things from them.
Please keep this date in mind and share with all who might be interested.
Sunday, May 09, 2004
**************************************************************
PROTESTANT PASTORS REVEAL BIBLE PREFERENCES
[From Pastors Weekly Briefing, Focus on the Family]
A survey of Protestant ministers finds the New International
Version translation of the Bible is the most popular among pastors
(31%). The poll, conducted by Ellison Research, found that other
personal favorites included the King James Version (23%), New Revised
Standard Version (14%), New King James Version (13%) and New American
Standard Version (10%).
According to the research, ministers tend to select their favorite
versions based on perceived accuracy (40%), readability (16%),
language style (14%) and solid reputation (13%).
Pastors of small churches, those over 60 years of age and those in
the South lean toward the King James Version. The New International
Version is strongest in the Midwest and West, while the New Revised
Standard Version scored best in the Northeast.
When asked which Bible versions they would be least likely to
recommend to their congregations, they listed the Living Bible (26%),
Today's New International Version (18%), The Message (15%) and the
King James Version (15%).
NOTE: I would concur with this list wholeheartedly. I prefer the NIV because I think it is accurate and is the easiest to read and understand. I also do not recommend paraphrases to the congregation such as the Living Bible or The Message for Bible study or Sunday morning worship. These paraphrases are good when used in concert with a good translation (such as the NIV), but offer too much bias and writer-interpretation to gain an accurate understanding of passages.
PROTESTANT PASTORS REVEAL BIBLE PREFERENCES
[From Pastors Weekly Briefing, Focus on the Family]
A survey of Protestant ministers finds the New International
Version translation of the Bible is the most popular among pastors
(31%). The poll, conducted by Ellison Research, found that other
personal favorites included the King James Version (23%), New Revised
Standard Version (14%), New King James Version (13%) and New American
Standard Version (10%).
According to the research, ministers tend to select their favorite
versions based on perceived accuracy (40%), readability (16%),
language style (14%) and solid reputation (13%).
Pastors of small churches, those over 60 years of age and those in
the South lean toward the King James Version. The New International
Version is strongest in the Midwest and West, while the New Revised
Standard Version scored best in the Northeast.
When asked which Bible versions they would be least likely to
recommend to their congregations, they listed the Living Bible (26%),
Today's New International Version (18%), The Message (15%) and the
King James Version (15%).
NOTE: I would concur with this list wholeheartedly. I prefer the NIV because I think it is accurate and is the easiest to read and understand. I also do not recommend paraphrases to the congregation such as the Living Bible or The Message for Bible study or Sunday morning worship. These paraphrases are good when used in concert with a good translation (such as the NIV), but offer too much bias and writer-interpretation to gain an accurate understanding of passages.
Sunday, May 02, 2004
****************************************************************
On Vacation!
Just a note to let anyone reading this know that we will be in Washington, D.C. for the following week. We will be back next Sunday, and will start reposting to the blog then.
If you have been visiting to keep up with the proceedings at General Conference, try contacting the MethoBlog at: http://www.methoblog.blogspot.com/
See you on May 10th!
On Vacation!
Just a note to let anyone reading this know that we will be in Washington, D.C. for the following week. We will be back next Sunday, and will start reposting to the blog then.
If you have been visiting to keep up with the proceedings at General Conference, try contacting the MethoBlog at: http://www.methoblog.blogspot.com/
See you on May 10th!
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