Website Update - Indigenous Outreach

The IOI Website has been updated!! Check it out www.indigenousoutreach.net and let me know what you think.

Wrestling Diplomacy

While Bush rattles his saber and sends another warship to the Persian Gulf to "warn Iran" with "Battleship diplomacy" the US Wrestling Team is winning the hearts of Iranian wrestling fans.

3,000 fans crammed into a stadium built for 2,000 and another 3,000 fans tried to get in to see the US Wrestlers go head to head with Iran's best.

It is amazing what a wrestler can do that a politician can't.


NPR's Story on the subject. AP Photos

Virginia to Apologize for Slavery

Joseph Sold into Slavery
by Raphael (Art.com)

The first legislative body in America is set to vote for the Commonwealth of Virginia's official "regret" for its involvement in the slave trade.

Aien't that nice y'all.

I have been inundated today with political correctness and I must say I am a bit nauseous. NPR's talk station was all about political correctness and the idea of banning the use of certain words. Then in USAToday I read that Virginia is going to "apologize" for slavery, but the carefully worded "apology" expresses "regret" rather than "responsibility" and should squeak by the lawyers who hope to benefit from "reparations".

Some of you may be saying that I deserve an upset tummy for listening to NPR and reading USAToday. But, I have a serious issue that bothers me profoundly.

We spend so much time in this nation trying not to offended each other, and we are all too eager to apologize for what our great great grandpa's did. But, all the while injustice is rampant in the world and as a nation we ignore the plight of the downtrodden (unless of course they happen to be sitting on a large oil reserve).

The State of Virginia could move unilaterally, or with a coalition of states and nations to affect the current slave trade in Africa and child sex labor in Southeast Asia. Instead of blowing smoke the state could lead nations in demanding that child labor and slave trade in Africa and Asia be stopped. They could use their power and influence as a state to send emissaries around the world to promote an end to slavery and injustice. They could develop trade policy as a state that encourages developing African and Asian nations to outlaw the current slave trade and discrimination against religious minorities. Far from expressing cheap "regret" the state could lead the world in a campaign of positive actions rather than half-hearted words.

Historically in the democratic West it is the people, not governments who move to end injustice. Governments simply respond to the demands of the people. It was leaders in the Christian Church (http://www.wilberforcecentral.org) that first demanded an end to the slave trade. Where are those leaders today? Sadly we leave social reform to extremists in favor of having our best life now. Expending our energy on laws that would ban sin rather than actually doing something with our power and money to help the weakest.

I am under no illusions that we will end racism, poverty and injustice. But, as Christians we are to love mercy and do justly. Our love is not to be in words only, but in deed and truth.

Words are cheap Virginia. Doing something about current injustice is costly. How I wish that the great grandsons of plantation owners and the great grandsons of slaves would join together to bring justice to the developing nations. Virginia wants to set precedent as they "express profound regret", how I wish they would set precedent by actually doing something about current injustice. As a free, wealthy and democratic society we have some level of responsibility to the downtrodden. Why do we wait for the Federal Government to set the agenda?

(More information about Christian leadership in ending slavery).

The Word of God

He That is of God Hears God's Words
by James Tissot (Art.com)

Never one to shy away from controversy -- my question today is what (or who) is the Word of God?

My brothers at the largest Baptist church in Memphis have erected a 20' statue of the Bible in the foyer of the church. These same brothers would rightly proclaim that a statue of Mary in the church at Fatima, Portugal is an idol. However, just like the faithful Portuguese Catholic that erected the statue of Mary they too are blind to the fact that they have made an idol of the Bible. It is Bibliolotry.

Growing up Baptist I was taught that the Bible is the Word of God. Many proof texts support this claim (and for regular readers of the Bishop's Beard you know how I loath proof texts). However, a reading of many of these proof texts in their context prove that this proclamation is not correct. Hebrews 4:12 was a memory verse in VBS (Vacation Bible School) and a favorite verse to find at Bible "Sword" Drills. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edge sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, as is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Sounds like the Bible is a powerful sword, unless you read this same verse in its context and see that the entire passage is about Christ, not the Bible. Because Jesus is the Word of God He is also the Great High Priest that discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. Romans 8 proclaims that the Spirit of God is the One who searches hearts and makes intercession for us.

After preaching at a Presbyterian church I was gently rebuked for preaching the hope of seeing Christ "face to face" as though it was a future event. I had made reference to I Corinthians 13 where our hope of Resurrection ("...when that which is perfect has come...") is hope for a physical event where we will know Christ as intimately as He now knows us. I was told that the "Perfect" in this passage is the Bible, which has already come so that we can know Christ through His word. Knowledge, tongues and prophesy have all been done away with because we now have the Bible. The problem that I have with this interpretation (other than the fact that it is wrong) is that the Bible does not contain every word of Christ (John 21:25), and I don't know how many hairs He has on His head, much less can I see His face or look into His eyes. The Christian hope is that we will be physically resurrected and we will know God like He knows us.

I understand what the fundamentalist is trying to do when he says that the Bible is the word of God and the final authority for life and faith. He is trying to distance himself from the charismatic chaos of modern times and the "Christian" cults who have extra Biblical "scripture" and anti-Christ "revelation". The problem is that interpretation of Scripture can vary greatly, so how then is the Bible the "Final Authority?"

I am always looking for balance. I think the balance in this issue is simply that we must look to the whole counsel of Scripture, which contains the written revelation of the Word of God, for instruction in life and faith. Certainly the Bible is the bench mark by which all revelation, prophesy and tongues should be judged. The Bible is a way to know about God. The Apostles gave us timeless instruction in how we should live. The prophets foretold Christ, and Christ revealed the Father to us. Ultimately it is by faith that we know Him, and His Spirit lives within us aiding us as we struggle to know, understand and comprehend the depth, width and height of His love.

There is no doubt that the Bible contains the words of God. But, Jesus IS the Word of God.

I hate to say I told you so...

"Western and African diplomats called on Friday for the urgent deployment of peacekeepers to Somalia, hours after al Qaeda's deputy leader called on Somali Islamists to launch an
Iraq-style insurgency against Ethiopian forces."

"In the latest show of discontent with the forces that ousted the Islamists, hundreds of Somalis marched through the capital chanting "Down with Ethiopia." (Just days after being hailed as heroes and liberators the Ethiopians are finding few friends).

Reuters (photo and story)

Have we learned nothing?

Photo by Guy Calaf New York Times

Once again a US backed force has put the "Islamists" on the run. Ethiopia invaded Somalia in an effort to rid the neighboring country of terrorists (and maybe secure some territory along the way). The "terrorists" escaped to the countryside only to be replaced by lawlessness and a return to warlords. Ethiopia, much like her ally proclaimed, "Mission Accomplished" as their troops rolled into Mogadishu. I fear that Somalia will be Ethiopia's Iraq.

"MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Somali gunmen attacked an oil tanker truck near Mogadishu on Thursday, wounding three people and raising fears of a return to the clan violence that had largely stopped during six months of Islamist rule.
The Somalia Islamic Courts Council (SICC), which had imposed sharia law across much of the south, abandoned the capital last week to government troops backed by Ethiopian forces.
Within hours of the Islamists' departure, militiamen loyal to warlords ousted in June reappeared at checkpoints in the city where they used to rob, rape and murder civilians"

I am no military general, but surely someone has figured out that a power vacuum invites true terrorists and thugs to rape, pillage and plunder people who have already suffered immensely under both sides of an ideological and religious war. I propose that the next time we invade a nation that we should be prepared to bring the rule of law, peace and order immediately to that nation, or we should stay out.

Hindu god manifest on butterfly's back

According to a report from Reuters News the Hindu god Krishna has appeared on the back of a butterfly in India.
Krishna has joined with the Virgin Mary, Elvis and Abraham Lincoln on a growing list of manifestations on both animate and inanimate subjects.

The Virgin Mary tops the list with appearances in thin air as well as physical manifestations on various breads, hospital windows and other objects. The "Virgin Toast" actually sold on EBay for almost $30K. Mother Teressa appeared on a cinnamon bun in Nashville at Cafe Bongo, now known as the home of the "Nun Bun". Elvis has been spotted on at least one tortilla (which admittedly was a hoax), still the faithful have witnessed his miraculous appearances. Even Abraham Lincoln has appeared in the profile of a french fry. Even Islam is not without their "Miracle Tomato of Huttersfield".

Personally I only see a butterfly. But, the faithful Hindu sees Krishna. Maybe you see it too?

The man who discovered this butterfly said that it has "increased his devotion." Another worshiper named Vilma said, "We have no option but to believe what we are seeing. But after seeing it, our devotion to the Lord has increased."

I suppose my point is that for all the "supernatural" (or lack thereof) evidence that we see the Christian hope is not in butterflies and tortillas. Our hope is not seen and our faith is not in the tangible. Scripture proclaims, "blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe." Our faith is a gift from God, and our hope is the resurrection. The promise of God is that all who believe that Jesus is the Lord, and that God has raised Him from the dead, will be saved.

If you believe in Christ's (the Messiah, God in the flesh) death, burial and Resurrection you will be saved. The faith that you have is the evidence that you possess, you need look no farther.

Somalia - "Life was better under Islamist"

In our American zeal to bring democracy to the world I thought this quote might give pause for thought.

"In June this year, when the Supreme Council of Islamic Courts (SCIC) first took control of Mogadishu, the capital was transformed. A ruined city of warlord-controlled fiefdoms became largely safe. Guns disappeared from the streets. Not everybody approved of the SCIC, which started as 11 different clan-based courts of justice, but few in Mogadishu could deny that life was better under the Islamists. Outsiders' fears of an 'African Taliban' seemed misplaced." Xan Rice, The Observer

My comment: I would suggest that Xan Rice visit the Islamic prisons around the world where life is not "better" for those who disagree with the prevalent theology of the society. Tyranny is tyranny wither it is power hungry warlords or power hungry religious fundamentalist who dish it out.


Xan Rice, The Observer, Sunday, December 31, 2006
La Tribuna Magazine Cover Ethiopians Invade Somalia - 1930s (Art.com)

Substance over Symbol

As I have contemplated symbol lately I feel that I may be in danger of error. I have been so focused on correct symbolism that I have preferred correct symbols over substance.

God made it clear in the Old Testament that symbols are important. People died for misuse of God's given symbols like the Ark of the Covenant, or the offering "strange fire".

I do believe that symbols are important, but symbol without substance is a type of poverty.

The symbols that God gave in the Old Testament were pure, and were not at the privy of men to change. In this age it seems that God tolerates misuse and error to a generous degree. Obviously this is because Christ has come and the symbols of the Old Testament, while only shadows, were fulfilled in Christ. Still, we should take great care with the symbols we offer in this age.

A friend of mine attended a very liturgical wedding recently. The symbolism was perfect. You could not have attended the service without seeing the symbolism of Christ and His Church. Yet, the couple that married was less than godly. The symbols were all in place, but the substance was weak at best. "It was a sham," said my friend.

I suppose if I had to make a choice, I would prefer substance over symbol. But, once again I find myself looking for balance in an imbalanced world. In an ideal situation we would find correct symbols with correct substance. Weddings that correctly present Christ and His Church, and marriages that have a depth of love that the world cannot imitate nor understand.

Christ is the reality of the symbols we handle. They are but a shadow of the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is the substance of our faith and symbols. In our striving for correct symbols let us strive all the more to know Christ Himself. Knowing, loving and worshiping Him are the purposes of the symbols.

The Marriage of Giovanni Arnolfini
by Jan van Eyck (Art.com)

Quote of the Weak -- The feast of Christmas

"In the feast of Christmas we are directed in a new way to the very thing that stands in the center of the Bible, to the simple reality of the gacious and merciful action which comes from God into this lost world. We are no longer concerned with elegant and gay pictures and fancies; from the reality which is so plain and from our distress, we thirst for the reality of the great divine help. Our question is whether God really has sent the One who has the right and authority for complete, all-embracing, final redemption. And the Christmas message is the complete, glorious "Yes" of the answer to this question."

-- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Photo and quote - International Dietrich Bonhoeffer Society

Do Symbols Matter?

I love the scene in Indiana Jones and the last Crusade where the "cup of Christ" is revealed as a plain simple common goblet. While the magic that is attached to the goblet is the fantasy of Hollywood the image of simplicity makes up for it.

In one sense symbols are nothing. Bread is nothing, wine is nothing and water is nothing. These are simple elements of life. However, in the right setting and with the right words these elements are transformed into symbols of something much greater.

A red light in a window can symbolize a house of ill repute. A red light in a traffic signal is a symbol that says "stop", and bears the full weight of the law if it is disobeyed. Both are just red lights. One advertises a message and identifies a place, the other bears authority and commands respect as it stands in the place of the reality.

How we deal with symbols in the church is important. Imagine a traffic light with three green globes, or one with red on the bottom and green on the top. If it matters how lights are handled it certainly matters how we handle symbols in the church.

Using grape flavored drink and yeast bread in communion may not be sinful, but it does hinder the symbol. Showering a baby may be true baptism, but the picture is blurred. An abusive husband may indeed be a husband, but he is a false example of Christ.

I am becoming convinced that the churches that present the purest symbols are the churches that present the truest picture of Christ. I am not advocating finery or pomp. I am advocating simple obedience.

In this Christmas season let us review our symbols and strive for a true presentation of Christ.

Photo from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

European Efficiency

Before Thanksgiving our government announced that travelers who plan to fly place their carry-on liquids and gels (less than 3 oz per container) in a quart sized plastic bag.

Simple enough?

Apparently not.

Almost a month later about every third traveler passing through security holds up the line while they dig their liquids out of their bag and throw away their bottled water or 32 oz Coke. It took about 20 minutes to get through security in the States.

When in Amsterdam a few weeks ago I noticed that there were multiple stations set-up throughout the airport with a few simple things. Large posters explaining the new regulations (in multiple languages and symbols), uniformed attendants who were screening passengers as they walked by (asking "Are you carrying any liquids or gels?") and plastic bags for people who were carrying such items. By the time we got to the security check we had passed two such stations and had had plenty of opportunity to make adjustments to our carry-on bags.

It took less than five minutes to get through a thorough security check in Amsterdam (including taking a survey about how the airport could improve services) and proceed to the gate. I truly appreciate northern European efficiency.

Security at Heathrow, Art.com

The Spititual Rapist

With his six guns ablaze the revivalist crushes all in his wake.

I am angry today, but I think it might be righteous anger.

I have a friend whose son was the victim of spiritual abuse. This child believes the Gospel and has born fruit of that faith as only a child can do.

Like so many others the child has been faced with questions, the revivalist might call "doubt." Surely the boy has become aware of sin and questions how it is that a child of God can be so bad. So the spiritual rapist aims for the "kill" and tries to force the child to "nail it down!"

The questions pour forth from the pulpit and guilt is heaped upon guilt. "Are you sure that you are sure? Did you say that prayer with your whole heart? Do you remember the date and time? Have you been truly converted? Do you FEEL saved?" And the final blow, "If you died tonight, do you know where you would go? Heaven or HELL?!!"

The answer, according to the spiritual rapist, is a rapturous moment in time that a decision is made from the heart and the child "asks Jesus into his heart" and "makes" him Lord and Savior.

How far from Biblical salvation we have fallen.

How sad it is that we allow men to come into our evangelical churches and abuse our children and the weak. How sad it is that we have come to the place in the history of the Church that we think that preying on souls is considered true spirituality.

If you just believe enough. If you just get the formula correct. If you "place your faith" in Jesus. If you say it the right way, or have the correct experience. Nothing more than existential neo-gnosticism.

The invitation of Christ is not to walk an aisle and make a bunch of promises. His invitation is not to "true conversion" or being "born-again." How can a man decide to be born at all?

Is salvation an event? The historic Christian faith has been understood as more a picture of a journey or race rather than an event. We begin by faith and walk by faith; in the end we are saved if we continue in the faith.

The command of Christ is to believe and repent. The invitation of Christ is simply, "Come and follow me." It is not possible that man could believe without the gift of faith from God. It is not possible that my heart and mind could be changed or that I could be born again unless God creates a new creature. Our salvation is the work of God. We hear and believe, and it is by hearing that faith comes.

When our children or weak ones doubt, we should edify them by encouragement to continue to believe and obey Christ. As Bonhoeffer said, "Only those who believe can obey, and only those who obey can believe." Those who are truly spiritual should feed the hungry ones, and warn the ones in danger.

Enough of the spiritual abuse of our weak ones! May the shepherds of Christ's Church be good shepherds -- feed and guard the sheep.

What Americans believe about God

By Jennifer Harper
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published November 12, 2006

The vast majority of Americans believe in God. But in the land of the free, ideas about the more personal nature of God can be subject to some interpretation. (In this survey traditional Protestants have been distinguished from Evangelical "Born-Again" Christians).

Only 1 percent of Americans overall, for example, think God is female, according to a wide-ranging Harris poll of 2,010 adults. Among men, Protestant and Born-Again Christian respondents, the number was 0 percent; among women and Catholics it was 1 percent; among Jews, 7 percent.

More than a third -- 36 percent -- said God was male. More women than men thought God was male, 39 percent to 34 percent, respectively (interesting that more American women than men consider Biblical language such as "Father" accurate). More than half of Born-Again Christians agreed, along with about 47 percent of the Protestants and Catholics. Other responses were mixed. Overall, 37 percent said God was neither male nor female. Ten percent said God was both male and female, while 17 percent were not entirely sure what they believed.

Does God look like Michelangelo's vision on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? Maybe. The survey showed that 9 percent said God appeared "like a human with a face, body, arms, legs, eyes," though the percentage was slightly higher -- 13 percent -- among Protestants, but just 1 percent among Jews.

More people -- 41 percent-- were comfortable with the idea that God is a "spirit or power that can take on human form, but is not inherently human." The sentiment was highest among Born-Again Christians, with 60 percent agreeing with the statement (What happened to the doctrine - Fully God and Fully Man?). More than a quarter of Americans overall say God is "a spirit or power that does not take human form," a belief shared by 49 percent of Jewish respondents.

Beliefs about God's involvement in events on Earth also varies. Twenty-seven percent of Catholics said God "controls what happens on Earth," compared with 41 percent among Protestants and 57 percent among Born-Agains. Forty-four percent said God "observes but does not control" what happens here. That figure rises to 58 percent among Catholics, but falls to 37 percent among Born-Agains.

A slim majority of Americans -- 51 percent -- believe Christians, Jews and Muslims "worship the same God," the poll found. That idea is shared by 63 percent of Catholics, about 48 percent of Protestants and Jews and 34 percent of Born-Agains. Almost a third overall said the three faiths do not worship the same God, and 16 percent were unsure. (Jesus said about Himself, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No man comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6)

Intensity of belief also varies among faiths and political parties. Overall, 73 percent of Americans believe in God; the numbers are 97 percent among Born-Agains, 90 percent among Protestants, 84 percent among Catholics, 64 percent among Jews, 83 percent among Republicans and 72 percent among Democrats.

Are Americans "absolutely certain" there is a God? Born-Agains are the most adamant, with 93 percent agreeing with the statement (and how did that 7% become "born-again" and not believe in God???), followed by 76 percent of Protestants, 64 percent of Catholics and 30 percent of Jews. Overall, 6 percent are "absolutely certain" there is no God.

Almost half of Americans overall -- 46 percent -- attend church a few times a year, 35 percent go once a month and a quarter go every week or more often.

The survey was conducted Oct. 4-10 and has a margin of error of two percentage points.

Creation of Adam (Detail) Michelangelo - Art.com

Celebrating 18 years of happy matrimony

My love busting a pose on the bridge across the moat of the Baroque palace of Schloss Gymnich in Germany.

A wonderful place to celebrate a wonderful gift from God of 18 years of happy matrimony!

Located west of Cologne, Germany this palace was originally constructed in 1390. The castle suffered a fire in 1642 and was restored in 1655. It has served many purposes including official government functions. It is now a wonderful Bed and Breakfast.

Quote of the Weak - Wisdom

"Getting older does not mean you are wise, it just means you are old."

- Günther Schulze, SCFS Board Member

"A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain wise counsels."
(Proverbs 1:5)

Old Man in Armchair, Unknown (17th century) Art.com

Black Friday

A lot has changed in America since 1932. During the great depression many people were reduced to the humiliation of standing in bread lines for their daily sustenance.

Today I think it can truly be said, "We are rich and have need of nothing, except maybe a Playstation 3!"

What is the cause of our extreme prosperity?

Surely our Puritan work ethic and "Christian" ideals, and some would say our support for the modern state of Israel, have been the cause of much of our nations prosperity. But, a far more sinister promotion to our wealth lurks under the thin skin of our Christian facade -- GREED.

The scenes we witnessed on Friday were despicable in the worst way. Wealthy (in comparison to most of the world's population) people fought over toys and "good deals." We actually saw "animal" behavior over entertainment. We are not far from the Coliseum of Rome.

Many of our Fundamentalist brothers are fond of pointing out that America is becoming Sodom and Gamorrah. The popular teaching is that Sodom and Gamorrah were destroyed for their immorality (particularly homosexuality). I think they are correct in part, but not because of homosexuality (that is simply a symptom and a sign of God's judgment). The cities of Sodom and Gamorrah were known for their PRIDE and GREED as well as their immoral behavior.

"As I live, says the Lord GOD, your sister Sodom and her daughters have not done as you and your daughters have done. Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, surfeit of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty, and did abominable things before me; therefore I removed them, when I saw it." (Ezek. 16:48-50)

Many children (and adults for that matter) will be exposed to greater depths of spiritual poverty this Christmas as they play "Gangsta" video games on their new Playstations, log on to pornographic websites on their new computers and begin making their wish lists for next year.

What is the answer? Should we move to a cave? Should we hide our heads in the sand? Maybe we should have more activities at church to compete with the world? Maybe we should protest? NO!

Christ's Kingdom is not of this world, yet we are called to live in the world and not be of it. Our uniqueness is not that our women wear burkas, or that we all dress alike, or wear name plates with "Elder So and So" on it, or what we do not do. Our uniqueness is the Spirit that dwells within us by faith and is manifest outwardly in love, godliness and good character. It is what we DO (obedience to love) that displays God in us.

In a prosperous nation we are commanded to hear the Savior knocking and open the door. He will fellowship with us. We can overcome as our hearts desire Christ more than the things of this world. In the obscenity of our culture the light will shine as we simply obey and love Christ.

Photos-
Bread Line - Dorothea Lange Collection, Oakland Museum of California
Macy's Department Store on Black Friday, CNN.COM

Ortega set to win Nicaraguan election on Pro/Anti-American platform.

Have you noticed that there are a growing number of international leaders that are gaining power based solely on their opposition to America (and possibly their uncool mustaches)?



The latest upset on the global scene is the predicted victory of Daniel Ortega and his return as the president of Nicaragua. In the 70's Ortega was the iron fisted "dictator" who ruled Nicaragua with the support of Cuba and the Soviet Union. The USA sponsored an insurgency (where have you heard that word used lately?) against the Sandanista Party that led to the fall of that government and the death of over 30,000 Nicaraguans.

Today Ortega has the support of Cuba and our newest "enemy" Venezuela. He has played a delicate balancing act as he has courted American investors while being less than friendly to American political leaders. I suppose he will also lead Nicaragua to join the non-alined group that is made of Iran, North Korea and other sordid nations.

Why are we making so many enemies of nations that were once our allies? Iran, Venezuela and Nicaragua were all allies at one point in recent history. "We" brought "freedom" to these nations so that they could elect anti-American leaders? What happened?

In short, American hypocrisy, prosperity and arrogance. We are PROUD to be Americans, as though it was our wisdom that gave birth to us. We consume the majority of the world's energy as we entertain ourselves to death. We tip our hats to God as we push the "American Way of Life" around the world in a vain effort to fulfill our manifest destiny of taking freedom to the four corners of the globe. We have supported "friendly" dictators while we have promoted democracy in nations that have hostile leaders. It has been a very short-sighted list of policies (on the part of both Democrats and Republicans) that had little to learn from history.

In the sixteen years since the fall of the communist Sandanista government, and the introduction to American style democracy life has not improved for the average Nicaraguan. Not surprisingly the wealthy minority Nicaraguans fear the return of Ortega, while most of the poverty stricken majority are apathetic. "At least we ate under the communist."

It is high time that we realize that democracy is not the answer to man's eternal questions. Democracy is not God's plan for man's salvation. Democracy can produce a high level of prosperity (when corruption is held at bay and the lower classes are provided for), but we must not forget that man's heart is wicked and over time man's free will will always led back to sin. Jesus did indeed come to set us free, but it is freedom from slavery to sin so that we can be SLAVES and friends of Christ. If we truly want to change the world I suggest that we extend our nation on behalf of the poor and outcast, and purchase friends for the lonely days ahead.

I don't think we have too much to worry about with a hand full of third world countries in opposition to the US of A. But, if we do not radically change our foreign policies and humble ourselves in the sight of the world we will surely see the numbers of radical anti-American leaders and nations growing.

Quote of the Weak -- Faith

"We are justified by faith alone, but the faith that justifies is never alone."

--John Calvin











"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distress, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:21)

John Calvin print from Art.com

All roads lead to evangelism???

"The purpose of the church is evangelism," the evangelist said. "If you are not evangelizing I seriously doubt your salvation. At the very least you are not a good Christian."



I have an eight year old daughter that cannot speak. I am convinced that she has faith in Christ, although I have never heard her say so. Most likely she will never say so. Yet, I see the love of Christ in her eyes, and I have witnessed her minister the grace of God to my family and others. I think she is the best Christian I know.

Saying that Jesus commanded all of His followers to be evangelists is as ridiculous as saying that He commanded all Christians everywhere to preach and teach. On the contrary, there are many instances where Jesus forbids his followers from "sharing the Gospel" with others and the apostle Paul warns that many should not become teachers.

I believe that God has prepared good works for His children to be involved in. I believe that each of His children have been uniquely gifted in order to edify the Church and bring glory to God. God is so gracious that He has enabled every believer to do what He has commanded. Above all else we are commanded to love, and even a mute paraplegic can lie on his back and love God.

I submit that a good Christian is one that follows Christ, and the purpose of the Church is to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. This is our eternal purpose as we display the manifold wisdom of God in heavenly places.

Do you really want to know that you are saved? Do you want to be sure that you are sure? Then I propose that you reject the magic of men, the sorcery of hearts and the manipulation of spirits. Away with the altar calls and the secret formulas! Forget the date and time. Disregard your experience, or lack thereof. To Hell with the spiritual abuse of children and the soul damning guilt that is heaped upon weak men and women!

Take comfort from the words of God, "Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous...By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world's good, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of truth, and shall assure our hearts before God." (I John 3:7, 16-19)

If you are a believer God has gifted you and given you His Holy Spirit. You have everything that is needed for godliness in Christ Jesus. Walk in those good works that He prepared for you before the creation of the Universe. Obedience to the commands of Christ is the evidence of faith. Cloth the naked, feed the hungry, bind up the broken hearted and care for widows and orphans. Be prepared to give an answer to those who question.

Do all roads lead to evangelism? I don't think so. But, all followers of Christ do lead to Christ as we exercise of individual gifts within the community of faith in deed and in truth.

John the Baptist -Print found at Art.com