Hello! It has been over three weeks since we last met and we have so much to catch up on! I don’t have a lot of time so let me try to catch you up on the last twenty seven days of my life as quickly as possible.
So that’s my life over the past three and a half weeks. Sorry we were not able to connect. What’s that you ask? What are my feelings on Rick Warren praying for the inauguration? Funny you should ask! What amazes me is the two opposing views of this prayer.
1. The “Liberal Left” is ticked at Obama for inviting a “gay hating”, “anti-abortion”, “narrow-minded conservative” to be a part of his inauguration. It’s funny to me because Obama is doing what he said he would do. Did these people think that he would unite only the Americans who agreed with them?
2. The “Conservative Right” is ticked at Warren because he has accepted the invitation to participate in Obama’s inauguration. This is funny to me because Warren is doing exactly what he is supposed to do as a Christian. Does this group think that Warren should stand up and call Obama a “hypocritical”, “gay loving”, “baby-killing” heathen like a lot of other so called Christian leaders? Isn’t Warren doing exactly what the rest of us should be doing… praying for Obama?
It was great to see you again! Lets meet up tomorrow. I would like to share my 2009 New Year’s Resolutions. Before you go let me give you my question of the week:
What is your top resolution for 2009?
See you tomorrow!
I came across this cartoon on ragamuffinsoul.com.
It pretty much sums up how I feel about a lot of Christians and churches that I grew up around. One of the most important things we can do as Christians is to show Christ’s love to others. You don’t see Christ beating God’s love into the people in the Bible. However, it is just as important that we defend our faith and stand up for what is right in the eyes of God even if it means disrupting society, just as Jesus did when He overturned the tables in the temple courts. This is why I get so conflicted over issues such as the one happening in California right now. I believe God intended marriage to be a union of one man and one woman for life. It is a sacred covenant and one that should be defended and respected. So here is my question of the week… brought to us by Carlos Whittaker at ragamuffinsoul.com
“How do we stand for what we belive in without standing in what we dont?
Its Tuesday which means its time for our Q of the week. This one needs no introduction.
Tuesday Question of the Week:
Did you know McCain was Obama’s new running mate?
I have watched it on youtube least 50 times. The first time was moving, the second time I noticed some things I missed the first time and so on. So when my production team talked about the Cardboard Testimony video and possibly using it in one of our services, I wasn’t sure it would work. We talked around it for several minutes. We discussed several ways to keep it fresh and unique to our congregation. Once we landed on an idea we sold out to it. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I hoped it would be a good thing for our people and really felt it would have some amount of success. But what we experienced Sunday far surpassed anything I could have ever imagined. What we witnessed was one of the most powerful events in the 100 year history of our congregation. God showed up in a way that had our church completely in awe of His saving grace and power.
It happened because people were courageous enough to bear their souls to their church family. It is truly amazing when we see God’s power change someone from the inside out. This leads me to my question of the week:
In a few simple words, how has God changed you?
I have been a part of four funeral/ memorial services this past week. In each case I have heard people say things like “I’m sure going to miss him” or “I miss her already.” I have even found myself suddenly desiring to spend time with my friend Donn after I found out about his death this past Friday. I really miss him now but why didn’t I miss him before? Its a strange feeling.
This leads me to my question of the week:
What does is really mean to miss someone?
We all know they are out there. All of us have at least one that comes to mind almost immediately. Some of us can think of several right off the top of our heads. It’s the “celebrity” ministers that just go to far in order to be heard. Most of the criticism is justified. There are those guys out there who cause us to shake our heads and wince because we all know at the end of the day it will have a major impact on Christianity as a whole. They go way to far in their antics and justify it as “spreading the word.”
I’m not talking about leaders that have differing doctrinal beliefs. I think God can sort all that out when we get to heaven. Neither am I talking about pastors who are innovative and creative in the way they bring the message to non-believers. I think there is value in new methods of evangelism. I am referring specifically to people like Michael Guglielmucci.
A FORMER Adelaide pastor who inspired hundreds of thousands of young Christians with his terminal cancer “battle” has been exposed as a fraud.
Read the full article here.
I know this isn’t Tuesday and maybe I should have saved this for next week but I have a question:
How do we as a church respond to people like this?
I came across this article today.
One pastor believes franchising congregations is the model of the future.
“Church plants,” “sister churches,” and “satellite congregations” may be a thing of the past. In 2008, the language of missiology is changing, so look for “church franchises” in your town.
click here to read the full article
So here’s the Q’
Tuesday Question of the Week #7
Would you attend a church where the teaching/preaching is done through video broadcast? Have you ever? Why/Why not?
My wife and I are starting a new workout program together. Unfortunately with the new program comes a new way of eating healthy which in turn means most of my favorite restaurants are now banned. I guess thats the price you pay for being healthy. The one I will miss the most is my favorite Mexican establishment Compadre’s. They have the best Chips and Salsa this side of the Red River. I usually eat there two or three times a week so this will be a major adjustment for me. So in memory of all my old eating habits here is the Question of the Week.
Tuesday Question Of the Week # 5
Where is your favorite place to eat out?
Peace,
Get ready, I’m going to bust a little theology on you. I had a friend ask me a question this week that provoked some serious thought and study. Hopefully it will do the same for you.
Tuesday Question of the Week #4
Is it ok to pray to Jesus?
Let’s hear it…
Living Sacrifices 