The Journey

Faith and Politics

Multi-cultural-ism, pluralism, diversity--in general, words that describe our country.  From its' very inception, to the present, we are a people of differing races, creeds, religions, and viewpoints.  This year, for the first time in our history, a major political party has selected as its presidential candidate an African-American.  On one hand, I am thrilled that the American dream is becoming more and more accessible to everyone.  But, there is something deep beneath the surface of the American culture that concerns me.

With the emphasis of "getting along" and "accepting" one another, there is, in our culture, a trend to discourage open freedom of religion and speech--especially religion and speech that is held by those who believe in salvation through Christ alone and the relevancy of God's written Word.  Political statements in this year's presidential race reveals a growing popular demand to quiet those who believe in Christ and practice their faith openly. 

I am careful with politics.  I pastor a church made up of people from many differing political parties.  My ministry emphasizes the proclamation of God's Word rather than proclaiming political ideology.  However, God's Word is clear--there is morality from God's point of view.  And, regardless of the current emphasis that the church should be quiet, we need people today to rise up and proclaim the truth--even when it is unpopular to do so.

If we as a nation reject God, God will reject us and remove His grace and mercy that has sustained us as a country for 232 years.

What do you think?

The Spirit's Fire - Part One

Next Sunday, God willing, I will be preaching on a message about the Spirit's Fire--more specifically, the admonishment from the Apostle Paul that we are not to put out the Spirit's Fire in our lives.  My initial thought about what Paul wrote centers on passion for the cause of Christ.  It is easy to allow the stressing and stuff of life to dampen our enthusiasm for Jesus.  Prayer and Bible study seems to be crowded out of our busy lives.  What should happen--what should we do?

What do you think?

Tornado

Last week I ask someone in church if Manhattan every got tornadoes.  I must admit I am a bit of a chicken when it come to bad weather.  I have been in earthquakes before, but, weather gets my heart racing.  Well, that person said (and I am not kidding) that Manhattan never gets tornadoes.  Last night the "never" happened.  A tornado struck about two miles south of where I live (and where the church is located).  My family and I were huddled under the stair well in the basement until the all clear.  I had a little radio keeping us updated.  Manhattan was hit pretty good.  Although I haven't heard of anyone in the church loosing property or suffering an injury, the church did have their storage unit destroyed (at least we think it was).  I thank God everyone in the church is ok. 

Royal Rangers and MPact Girls

Tonight was promotion night for the Royal Rangers and MPact Girls (formerly Missionettes).  I was invited by Commander Paul Serb to open the evening's event with prayer.  As I saw the boys and girls receive awards and promotions, I was so proud of their efforts and the hard work of our sponsors and commanders.  At First Assembly of God we are truly blessed to have these ministries--teaching boys to become men and girls to become women.  As we face a culture that is down-right dangerous to children, I think God we have resisted the temptation to do away with these effective programs.  I congratulate all our children, their parents and the workers that have given so much.