After much discussion and controversy in the media in the United States, here is the prayer of Dr. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church and “Purpose Driven Life” fame.
Living in a world where people are offended if someone prays in Jesus’ name, Warren, who often is criticized for compromising traditional Christian values for mainstream acceptence, did not back down in standing up for his beliefs. What do you think?
Victor sent this article to me via email. Apparently, the US government has decided to put up some cash to help restore Babylon since it was damaged in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The book of Revelation speaks about Babylon as a great metropolis with immense wealth. Chapters 17 and 18 detail the destruction of Babylon before the coming of Christ in chapter 19. Fascinating stuff.
For our loss, Protestantism destroyed lots of Christian art in its history. Not because it disagreed with the message, but rather it disagreed with art, as if in principle. So, it hasn’t created much art at all. But, not to gut the movement, it nearly single-handed lead to the focus on the written text, arguably as an art form. We came up in a Protestant, 70′s jesus-movement tradition which also had very little art, and no liturgy. I find this strange because other Christian traditions have a rich history of art, and their liturgy is rich in music. It is one reason I enjoy going to Anglo/Catholic services.
There has been such intensity over that past months and especially the last few days leading up to yesterday’s election. People from both sides of the political divide have rallied behind their preferred candidate to demonstrate why he is better than the other. People have been out campaigning on behalf of these men, going door to door, calling up strangers in the phone book, attending rallies, sending emails, and much more on both sides of this race. In fact, many people stayed up late last night and attended public gatherings to be part of the events as they unfolded. I am amazed that so many people have self-sacrificially given of their time and money and even boldly approached perfect strangers to tell them about the one they want for President. Of course, none of these people believe their candidate is perfect, yet they would be quick to point all the reasons why he is superior to the other choice.
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So here we are. After a two year election season in the United States, it all comes down to today as millions across the US head to the polls to vote for their choice for President and Vice-President. It has been a fascinating and historic campaign on all sides. People on all sides have been passionate and interested like no other election in my lifetime. So as the day begins, here are some thoughts:
We have three sobering articles about Christians living in dangerous situations and living under the threat of death simply for wanting to live for Christ amidst others who don’t want this. They are faced daily with the decision to choose to follow their Lord and risk their lives or compromise and live another day. I recently have been speaking with a sister in India who is afraid of the attacks reported on in the first article knowing that the terror could strike in the park, in the market, or other places that she goes every day. Hearing these stories makes me really think about the life I live now and the things I do with my time.
Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP IN VICTORY. O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:51-57 NASB)
We’re living in a time where there is much talk about global warming, changing our light bulbs, and offsetting our carbon emission. Even from a Christian perspective we hear on one side of the spectrum we hear “take care of the planet, God gave it to us,” “we have the responsibility to steward the creation, etc.” And on the other side of the spectrum “it’s all going to burn,” “this planet is going to be taken over by God again and fixed so what we do now doesn’t matter, etc”
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I just received this email from David Krogh, who is a leader in Lord’s Harvest International (the missionary wing of the Church of God Abrahamic Faith). They been actively working in Haiti spreading the gospel of the kingdom and the creed of Jesus for years and there are a number of churches there connected with their ministry. (For more on the COG’s work in Haiti, click here). The saints there are in dire need. Here is what their Haiti contact said (please note, the pictures were originally attachments, I inserted them in the email body):
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As news spreads of the economic challenges facing the United States, many people are raising serious concerns. President Bush recently said “our entire economy is in danger” and that “
I just received this email from David Krogh, who is a leader in Lord’s Harvest International (the missionary wing of the Church of God Abrahamic Faith). They been actively working in Haiti spreading the gospel of the kingdom and the creed of Jesus for years and there are a number of churches there connected with their ministry. (For more on the COG’s work in Haiti,