Church Divided on Health Care

The choosing up sides by Americans concerning Health Care reform, has been pretty interesting to watch. Somewhat disturbing at times but interesting..

But what has been of greater interest to me is the same sharp division, on the same issue, which has occurred within the Church.

Is there perhaps an underlying meaning in that the Church in America is just as sharply divided on this issue? I think there is.

Christian Post: Faith-Based Campaign to Give Final Push on Health Reform

quote..

Tens of thousands of people of faith will flood the offices of members of Congress with calls urging them to support health care reform next week.

Groups will send hundreds of thousands of e-mails to their networks in an effort to get people to participate in a nationwide call-in to their representative on Tuesday. TV ads will also air in key media markets in six states urging people to call their members of Congress. The ads will air in Colorado, Missouri, Louisiana, Arizona, Indiana, and North Dakota.

Then on Wednesday, local clergy, people of faith and advocates from communities across the country will convene in Washington for a lobby day with Congress as well as a Capitol Hill rally.

“This isn’t a political issue, it is a deeply theological issue, a biblical issue, and a moral issue,” said Jim Wallis, president of Sojourners, at the launch of the campaign last month. Since the campaign’s launch in August, television ads supporting health care reform have aired and local prayer rallies and events have taken place across the country.

Charisma: No Sale on Health Care

quote..

Conservative Christian leaders remained unconvinced that President Obama’s health reform plan will not include abortion or mark a government takeover of health care.

In his speech Wednesday night before Congress, President Obama renewed his calls to revamp the nation’s health care system to ensure that all Americans are covered. He also insisted the proposed reform plan would not fund abortion, create death panels to decide whether the elderly lived or died, insure illegal immigrants or constitute a government takeover of health care.

Several conservative Christian leaders, however, said the president was being disingenuous, arguing that the Capps Amendments, passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee passed, allows abortion coverage in the public health plan.

“A house divided against itself cannot stand…I do not expect the house to fall — but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.” (Abraham Lincoln, The House Divided Speech- June 16, 1858)

Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: Matthew 12:25

The NRA Bible

Coming, perhaps, to a sanctuary near your home is a new version of the Bible, one released by the National Rifle Association. It has a camouflaged cover, quotations from some of America’s great patriots at the beginning of each book of the Bible, and a bookmark that contains the Second Amendment in bold red letters.

More importantly, the NRA Bible updates some time-honored texts in words more reasonable for today’s Christian gun owners and offers helpful commentary related to passages that are often misused by those who would strike the Second Amendment.

American Christianity

“Yes, we ARE a Christian nation, and it has served us well. We are an exceptional Christian nation.” (Wall Builders)

” We are not a secular country. Now how can you say all of your rights as an American come from your creator and then pretend that you’re a secular society? We’re not.” (Newt Gingrich)

“I’m offended, because I don’t think we’re an arrogant nation. We’re the nation that actually saved Europe from Europe and totalitarianism. And then for him (Obama) to say, obviously, clearly not reading our framers and our founders, because they all refer to the Judeo-Christian ethic as the foundation of this country. How — what does that say about this president and his world view that he’s that out of touch with our Christian principles.?” (Sean Hannity)

“America is emphatically a Christian nation, and has been from its inception! Seventy percent of her citizens identify themselves as Christian.” (Pat Boone)

“The United States is a Christian nation, we may have freedom of religion but we have always been a Christian nation” (Daniel Pipes)

“We are a Christian nation.” (Congressman Frank Lucas)

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5

Corrie Ten Boom

CORRIE TEN BOOM (1892-1983)

“You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk,” he was saying. “I was a guard in there.”

No, he did not remember me.

“I had to do it — I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us.”

“But since that time,” he went on, “I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fraulein, …” his hand came out, … “will you forgive me?”

And I stood there — I whose sins had every day to be forgiven — and could not.  Betsie had died in that place — could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?

It could not have been many seconds that he stood there, hand held out, but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do.

For I had to do it — I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us.

“If you do not forgive men their trespasses,” Jesus says, “neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” … [Matthew 6:14,15]

And still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion — I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.

“Jesus, help me!” I prayed silently. “I can lift my hand, I can do that much. You supply the feeling.”

And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.

“I forgive you, brother!” I cried. “With all my heart!”

For a long moment we grasped each others hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely as I did then.

Corrie died on April 15, 1983 in Orange, California, on her ninety-first birthday.

*Ravensbrück concentration camp

Jesus in the 21st Century

The exhibit, The Journeys Project,  will surely stir up controversy within some Christian circles, particularly among modern day Pharisees.

Christian Post:

A veteran fashion photographer who is used to having his works featured in Vogue, GQ and Elle, will release his most “rewarding” collection – “Journeys with the Messiah” – on Friday, the eighth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

“I was in New York prepping for a photo shoot a week after 9/11 and saw many people searching for something,” recalled Michael Belk, who created the Jesus photo collection out of his Christian faith.

The photos are a retelling of the stories of 1st-century Jesus to a 21st-century audience.

Included in the collection are photos of Jesus with Nazis, prostitutes, Ferraris and motorcycles, as well as Wall Street executives and high rollers that creatively address modern day social problems such as genocide, materialism, addiction, poverty, and hypocrisy.

In a photo, “Rest for the Weary,” a man in a suit and tie is shown collapsed on the steps of a building. His head rests on Jesus’ lap while his suitcase is opened with papers scattered about.

“I am writing this in March of 2009 while the world is in a serious economic upheaval,” Belk’s journal reads. “Fortunes have been lost, retirement incomes are gone, and the basic necessities have become a struggle for man.”

But then he writes, “In truth, we assign too much importance to issues that, in the end, will be of non consequence. Have you ever heard of a man on his deathbed who asked to see his stock portfolio one more time? Could the time we spend worrying be better spent in quiet, soothing fellowship with the One who created it all and promises more?”

In the photo entitled “The Second Mile,” Jesus is shown walking and talking alongside a Nazi soldier. The messiah is carrying the soldier’s backpack as well as his gun.

“Jesus’ teachings on this subject (forgiveness) were revolutionary: ‘Love your enemies as yourself. Pray for those who persecute you. Forgive people seventy times seven.’ Jesus reminds us that, just as God forgives us, we are expected to do the same for others,” wrote Belk in the accompanying journal entry for the photo.

The Christian photographer reminds the reader Jesus said not to worry but to “seek His Kingdom first” and God will take care of our needs. Also, Jesus invited those who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him.

“Maybe we should give it a try,” Belk suggested.

One of the aims of the photo collection, the 61-year-old photographer said, was to strip away the “religion” part of Christianity that has turned so many people away, and share the core message of who Jesus was and what He taught.

more here

Exhibit here

“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain”

This is an excellent little article by Norman Jameson, editor of the North Carolina Baptist Biblical Recorder.

Excerpts from The Associated Baptist Press:

quote..

When I was young, the mantra parents and teachers voiced to encourage students that anything was possible with enough work and focus on the task at hand was to say, “You could grow up to be president.”

To be president was the highest possible office for which to aim. Achieving that office would accord the holder instant and universal respect. We all knew the president held the best interests of the nation at heart and that we, as school children, were important to the nation — and that from our ranks would one day rise the person to take his place.

Each of us was encouraged to believe, “It could be me.”

“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ”

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 1 John 2:22

Telegraph:

Philip Pullman, the children’s author, is set to cause controversy with a new book – called The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ – denying that Jesus was the son of God.

The book which is due to be published at Easter next year, argues that St Paul came up with the ”story” that Jesus had a divine link.

He said: ”By the time the gospels were being written, Paul had already begun to transform the story of Jesus into something altogether new and extraordinary, and some of his version influenced what the gospel writers put in theirs.

”Paul was a literary and imaginative genius of the first order who has probably had more influence on the history of the world than any other human being, Jesus certainly included. I believe this is a pity.”

Pullman told The Times newspaper that the idea of Jesus being the son of God came from Paul’s ”fervid imagination”. (more)

Opposition to Health-Care Reform Revives Christian Right

The Christian right, facing questions before the presidential election about its continuing potency as a force for cultural and political change, has found new life with Barack Obama in office, particularly around health care.

As the president prepares to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday night to press for health-care reform, conservative Christian leaders are rallying their troops to oppose him, with online town hall meetings, church gatherings, fundraising appeals, and e-mail and social networking campaigns. FRC Action, the lobbying arm of the Family Research Council, has scheduled a webcast Thursday night for tens of thousands of supporters in which House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) and other speakers will respond to the president’s health-care address.

“Movements do better when they have something to oppose,” said D. Michael Lindsay. “It’s easier to fundraise in those kinds of situations. It’s easier to mobilize volunteers because you have an us versus them mentality, and that plays very well right now for the Christian right.”

source:  Pew Forum

Gospel Tract Society Abandons Pre-Trib

It appears that after 80 years, the Gospel Tract Society has changed its position on the rapture. This has shocked some pre-trib ministries.

An article expressing their dismay is up today at RaptureAlert.

quote..

From its humble beginnings in 1926, with only a stall within the family barn and a $100 donation, Lester L. Buttram founded the Gospel Tract Society. God put on his heart a very clear instruction — “Print My Word.” For over 80 years, Lester Buttram and his family have spread the Good News of Jesus Christ through their free tracts, never promoting a particular denomination or church doctrine. Only the Lord knows how many thousands of people over the decades have come to accept Jesus as Savior from the hard work of this faithful ministry.

The Gospel Tract Society has historically taught through their tracts that “prior to The Great Tribulation and the onset of the Antichrist, (the one that the prophet Daniel spoke of as the fourth beast in chapter 7), the Church would be removed from this earth in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye in something called in these latter days as the Rapture or in Biblical times as the Blessed Hope.”

This view, called the Pre-Tribulation Rapture, teaches that Christians can find encouragement and hope that Jesus will return and take up to be with Him those who have accepted Him as Savior. This happens before He pours out his wrath upon the world for its continued rebellion against God during a distinct seven year time period known as the Tribulation.

A Drastic Refocus

The Gospel Tract Society has changed their longstanding view in the last month.

Two new “Prophecy Puzzles” to mull over…

How many false prophets does it take to screw in a light bulb? Just one, but he’ll be donning a hood for he shuns “The Light”

Then the LORD said to me, “The prophets are prophesying falsehood in My name I have neither sent them nor commanded them nor spoken to them; they are prophesying to you a false vision, divination, futility and the deception of their own minds. – Jeremiah 14:14

• Kim Clement: August 29, 2009 – Chicago, IL

This came directly from Heaven right now. What I have heard is as great as what I heard when Jehoshaphat stood before the enemy and God sent ambushments against the enemies so they were confused.

Again America is faced with three enemies, but now not from the outside from the inside. For God said these enemies that have raised their heads will endeavor to cripple from within, but has My promise not come to you as a nation that  from this summer I will break the power of this that has tried to cripple you.  For I have been hovering, says the Lord, and I have been brooding and looking for a place to rest my feet.  I have been looking as the dove to find a place to rest my feet.  For even as the dove went forth from Noah to find a place so that it would not return, so God says, I have looked for a place to rest my feet.  God says I have found a place in Illinois.

Evangelical pastor vows to rid Israel of swine flu

Check this out..

Jerusalem Post:

The near-blind discarded their glasses and claimed crystal-clear sight. The crippled cast aside canes and vacated wheelchairs to stumble and leap in joy. One woman shouted she had been cured of “cancer of the womb,” and another of tuberculosis.

Judgment and the House of God: Question

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:12-17

Christians quote 1 Peter 4: 17 (myself included), but what does it actually mean?

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”

What kind or type of judgment, and when?

Matthew 25, verses 32-34 tells us of a time coming when judgment will mean a separating between goats and sheep:

All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

But this is referring to when Jesus returns (verse 31). I bring this up because I read a commentary which correlated 1 Peter 4:17 with Matthew 25:32-34

The wording indicates the Church is judged first: (if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? ).

I had some thoughts come to me this evening, but will save them until tomorrow. But I’d like to get your thoughts on this…

The Obama School Speech Controversy

Over the last few day’s I have wanted to comment on this topic but to be perfectly frank, if I had my flesh would have been doing the commenting. The anger and subsequent shame I experienced toward/for the body of Christ, at reading the many topics and comments on the subject around the internet from those calling themselves Christians, was not something I wanted to ‘share’. And I won’t do it now…

Instead I’ll share Albert Mohler’s commentary from today:

The Obama School Speech Controversy — What to Think?

The controversy over President Barack Obama’s speech to America’s school children scheduled for Tuesday morning continues to incite controversy. On the surface, this seems incredible. Why would a speech calling for students to remain in school and set personal goals for themselves incite any controversy at all? Is this just another eruption of the Culture War?

Much of the controversy is reckless, baseless, and plainly irrational. Some have called the speech an effort to recruit America’s children into socialism. Others have argued that any presidential speech piped into classrooms is illegitimate. But a presidential speech to students is hardly unprecedented. This speech by this president has led to an unprecedented uproar.

At this level, the controversy is a national embarrassment. Conservatives must avoid jumping on every conspiracy theory and labeling every action by the Obama administration as sinister or socialist. Our civic culture is debased when opposing parties and political alignments read every proposal by the other side as suspect on its face.

Furthermore, this controversy smacks of disrespect for the President and, by extension, disrespect for the presidency itself. Both fly in the face of Christian responsibility to pray for those in authority. Respect for our government, though never as an end in itself, is part of our Christian responsibility. This controversy threatens to sow seeds of permanent distrust and suspicion in the hearts of the young. In an age of rampant cynicism, this is inexcusable.

And what will the President say? The entire speech is now available online. The main thrust of the President’s address is a call for students to remain in school, set personal goals, and make a difference in society and a future for themselves. (more here)

Mohler at least gives a fair opinion concerning the controversy.

I also agree with LA Times writer Tim Rutten:

While it long ago crossed the borders of reason and civility, the hysteria over healthcare reform is — at some level — understandable, because wellness and infirmity are really just stand-ins for those most terrifying of issues, life and death.

But there is no similar way to rationalize the bizarre controversy now raging over President Obama’s plan to deliver a brief televised address on Tuesday to the nation’s grammar school children.

I fear for our nation, too. But not because of a president who speaks to school children (as did the three most recent Republican presidents, without incident), but because of those who are so paranoid that they have to keep the kids way from school for fear of left-wing indoctrination, living in fear of words emanating from the President of the United States.

Source:  Calls to boycott Obama’s speech to kids offer a disturbing lesson in paranoia

And paranoia is what will be passed on to these children who will be kept home; passed on to them by their paranoid parents. Paranoia and a lack of respect for the office of President of the United Sates.

Interesting Quotes…

Some of these are quite interesting, while others are plain bizarre.

Concerning Literal method of  Interpretation:

“It was the literalizing of the Jewish prophecies concerning the Messiah and His kingdom that led the Jews off into views and hopes of the Messiah that were false and cruelly disappointing… It was the literal interpretation of their scriptures that blinded the Jews to their own Messiah”  (James Snowdon, The Coming of the Lord, 198-199)

Fear Tactics and the Media:

The various media outlets in America (particularly Rupert Murdoch’s conglomerate) seem to be complicit in the attempts to paralyze the American populace with fear.”What if forecasts of imminent doom are, as techno-paranoids call them, “psy-ops”? That is, psychological operations designed to redirect popular thinking in certain ways? What if we are being conditioned to live in fear of some world-ending super-menace—from outer space or wherever—that could be simulated and then seemingly averted at the last moment by a “miraculous” rescue? (The Sky Is Always Falling, NY Press)

More:

The line between the political and the biblical is disappearing.  (Gary Bauer, prominent Christian conservative, in Israel wins support, Telegraph)

In Christian theology, the first thing that happens when Christ returns to Earth is the judgment of nations. It will have one criterion: How did you treat the Jewish people? Anyone who understands that will want to be on the right side of that question. Those who refuse to support Israel, will go to eternal damnation. (John Hagee)

One of the reason I believe the spiritual door was opened for an attack against the United States of America is that the policy of our government has been to ask the Israelis, and demand it with pressure, not to retaliate in a significant way against the terrorist strikes that have been launched against them. (Sen. James Inhofe)

The State of the Prophetic Today

Good message…

“For every one servant that speaks a true message from God, that receives true revelation, there are ten who tell the people what they want to hear, so by sheer numbers alone the true messengers are at a disadvantage from the start”

For the past few decades, self appointed and self anointed prophets have been attempting to redefine the nature of God.

Each time God sends a warning, each time God attempts to awaken His people by sounding the alarm, these men come out of the woodwork, and in soothing voices tell the Church that it wasn’t God that allowed these things, it was mere chance, and happenstance.

“God doesn’t do that anymore!” is the cry of the modern day pseudo-prophets, dismissing the fact that we serve a God who changes not, who is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore.  Apparently for the past twenty years God has no longer been concerned about holiness, righteousness, sanctification and obedience; His primary focus has been blessing, and prosperity and self-esteem.

Soothsayers are nothing new among the people of God.  They have been around for millennia, and the true servants of Christ, the true followers of God have had to contend with them throughout the centuries.

We’re about to be taken into the Wilderness

For their mother hath played the harlot : she that conceived them hath done shamefully: for she said, I will go after my lovers, that give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, mine oil and my drink. Therefore, behold, I will hedge up thy way with thorns, and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths. And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them; and she shall seek them, but shall not find them: then shall she say, I will go and return to my first husband; for then was it better with me than now.

For she did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal. Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness. And now will I discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers, and none shall deliver her out of mine hand.

I will also cause all her mirth to cease, her feast days, her new moons, and her sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts. And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees, whereof she hath said, These are my rewards that my lovers have given me: and I will make them a forest, and the beasts of the field shall eat them. And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgot me, saith the LORD.

Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.  And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, that thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali. For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name. And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.

And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD. Hosea 2: 6-20

About Persecution: Questions…

“And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.  And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city” Acts 8: 1, 4-8

Its been while since I’ve read anything outside of the bible itself which impacted me as much as the message below, Confession of a Radical. It was a personal confirmation:

My conservative friends think I’m liberal. My liberal friends think I’m conservative. I am neither…I’ve opted out of the illusion that politics of either stripe even has the possibility of being faithful to Christ.

The empires of this world are beasts, but the Lamb—the lamb as if slain—has conquered. It’s the absurd comedy of God. It’s our gospel. It’s the hope of the world. You can see it too, if you want to. But you have to really want to see. Because it will cost you.

The cost: that’s what I’d like to touch on. The cost not just personally, but to the Church as a whole in the United States.

“So the Romans called them atheists…”

“It is hard to realize this today, but when Christianity first arose in the world it was not called a religion.  It was the non-religion.

Imagine the neighbors of early Christians asking them about their faith;

“Where’s your temple?” they’d ask.  The Christians would reply that they didn’t have a temple.  “But how could that be?  Where do your priests labor?”  The Christians would have replied that they didn’t have priests.  “But…but,” the neighbors would have sputtered, “where are the sacrifices made to please your gods?”  The Christians would have responded that they did not make sacrifices anymore.  Jesus himself was the temple to end temples, the priest to end all priests, and the sacrifice to end all sacrifices.

No one had ever heard anything like this.  So the Romans called them “atheists,” because what the Christians were saying about spiritual reality was unique and could not be classified with other religions of the world” - (Timothy Keller, The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith )

The irony of this says Keller, should not be lost on us, standing as we do in the midst of the modern culture wars. To most people in our society, Christianity is religion and moralism. The only alternative (beside some other world religion) is pluralistic secularism.

The crucial point, Keller goes on to make, is that in general religiously observant people were offended by Jesus, but those estranged from religious and moral observance were intrigued and attracted to him.

Keller observes this throughout the New Testament accounts of Jesus’ life.

In every case where Jesus meets a religious and a sexual outcast (as in Luke 7) or a religious person and a racial outcast (see John 3-4) or a religious person and a political outcast ( Luke 19), the outcast is the one who connects with Jesus and the religious type does not.

Jesus says to respectable religious leaders, “the tax collectors and the prostitutes enter the Kingdom before you” (Matthew 21:31)

Keller makes a critical observation that speaks to all churches:  He points out that Jesus’ teachings consistently attracted the irreligious while offending the religious people of his day.

However, in the main, our churches today do not have this effect.

The kind of outsiders Jesus attracted are not attracted to contemporary churches, even our most avant-garde ones. We, Keller writes, tend to draw conservative buttoned-down, moralistic people. (Where as) the licentious, broken and marginal, avoid church.

That can mean only one thing. If the preaching of our ministers and the practice of our parishioners do not have the same effect on people that Jesus had, then we must not be declaring the same message that Jesus did. -  (The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith, chapter (1) -  Why people like Jesus but not the church, by David Morehouse )

*I’m considering ordering this book–anyone read it?

Confession of a Radical

Recently I was speaking with a pastor whose political views I would describe as “God and Country zealotry.” In the course of our conversation, which had taken its typical political turn, he said,

“We must defend Freedom, Democracy and Capitalism in the name of Christ.”

That is quite a claim. But is it true? Must Rousseau freedom, Jeffersonian democracy and Laissez-faire capitalism be defended in the name of Christ? Let’s think about it for a moment.

Freedom. It’s the promise of every empire. It’s what Rome and all the rest promise. And it’s always what we go to war for. Freedom. Political Freedom. Economic Freedom. Individual Freedom. “The land of the free and the home of the brave.” The vocabulary of patriotic fervor. As if there were no Freedom until Jeffersonian democracy arrived on the scene. So what was Jesus talking about? Jesus and Paul seemed to have a thing or two to say about Liberty and Freedom, but they never breathed a word about political democracy or economic capitalism. Have we been seduced by the blandishments of empire? America may be a kinder, gentler Babylon, maybe the kindest, gentlest Babylon there’s ever been (though native Americans and African slaves may beg to differ, not to mention the civilians of Hiroshima and Nagasaki). Be that as it may, America is still a Babylon.

And as such it has nothing to do with the kingdom of Christ…other than to be a rival.

Democracy. I agree with Winston Churchill. “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for any other.” Where I disagree with Churchill is his assumption that democracy is the way to bring goodness to the world. I disagree with Churchill because I am unwilling to kill on behalf of the state. And in the end democracy requires this. (In the end the beast is always red in tooth and claw.) I realize most post-Constantine Christians are willing to kill on behalf of the state—especially if they are citizens of a currently reigning or aspiring empire. But this has been one of our biggest problems. The early (pre-Constantine) Christians had a different view on the matter.

It’s interesting how gaga many Christians can be about the early church, but choke on the apostolic and patristic view of empire.

Capitalism. It works. It works because it takes into account the primary motivation of fallen humans: pride and greed.

Marx mistakenly thought people would willingly serve the state. They will not. They’ll serve themselves and their families. What was missing from Marx’s equation was love. And absent the motive  of altruistic love Marxism becomes the cruelest form of totalitarianism. And the missing element in the Marxist equation—self-sacrificing love—comes only from the Holy Spirit. Capitalism works because it taps the energy of fallen man and is preferable because it better diffuses power—and power among fallen man is always best diffused. But capitalism is not the kingdom of Jesus. Jesus did not teach socialist economics or capitalistic economics.

Can two walk together except they be agreed?

Recently I’ve been thinking about something. My prayer is God will give me the ability to explain it clearly…

What I’ve noticed is a trend in which a large part of the Church body within the US, is walking in agreement with a large part of the world (the lost) concerning more and more issues; not spiritual issues, but non-spiritual.

If its to do with certain cultural issues or politics–they seem to echo each others sentiments in a big way.

I can say the same for many of the false prophets/apostles today.

Even those in the body who have the wisdom and discernment to recognize them as false and their prophesies as nonsense, are agreeing with them on other issues. Granted, it may be unknowingly, but nevertheless they are in agreement. Especially when it comes to Patriot movements, “Taking back America”, politics, etc.

Perhaps its because I read around on a lot of different websites–both Christian and secular [news], but I’m being honest when saying I see this.

My question is, what is this saying, if anything?

Should it concern us to know we are walking in agreement with the opinions of the lost/world, or worse yet, with false prophets, apostles, and teachers, on non-spiritual but nevertheless, important issues?

Can two really walk together except they be agreed in spirit?

Do these scriptures apply?

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4

“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” John 15: 19

Just musing and wondering…

“I Predict”

Jan posted the link to Chuck Pierce’s latest ‘prophetic’ word (here). After reading through it, (and following up with 2 Extra-Strength Excedrin) I was reminded of an older post at Spirit of Error blog.

It was posted early in 2007, and looking back now I must say Holly’s “prophesies” were right on the money.

Just for fun…

Since the “prophets” in the apostolic-prophetic movement have been releasing their predictions for the new year, I thought I’d share mine..

But first, remember that none of these predictions have to happen this year, or next year, or the year after — or ever — to qualify as true prophecies.

Many factors that could hinder their occurrence include — but are not limited to — the following: prayer, fasting, maybe I misheard what God said, maybe you misheard what I said, maybe you misheard what I misheard God say, maybe God wasn’t clear with what He said, maybe God changed his mind, maybe enough seed offerings didn’t come in, maybe you didn’t really believe the prophecies, maybe I didn’t really believe them, maybe demonic spirits intercepted them mid-air, and maybe the prophecies really did happen but you didn’t see them — and, for that matter, nobody did — because their fulfillments had to be seen with “spiritual” eyes.

Keeping those in mind, here are my top seven prophecies…

1. Many “prophets” will arise and give vague, abstract, nebulous prophecies that could mean anything and be interpreted anyway.

2. Many of these “prophets” will explain away their failed prophecies with ludicrous explanations that will be accepted by many of their followers.

3. “Prophets” will “predict” the past with retroactive prophecies.

4. “Prophets” will prophesy a “transference of wealth” — to themselves.

5. Surprising changes will occur: people will move, switch jobs, politics will shift…

6. Many “prophets” will claim to be attacked by demonically motivated Christians who — for some unknown, but diabolical reason — oppose the “prophets’” heresies, scams in the name of God, and false prophecies. The “prophets” will accuse these Christians of being “Pharisees,” “Jezebels” and having a “religious spirit”.

7. As a sign that all these things shall come to pass, there will be clouds in the sky, birds in the air, Wal-Marts in more cities — and many other extremely rare and unusual occurrences.

Is Obama Really the Problem?

This was mailed out by Andrew Strom today..

IS OBAMA REALLY the PROBLEM?

Years ago a friend of mine, Robert Holmes, saw a vision of Christians leaving the Harvest field to go and join in with a “Civil War”. They were leaving their primary mission to go and make war against their own countrymen.

What does it mean and why would they do such a thing? -This was unclear.

Like a lot of you, every day I get bombarded with the latest emails against Obama – and what he is up to. I can truly understand this. Unlike a lot of overseas Christians who can’t comprehend this kind of American political partisanship, I truly get it. I lived in America for four years, and one of the things I saw clearly while living there is that America is at WAR with itself. And it is getting worse.

Right against left, liberal against conservative. And there is no doubt that as an evangelical Christian, I am truly conservative myself.

But there is a lot that troubles me about what is going on.

When the US conservatives elected Bush, a lot of the world could not understand it. I understood it  completely.

America is at war with itself and Bush seemed like the most robust campaigner against the liberal agenda.

It did not matter that he was not the “smartest” guy. He was strongly on “our side” in the culture war – and that is what mattered:

Homosexuality, abortion, taxes, health care, and so-on.

To a lot of US Christians, politics has become THE main arena where they fight and take a stand.

So if I am conservative myself, why am I so troubled by a lot of this?

“…an ever-convenient substitute for the Gospel”

Today’s Albert Mohler commentary is very good:

One of the most amazing statements by the Apostle Paul is his indictment of the Galatian Christians for abandoning the Gospel.

“I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel,” Paul declared.

As he stated so emphatically, the Galatians had failed in the crucial test of discerning the authentic Gospel from its counterfeits.

His words could not be more clear: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you have received, he is to be accursed!” [Gal. 1:6-7]

This warning from the Apostle Paul, expressed in the language of the Apostle’s shock and grief, is addressed not only to the church in Galatia, but to every congregation in every age. In our own day — and in our own churches — we desperately need to hear and to heed this warning. In our own time, we face false gospels no less subversive and seductive than those encountered and embraced by the Galatians.

Detroit-Area Church Campaigns with ‘Satan’ Signs

I guess that’s one way to not give glory to Christ.

quote…

Metro South Church in Trenton, Mich., is the latest church to grab the attention of the local community and media outlets through a marketing campaign that includes signs signed by Satan.

“MetroSouthChurch.com Makes Me Sick” says one sign. “MetroSouthChurch.com Sucks,” says another.

The signs are plastered throughout the Detroit metropolitan area and lead viewers and passers-by to the website SatanHatesMetro.com.

Youth Pastor Adam Dorband told Fox 2 that the signs are intended to grab people’s attention.

“There’s so much noise out there that if you don’t do something that’s a little bit more on the edge, people just ignore it,” he said.

Lead Pastor Jeremy Schossau said the campaign isn’t meant to offend anyone. He felt the Satan signs were clever and whimsical.

So what does Satan have against Metro South? According to the website, it might have to do with the church helping people connect with God.

“I’ve been trying so hard to work with you … but you will not get rid of this Jesus thing,” a man dressed as Satan says on the website. “I hate your church.”

Viewers are encouraged to check out the congregation if they have questions about God, the Bible or church or just need somebody to talk to.

The non-denominational congregation describes itself as “a different kind of church” that’s relevant, loud, creative and isn’t about religion. Empathizing with those who feel going to church means being scolded, subjected to boring sermons… (more)

The Cry Vancouver

You may recall reading about a meeting scheduled in Vancouver last month featuring Lou Engle, Patricia King, and Stacey Campbell:

From EList: “GENERALS GATHER FOR A HISTORIC STRIKE AT TheCRY VANCOUVER FOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOODSTOCK – WITH CANADIAN OIL RAMP UP MEETINGS”

Bene Diction blog has an excellent post up tonight, written by Rick Hiebert, concerning this:

quote…

You realize that you need to cover an event when bloggers from the other side of the continent from you are scared that it is dangerous.

I already had heard about The Cry Vancouver, which took place from August 14 to 16 in Stanley Park, First Baptist Church and at Glad Tidings (Vancouver’s biggest Pentecostal church). It was a series of rallies and meetings to encourage young Christians to get involved in politics and other areas of society–similar to other “The Cry’s” in other Canadian cities over the past few years.

My blogging friends are concerned about the ties that some of The Cry’s leadership have to Christian groups and movements in the U.S. that they deem extreme. Yet, I hope to show that The Cry is of interest on its own.

more Here

The line-up alone (Lou Engle, Patricia King, and Stacey Campbell) is enough to send up the red flag. I can understand Canadian Christians being deeply concerned, for all of the above push the unbiblical dominionist teachings which are growing more prevalent today.

There is also a follow up post which includes a 10 minute video clip of the meeting: A day of war TheCry Vancouver

Chuck Pierce, walking in ‘the sound’

More of the NAR’s Chuck  Pierce and his ‘prophetic words’

Which make no sense…