What's the Problem?

I am preparing a Bible study based on the Book of the Revelation. While some are tempted to use the words of the author to predict the end times, the book is primarily concerned with chronicling the concerns and problems of the early church. Most were being threatened both externally and internally. The Roman government was not always a friend to the church and many local congregations experienced internal turmoil and dissension.

Do you believe that the Christian church in America today is under attack - either from without or from within? How can the church strengthen itself internally so as to defend itself adequately against the external slings and arrows?

Fitting In or Standing Out?

Recently I had an opportunity to worship at First Christian Church in Huntington Beach. Their guest speaker for the evening was James Caviezel who played Christ in Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ." During his talk James mentioned that Christians are not merely to "fit into" the exisiting culture but to "stand out" as a witness to Christ and His church. In what ways do we "fit into" the norms, values and customs of our society? In what ways should Christians "stand out?" If we do live in a secular society how can Christians exert their influence?

What's Important?"

Ok, here's an easy one!!!!
What were the most important messages of Jesus in the Gospels? What were his primary concerns? What was he urging people to do? How did he want his followers to live? Blast away!

Words From The Pulpit

The recent flap over the preaching of Mr. Obama's pastor rekindles a long standing conversation about what should or should not be proclaimed from the pulpit. Just "how far" should a pastor go in addressing what might be called "social" issues? Some hold that preachers should "stick with the Bible" while others believe that all social issues have a theological content and ought be addressed. Do pastors have the right and/or responsibility to talk about race, the war, the environment, social justice, poverty, abortion, capital punishment etc. from the pulpit or should these be left for other forums where there can be an exchange of ideas?

I am the WAY!

Jesus said: "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes unto the Father but by me." What does this mean for all those who do not follow or believe in Christ as Lord and Savior? Is it impossible for them to "know" God or "come" to God? Is there salvation for those who do not practice Christianity? Is there a place in the heart of God - who created all things and all people - for those who practice Judaism, Islam, Hinduism etc? Is there only ONE way, one path that leads to both Abundant and Eternal life? Is God "big" enough and "loving" enough to welcome all into His kingdom or are Christians the "Chosen Ones?"

"They Love Jesus But Not The Church"

Just returned from a pastor's conference in San Diego and enjoyed a six hour course entitled: "They Love Jesus But Not The Church." The main premise is this: Many young adults admire, honor, respect, worship and try to follow Christ, but they feel that the church, as an institution, gets in the way of people living out their faith in meaningful ways. Recent studies indicate that many young people believe that the church consists of fundamental, homophobic, self-righteous folk who attempt to mold Christ into an American. They believe that they trivalize Christ with slogans, bumper stickers, t-shirts, posters and "Jesus Action Figures" and Jesus Bobbleheads. They also fear that some churches attempt to promote/push a certain political agenda. Comments?

Who To Interview?"

In the recent issue of Time magazine, Tim Russert, host of "Meet the Press" was aksed "Is there anyone you want to interview whom you haven't yet?" Russert would like to sit down with Bruce Springsteen! So, how about you? Who would you like to interview and why? What specific questions would you ask?
Have a blessed week!

"Whatever Happened?"

I am reading a book which asks the question: "Whatever happened to the church I loved?" Whatever happened to the church I grew up with? What has happened to all of our favorite traditions, customs, hymns, programs etc? The church is changing and with it our style of worship. Are we changing simply for the sake of change or are these changes necessary to welcome a new generation of Christians and seekers? In the process, what do we lose and what do we gain? What do we need to change or add or delete to be sure that the Gospel message remains current, exciting and meaningful? What are people looking for in church and from the church so that they may experience Abundant Life? How do we proclaim Good News without loosing our soul? Dive in!!!!!

"Create in me"

On Sunday, Feb. 10 I will be preaching on a portion of the 51st Psalm and, in particular, the verse where David pleads for a "new heart." David, as you know, did not start out as the most ethical or moral person on earth and it took a confrontation with the prophet Nathan to come to grips with his sinfulness.

So, the question for the week is this: What does it mean for God to create within us "new hearts?" How do we move from the people we are today to the people God would have us be tomorrow?

If you're willing, please share how that transformation has taken place in your life.

Blessings as we continue our Lenten pilgrimage. May each of us experience the gift of a "clean heart!"

OK, What Do We Do?

The lines seem fairly well drawn on this whole immigration debate between the presidential candidates, but as a Christian who just happens to be a citizen of the "good-old-USA" I am struggling. I want to be compassionate, but what does that mean? I want to say and do the moral, ethical thing but what does that entail? I want a policy that strengthens our nation, but what does that involve? How do we care for the last, the lost and the least without jeopardizing our security and our fragile economy? How do we get beyond the rhetoric of the extremes and "reason together" for a viable, practical, humane solution? One minute I am all for walling up the border and sending undocumented workers packing. The next, I am mulling over ways to sensibly welcome and integrate them into the fabric of our society. Help me out!

Here We Go!

My neighbor - both of us in our 50's - have decided to take the plunge into the deep pool of blogging! I hope that this will be a site where we can share our thoughts, fears, hopes and dreams on everything from politics to religion to the future of Joe Paterno at Penn State!
So, I am jumping in and testing the waters! Just hope I can touch bottom!
Blessings,
Carl