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!