Over my thirty years in church (yes, I’m 30) I have seen every attempt of a church to communicate His message.  Some of have been good, some not so good.  However, yesterday I witnessed the most interesting and relevant attempt in my experience.  Since resigning from Southwest Family Fellowship last year we have been visiting local churches.  I think Austin is the most interesting city and probably one of the creative capitals in America.  The church we attend most often is Gateway Church.  Think Willow Creek (seeker sensitive) meets Rob Bell (postmodern).  I wouldn’t recommend this church for the mature Christian (but their working hard to change that), but for a person looking for answers and seeking out the claims of Christ - you can’t beat Gateway Church.

Anyway, Easter Sunday they presented a message called “When Love Comes to Town” and it was 85% music/drama and 15% message of hope.  They used the story of The Prodigal Son and U2.  I guess if you’re a fan of U2 you caught the title of their song in the title of the message.  Basically, they used songs like “Vertigo,” “Sometimes You Can’t Make It On Your Own,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” and “When Love Comes to Town” to tell the story of a parent and prodigal child.  Okay, here is the cool part the campus we attend down south is in a middle school and they didn’t miss a piece of the environment.  The stage looked great, the story was essentially told by two people singing U2 together, the band played huge parts by being apart of the story, and they used wonderful visuals.  Obviously they offered to pray with people at the end - but the cool part was people rejoiced at the end.  I don’t know how many people there knew Christ, but the place rejoiced how the message was presented.  I love that!

What was your Easter Sunday like?  How many people came to follow Christ in your service?  Tell the stories.

Read Jeremiah 29:1-14. To relate to this passage you have to remember that the way Babylon was running the show (they were controlling Israel against their will) was completely at odds with the principles of living that Israel held to as important. Sound familiar? Like…our society? Speaking for myself, I think the predominant ideas the define our culture are at odds with what I believe to be truth.

So I can identify with Israel’s situation. But that’s not the important take-away from this passage. What is of value to me is Jeremiah’s suggestion to Israel on how to live in the midst of a society that is moving away from truth. He urges them to do five things (these are put into my own words):

• Make yourself at home
• Build communities
• Create healthy families
• Work and pray for society’s well being
• Ignore religious know-it-alls

God definitely had a plan to redeem the situation and make it something good (verses 10-14), but Jeremiah sure didn’t want Israel to take a passive role and sit around waiting for that better day to happen - that’s just lazy. Their part was active and positive: settle in, make a life, and be a positive contributor to the culture! In fact, I think it’s possible that God’s promise to restore society to wholeness was contingent on Israel’s participation in the process.

In your opinion, what does all of this mean to a follower of Christ in the post-modern western world?

I have my own views but I would love to hear some thoughts on my blog as well. What do you think?

Like most children, when I reached voting age, my parent’s opinion greatly shaped my view of the world. In 2000, I cast my vote for George W. Bush, believing in the humble, compassionate conservatism that would follow Clinton’s economic success while adding a little ethical decency to Capitol Hill. The rest of my Southern Pentecostal family also leaned to the right.

Six years later and horrified at the current state of both the nation and the world, my family is looking left. The fear that George W. used to win back the presidency has begun to scare us in the opposite direction. Yes, the world is a scary place, but the Republicans have been behind the wheel for the past six years. Why should we stay on a course whose direction is headed over a cliff? Slowly, but steadily, I have begun to cherish the civil rights that our country was built. I believe everyone should be treated equal, eliminating poverty is central, fighting global warming is crucial, health care for everyone is inevitable, and I finally support withdrawing troops from Iraq (I believe that the United States should be a model of democracy and not secret torture).

The fog of the Bush presidency is beginning to lift and as our eyes clear, and the majority of the nation begins to look at the facts, we are slowly beginning to see leaders who tell the truth. I actually favored John Edwards before he suspend his campaign for the Presidency. It’s the first time I felt confident about a Democrat. I know all the reasons why Conservative Christians don’t feel as confident - but none of them make sense to me. I believe marriage is between one man and one woman for a lifetime, however I seek a safer world for gays and lesbians. I support life but desire to see equal legislation for the oppressed as there is for the issue of abortion. The crisis of poverty in America (the world for that matter) is a greater problem. No matter the issue I don’t feel the best approach is laws to ban anyone’s freedom - we become slaves to those laws and as a Christian believer I champion freedom.

So where do I stand? I don’t trust McCain because I don’t desire war and he has left me wanting. Barack Obama feels like a leader. A possible glimmer of hope restored seems to be coming back with the wisdom and reason of leaders like Senator Obama. He stands apart from Senator Clinton, who is currently engaged in a desperate campaign to tarnish Barack Obama as a “roll of the dice” who won’t know what to do when that 3am phone call rings in the White House. Does this fear tactic sound familiar? It should, as it is what our country has been experiencing for almost a decade. Clinton may say that she represents change, but her campaign is proof that she will offer more of the same.

But like many of my friends I don’t know if I can support Barack Obama? The jest of it is I don’t know why? He preaches change - I like change, want change. He shares many of the views of J. Edwards and they could become running mates soon. But I still snub the thought of voting for Obama. I think it’s the message of “Hope”? I believe in hope but not in myself or my government. We have to be careful of this human experiment with government and legislation - it has proven to be a fiasco. Various societies and cultures have tried everything from democracy, republicanism, monarchies, dictatorships, socialism, capitalism, communism, to isolationism-all to no avail. None of these have offered any hope for mankind’s survival. The insufficiency and failure of human civilizations and their “hopes” serve only to highlight the fact that mankind is incapable of perfecting government and solving the plagues that come from our inherited sin nature. Because of our failure as a civilization, we cry out for help; but there is only one source of help that can offer true hope-Jesus Christ. Jesus was born into the world for this very purpose.

So I continue to watch and ask the question - can Obama deliver change? His delivered enough messages of hope and should continue. So I linger in the shadow of the crowds in “hope” of the moment when I believe he can carry out true change.

Have you ever read scripture that just stops you? I mean your sitting down to devote your mind and thoughts to reading and you hit a verse, maybe one you’ve read many times before but this time, it stops you. It happened today when I was reading First Corinthians 15 - the tires screeched to a stop at verse two, “…unless you believed in vain.”

Now vain can mean different things. It could mean the salvation was unsuccessful or fail to take hold. The person didn’t receive what they intended or desired. Vain as if the salvation they received was without purpose, fruit, or effect? But I don’t think that is what Paul meant by vain in verse two.

The context reads “Now I would remind you…of the gospel I preached to you, which you received …you stand…you are saved…hold fast to the word I preached to you - unless you believed in vain…I delivered to you…that Christ died for our sins” (15.1-4).

The vain Paul is talking about is faith without real substance, value, or importance. A person perhaps absent of faith in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Maybe so vain they are narcissistic? Possibly their belief in the gospel message (Christ’s resurrection) is empty and void? Paul is assuming that their belief was the real thing and not a passing fancy that they are in this journey for good and holding tight to the gospel shared with them.

Actually this whole chapter is Paul defending the core of the gospel - resurrection. Here again in verse fifteen he uses vain, “and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” That is deep! If Christ wasn’t raised from the dead then my salvation is worthless and/or unsatisfying to Father God. If Christ hasn’t been raised from the dead, our faith is futile and we are still in our sins (15.17).

This may be more of a stretch but perhaps some in the church had a different type of vain - vain for appearance sake. Vain that was excessively proud and concerned about their facade and persona? Paul addresses doubt concerning resurrection in verses 15.35-49 and speaks to what will their bodies look like (will the corpse stink?), the different forms given to creation (flesh is different for humans and animals), and the glory of the heavens (sun, moon, stars, etc). Paul tackles the big question, “what will people think of confidence is dead people raising from the dead?” This question plagues their mind of vain appearance to others who questioned the resurrection and importance of resurrection for themselves.

It also gives the sense that Paul is writing about vain dependence on God. Some could have held proud for petty things and holding a high opinion of their own accomplishments with insignificant reason. Paul says in 15.10-11, “the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain…I worked harder…though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” I don’t sense any inflated sense of himself or his faith in his statement.

I’m sharing all this because lately I have had a overconfident (vain) approach toward ministry - specifically church planting. I’ve been apart of three teams in starting churches and sometimes hold a higher opinion of myself than I should. God spoke clearly to me today that yes I have worked hard for eight years but it wasn’t me but the grace of God that is with me.

Paul closed his thoughts with a charge, one I hope to hold dear and I hope you will too. “My brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain (15.58).”

No matter where you are in your journey with God - hold to the gospel.

If you’re in ministry - work hard knowing your labor is not in vain.

And look forward to the moment, in the twinkling of an eye that the trumpet will sound and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we who are still alive shall be changed.

I’ve always believed in hearing from God before moving.  Have you read 1 Samuel 23?  I pray like David for everything.  Here David hears enemies are robbing a near city, so what does he do?  He “inquired of the LORD, ‘Shall I go and attack…?”  And God responds and says go and attack…save the city.  Then as he saves the city, hears Saul is coming to kill him and destroy the city and he inquires again as to Saul really coming and will the city turn him over, God says yes twice.  Then David escapes from the city.  David was always inquiring of God before making a move….I feel that is how I make most of my decisions.  I feel like it’s always been positive.

So I would like to ask for prayer.  Please ask God to reveal His plan for us.  Where and what should we be doing?  We both feel done in our current careers and desiring full time ministry that will provided for our needs.  We are really open to any position in ministry besides worship and children.  We can’t sing to save our lives and children’s ministry takes more patience and salvation then either of us possess.  But we truly are open to anything.  We just both want to feel confident in our next step.  I believe God has something to tell us and lead us…we just need help hearing and seeing. 

Thanks.

Enjoy.

1.    Take a 10-30 minute walk everyday. Smile while you walk. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2.    Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you must.
3.    Buy a TiVo (DVR) and tape your late night shows, so you get more sleep.
4.    When you wake up in the morning completed the following statement: “My purpose is to _____________.”
5.    Live with the 3 E’s: Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
6.    Watch more movies, play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.
7.    Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
8.    Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
9.    Dream more while you are awake.
10.    Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat fewer foods that are not manufactured in plants.
11.    Drink plenty of water.
12.    Try to make at least three people smile each day.
13.    Clear all clutter from you house, car, and desk; and, let a new energy flow into your life.
14.    Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, past issues, negative thoughts and things you cannot control.  Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
15.    Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum. They appear and fade away, like algebra class.  But, the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
16.    Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
17.    Smile and laugh more. It keeps energy vampires away.
18.    Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
19.    Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
20.    Don’t take yourself so seriously.  No one else does.
21.    Don’t try to win every argument.  Agree to disagree.
22.    Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
23.    Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
24.    Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, and wear that fancy underwear because TODAY IS special.
25.    No one else is in charge of your happiness except you.
26.    Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In five years, will this matter?’
27.    Forgive everyone for everything.
28.    What others think of you is not your business.
29.    Time heals almost everything. Give healing time.
30.    However good or bad the situation, it will change.
31.    Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Family and friends do that. Stay in touch.
32.    Call your family often.
33.    Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
34.    The best is yet to come.
35.    No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
36.    Do the right thing!
37.    Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
38.    Each  night before you go to bed complete the following statements: ‘I am thankful for _______.’ And “Today I accomplished _______.”
39.    Remember: You are too blessed to be stressed.
40.    Enjoy the ride. Life is not Disney World and you certainly don’t want a fast pass.  Make the most of life and enjoy the ride.

I’m mad at God! Okay, I said it. Maybe mad is too intense? I’m frustrated with Him.

A few months ago my daughter was born and my whole world was turned inside-out and upside-down. I love being a father. I value my daddy daughter days and will miss them when they are gone. But about the time my daughter was born we decided it was time for our next challenge - the challenge of full time ministry. We have always been bi-vocational pastors. Long story short - no full time experience in ministry equals no interest from churches. We’re okay with that - we really want to be in the church planting world - but that, too, is a hard place to get paid. But over the last eight months we have lost focus of what we want to do. I’m growing less and less interested in full time ministry and even more unsatisfied with bi-vocational anything.

If God would only open doors for us (laughing to myself). Sounds so vain! I’m a guy who daydreams a lot and works best when I can focus on goals (helps control the daydreaming). But having nowhere to be my confidence and courage, I feel I’m wasting time in doubt and searching for help. Nothing to keep my head in the clear.

There is a song by a band called Mute Math that says “every moment of time just an answer to find…what you’re here for, what you breathe for, what you wake for, what you bleed for…” I’ve always had that “side” thing in bi-vocational ministry (my church plant) for the last seven years. Now I go to work at the same job and have nothing else to look toward. I’m frustrated and feel a little stuck.

The more I lie in bed and stir at the ceiling I realize I’m annoyed with myself. Why don’t I know what makes me happy? Why can’t I be clear what I want to be remembered for when I die in 50+ years? Sometimes I feel like I have more “Whys” than “Because”.

So really I’m angry with Chris. More frustrated with the guy in the mirror.

“Shout! A full-throated shout! Hold nothing back—a trumpet-blast shout!
Tell my people what’s wrong with their lives,
face my family Jacob with their sins!
They’re busy, busy, busy at worship,
and love studying all about me.
To all appearances they’re a nation of right-living people—
law-abiding, God-honoring.

They ask me, ‘What’s the right thing to do?’
and love having me on their side.
But they also complain,
‘Why do we fast and you don’t look our way?
‘Why do we humble ourselves and you don’t even notice?’

“Well, here’s why:

“The bottom line on your ‘fast days’ is profit.
You drive your employees much too hard.
You fast, but at the same time you bicker and fight.
You fast, but you swing a mean fist.
The kind of fasting you do
won’t get your prayers off the ground.
Do you think this is the kind of fast day I’m after:
a day to show off humility?
To put on a pious long face
and parade around solemnly in black?
Do you call that fasting,
a fast day that I, God, would like?

“This is the kind of fast day I’m after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.

What I’m interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.

Do this and the lights will turn on,
and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer.
You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’

“If you get rid of unfair practices,
quit blaming victims,
quit gossiping about other people’s sins,
If you are generous with the hungry
and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,
Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,
your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.
I will always show you where to go.
I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—
firm muscles, strong bones.
You’ll be like a well-watered garden,
a gurgling spring that never runs dry.
You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew,
rebuild the foundations from out of your past.
You’ll be known as those who can fix anything,
restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,
make the community livable again. “If you watch your step on the Sabbath
and don’t use my holy day for personal advantage,
If you treat the Sabbath as a day of joy,
God’s holy day as a celebration,
If you honor it by refusing ‘business as usual,’
making money, running here and there—
Then you’ll be free to enjoy God!
Oh, I’ll make you ride high and soar above it all.
I’ll make you feast on the inheritance of your ancestor Jacob.”
Yes! God says so!

If you’re anything like me fasting was about you and God hearing you and moving on your behalf. It had little to do with you acting on God behalf. I spend most of my fasting avoiding food and going hungry - little time overcoming injustice, exploitation, freeing the oppressed, feeding the hungry, inviting people into my home, clothing others, or being available to my family. Fasting (prayer for that matter) needs to change in my life – and I bet you too. So I challenge you to have a day of fasting and fast in a new way. The way Isaiah 58 outlines. One day and see what God does in the lives of others and yourself. I’m planning a day of fasting soon - one day could change my world.

Summer and I are cooperating with God and stepping out in faith – choosing a new path in our journey. We both agreed in July that we are not being called to any other ministry but starting missional churches. That thrilled my heart because it’s important my wife is doing ministry with me and agrees with our calling. Family first and ministry second, right? So we started speaking with friends and leaders about our next place of ministry. We shared that we wanted to be apart of a multi-site church, part of starting new venues for worship spearheaded by more established churches in the city. My friend and mentor from Philly called me and wanted to know more details about our desired ministry. He is feeling called to start a second venue in his new city of and felt our time was divine.

So our journey is taking us to Missouri. Not the place I would have selected but once we saw the city, felt the character of the community, and heard the vision for the city we knew He had our hearts. We have no idea how we will afford to live and minister. There is no money in the budget for our salary, but we can’t allow money to be the issue. God is bigger than we are and His calling is richer. Jesus himself said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few…(Luke 10.2). He didn’t say “there’s not enough money,” He said “there’s not enough laborers!” The truth is I believe people want to invest in kingdom minded ministry if they can catch your vision and understand your plan.

In the next months we will ask many of you to help support the church plant. We are being mothered by a local more established church, so they cover the cost of doing ministry, but we will need to raise support for our salaries. Summer and I both hope to devote 100% of our time to connecting with the community, which will require not working 40hr/week secular jobs. Some of my future blogs will involve our journey, our plan and the vision for the city.  I hope you can join us on our journey.

First, I think we all know the narrative well about Jesus and the Fig Tree.  Jesus, hungry, approaches a Fig Tree in hopes of what - a fig to eat.  Matthew 21.19 says he found nothing on it except leaves.  So He does what every “god” would do - cursed the tree and watch it wither.  Of course Jesus turned this miracle into a lesson for his amazed disciples about faith and doubting.  But there is always more to the story.

This morning during my devotions I was reminded of the Fig Tree.  I was reading Psalm 1 and it begins with “Blessed is the man” and that peeks my interest.  Verse one talks about the blessed not walking, standing, or sitting with the wicked.  Verse two is about the blessed passion for His law, but verse three (oh, verse three) says “the blessed is like a tree planted by streams of water that yeild fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers (paraphrased).” 

Three points.  First, Matthews narrative about the Fig Tree says it grew by the road.  The blessed in psalm is planted by streams of water.  But Jesus expected fruit from the tree by the road.  I think its important we remain aware of our surroundings and plant ourselves where life, movement, and growth can happen.

Second, Jesus cursed the tree and it withered fast - so fast the disciples were amazed.  The blessed tree in psalm “does not wither.”  Now the supernatural took place in Matthew’s narrative, but the lesson is the blessed tree produces fruit and has no reason/cause to wither.  I want to produce fruit.

Last, Jesus closes His lesson on faith with these words, “If you believe, you will recieve whatever you ask for in prayer (Matt 21.22).”  Sounds very similar to the last line of Psalm 1.3 (NIV) when it reads, “whatever he does prospers.”  I like to think that whatever the righteous ask for will prosper, be successful, thrive.  I like that thought.

Thank you for all your prayers! This morning Summer’s fever broke.  Not sure when, but this morning she didn’t have a temp at the doctors.  Very good news.  They don’t know why her temp spiked, so they are watching her close, but for now she is doing much better.  She can’t see Tatum until Friday morning, but Summer’s mom and myself are feeling in during the feedings and family visits.  Thanks for everyone’s prayers.

I recently read a book called “Letter to A Christian Nation” by Sam Harris.  The book is written by a angry atheist.  It was a good read for me.  I’ve never really listened to the arguments of a anti-religious person before.  However, he was really calling Christians to prove with facts, figures, science, or whatever - God.  Not so much Christ, but any God for that matter.  I asked myself “How can I prove to people around me Christ exist?”  Science tells us that everything the average person knows is broken down to 1/7 facts and figures, but 6/7 experience.  I know God exist because I experience Him.

Last time Summer and I received a call from my mentor, John Battaglia.  His a great leader and friend.  He left a voicemail of encouragement and love.  But he also prayed for us.  I took my mobile phone, went to Summer’s bedside, knelt down and we followed in prayer with John over speakerphone.  It was a simple prayer on my voicemail, but when we listened to it together we experience God in that room.  I believe that is why Summer is feeling better today.  I can’t prove God exist except through experience…but that is good enough for me.  My wife was healed.

The lead signer of U2 said this words in 2005:

“The one thing, on which we can all agree, is that God is with the vulnerable and poor. God is in the slums and in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them. 6,500 Africans are still dying every day of a preventable, treatable disease, for lack of drugs we can buy at any drug store. This is not about charity, this is about Justice and Equality.” –Bono

How can I live with those who in the slums, cardboard boxes, dry Africa?  We have a responsiblity as believers to do more than give money - we must promote justice and celebrate the good.

I’m thinking we should all work collectively to provide clean water solutions throughout Africa, the people will benefit immensely.  Volunteer to feed those who are hungry in your area of influence.  No reason why people should go to bed hungry.  Speak up for justice and the protection of children.  We have millions of children receiving poor educations, children abused by their own parents, and treated unjustly. Fight harder for the children already born.  Demand better schools in your city, stronger laws against those who abuse children, and hate injustice toward those who can’t defend themselves. Jesus would be proud.

Just some thoughts.

I’m ready to start my journey with Tatum.  I know people warn me to enjoy this time before she comes, but I’m ready for a child.  I want to be awaken to her cry.  Catch her first smile, smell her sweet skin (and horrible poop) and feel her soft, new feet pressed against my face.  I’ve had nine months of thinking about it and I’m ready.

This will be in another post, but I want my daughter to grow-up in a different type of faith than my own.  I don’t want her to see a religion that pushes and/or fights its my into homes, politics, regions, world - but is invited.  I don’t want her to be ashamed to call herself a follower of Christ.  Maybe I’ll never introduce her to Christianity but to Jesus.

However, my wife and I are expecting our first child here soon (May 17th) so started a sabbatical from full time ministry for the summer.  So normally I’m calling people and preparing for Sunday, but today I’m completely open.  Strange!  I’m sure tomorrow when I arrive for church I fell lost.  I hope this time opens my eyes to see what can improve (try to approach it all as a guest).  We are going to visit some local churches and gain from those experiences too.

I think when your church planting you can get lost in the church.  Its always good to walk away and see things from a different prespective.

Now that I’m having a child I take this presidential process much more serious.  I’m voting for the people who will make a future for my little girl.  Their choices on our war, environment, and economy will affect my child when she is my age in big ways.  And as a Christian I’ve always been disappointed in the choices we have to support as a faith.  They speak the right words, but their just words that seem to fizzle with time.  I kind of lost faith after John Ashcroft stepped down from Attorney General.  His father was a president of my college at one time and I have deep respect for John.

This year I hope to support someone who supports my views of our world.  I want to see an effective, progressive, open, honest public dialogue on issues of faith and politics.  Someone who as a proclaimed believer seeks to put in to action the red letter words of the bible spoken by Jesus.  For so long the Christian faith message has been reduced to only two hot button social issues - abortion and homosexuality.  I want to see a candidate who is supporting critical moral and biblical values such as fighting poverty, caring for the environment, advancing peace, promoting strong families, and supporting a consistent ethic of life.

For decades, leaders of the Religious Right have attempted to convince Christians and the American public that people of faith and strong moral values have only one option when it comes to voting.  This narrow view continues to overshadow the majority of Christians in America whose faith motivates them to care deeply about a range of ethics and values.  Our nation is hungry for an open dialogue on moral values and its role in the public square.  God is not a Republican or a Democrat, and candidates should be measured by examining an array of social and economic issues.

Well that is what I think!

Iraqi Christian? For some reason when I read those two words together this week, it made me stop.  I don’t know if it’s because our western media or American leadership but I didn’t consider Iraq to have believers.  They should and they do!  They say about 40% of the Christians have fled Iraq for near by lands.  Forced out of Iraq and no help from the West, many have found themselves in Syria – actually Damascus, Syria.  The same place Apostle Paul was converted.  

Many of these Christians worked for Americans and now have nothing.  They have adopted many of the West’s traditions for this season.  They celebrate Christmas, sing carols in English, and people in Santa suits can be found handing out food to the needy. 

I don’t know why I felt the need to right about these brothers & sisters of the faith, except to beseech your prayers.  Iraq, Syria, Israel – this is where the Christian faith was birthed.  No matter your political view or religious experience – these people need God’s compassion. If when the war ends and people return to Iraq – Christians may not be welcomed and their homes/business destroyed. 

http://womeninministry.ag.org/0611/0611_puzzlepieces.cfm

 Fences are made for keeping people out.  They also create a sense of “defense” for those inside those fences.  The Berlin Wall was a type of fense that had to come down.  I think “christian clubs” are a type of fence that keep people out.  We need to stop repairing these so called coalitions with shoe strings, tear down the fences, and return to Christ’ purpose - hope to people.

Somewhere I think we lost our way as Christians. I can’t put my finger on the event or date, but we lost sight of Jesus’ purpose. This week Joel Hunter (author: Right Wing, Wrong Bird), president-elect of the Christian Coalition of America, declined the job. The reason was simple – the coalition could not expand its agenda beyond abortion and gay marriage (moral issues). He wanted to focus more on issues such as poverty and the environment – issues Christ embraced. Rev. Hunter wanted to concentrate on all agendas of Jesus – compassion, economics, & environment. The phrase that was used by the coalition for not taking up the agendas of poverty and environment was, ‘Those are fine issues, but it’s just not us, that’s not our base.’” When did people decide what issues Christians should support?

The Christian Coalition was founded by Pat Robertson in 1989 and was very influential through the 90’s. But the group has lost influence and state chapters have splintered off – the organization has lost its way. Its base has lost its salvation? I mean poverty and environment are godly mandates, abortion and gay marriages are moral issues adopted.

What is next for the Christian Coalition is unclear, but there is plenty of room for Christian organizations with both narrow and broad agendas. But if the Coalition is going to be a leader in the modern evangelical movement, it’s going to have to get a clearer picture of its mission, mandate. Maybe it will be people like us who make the difference?