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Church

Church-related posts, ministry ideas and influences, etc.

Apr 18
Love0

What Would Jesus Say to Planned Parenthood

By Church
On September 11, 2001, I was having coffee with the worship pastor at our church to plan our weekend services when the planes struck the World Trade Center in New York City. Like many of you, I spent the next several hours glued to our television, watching horrific scenes unfold. As you probably remember, 3,000 people were killed that day. Did you know that on Sept 12, 2001, 4,000 additional lives were lost? On September 13, 2001, another 4,000 lives ended. Again on September 14, 15, and every day since -- nearly 4,000 lives are aborted every day. Since Roe vs. Wade became the law of the land in 1973, 58 million abortions have been performed in the United States. Worldwide since 1980? 1.4 billion. Abortion is not primarily a political issue. Nor is it primarily a social issue or a women’s issue. For the person of faith, abortion is…
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Apr 13
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Empty Chairs

By Church, Church Planting
Most of the time, we like an empty chair -- at the movies, in the bleachers, or just a place to rest while shopping at the mall. In many situations, an empty chair is a welcome sight. But not all empty chairs are a welcome sight. An empty chair around the dinner table can be a reminder of a loved one who has passed on. For them, the chair is a reminder that holidays and ordinary times will be missing a familiar face. For others, an empty chair in the bleachers is a painful message that a parent has missed another game. As a pastor, I see empty seats in the sanctuary and think of people. Seats are designed for people. And when a seat is empty, that is a visual reminder that someone is missing. It might be someone we know or someone we're just getting to know. It's also those in…
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Apr 11
Love0

What Would Jesus Say to the Next President

By Church
According to the Federal Election Commission, more than 470 people are running for president of the United States in 2016. You’re probably aware of the remaining two Democrats and three Republicans. But what about the other 465? There’s … Tami Stainfield who represents "No Party" and speaks in tongues. Pogo Allen-Reese, also known as “Patriot Prancer.” He's a former male stripper whose campaign slogan is “You judge a man by the content of his character, instead of the color of his costume.” Tiffani Mims. When asked what qualified her to run for president, responding by pointing to her experience in the Theta Mu Math Club in high school. If none of the 470 candidates appeal to you, don’t forget that Kanye West announced last year that he would run in 2020. To everyone except political junkies, presidential election years have all the charm of an extended toothache. The Economist magazine…
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Apr 05
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Toxins in the Air

By Church, General
I am disheartened. Not about the absolute refusal of winter to leave Colorado. Nor am I disheartened for not having tickets to the upcoming Justin Bieber concert in Denver. If I did have tickets, then my daughter (who does have tickets) would be disheartened for my being there at the same time. I am disheartened by the current state of our politics, particularly our political discourse. No one is surprised when politicians think and act politically. No one is surprised that pundits and commentators are intentionally harsh around the edges of an issue. That's what gets them attention and air time. Name-calling, shout outs, and shout downs. I'm told it's "entertaining" television. Well, I for one, am not entertained by it. Did I mention I am disheartened? I'm not disheartened because political action figures stake out divisive positions. I'm disheartened because of the lack of civility that has crept (or…
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Apr 04
Love0

What Would Jesus Say to Caitlyn Jenner

By Church
The church I grew up in went through a major conflict over the topic of “social drinking.” Not social studies or social media. The question was if a Christian could have an occasional glass of wine or beer. It wasn't about getting drunk - that answer was obvious. Other churches drew the boundaries over whether a Christian could play cards, go to the movies, or wear shorts at a church-sponsored event. In fact, for one brief moment in 1991, I actually interviewed for a youth pastor position in Nashville. I was asked about my “policy” for letting kids wear shorts. I found out that my answer -- “Well, if it’s hot” – was the wrong answer! There are two truths every generation must face: Every generation thinks things are worse than used to be. Every generation has its own set of issues that it must wrestle with. In 1951, Richard…
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