POLITICAL OPINING
Here's my thoughts from Memorial Day weekend, and I shared this on Sunday morning...
I have been careful to keep my political opinions to myself and my personal views personal. But NOW, for this weekend only, I'm putting it all out there, my thoughts, allegiances, and voting patterns.
I AM...
an American. That's right! First and foremost, I am an America. Not a Republican or Democrat, not voting for one party or another. I'm an ardent patriot, and passionately believe in the United States of America. I believer that we live in the greatest nation in the world. I believe in protecting the freedoms of our nation and her citizens. This nation was founded on Judeo-Christian values based on the Bible and heralded by God-fearing Jesus-followers. When studying American history, I am amazed by the deep Christian roots of America. And so, I love America.
It is always appropriate to honor those who have served our great nation and say THANK YOU! Thank you to ALL who have served to protect freedom both in the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement. THANK YOU!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008
DO CHURCH-GOERS ACTUALLY LISTEN TO THEIR PASTORS?
I'm a little annoyed (ok, more than slightly annoyed) by the premise in the news that people can attend a church for a long period of time, completely disagree with their pastor's teaching and ideology, and not be impacting in any way by his messages.
Why do I say this? Thanks for asking. Allow me to explain so that I can make the point.
It's old news, and that's why I've waited this long to say anything. My comments are not political in nature. But, if you've been listening to the news about Barak Obama's pastor, Jeremiah Wright, you'd know what I mean and why I'm ticked. Here's the thing: Obama and his family sat under Mr. Wright's pastoral teaching and leadership for 20+years. His rhetoric, vitriol, and hate-centered talk have made the headlines recently. I actually listened to one of his sermons nearly in its entirety, and it was disturbing.
And I don't care about your political bent, we are after-all one America, one nation under God. But no matter your tradition, this kind of speech is wrong, contrary to Scripture, and a horrific, if not entirely sac-religious interpretation of the Bible. And this isn't even the point of my blog...
And what is Obama's out? How did he get away with attending and sitting under this kind of hate-filled preaching?
He said things like:
-I wasn't there that day.
-I never heard him say that stuff
-He's my pastor but his teachings have no impact on my personal beliefs and values
-yea, he's a little out there, but I don't really get effected by anything he says
-yes, he did our wedding, dedicated our children, and I've attended regularly for 20 years, but I don't think anything like him and actually disagree with most of what he says
Those aren't exact quotes, but down-right close.
WHAT'S MY POINT?
If anyone who sits under my leadership, teaching, and preaching regular is as equally un-impacted, un-transformed, un-challenged and un-changed by your experience at church and under my leadership. You need a new church. I'm not doing my job. I've failed. If anyone says that about the ministry of Lifehouse East, even after only 2 years, I'd be devastated.
I hope that people are so changed, transformed and impacted by their experience at Lifehouse East, my teaching, and God's love that they are dramatically different. That your thinking, living, and values have so changed that it's undeniable.
May it be OBVIOUS to everyone around you and may it be provable in the court of Law that we are JESUS-FOLLOWERS. By the way, I'm a die-hard Lifehousers. And I'll stand behind our teachings, experience, and family!
I'm a little annoyed (ok, more than slightly annoyed) by the premise in the news that people can attend a church for a long period of time, completely disagree with their pastor's teaching and ideology, and not be impacting in any way by his messages.
Why do I say this? Thanks for asking. Allow me to explain so that I can make the point.
It's old news, and that's why I've waited this long to say anything. My comments are not political in nature. But, if you've been listening to the news about Barak Obama's pastor, Jeremiah Wright, you'd know what I mean and why I'm ticked. Here's the thing: Obama and his family sat under Mr. Wright's pastoral teaching and leadership for 20+years. His rhetoric, vitriol, and hate-centered talk have made the headlines recently. I actually listened to one of his sermons nearly in its entirety, and it was disturbing.
And I don't care about your political bent, we are after-all one America, one nation under God. But no matter your tradition, this kind of speech is wrong, contrary to Scripture, and a horrific, if not entirely sac-religious interpretation of the Bible. And this isn't even the point of my blog...
And what is Obama's out? How did he get away with attending and sitting under this kind of hate-filled preaching?
He said things like:
-I wasn't there that day.
-I never heard him say that stuff
-He's my pastor but his teachings have no impact on my personal beliefs and values
-yea, he's a little out there, but I don't really get effected by anything he says
-yes, he did our wedding, dedicated our children, and I've attended regularly for 20 years, but I don't think anything like him and actually disagree with most of what he says
Those aren't exact quotes, but down-right close.
WHAT'S MY POINT?
If anyone who sits under my leadership, teaching, and preaching regular is as equally un-impacted, un-transformed, un-challenged and un-changed by your experience at church and under my leadership. You need a new church. I'm not doing my job. I've failed. If anyone says that about the ministry of Lifehouse East, even after only 2 years, I'd be devastated.
I hope that people are so changed, transformed and impacted by their experience at Lifehouse East, my teaching, and God's love that they are dramatically different. That your thinking, living, and values have so changed that it's undeniable.
May it be OBVIOUS to everyone around you and may it be provable in the court of Law that we are JESUS-FOLLOWERS. By the way, I'm a die-hard Lifehousers. And I'll stand behind our teachings, experience, and family!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
RECENT NEWS
We're on the news... maybe you saw the story last night on NBC 25 or at Hagerstown Magazine.
I'm also doing an interview with WGTS 91.9 this afternoon to tell the Lifehouse and give project story. These news stories and interviews always make me nervous, because I want to present the message of Jesus and say all the right things. And when I'm done, it never came out quite right.
We have gotten emails of people who read or heard our story and felt challenged. People all over the US are giving and helping others. Let's keep following Jesus!
We're on the news... maybe you saw the story last night on NBC 25 or at Hagerstown Magazine.
I'm also doing an interview with WGTS 91.9 this afternoon to tell the Lifehouse and give project story. These news stories and interviews always make me nervous, because I want to present the message of Jesus and say all the right things. And when I'm done, it never came out quite right.
We have gotten emails of people who read or heard our story and felt challenged. People all over the US are giving and helping others. Let's keep following Jesus!
Monday, May 05, 2008
SUNDAY in the REARVIEW MIRROR
What a blast!
Enjoyed the excitement of leaders, volunteers, and the response from all who invited over 50 first-time guests out to Lifehouse Church East yesterday. I thought everything from the cafe to the rocking opening song to the atmosphere was incredible. Okay, we'll have to overlook the extra 2 seconds on the video clip and the references to other religions, but... hopefully all there (about 300) will extend grace. We had 6 people commit their lives to following Jesus! Wow!
And I spent the afternoon with my family at a neighbors house hanging out with some of my other neighbors who came out to church. Now, to all who did similarly- YOU ROCK! Way to BE THE CHURCH!
What a blast!
Enjoyed the excitement of leaders, volunteers, and the response from all who invited over 50 first-time guests out to Lifehouse Church East yesterday. I thought everything from the cafe to the rocking opening song to the atmosphere was incredible. Okay, we'll have to overlook the extra 2 seconds on the video clip and the references to other religions, but... hopefully all there (about 300) will extend grace. We had 6 people commit their lives to following Jesus! Wow!
And I spent the afternoon with my family at a neighbors house hanging out with some of my other neighbors who came out to church. Now, to all who did similarly- YOU ROCK! Way to BE THE CHURCH!
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