Christianity 101

What’s the Point?

Dead Heat (Political Thrillers Series #5)

Today I finished reading Joel C. Rosenberg’s latest “Christian” novel, Dead Heat.

It’s interesting.

Especially since the author seems well-connected and in-the-know. And at times he could seem remotely semi-prophetic (in a forth-telling sort of way).

But what’s the point and purpose of the novel?

And why would Christians kill or order the deaths of others?

And why did Mr. Rosenberg include an extremely brief — part of a sentence, as I recall — mention of passionate physical intimacy between two of the main characters?

Most importantly to me, perhaps, is something far more personal — Why did I read the book?

Oh my.

Church Working

After a little over 25 years of service, our bishop (my Dad) is set to retire.

Our congregation has launched the process of selecting and ordaining our new bishop from among our three other ordained leaders.

Last night we gave our votes and the “field” was narrowed to two “candidates” — our youngest minister and our deacon.

Tomorrow night is the scheduled ordination, with the selection being done by lot.

If you look at the photos in my previous post, you will see a picture of our deacon and one of the minister holding his son Sylvan. In fact, you can also see a picture of the minister from the back as he watches the ball game through the backstop.

Pray for us, if you will. We have done our part in choosing a man for a good work. Now God will do the rest of His part.

May God bless and strengthen and encourage and direct all four of our ordained leaders today.

Amen.

Wanted: Close Friends

I didn’t write any of this post just now. This first block I wrote almost nine years ago in the Fall of 1999.

“After six years away, we aren’t sure we want to return to our home congregation. The close friends we had there have all left.” Though I could understand the comment and sentiment well, and could even empathize with it, I was still cut. You see, I was one of those who was still in their home congregation. Their feelings left me feeling out in the cold. It seemed I didn’t count as a friend or even as a potential friend.

“I hope you don’t decide to leave. If you do, we will have no real friends left here.” The comment warmed my heart at the same time it made my heart sink. It seemed that I had allowed our good friendship to warp our friends socially. It seemed that in their estimation, no one else counted as a friend or even as a potential friend.

Have our congregations turned into ice cube trays with the cubes representing individual friendships that have little in common with each other? I hope not! Actually, I’m sure that they haven’t, but the previous two paragraphs ought to serve as a warning to us. We Christians must be experts at developing new friendships, even close friendships, especially within our local congregations!

Three of my good friends left. One went to the Caribbean, another to Latin America, and the other to the world. Sometimes I feel as though I have good friends at church, but no more real confidants. The strange thing is, I can so easily blame the church. You know, it just isn’t as warm and friendly as it used to be. Indeed. If I am part of the church and I am not establishing new close friendships, then, yes, the church isn’t as warm and friendly as it used to be. And guess who’s partly to blame! Me!

This next block I wrote even longer ago — Summer 1995.

Who in your Sunday School class will walk with you? With whom will you walk? Will anyone walk with you? Will you walk with anyone? You need someone to walk with you, especially during those difficult, perplexing times. And the person next to you or across from you has the same need. Why go it alone? Walk with someone!

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).

“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

“Woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:10).

And this last block I wrote more recently (February 2003).

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Be an active, responsible, accountable member of a faithful congregation. Within that local body of believers, be an encourager and a builder in the lives of the others. God will use them to encourage and build in your life.

I originally wrote the preceding blocks for Christian Light Publication’s youth Sunday School quarterlies.

Need for Speed

How do Christians justify driving over the posted speed limit?

Let’s see what kind of a list we can build here.

I’ll start the list with three excuses explanations:

  • “Not keeping up with the traffic flow poses a hazard.”
  • “The speed in this zone is illogically low.”
  • “A police officer told me they’re lenient on this stretch of highway.”

Important Disclaimer: What’s posted here shall not be considered self-incriminatory! 🙂

Honoring Sacrifice

Michael A Monsoor
Michael Monsoor — dead, for his friends

President Bush gives Medal of Honor to Navy SEAL:

Navy SEAL Michael A. Monsoor had fast thinking to do when a live grenade came out of nowhere to bounce off his chest: Take the clear path to safety that he had but his comrades didn’t, try to toss it safely away, or throw himself on top of it.

With barely an instant’s hesitation on that Iraqi rooftop, Monsoor took the last course, sacrificing his life to save the men around him. For that, President Bush on Tuesday awarded him the Medal of Honor.

In an East Room ceremony, Bush presented the nation’s highest military honor to Monsoor’s still-grieving parents, Sally and George Monsoor.

[…]

After a long day of back-and-forth engagement and evidence that the enemy was closing them off, Monsoor and the two other SEALS moved to a confined outcropping of the roof for a better lookout position. An unseen insurgent lobbed a grenade, which hit Monsoor in the chest and landed on the floor in front of him. He yelled a warning, but quickly saw that his fellow SEALS, not positioned near the exit like he was, wouldn’t be able to get clear in time. Monsoor fell onto the grenade just as it exploded, absorbing the blast with his body and dying from the injuries about 30 minutes later. Others suffered shrapnel wounds, but no one else was killed.

The Garden Grove, Calif., native, was only 25 years old.

The Parents and the President
“Mr. and Mrs. Monsoor: America owes you a debt that can never be repaid.” — President Bush

A President weeps for Monsoor
a President weeps

So, Christian, would you give your life for your friend?

Your Master stated plainly, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

And how did you give your life for a friend yesterday?

How about for your Master?

He, His kingdom, and His righteousness come first, you know!

(Oh — click here to read about another type of self-sacrificing hero and warrior.)

I’m Sorry

When it isn’t enough . . . .

Living I’m Sorry

I know two people, each with a parent who made a choice that severed the parent-child relationship. In one case, a father disappeared from his son’s life for a decade. In the other, a mother chose to stay with the man who was sexually abusing her daughter. All four of these people are now professing Christians, and both parents have asked for forgiveness. So these two relationships should be fine now, right?

Christians are commanded to honor our parents, after all, and further, to forgive those who trespass against us. Something I’ve learned about sin, however, having committed more than my share of it, is that it scars those around us, sometimes even cripples them. If I run over you with my car, it doesn’t matter how repentant I am — you’ll still be in that wheelchair. Likewise, if I abdicate my responsibility as a parent, though I may grieve over it in later years, my repentance doesn’t produce the trust and communion that parents and children are supposed to have. Understandably, neither of these parents is close to his child.

But there are significant differences, and as I observe these relationships unfold, I am learning something about repentance and healing. In one case . . . .

Please read the rest of the article at the link above.

It is excellent!

Private
Above all, love God!