Good Social Media Articles and some Advice.

HT to my friend, Michelle.

Be careful of pictures - predators can determine where you took the pic

10 Things You should not be posting online

Also with the recent Cyber bullying case of a 11yr old Article

Now with all the news. Here is what concerns me:

1. Parents know what your kids do online.

2. Parents be responsible. (Umm to let your 11yr old do that and the father's reaction wasn't the best way to react)

3. Have time limits.

4. Use the Golden Rule. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

5. Think before you post. (See #4)

6. Nothing is private online. Be as authentic online as you would offline.

7. What you post online is your future resume. (And present one too)

8. Have fun, but not at anyone's expense. In all things - be the hands and feet of Jesus even online.

9. Get offline. Form relationships offline. I think sometimes the best cyberbullying policy - is sometimes to not be on the internet highway all the time.

On My Reading List: Toolbox.

This book I just picked up this week. Looks interesting. It is on my reading list along with the book (updated) Wild at Heart. I'll do reviews when I can. What are you currently reading?

The Walk - A review

The Walk
. From the title - I'm sure you are thinking 2 things

 and I can assure you that neither have to do with this book. No this isn't about Johnny Cash's "Walk the Line" nor the song with the lyrics "And I would walk ten thousand miles and I would walk ten thousand more ..." Though both are good analogies about what "The Walk" is about. You see the "Walk" is an adventure, journey, story, about one couple's journey of walking the Appalachian Trail and how it came to affect their literal walk of faith, life, and reflections on the Christian Walk as well.

Randy Motz and his wife, Georgia Harris aka "Windtalker and Mom" tell the story of their thru hike of the A.T. and its almost 2200 mile journey along the East Coast of the United States.  This book will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own mistakes, and how one can better relate to their one faith journey of life.

Randy shares so much of himself and his wife - it helps to know that on our faith journeys to never give up.Don't quit. The end is in mind, and it is called a journey, a race for a reason.

Living near the A.T. and having the opportunity (and honor) of meeting Randy and Georgia - I know this book has challenged me as a church leader to hang in there.

If you ever thinking of hiking the A.T., or have hiked it; or just need some encouragement in your Christian walk - "The Walk." is a good story of how our own stories are a part of God's.

Deep Creek Get - A - Way

So last week, the family and I got away. A family in our congregation owns a cabin and wanted us to use it sometime. They been wanting us to use it the past 2yrs - so we took them up on the offer - and went last week.

We left Monday and returned Friday. We had lots of fun. Here is insight to what we did:

Monday Arrived.

Tuesday - We went to Sunnyside Wools

to see llama, sheep, goats. We had even went to visit Bear Creek Restaurant.

Wednesday - We went to the Discovery Station
and exploring the Deep Creek area including the Popcorn Factory, and some small stores in the area. As well as visited a Farmers' Market with Candyland (Over 700 types of Candy in the store which my kids loved)

That evening we went to the local Deep Creek Lake State Park for a Big Bonfire and Storytelling - with people dressed up as a cros, buffalo, deer and bear and telling stories.  We also hiked some. To an old mine.

Thursday was the Big day. We went to Swallow Falls


and later swam at Herrington Mano State park


On Friday we cleaned up and went to drive home. We did stop on the way home to visit Sideling Hill

all in all a good time to get away and enjoy Western Maryland. We didn't tell hardly anyone we went, we had a good time. Vacations and getaways are very rare nowadays. Make it simple - and just take time for you and your family.

Psalm 150 Crescendo

The Painful Side of Leadership (Book Review)

I just finished reading this book over vacation. A great book on the practical aspect of leading as church leaders and the problems you will face. Not that you might face, or you could face, but you will face.

The author points out several area - some which hit home for me. Such as resolving my own mistakes. Coping with loneliness, dealing with criticism, and leading a significant change. Those were just some of the 15 chapters. Understanding Significant Change is one that I'm currently dealing with and the questions asked were good ones.

From page 225

1. If we fulfill the Great Commission in our community what would it look like? (Something we're currently asking)

2. If another fifty, on hundred or one thousand people joined our church, what would have to change to meet their needs?

3. When we celebrate our anniversary, what accomplishments you dream our organization will celebrate that day? (We just passed 25yrs)

4.Suppose our church didn't exist. You were given the money and power to start over. What would it be like?

Good questions to ask. Some of the ones we're currently asking. Evaluating our programs, tools we use, and how to be better stewards of what God has given us.

Jeff Iorg gives a glimpse that there is a painful side to leadership and gives hope that the rewards and benefits are there. Hang in there. Don't quit. Lead on. Life is an adventure, and leading through pain is rewarding and helps one grow stronger.

MyWanting to Return to Raleigh in 2011 - The All-Star Game

Information
Thanks to my friend, Doug. I'm wanting so bad to see the All-Star Game.

Should be a good one. I've been to an NHL Draft, been to a NHL Stanley Cup playoffs game, and even the Finals,  and been to the Hall of Fame. So what's left? All-Star Game - that and of course the Leafs winning the Cup in my lifetime.

Stop Making Excuses!

People like to make Excuses. Excuses for anything. Especially for the Christian life and coming to the Worship Services.




Things like:



1. It is too hard.



2. Sunday is my day to sleep in (Umm there is this great invention its call the Sunday Afternoon nap, and who sleeps in to 10am?)



3. The Church services is boring. (Ever been to ours? It is far from boring - we're very much a low church congregation - laid back)



4. It is too hot. (WE have AC)



5. I don't know anyone. (You can come and meet new friends)



6. I don't like to dress up. (You don't have to - just wear clothes is all we ask)



7. There are too many hyprocrites there. (There is always room for one more - you're welcome too)



8. I don't know how to get there. (There is this wonderful invention called the Internet and Google maps ...)



9. I can worship at home by myself or just watch TV and watch those guys. (You can but do you? There is nothing like being around others worshipping HIM)



10. My dog ate my Bible. (That's ok - we have extras)



Any others?



We tend to make excuses, but the real issue comes down to the heart. Where are you and God? Do you even know Him?

Top Ten Things you can do on Youthworker Appreciation Day

Top Ten Things you can do on Youthworker Appreciation Day!  or during Church Leader Appreciation month in October: (1 Wrote this in 2008)




 Sept 6th was  YouthWorker Appreciation Day. Here are some things you can do:



1. Write an encouraging note to a fellow youthworker.

2. Send him or her a free subscription to the Journal of Student Ministries.

3. Offer to buy them some resources for their own personal library. (Goto the Christian bookstore to do this today)

4. Give them a gift card to their favorite place. (Tickets to sporting events works too)

5. Offer to babysit their kids.

6. Buy that ever so important office knickknack for their office or home.

7. Have all the students sign a banner or card telling them how important they are to the ministry at the church.

8. FREE Food.

9. Ask what they may need. Get involved in their lives. Share your story and how important and valued they are to you.

10. Write on others' blogs on what you did. (Even tell Marko)

Make it a surprise and dream Big!



Our youthworkers love God and love those students. Let's show them that We love them too!!

Top Ten Hints to Getting over the Ministry Dip

Originally From Adam's blog
. I was a Guest blogger there in 2007.


Sure ministry is hard, especially youth ministry. So what are some ways to go beyond being just mediocre? Here are some suggestions that I have learned from the school of hard knocks; or otherwise the hard way.



I. Get your Senior Pastor on your side. In my first ministry it was: “You do your job; I’ll do mine and we’ll both be fine.” In other ministries it was: “I’m here to be your Boss.” In my current ministry, it is “we are co-workers in the Kingdom, let’s work together.”



II.Get the parents involved. After all youth ministry should be more supportive of parents. In our post-youth ministry era the number one influence is the students’ parents. (Not the youth worker). I have learned this lesson the hard way and am skeptical at times when a special meeting is called to meet with the Youth Pastor. (Because of past experiences of these turning into a blame game; but currently when one is called it is how can we help you?)



III.Support your volunteers. Some people get paid to do youth ministry; a majority do not! Celebrate your volunteers. Make sure they have the resources they need to do the ministry.



IV. Get your students involved. Give them the ownership. Delegate. Allow room for failure.



V. Keep your soul in check. Develop your soul. Be renewed, refreshed; driven. Keep your focus and relationship with God ongoing. I know when I first started in youth ministry – my soul was dry. My lessons were lacking; and I was flying by the seat of my pants. No plan. No direction. No consulting God. When I got back on the right track; God was and is continuing to mold my own messy self to do His Work!



VI. Know yourself!! Know your limits, gifts and abilities. Set boundaries, have accountability. Maybe give up some of that TV time, Mt. Dew to spend more time doing stuff like taking care of your family and yourself. (who doesn’t need more rest?) I’ve seen too many ministries fail due to lack of this. Whether sexual sin, abuse of power, money … the best thing is to have a good checks and balances system in place. I look back and think “Wow, there might have been some cause for my demise if I didn’t rethink how to approach this.”



VII. Love your family. Include them in your ministry. Tell stories. Be there for them. What is the worse thing that can happen in your youth ministry? Lose your job? Nope. Lose your relationship with God, your marriage, and your children. Those need to come first before your ministry.



The following illustration of this comes from the August 14, 2005 Lookout Magazine pg. 15

“ ‘Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God.’ That directive ordered his life. For 20 years, he traveled to Korea, Africa, China, India, and Europe saving souls, housing orphans, and building hospitals. Through his documentary films, radio broadcasts, and personal appearances, he awakened the social consciousness of an entire generation of American Christians. In the process he formed a worldwide relief organization, World Vision, which continues to be an effective Christian relief agency.



The man’s name was Bob Pierce. But while Bob Pierce was reaching the world, he was losing his family. He had accepted the believable lie, “If I take care of God’s business, God will take care of my family.” His all-consuming work kept him away from home for months at a time. Relational distance increased as time with his family decreased.



Eventually he became frustrated, even hostile, toward his family and in time was legally separated from his wife. One child committed suicide; another married prematurely and was shortly divorced. Soon even his closest associates found it impossible to work with him. Consequently, they removed him from the organization he had created.”



VIII. Do what you do best . . . Delegate the rest. If you are a good teacher, teach. Leader, lead. Enjoy leading worship; be a lead worshipper. Use the giftedness and spiritual gifts God has given you and others. It helps taking more off of your plate and having others do it. (see # 2 through 4 above)



IX. Be willing to take chances. Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is just another way to learn – Oh, that’s not how it is to be done. Laugh, learn, move on. The All star bloopers by a youth worker could have been written by me. One of the churches that did the most “abuse” to me is one I call my learning church. I had learned from my own mistakes and from others what not to do and God continues to use me.



X. Learn from others. Collaborate. Beg, steal, borrow. After all, when you are in the midst of a dip, going to have one, or just coming out of one nothing is like looking at what others are doing right. Network. Goto conventions. Search online. Read books, magazines. Ask the tough questions: What worked, what didn’t. Know your vision, purpose and how to achieve those. Dream Big … God is using you through both the mountains and the valleys. The only issue is how to handle them.



For me I see it as the Apostle Paul: a race, a journey, a learning experience. 2 Timothy 4:2 states “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” NRSV.



Boy, have I learned what not to do. I am still learning what to do and not do in getting past all the bumps, bruises and dips we’ve all had in ministry.



I have next to my desk this plaque that reads:



“Don’t quit”

When things go wrong,

As they sometimes will;

When the road you’re trudging

Seems all up hill;

When the funds are low,

And the debts are high;

And you want to smile,

But you have to sigh;

When care is pressing

You down a bit,

Rest if you must,

But don’t you quit.



Youth Ministry is one of the best things one can do to love our God and loves those students. Keep up the good work.

Top 10 Things to Creating a Website

1. Know the purpose of it.

2. Know what you are going to include on it.

3. Start simple - maybe start with doing a blog as a site first things like blogger, yahoo, and that are helpful.

4. Have some online policies. Copyright, does and don't. What to include and not.

5. Know what software you are going to use. I recommend either knowing HTML or Frontpage.

6. Get a webmaster and others to contribute to it.

7. Get as many involved with it.

8. Keep it simple. Too much flash distracts.

9. Keep it updated. Nothing like seeing a website that hasn't been updated in months let alone years.

10. Have Fun ...use it as a tool not THE TOOL but "a" tool to promoting your ministry. Using other social media can be helpful too!

I wrote the above in 2006.

"They like Jesus, but Not the Church."

"They like Jesus, but Not the Church." (From 2005)




I've heard Dan Kimball mention this concept a few times. (In fact he wrote a book by that title for Zondervan) I'm just wondering though How hard it is to separate the two? Isn't the church suppose to point people to well ... Jesus. Isn't the church suppose to be the Bride of Christ?

And that Jesus loved and died for the church.



I wonder why there is this cynical, bitter, idea of the church?



Perhaps it is because the church has been abused, misused, and perception of her promoting people's agendas, rather than God's?

Think Donald Miller's Confession Booth





Maybe that is why I'm leary of promoting the church and youth ministries as flagships or that we have all the answers even to questions such as:



"Would you like to know God personally?" (AS if we know everything there is to know about God)







A balancing of the Faith, facts, and feelings. Faith is a journey. Not just giving pat answers.

I cannot make people know God personally. They have to want to seek as God is seeking them. The philosopher Arthur Holmes is known for saying, "All truth is God's truth." We are to seek out truth.



We label everything. Even the church and things are labeled as "Christian." Rob Bell shares the story of being at a convention and hearing a well-known pastor speak after him. "He essentially told the roomful of pastors that if their churches weren't growing and they weren't happy all the time and they weren't healthy and successful, then they probably weren't 'called and chosen by God' to be pastors." pg. 84 (Velvet Elvis Zondervan, 2005) Rob then goes on to share his disappoint with this because it wasn't true.



So how does this go back to "They like Jesus but Not the Church?" Lots of people like Jesus. Lots of people like the concept of Jesus, the problem is we see Jesus as likeable instead of loveable. We need to love Jesus and love the Church.



Rob Bell (from  his book, Velvet Elvis) again shares a story about a pastor who was ready to do the typical sinner's prayer and to raise their hands etc. No one would be looking, all eyes to be closed. Here is what he shares on pg. 176



"He then asked for people who had prayed that prayer to raise their hands wherever they were seated.. This way he would know who were so he can pray for them. He said that nobody but him would be looking.



The pastor then said, "I see that hand over there. Thank you. I see that hand in the back. I see some young women in the front ..."And he proceeded to acknowledge the hands that were going up all over the room.



During this entire time I had kept my eyes open and was watching the whole thing.



I didn't see any hands go up."



One of the ideas I have is a returning to the whole Dangerous Wonder, the messy discipleship, the passion reclaimed. The idea that we are to balance what we are repulsed by, and what we love. I want to dream that my job is loving the church (Even if I don't like what others portray her as), being the church, and being caught up in the moment.



The church may not be perfect, But I'm hoping soon that a book title comes out soon with They Love Jesus, Because They Love the Church. Now that I'm thinking about it ....The Apostle Paul was very instrumental in helping write that. The Epistles found in the New Testament. I just pray that our lives, and our stories become God's. And may we blog that we love Jesus, because We love the Church.

All I Ever Needed to know about Youth Ministry I learned from Potty Training.

Youth Ministry is much like Potty Training. There are many methods to it; but not one model guarantees success. Everyone tells you how to do it, even if they never done it themselves before. When you first don't succeed, try again. It takes time and patience. Using Pull-ups or having a backup plan is a good idea.



Accidents will happen. Even if one thinks you got it under control; you always have to start over at square one with the next child. Cleaning up messes keeps one humble and is a learning experience. Wearing your Superhero Underwear sometimes makes you look and feel special. Encouragement and questions are a good thing. Looking at other successes of training is helpful; but ultimately it is in God's timing. Be Faithful; persistence pays off. The longer you are at it; the better you will get. Remember it is one of life's journeys; and this too shall pass, treasure the moments.



Just when you think you have it mastered, someone else will come out with a new method of training to tell you how to do it. (Remember the old cloth versus disposal; pull-ups and rewards methods?)



Trust, love and put confidence in your student that they can do it. Once they have achieved this goal - look out world - God can do great things with them.  (This is from 2004)

Powerful Words

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of

the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” Colossians 3:17
(NIV).

Words are powerful. I'm learning that more and more. A few years,  I was
 with a few of my fellow youth workers, we went indoor rock climbing. It came to me. I get paid to do this. I mean the indoor rock climbing was Free, the company wanted us to try it out so that we might bring our groups there.

They claim to be the “Biggest Indoor Rock Climbing Facility on the East
Coast.” I don't know how true that is; but it is quite a statement. So what does this have to do with words being powerful? Well, A lot actually. The claim that this company made was like ok is it for real?
 It got me thinking how real do we make God to ourselves, to others?
I mean we go through the motions; say the words; or are we just playing
 a game of sorts. What we say makes an impact. And usually what we remember
 is the negative too. When someone has hurt us; or we have hurt someone.

When someone deals with issues like suicide; divorce; self-esteem and so forth. We remember the words. We know the time, the date and so forth
when tragedy strikes. For me it was my own father who died of a heart
attack. That was decades ago; but I still remember.

 I remember a co-worker of mine being murdered and going to his funeral;  I remember losing loved ones; and thinking Why me God? I remember my own
 sin; my own needs; yet God shaping me and molding me.

I remember and dwell too often on the bad rather than the good. I also
 remember the good times - becoming a Christian; leading someone to  Christ; my mentor; my ordination; my wedding; my daughter's birth. Yet through it all I recognize that words ...Yes, words are powerful. So often we say a picture paints a thousand words; but what does one word or even a thousand words say? Who we are? How we are? What we are doing?

In my office, as I look around now, I don't see many pictures but more words. Like scripture verses, posters, diplomas, books and so forth.

They reflect who I am. What I read and study makes up what I think and say
 and do. And as I'm writing this, I want myself, through my example, words
and all to be a living sermon. To reflect the God in me. That Christ is shining in me. It is not easy, nor does the forest that is in my own eye easy to log out; but with God's grace I am getting there. So how powerful are your words? What are you doing today to make an impact? Me, I'm getting ready to go to Subway and maybe share a Wordor two with them.

“I talk and talk and talk and I haven’t taught people in fifty years
what my father taught by example in one week – Mario Cuomo, former
governor of New York. (2003)

Reflecting Back in time.

I've been blogging here for over 7years - so in the next week I'm going to feature a Daily blog post from the past years. Monday will be 2003, Tuesday 2004 and so forth. Series concludes July 25 with 2009. Enjoy!!

The Y - The Organization formerly known as "The YMCA"

So the Y is changing its name. Story here

Fact is - it left being the Young Men's Christian Association - long ago. The Y lately never had been a parachurch organization, nor a "Church" organization. Rather it is a fitness center focusing on youth. It left its spiritual aspect long ago. It might have some of the social, health, and youth but what makes it different than any other organization? Nothing. Fact is "Institutions" can't be Christian. Sorry they can't. Only the people that make up those institutions can. Thus things like Christian nations, Christian buildings, Christian colleges etc. are just things. The thing that makes something Christian is the people. There can be organizations and institutions that base their principles from the Bible and might be Christian in nature. Thus semantics when clarified as a "Christian" college.

The only thing that upsets me about the Y changing its name is what about the YMCA song now? Guess they will have to come up with the Y song.

We all know that the institution formerly known as the YMCA, left the Spiritual aspect of its foundation a long time ago. Good to see them finally acknowledge it.

What is Re-Dedication?

Dedication
seems to be in the dictionary; but the word Rededication is not.  The word "dedication" appears 15x in the Bible. Once in the New Testament (1 Timothy 5:11). So if we are people of the book, why is there such a thing as Re-dedication? And what is it?

Well, when one is devoted to Christ, it means they want to follow Him with all their heart, soul, and mind. (See Mark 12:28-34)

There are times in our lives, when we are not always following Christ and want to get back to Him.

Usually these follow some Mountain Top experiences like Conferences, camps etc. (Key is after these events is follow-up so it isn't just an emotional response. Nothing like a bunch of "teens" being emotional after a week of Camp, yet a week later - no change.).

James 5:19-20 says:
"
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins."

So what does Re-dedication look like?

It is one responds and says I haven't been the Christian I should, and need to repent (A change in mind that leads to a change in action). Sometimes people say that to themselves or come forward and says it to the congregation as a whole. (For help in accountability and for us leaders to shepherd the flock)

It says something when someone says they need to rededicate their lives. First of all, it admits they haven't been living the life like they should. It requires being humble. It also is a bold step in the right direction. Sometimes there are times I think we all need to be more devoted to Christ each day.

Each Sunday we offer individuals to respond to God. (A decision between them and the Lord) It is either:

1. To become a Christian for the first time.

2. To become a part of the Church Family here.

3. Have something to be prayed for, or need to re-dedicate your life for Jesus.

I know sometimes at camps and other churches they have a fourth, to be devoted to full-time Christian service (Church Leader, preacher, missionary etc). Though I believe full time Christians are to be serving in all fields.

The 6 Rs

I. Rest - take time to get your rest, and relax.

II. Read. Read the Word.

III. Resolution. Resolve to do what is Right.

IV. Record. Record what God is doing daily in your life.

V. Reflect. Reflect on the good times. God gave reminders to the people of Israel as a time to look back as one steps forward.

VI. React. Reaction to what God is doing, or in the midst of struggles - helps one be a doer of the Word, and not merely a hearer only.

Your Hands - JJ Heller

Jim was a Good Man

Jim
was a good man. I remember him from all my visits at the Washington County Hospital.

They put black ribbon on the booth. (Still there today) - Strange is the ribbon is from Sharon and Ozzy's renewing of their vowes. (How does one get a hold of something like that?) 

Jim was a character. Loved by his family and the guys who worked parking, and security. Prayers go out to his family.

Rough Draft of a possible Children's Book called: Let's Go To Church.

Tell me what you think?

Let’s Go To Church.


Written by Gerrard Fess

Copyright 2010

Inspired by pi kids publications international, ltd. Let’s Go Series. (Airport, school, haircut, overnite adventure, bike riding, library, hospital, fire station, dentist, zoo)



Hi! My name is Roy. I work with a church. Would you like to go to church today?

A church building is a building where people gather to worship God. The people who gather or assembly together or called Christians or the “Church.” We have many ways to learn and teach people about God. There are many types of church buildings – some cathedrals, some are in storefronts, others meet in movie theaters.

As one comes upon the church building, you may see ushers pointing people where to park. There are also greeters to help you find your way around the facility. The greeters are usually at the front doors to point you to any visitors’ information, and when the service is to start.

As you enter a church building – there is usually a foyer with lots of information and knowing where to go is important. A greeters’ job is important. You may also see people headed in one direction – usually that is the main meeting area. This main meeting area is the auditorium. Some churches call it the “Sanctuary.”

As you enter the auditorium – you will see places to seat and there is a stage where the music and speaking will be.

People like to sing to God. It is a part of their worship to Him. They do this to show they love God. There will be some loud songs, some slower songs, and people clapping, and even people talking to God out loud, which is called prayer.

Those leading the music are called Worship leaders. Sometimes it will be a praise band. The praise band is made up of many singers and musicians. Some churches have only one song leader and maybe no instruments other than their voices. This is called acappella music.

In the midst of the service – there is a time of which is called offering. This is giving money to help the church with its expenses and supporting other good things the church does. This may include helping the poor, mission organizations, missionaries, as well as the church staff that is there.

There is also what is called the Lord’s Table. Some call this Eucharist. This is for those who believe in God and take the bread, and cup to remember Jesus. Sometimes this is called Communion and is on a table with the words: “Do this in Remembrance of Me.”

There is also a time of preaching. Preaching is what I do. Preaching is speaking on what God says in the Bible. The Bible is the book of which God gave for Christians to follow its instructions. A preacher is to encourage, convict, and help people become Christians or be better Christians in the world that they live. Usually the time of preaching, also called the sermon is about 30 minutes long.

After the service concludes – there is a time of invitation. This is a time where people can turn to God, pray to Him, or be part of the Church Family there.

After the services you are ready to leave. There are many opportunities to serve in the Church. This may include: Children’s, Youth, Adult ministries, service projects, missions trips and so forth. Christians are called to love God and love others. I hope to see you again.

The Gift of Worship!

VBS, Diet Coke and Mentos - Oh MY!!

Happy Birthday, America!!

Mixing Theology and Politics.

I recently heard a talk show radio host talk about the OT and the Sins of the Fathers applied to the sons.

And how this seems to be current of the political realm. That the "sins" (Whatever they are?) of the current politicians seems to be reflecting that of the next generation. (Whether this is true or not remains to be seen).

The biggest issue is not whether or not what political party you support but the mixing up "Theology" to fit your political attacks. If you are against someone's politics - please attack the issues and don't scripture twist to fit your agenda - whether you are liberal, conservative, or otherwise.

When it comes to Scripture - there are a few rules one has to ask.

I. What is the purpose?

II. What is the context?

III. What is the application?

(Interesting enough the whole fathers' sins to the sons - so what does that do with Jesus' atonement and covering all sin?? Seems to be a redeeming quality if one follows Jesus)

I'm seeing more and more people getting into debates whether this nation is Christian. Which politicians can save us because of their "Religious beliefs" etc.

We don't need more politicians. We don't need more government to give us Hope. We need the Church. We need more Christians, (who might happen to be politicians, lawyers, doctors etc.) who are bringing the hope of Jesus to others.

The biggest problems of today cannot be saved by the government. (As much as we'd like to think it can). It can only be saved by the hope, love, and grace of God that the Church offers

Is that asking for too much?


1 John 4:7-8
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Advice for those that Complain!

1. Never Send just an email.

2. Never just leave a note on someone's desk hoping they'll notice it!

3. Don't just goto others with the issue - goto the person you have the issue with.

4. Gossip hurts.

5. Don't just complain - offer some viable solutions.

6. Pray.

7. Don't expect a solution overnite!

8. Be patient (see #7)

9. Do All things in love.

10. Be available to be part of the solution. (see #5)

Jesus Junk - The Essay

Selling Jesus by the Pound
's article says alot. (HT to Doug for the article)

One of the things I would say let's not get focus so much on the junk that distracts us from well, Jesus.

Things cannot be Christian. One people can. We debate things like what is the best Christian music, T-shirts, programs etc. Whether or not ... we're a "Christian" nation and meanwhile people are going to hell. 

The most important thing is keeping the main thing, well, the main thing. Focus on Jesus. Love God and love others .... not whether or not your bandages have Jesus on them or not?

This Sunday's Sermon. John 20-21

John concludes His Gospel by letting us know we can be tranformed by Jesus by:

I. The power of the Resurrection

II. The power to serve Jesus.

New Sermon Series Starts July 11th.