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Anglican Church Caves to Big Oil
The U.S. had our own elections. No big scandals. That’s over in the Anglican Church. Today they selected their new leader: the archbishop. While “big oil” is always blamed for “owning” the Republicans … or the Democrats… depending on who is yelling, we find BIG OIL involved in the Anglican Church! Justin Welby, the bishop of Durham, was an oil executive…
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A Prayer for the President, and All Our Leaders
1 Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. 2 May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice. (Ps. 72:1-2, NIV) And a prayer for the mission of the Church: Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified: Receive our supplications and prayers…
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Two Americas, One Kingdom
President Barack Obama has won four more years. As believers, we pray for our leaders. Good, bad, indifferent on this election, our call is clear. We pray for our leaders. As I listened to commentators (who obviously know so much) they spoke of two Americas that are forming. That is too bad. It may be true, but it is too…
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The Broken Promises of Humanity and the Majesty of Our God
Today’s reading was once again out of the Deuterocanonical Books. I have found the Common English Bible to be a great help in reading a portion of text I am unfamiliar with in my tradition. It keeps me aware of the importance of good translations that are easier to read. Sirach 43 is a tribute to the incredible majesty of…
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The “What ifs” of the Marriage Amendment
We have an election this week. Just thought you would like to know. In Minnesota, we have a couple of highly controversial amendments on the ballot. 1. Voter ID It is the call for everyone casting a ballot to have a valid ID so we can assure valid elections. 2. The definition of marriage If it passes, it shall put…
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Spine Tingling Worship
When it comes to church, and I am Pentecostal when I reflect on this particular subject, we just flat out like “excitement.” There is emotion in our lives, so we don’t try to pull out emotion when it comes to singing and praise in a church service. As Pentecostals, we like to pray for people and things happen. But it…
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Powerful Thought from Dallas Willard
Imagine a church sign that read “We Teach All Who Seriously Commit Themselves to Jesus How to Do Everything He Said to Do.”
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Learning to Pray
Bill Mounce has some great thoughts on learning to pray. “Please notice how the discussion starts: “Pray then like this.” The Lord’s Prayer was never intended to be mindlessly repeated as if it were some magical incantation. It is not to be recited in church while we were thinking of who is playing football this afternoon. In the verses immediately preceding our…
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Following Christian Movements Instead of Christ
I was delighted to receive a copy of the revised book, The Art of Pastoring, from IVP. It was unsolicited, and I look forward to reading this new edition. Early on I find it intriguing. When the author, David Hansen, began his ministry in Montana, he inherited an entire library from the previous pastor. That pastor had left the ministry…
