One Called

General Assembly Meeting Update

2010-07-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

It's Already Friday!

My journey to Minneapolis began one week ago this morning – 3:00 am standing at the foot of the Austrian Alps waiting for my transfer from Oberammergau to the Munich airport. Through the early morning silence came the screaming sound of a new Mercedes 350 – my ride! As we headed northeast, the driver asked if I would like to see how fast the car could go (Hooray autobahn!).

250 KPH! 160 MPH!

Fortunately there was no traffic at this hour… and the car was equipped with a large display navigational device that showed the road stretching out ahead of us.

My fast ride has become a metaphor that describes this General Assembly. A lot happens amazingly fast… we certainly need the direction and clarity of scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Early Saturday morning (30 hours later) I arrived in Minneapolis. On the way to the convention center I had a great conversation with my Somali cab driver (who drove just 65 miles per hour). He was a delightful man – dedicated to his wife and family, Muslim, but disillusioned by the extremism of which he and his family were victims. After I explained why I was coming to Minneapolis he asked, “what is all this “Presbyterian” stuff about?” I tried to explain that we are Christians whose churches are led by people called “Presbyters” or Elders. To my surprise his immediate response was, “can you help me understand what Christians mean when they say “Jesus died for our sins?”” I talked about God's love that has been demonstrated in Jesus Christ and the assurance of our forgiveness we can have through his life, death and resurrection. He was thoughtful in his comments about forgiveness and responding to God's love. I came away from our conversation with a fresh appreciation for the profound importance of the message we have to share with our world.

From Sunday through Tuesday I had the privilege to serve on the Church Growth and Christian Education committee. Our work was filled with encouraging reports about new church developments, growing ethnic churches, and new efforts to plant churches among immigrant groups. We even had time for a visit to a near-by inner-city church whose outreach and service to its community has impacted many. Again, I was inspired by the transforming power of the gospel and how needed this good news is – in north Minneapolis, among the 90,000 Somalis living here, in Orange County, in Europe, and throughout the world.

Then Wednesday arrived and we began the plenary sessions. Business happens very fast and many items have already been decided. By Thursday afternoon a lot of ground was covered. Among the actions of this General Assembly that will require ratification by a majority of Presbyteries are: 1) approval of a new Form of Government – yes, the “nFOG” was approved for ratification by the presbyteries, 2) a new confession – the Belhar Confession – to be added to our Book of Confessions (upon ratification), and 3) new language to replace the “fidelity and chastity” language of G-6.0106b. This last item was approved by the General Assembly by a vote of just 53% to 46%. The vote reflects how divided our denomination is regarding ordination standards.

Please remember that these GA decisions all require ratification by a majority of Presbyteries... which may take up to a year.

While both the Majority and Minority reports regarding marriage and civil unions were adopted, all actions seeking to re-define marriage were defeated.

Today we will work on the report on the Middle East entitled “Breaking Down the Walls.” Please continue to pray. More to follow.

Not Heavenly-Minded Enough?

2010-03-25T17:15:00.000-07:00

There are two extremes to which followers of Jesus can go. One is to be so heavenly-minded that one places an inordinate amount of emphasis upon "when this life is over and I get to heaven." This can lead to being (to borrow a familiar description) being "so heavenly-minded that one is no earthly good."

The other extreme is to not focus on our future hope enough. Yes, we are called to live as "light and salt" in this world and to herald the presence of God's present activity... here and now, but there is much to be gained by having a more clear understanding about heaven.

If you find yourself not thinking about heaven enough and would benefit from some in-depth study and more thorough understanding of things like "where is heaven?" or "what kind of body will we live in?" or "what is the new heaven and new earth scripture speaks of?" or "what will wee do for eternity?" or other questions related to the Bible's teaching about heaven, I would recommend a book entitled Heaven, by Randy Alcorn.

It's a comprehensive study of numerous biblical passages coupled with some "informed imagination" on the author's part. Overall, it is a very helpful and scripturally-grounded book.

You can learn more about the book at Amazon.com by clicking here: Heaven

Should we Re-Define Marriage?

2010-03-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

I find myself taking questions like this one much more seriously in light of having been recently elected to serve as a Commissioner to our national church's General Assembly coming up this July. The General Assembly acts on making changes to our church's governance and confessional statements. One major item to be considered this year is to adopt a re-defined description of Christian marriage from the traditional definition of marriage to a more inclusive definition of marriage being between "any two persons."

One discovery I am making is that this is a significant issue with far-reaching ramifications. Very simply stated, the traditional view of marriage between a man and a woman has solid biblical basis and has served societies well for thousands of years. At the same time, major shifts in American culture (following monumental cultural shifts that have taken place in Europe and Canada) have taken place and have called into question the value of the traditional view of marriage here in the United States.

As I prepare for our national church Assembly I am reading a number of things related to the issues of same-sex relationships (among many other topics). One particular study on marriage by Dr. Alan Wisdom has stood out as being immensely helpful. I believe it offers a very comprehensive - yet relatively succinct - treatment of the issues surrounding traditional marriage versus re-defining marriage.

You can find this article at the Institute for Religion and Democracy at: http://www.theird.org/Document.Doc?id=111

After you read it, let me know what you think about it or what questions it has raised for you.

The Joy of Grandparenthood Continues

2010-03-04T16:55:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, February 25, Lillian Ruth was born to our daughter Rachel and her husband, Eric... and once again we have been blessed with the gift of a healthy granddaughter.

Lillian is the name of a great-great-great grandmother and a great-aunt. Her middle name comes from both grandmothers' mothers (Lillian's great-grandmothers) who were named Ruth. Lillian's big sister Grace is thoroughly delighted to finally meet her new baby sister.

Isn't she sweet?

The Hole in Our Gospel

2010-02-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

"What does God expect of me?"

"What does God expect of us as followers of Jesus?"

I have been challenged by these questions raised by Richard Stearns, the President of World Vision International, in his book, The Hole in Our Gospel.

Stearns describes his journey from CEO of Lennox Corporation to President of one of the most active Christian relief organizatins in the world. But more significantly he asks followers of Jesus to identify and respond to Jesus' mission - to proclaim good news to the poor (in spirit and physically poor)and to care about the realities of poverty, disease, and injustice throughout the world.

Your understanding of what it means to be a Christian will never be the same after reading this book and I urge you to do so.

You can learn more about this book at Amazon.com:
The Hole in Our Gospel: What does God expect of Us? The Answer that Changed my Life and Might Just Change the World>

You Can Make A Difference in Haiti

2010-02-03T15:35:00.001-08:00

Three weeks have passed since the devestating earthquake hit near Port-au-Prince Haiti. The world community has responded with aid of all sorts. But already the news coverage is abating and it would be easy to think that al the problems are solved. Far from it. The needs are staggering. And you can make a big differnce.

How?

One way is to provide "Gift of the Heart Kits." There are four different kinds of kits you, your family, a small group you are part of, co-workers... anyone, can assemble and send through established agencies for distribution in Haiti.

You can find out more about assembling these kits, where to send them, and what impact they will make by visiting the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance website: www.pcusa.org/pda/help/giftofheartcontents.pdf

You can make a big difference in the lives of hurting people. Thank you.

Earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-13T17:08:00.000-08:00

A massive 7.0 earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. Tens of thousdands are feared dead, even more injured and homeless and threatened by the on-going effects of such a tragedy.

May I invite you to pray:

God of compassion please watch over the people of Haiti, and weave out of these terrible happenings wonders of goodness and grace. Surround those who have been effected by tragedy with a sense of your present love, and hold them in faith. Though they are lost in grief may they find you and be comforted; guide us to find ways of providing assistance that heals wounds an provides hope. Help us to remember that when one of your children suffers we all suffer. Through Jesus Christ who was dead but lives and rules this world with you. Amen. (Adapted from the Book of Common Worship)

The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance ministry team (a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA)) suggests three things you can do:

Continue to Pray — Join with others in lifting up the people of Haiti and those seeking to provide aid in this critical time.

Give — Financial support for relief efforts can be made through many agencies including:

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance at: www.pcusa.org/pda designated to DR000064.

World Vision at: www.worldvision.org.

The American Red Cross at: www.redcross.org

Samaritans Purse at: www.samaritanspurse.org

Your gifts, combined with others, provide a visible and tangible demonstration of God’s care in the midst of this tragedy.

Act – Stay informed and share information on the need with others. All of the agencise listed above can provide on-going information on ways to help.

This kind of tragedy always raises questions of God's love and sovereignty. There will be a time to think about those things. Right now, however, we need to pray, give and act so that lives will be saved and God's love will be demonstrated

Rest - in the Busy-ness of Advent

2009-12-09T10:20:00.000-08:00

The following article by Ed Rowell is very timely during this busy Advent Season.

Jesus said, "Let's get away from the crowds for a while and rest." There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat. Mark 6:31

A recent Internet pass-around had the heading "Signs you've had too much of the '00s." Several of these "signs" give evidence that we tend to ignore Jesus' words regarding rest:

1. You have a "to-do list" that includes entries for lunch and bathroom breaks, and they are usually the ones that never get crossed off.

2. You get all excited when it's Saturday and you can wear sweats to work.

3. You think working a "half-day" means leaving at five o'clock.

Working long hours and not getting enough sleep are so common that we no longer consider them liabilities. We brag about them to one another. We never stop to consider the spiritual impact of contemporary work and leisure habits.

Before the invention of electric lights, most people slept an average of ten hours per night. Today, we average less than seven-and-a-half hours. Many of the health problems that we face today are directly related to a lack of sleep, yet we doggedly attempt to squeeze a little more out of each day. What we discover is that in our quest to do more and be more, we often create such a high degree of stress that we cannot sleep when we get the chance!

In the passage above, Jesus had just learned that his cousin, John the Baptist, had been killed. Even the Son of God experienced the limitations of the human body when faced with grief, hunger, and too many demands. By his example he taught the disciples to minister effectively over the long haul by taking care of their physical needs.

Somehow, we must come to believe the words of Jesus and learn to create time and space for rest and quiet. Just as stress and fatigue put a damper on marital intimacy, they create a real barrier to our spiritual intimacy as well.
Time-management experts often recommend keeping a time log in order to identify wasted time. Their goal is to redeem that time for productive work. But the same exercise could also be used to redeem time for rest and recreation. Instead of giving in to the cultural expectations to do more, we can focus on those spiritual disciplines that lead us to be more.

Reflection
What if I adjusted my bedtime backwards by fifteen minutes this week—and then by another fifteen minutes next week? What would I lose? What would I gain?

Prayer
Lord, help me to remember that rest is necessary and productive, and a gift from you!

"Sometimes, the most spiritual thing we can do is take a nap."
—Richard Foster, writer

Have a restful and joyous Christmas!

Study and Reflection

2009-03-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

A good practice that fosters a deeper connection with God is to study and reflect on the Bible.

There are two dimensions to this - studying to understand and gain knowledge AND allowing the words of scripture to speak to our inner selves. The former helps us know and understand. The latter transforms us and shapes us as Christ-like people.

One resource you may find helpful is a study guide I prepare weekly that correlates to the passages used in the sermons given on Sunday in worship. These guides are being used by groups of people and by individuals as a means of studying and reflecting on scripture.

You can find these guides at the Good Shepherd web site (or at Good Shepherd). The web address is:

www.gspc.org/sermon_archives.php

In the peace of the risen Lord, Jesus.

2009-02-09T10:13:00.000-08:00

I recently read a book entitled: The Reason for God by Timothy Keller. The book is helpful for all who struggle with belief in God particularly in our age of skepticism.

He addreses the issue of where human beings find true identity and an adequate focus upon which to center our lives. Here's an excerpt from pages 275-276:

If you center your life and identity on your spouse or partner, you will be emotionally dependent, jealous, and controlling. The other person's problems will be overwhelming to you.

If you center your life and identity on your family and children, you will try to live your life through your children until they resent you or have no self of their own. At worst, you may abuse them when they displease you.

If you center your life and identity on your work and career, you will be a driven workaholic and a boring, shallow person. At worst you will lose family and friends and, if your career goes poorly, develop deep depression.

If you center your life and identity on money and possessions, you'll be eaten up by worry or jealousy about money. You’ll be willing to do unethical things to maintain your lifestyle, which will eventually blow up your life.

If you center your life and identity on pleasure, gratification, and comfort, you will find yourself getting addicted to something. You will become chained to the "escape strategies" by which you avoid the hardness of life.

If you center your life and identity on relationships and approval, you will be constantly overly hurt by criticism and thus always losing friends. You will fear confronting others and therefore will be a useless friend.

If you center your life and identity on a “noble cause,” you will divide the world into "good" and "bad" and demonize your opponents. Ironically, you will be controlled by your enemies. Without them, you have no purpose.

If you center your life and identity on religion and morality, you will, if you are living up to your moral standards, be proud, self-righteous, and cruel. If you don’t live up to your moral standards, your guilt will be utterly devastating.

What's your reaction to this? Where do you find a valid center for your life and identity?

In light of what Keller points out I find the words of Jesus to be especially meaningful: "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full" (Gospel According to John, chapter 10, verse 10).

An Idea for the New Year

2008-12-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

Here we are at the threshold of 2009. With the New Year comes that feeling that we have the opportunity to start something new - a new exercise routine, a new hobby, a new weekly schedule, even some new spiritual practices.

Something that has been meaningful to me lately is setting aside 15 or 20 minutes to read a large portion of the Bible. But, here's the twist. I read from the paraphrase of the Bible by Eugene H. Peterson that is entitled The Message.

This is helpful to me because The Message reads more like a novel and is written in a clear, more simple style. Because it is written this way I am better able to read the accounts without feeling as if I must analyze or study the passage, prepare sermon notes, or in any other way try to make my reading an academic exercise.

Instead, I delight in entering into the passage as a participant. For instance, while reading both of Paul's letters to Timothy, rather than analyzing what Paul is trying to teach Timothy about leaderrship principles and church management, I put myself in Timothy's place - a young leader of the church in Ephesus - and delighted in the "mentoring" I received from Paul.

Recently I read the first 8 chapters of the Gospel According to Mark and experienced the powerful demonstration of God's kingdom as Jesus moved throughout Galilee healing all kinds of disease and spiritual struggle, feeding multitudes, calming storms, and teaching about God's love. On another occasion, I read chapters 9 through 16 and again entered into the events - like watching a movie unfold - that led to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

Let me encourage you to make scripture reading part of your spiritual formation in 2009. Yes, there is immense value in in-depth Bible study, but there is also great significance in finding ourselves "in the story" as we read and experience it in new and fresh ways.

If you are interested in The Message you can order it directly from Amazon.com by clicking on a link below.

Happy New Year.

Same-Sex Marriage

2008-06-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

As I post this (June 18, 2008), same gender couples are being married in the state of California. A recent State Supreme Court decision ruled that the existing state's ban on same-sex marriages was unconstitutional, paving the way for civil marriages that include couples of the same gender. The ruling, a 3-2 decision, means that one person has virtually re-defined the meaning of marriage that has been held and honored by human societies throughout history - a relationship between a man and a woman.

Next week (June 21-28) the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) meets for its bi-annual business meeting. Among the numerous overtures is one that seeks to re-define marriage to include persons of the same gender. The issue of same-gender marriage is with us and it prompts the question of how we are to to put it into perspective.

We should begin by keeping in mind that God is sovereign over all things including actions by governments, courts, and institutions. We will often find ourselves at odds with decisions these bodies make. Yes, having our values challenged can be unnerving. But, faith is the certainty that no matter how shaken we might be, God is unshakable and remains sovereign. The purposes and justice of God continue to be brought about in spite of human rebellion and disobedience to the intentions and purposes of our creator - by which we are blessed.

The Bible clearly presents God’s intention for human relationships. Genesis 2:24 (reiterated by Jesus in Mark 10:6) focuses upon the unique and blessed relationship between a man and woman that we call marriage. It is a gift from God that is intended for our good and is to be esteemed. The Biblical concept of marriage is a covenant relationship between a man and woman and between the couple and God. It is always appropriatte for the state to support and protect this relationship. However, this covenant relationship, while protected and sanctioned by the state, is not the same as a civil union defined (or re-defined) by the state.

Same-gender marriage differs from the Bible's concept of marriage as a covenantal relationship between a man and woman that is ordained and blessed by God. While the state may institute a new definition of marriage, it will never replace the biblical notion of a covenant relationship between a man and a woman.

But, here's where it gets less black-and-white. We live in a fallen, sin-altered world. As a result people experience brokenness of all kinds including sexual, relational, emotional, and spiritual brokenness. This brokenness often leads us to seek for wholeness and wellness in ways that are contrary to the intentions of God. Please do not think that because someone is longing for and acting on a desire for same-gender intimacy that they are evil. Yes, there is confusion and compromise brought about by the brokenness of this fallen world. However, our response should always be one of compassion and concern, not condemnation. Out of compassion our concern should be for others to learn of and experience God's best for them.

There is also the good news of the hope for transformation. “If anyone is in Christ they are a new creation …” writes the Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 5:17). I believe people are transformed by the power of God. I also believe we all need to be transformed because we have all fallen short of God’s intentions and standards. Faith says, “There is hope for new life, one that is honoring to God in every aspect.” I believe that people struggling with same-sex sexual orientation issues can be and are transformed and enabled to honor God in the area of sexuality and God-honoring relationships.

I also would be emphatic that we follow the example of Jesus who reached out with sincere, divine love to people who were thrown aside by “the proper, religious establishment.” How can we – by faith – hope to see transformation if we reject, condemn, or otherwise fail to reach out to others? Can we, by faith, be people of grace – not compromising what we believe – yet caring and loving enough to extend the love of Christ … even to those we find difficult to love? ... even to those whose choices and behavior is different from ours?

Same-gender marriage points to the deep longing of human beings to be in close, intimate relationships and points to the complexity of issues surrounding same-sex attractions. I have an in-depth article that is extremely helpful, and will gladly make it available to all who request it.

The Golden Compass Movie

2007-10-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

There is growing promotion of and varying reactions to the movie The Golden Compass, scheduled for release on December 7th.

This movie is based on a book by Philip Pullman, from England. He is a self-described atheist and author of a trilogy of children's books called His Dark Materials. The first book is The Golden Compass upon which the film is based.

Reviewers of these books agree that Pullman is a gifted and engaging author whose writing is award-worthy. They also agree that Pullman's atheism and blatant anti-Christian messages come through in the books. There is also the sense that the movie will be a very watered-down version of the book but will certainly draw people to the books. While promising to be very entertaining, the movie is also a covert effort to promote Pullman's blatantly anti-God views.

Please see what reviewers have said about this movie and the books. Here are two helpful reviews:

www.christianitytoday.com/movies

and

www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp

and

www.washingtonpost.com

Should you see the movie? Should your children? As with any literature or media the author's world view is present. That "way of seeing" life will come through. We have the challenge to determine what that point of view is and respond to it.

If The Golden Compass or Pullman's books convey an anti-God and anti-Christian point of view, our response must be to articulate why such a view is flawed (and his is very flawed). Whether it is a television program, movie, book or other media, we need discernment and the ability to process what is being said through the lenses of a Biblical world view.

If you and/or your chioldren see the movie or the books, use this as an opportunity to discuss their content and use that as a teaching opportunity - to point out what is true and what is false.

And, one can pray for Philip Pullman. My experience has shown that a person who is so blatantly anti-church or anti-God has been a recipient of some of the abuse of those in church positions. Whatever his experience, let's ask God to bring about newness and an experience of the loving grace of Jesus in this gifted author's life.

A widely admired collection of children's books that presents a Biblical world view is The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. I highly recommend this set of books.

Check out the reviews and let me know what you think.

Gatitude for Life - Nathan Wilson Jones

2007-10-01T14:18:00.001-07:00

Here's grandson Nathan ...

Born September 23rd at 4:30 a.m. Healthy. Wonderful.

Congratulations to Steve and Sarah, and "Big Brother" Weston.

Another instance of the joy and hope of a new life.

I'm reminded of the reality cited by the Apsotle Paul ... "If anyone is in Christ, they are being made into a new person ..." (From 2 Corinthians 5:17).

We may be old in years but can be transformed by the love and kindness of God poured into our lives as we connect to our Creator through trusting in Jesus.

Our Muslim Neighbors

2007-07-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

The world is changing ... to say the least. Today, over 1.2 billion people are identified as Muslims. That's roughly 21% of the world's population ... a number that has grown more rapidly than any other religion over the past 100 years.

But, what comes to your mind when you think of Muslims? Is it an image of a fanatical terrorist strapping explosives to his or her body? Is it an image of a generous, gracious, hospitable neighbor?

I came across a very helpful article in the "Heart and Mind" magazine published by Bethel Seminary. It is a very good article, reminding us of the importance of loving and reaching out to our Muslim neighbors and friends.

I hope you will take the time to read this article and take its challenges seriously. Then, let me know what you think about it.

http://www.bethel.edu/alumni/HeartMind/07summer/
muslim-road.html

Let me recommend a book that offers a good, balanced understanding of Islamic theology and culture, and ways to relate to Muslims. It was written by Colin Chapman who has lived in the Arab world for many years. You can order it directly from Amazon by following the link below.

Peace

Jerry Falwell Dies

2007-05-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

73-year old Reverend Jerry Falwell died today. I offer my condolences to his family and friends.

Falwell made quite a splash in our country when he began taking on political causes in the late 1970s. He stood for voluntary prayer in schools, balanced budgets, military strength and aid to Israel. And he stood against the Equal Rights Amendment, pornography, abortion, homosexuality, gambling, Teletubbies, and rock music.

A large number of people posted comments on the Los Angeles Times graffiti board. Many of the respondents expressed great hostility toward Falwell. To disagree with a very outspoken public figure's positions is not unusual. What I find striking is how many of the respondents identify Falwell with a kind of mean-spirited Christianity that is hate-filled, biased, unloving, and merciless. Unfortunately, I think they have a valid point.

One Falwell critic extended condolences to those close to Falwell, but added: "Unfortunately, we will always remember him as a founder and leader of America's anti-gay industry, someone who exacerbated the nation's appalling response to the onslaught of the AIDS epidemic, someone who demonized and vilified others for political gain and someone who used religion to divide rather than unite our nation."

But, here's what concerns me the most. In the late 1970's Falwell established the Moral Majority whose stated mission was to "reverse the politicization of immorality in our society." The problem is that the Moral Majority sought to wed Christian faith with a particular political agenda.

Doing this is inconsistent with Jesus' call to his followers to participate in the Kingdom of God. That Kingdom is not a human-political kingdom. It is not to be equated with Reagan economics or an American civil religion that perpetuates the myth of our being a Christian nation. I would encourage you to check out the book, The Myth of a Chritian Nation: How the Quest for Political Power Is Destroying the Church, written by another evangelical Christian, Dr. Gregory Boyd.

The Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of love and grace. It is not to be equated with any political movement - Republican or Democrat. It is not a Kingdom that advances through bigotry, hatred, or exploitation. It is a Kingdom that is identified with the love of Jesus Christ - a love that was self-sacrificing, a love that extended grace and mercy to "sinners" everywhere, a love that characterizes the very being of God.

May Jerry Falwell rest in peace ... after all, he is a beneficiary of the mercy and grace of the Kingdom of God.

Persecution of the Church ... Today?

2007-05-15T15:52:00.000-07:00

What do you think about a spiritual leader who says to his followers, "No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me they will persecute you also?"

Not too appealing is it? Yet Jesus spoke those words to his disciples shortly before he was arrested, falsely accused, beaten, mocked, and crucified ... dying a horrendous death at the hands of his persecutors.

On Wednesday morning, April 18, 2007, three men died in the town of Malatya, Turkey. The three - Tilman Geske, Necati Aydin, and Ugur Yuksel prepared to begin their morning with a time of studying the Bible as they had often done before turning to their work of publishing a Turkish Study Bible. Five men, known to the three as "seekers of God," came into the study. A chapter from the Bible was read ... and the attack began. The five Muslim extremeists pulled out guns and knives. The three Christian men were bound, tortured, repeatedly stabbed, their bodies viciously mutulated, and left nearly decapitated by the knife wounds to their throats.

Yes, April 18, 2007. Persecution of followers of Jesus is rampant throughout the world. More have died because they were followers of Jesus in the 20th and 21st centuries than in all the years of history since the ministry of Jesus combined. Men and women in Turkey, The Sudan, Mauritania, China, Egypt, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia ... the list goes on ... have been persecuted, discriminated against, beaten, killed because of their faith in Jesus.

Following their murders, the three men were buried. Necati's funeral has been described this way: "It was a beautiful event. Like a glimpse of heaven, thousands of Turkish Christians came to show their love for Christ" ... Necati's wife Shemsa told the world, "His death was full of meaning and grace, because he died for Christ and he lived for Christ."

In a bold act, Susanne, the wife of Tilman Geske, expressed her forgiveness of her husband's killers. She told reporters, "I pray, Oh God, forgive them for they know not what they do (echoing the words of Jesus from the cross in Luke 23:34).

Persecution. Is it something we fear? Is it something we dread? Jesus promised his followers that they would experience it. The good news is, however, that we never experience it alone. He is there in the midst of it. Turkish Pastor, Fikret Bocek urges us to pray, "Don't pray against persecution, pray for perserverance."

You can learn more about the Church in Malataya at the following web site:

www.izmirprotestan.org

Peace

Have you learned "The Secret?"

2007-05-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

The Secret is a best-selling book and movie being shown on TV anbd distributed on DVD. The author and producer, Rhonda Byrne, encourages her readers/viewers to realize that your thoughts control the universe. Through this "law of attraction" you "manifest" your desires. "It is exactly like placing an order from a catalogue. … You must know that what you want is yours the moment you ask."

It's easy to see why The Secret has become so popular. We are always looking for the life of wealth, luxury, and easy living ... and are quick to eat up anything that promises them to us. But this is a false hope and an empty promise. God alone ... not the nameless, impersonal "Universe" ... loves us, knows our needs, and desires for us to live a life of significance. It is no secret. It is the good news of God's love that has been made clear to us in Jesus.

If you are intrigued by The Secret ... perhaps even attempting to live according to it ... you will find this review to be of interest. I would commend it to you:

http://www.slate.com/id/2165746/?GT1=10034

I also commend the promises of God to you, specifically God's promise that in all of life's situations - easy or hard, good or bad, pleasant or unpleasant - God is there and is bringing about the purposes our Creator intends for you.

HIV Positive

2007-03-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

I just got word from someone very close and very dear to me that they recently received a positive test result for HIV.

Their initial shock and despairing anxiety have worn off - a little. The reality has set in. The remorse and shame due to their behavior that has led to the results have come to the surface. Their desire to deal with the true causes of their same-sex longings is becoming a priority.

There is no doubt that many are struggling with issues of homosexuality. It may be you are a parent of a child who is living a homosexual lifestyle. Maybe a close friend is living out a homosexual orientation. It may be that you are involved in same-sex sexual relationships yourself.

Through the centuries Christians have held that God's intention for human beings is to experience life-long heterosexual relationships in which sex is shared as a means of intimacy and oneness - and with the opportunity for procreation. Contemporary culture and some within the Christian church today wrongly reject such a perspective believing instead that we are "wired" or oriented in our sexual preference and must be faithful to honor God by living out whatever that orientation is.

Through the centuries Christians have also held that human beings are affected by what the theologians call "fallenness." Human rebellion against God has led to an innate predisposition to put our wills above God's. As a result we violate the image of God in which we were created, become victims of numerous forces - even ungodly forces, and dishonor God with attitudes that fall short of God's intentions.

So what can a person do who finds himself or herself living and behaving in ways that are not honoring to God?

First, remember that there is nothing that can separate you or anyone from the love of God ... nothing.

Second, remember there is always hope for new, transformed life through trusting in Jesus. He came into this world to demonstrate the love of God and to make it possible for us to be made new in relationship with God, ourselves, and others.

Many who were once involved in same-sex sexual relationships have opted out of "the gay lifestyle." Many have come to see that God has a better idea and a better plan for their lives. And they have found a source of strength and transformation (re-orientation) in Jesus.

You will find encouragement and help through the stories and resources available at:

www.narth.com
www.exodus-international.org
www.desertstream.org
www.oneby1.org

There is hope for a new life through Jesus. There is help for all who struggle.

The Lost Tomb of Jesus

2007-03-05T17:06:00.000-08:00

Once again controversy is swirling around the subject of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The documentary The Lost Tomb of Jesus has been aired on the Discovery Channel and suggests that a 2,000 year old burial ossuary or "bone box," one of ten found in a tomb near Jerusalem, contains the remains of Jesus, his supposed wife Mary Magdalene and their son Judah.

Director James Cameron, best known for the movie Titanic features archeologists and supposed DNA experts discussing what is purportedly "The latest historical evidence" supporting the assertion that Jesus was buried along with his mother Mary, Mary Magdalene (Mariamene) and son Judah. Of course, this suggests that the Biblical record concerning the death, burial and subsequent resurrection of Jesus is not correct. The Christian claim that Jesus was raised from the dead is now debunked. 2,000 years of Christian faith is now disproven ... if the documentary is correct.

So, we have to ask whether the documentary is valid. Are the claims it makes substantial?

There are many reasons to doubt that they are.

First, the archaeologist Simcha Jacobovici has made a name for himself by producing questionable scholarship. His work is has been discredited by the academic community. (See the comments of Dr. Ben Witherington at his Blog - the address is at the end of this post).

Second, the tomb in Talpiot near Jerusalem, in which the ten ossuaries have been found has been under study since 2000. According to the experts, this study has not indicated anything to substantiate the claims being made by Cameron and Jacobovici.

Third, if ossuaries have been found that bear the names Jesus, Mary, and Judah, one must recall that these were very common names in first-century Israel. Roughly 30 percent of women were named Mary at that time.

Fourth, there is overwhelming evidence that Jesus was raised from the dead. The tomb in which he was buried was found empty. His followers saw him over a 40-day period of time in different settings. On one occasion over 500 men (plus another 500 women) saw the risen Jesus at the same time. Probably most significant is the fact that the disciples went from fear-filled cowards who denied knowing Jesus at his death to bold, determined heralds that Jesus ... the risen Jesus ... was both Lord and Christ. Only the truthfulness of his resurrection could account for such a dramatic turnaround.

If Jesus' bones were to be found, they would have been found long ago. All that the leaders of Israel under Roman rule would have had to do was to locate those bones, display them and settle all this talk about a resurrection once and for all. They could not. All the power and ability and resource of the Roman Empire could not do what James Cameron asserts he has done - dig up the bones of Jesus.

As we near the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday, we can be sure that the record is correct. Luke records the event of the women at the empty tomb, two angelic beings announce to them "He is not here; he has risen. Remember how he told you ... "the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again?"" Luke 24:6-7.

For further information check out Dr. Ben Witherington's Blog at: http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/2007/02/jesus-tomb-titanic-talpiot-tomb-theory.html

Lent and Taize

2007-02-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, February 21, we enter the season of Lent. The name comes from the Latin meaning Spring - a time of renewal and new life.

How appropriate that we take the six weeks leading up to the celebration of Jesus' resurrection (April 8) as a special season of reflection and renewal of our trust in God.

One way we will experience renewal is to deliberately slow down and consciously make the effort to draw near to God. This may mean limiting some activities, postponing some meetings or other commitments, and carving out time to be still, to read our Bibles, to listen for God's voice, and to reflect on the goodness and love of God.

We will be offering an opportunity for reflective worship at a Taize worship service on Friday evenings beginning February 23rd - at sunset.

Taize worship includes music, silence, scripture and prayer. It is fashioned after the worship patterns from a monastery in Taize, France and provides a time to experience the presence of God in a unique way. You can learn more about the services at http://gspc.org/taize.

Lent is a time for renewal, refocusing, and refreshing. God bless you as you draw near to our loving Creator.

Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly - A Response

2006-06-21T15:08:00.000-07:00

The 217th General Assembly of our denomination met in Birmingham, AL from June 15th through the 22nd. The General Assembly, consisting of elected Elders and Ministers from all of the 173 Presbyteries in the United States meets every other year to conduct church business. Most of the General Assembly decisions impact our church’s Constitution which includes our Book of Order and The Book of Confessions. Amendments to this Constitution require the General Assembly approval and ratification by a majority of the 173 Presbyteries.

What happened at the 217th General Assembly? Plenty. What impact will the decisions made there have on Good Shepherd? Read on.

The General Assembly started off with some amazing news. Denver businessman and lifelong Presbyterian Stanley W. Anderson made a $150 million pledge to fund church growth, church planting, and church redevelopment. What a generous gift … a legacy that will impact this and future generations for Christ!

As of this writing the Assembly has yet not acted on but has received overtures to reconsider the divestment plan having to do with corporations that provide materials and resources to Israel that may be used for destructive purposes. The Assembly will be asked to affirm the sanctity of life by modifying current policies on late-term abortions. The Assembly “received” a paper dealing the names of God and the Trinity. “Receiving” means it was received and will be made available for congregations to study. It is not the same as “approving” the report.

Some very significant actions have been taken. I have tried to describe these and the implications of them:

Fidelity and Chastity Standard for Ordained Officers

The General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Tuesday June 20, 2006, to leave the current “Fidelity and Chastity” standard in our Book of Order G-6.0106(b) in the denomination’s Constitution. The Assembly's 405-92 vote with four abstentions affirmed a recommendation from the Assembly Committee on Church Orders to keep G-6.0106(b) in the denomination's Book of Order. This does not change the Constitution so no further action will come from this.

However, it is an important action because this provision requires "fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman or chastity in singleness." The Book of Order defines marriage as between a man and a woman, and church courts have ruled that Presbyterian ministers cannot conduct same-sex services that are held to be or can be confused with marriage ceremonies.

This is a very significant affirmation of an important standard that our Elders, Deacons and Ministers must adhere to. I am personally grateful that this standard was upheld by the Assembly.

The Report of the Task Force on the Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church.

In a second significant action the General Assembly approved the report of the Task Force on the Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church. This is an important report with far-reaching implications. The Report presents a number of recommendations for our denomination regarding the question of how we maintain unity, peace, and purity as a church. Nationwide our church includes people with a wide range of opinions on important theological issues such as the deity of Christ and the authority of the Bible.
The Report calls us to build our unity on the center of our faith – Jesus Christ – and to work toward more significant theological unity. The Report also presents us with a model for talking together about controversial issues in a constructive way and where all are heard and understood. These are some of the strengths of the report.

The weakness of the Report is its recommendation number 5 that presents what is called an “Authoritative Interpretation.” This is an explanation or clarification of some aspect of church government or theology that becomes authoritative for the church in the application of the polity to which it pertains. In this case, the Report’s Authoritative Interpretation pertains to the process of examining candidates for church office – Deacons, Elders and Ministers – as it is found in the Book of Order in G-6.0108, also known as the “Freedom of Conscience – Individual and Corporate” paragraph.

The Authoritative Interpretation recommended in Recommendation 5 of the Report of the Task Force on the Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church gives ordaining bodies (a Session that ordains Deacons and Elders or a Presbytery that ordains a Pastor) more latitude in determining whether certain standards have a bearing on a candidate for office. Here’s the wording form the PCUSA News Service:

By a vote of 298-221 (57% to 43%), the 217th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) today approved an "authoritative interpretation" of the church's Constitution that maintains current ordination standards for church officers but gives ordaining bodies greater leeway in applying those standards to individual candidates for ordination.

Unfortunately, approving this Recommendation 5 in the Report introduces tremendous confusion, inconsistent application of constitutional standards for ordination, and a more congregational versus connectional church polity. I think you can see how this action has created a “double-talk” kind of situation. It says that our current standards for ordination are still in force and binding, unless an ordaining body in their examining a candidate determines that a particular standard is not “essential” for that candidate.

Don’t take my word for it. Here are some comments from others about this action (the bold print is my emphasis):

"We have the same standards," Stated Clerk Cliff Kirkpatrick continued, "and now a process that encourages a more pastoral approach to ordination and encourages our governing bodies to do thorough work in examining people for office."

Moderator Joan S. Gray underscored Kirkpatrick's comments, "Our standards have not changed. The Book of Order has not changed. We have put more weight on local presbyteries and sessions to discern whether a candidate's departure from the standards of the church is essential or unessential."

"Presbyterians serve a living God," reflected Achtemeier, "which means a living God cannot be reduced to a checklist. We discern the activity and presence of that living God in a person's life as we examine that person's qualities for ministry. It is the sort of judgment we have to make case by case in prayer, examining the fruit of that person's life and their obedience to Scripture and our confessions." "These standards," Achtemeier continued, "don't get applied in cookie-cutter fashion. The process can be frustrating sometimes, but it goes way back on our tradition."

It was a strategic move to affirm the ordination standards of our Constitution. But now we have an Authoritative Interpretation that confuses the issue by saying that an ordaining body may determine if those standards are essential to a particular candidate. So, a scenario might be that a candidate for office (Deacon, Elder, Pastor) might not meet the standard of “Fidelity and Chastity.” The ordaining body could consider that the candidate’s departure from the standard is “unessential” and proceed with his or her ordination to office.

While I usually do not get too extreme in my reactions to issues of polity, I have to admit that this Authoritative Interpretation is severely flawed. It places the “freedom of conscience” of the individual or the ordaining body above the standards of the Constitution. It provides a means for ordaining bodies to do an “end run” around the standards of our Constitution. I am not surprised that there was such inconsequential objection to maintaining the “Fidelity and Chastity” standard – even by commissioners who think it should be stricken – because with this Authoritative Interpretation it doesn’t matter what standards we say we adhere to. Any standard is subject to being deemed “unessential” and a candidate’s departing from the standard deemed equally “unessential”.

We do not maintain unity that is to be centered in Jesus Christ and built upon good theology by saying “we have the standards – biblically based, theologically founded … but ordaining bodies can determine whether adhering to these standards is essential.” It is double-talk, it is deceptive, and it will not foster peace, unity and purity in the church.

I think it is important for you to know that the Session of Good Shepherd (an ordaining body) is committed to maintaining the standards of our Constitution. The Nominating Committee and the Session strive to be guided by these standards in the process of nominating and selecting church officers. Further, the Pastors and Officers of Good Shepherd are held accountable to these standards. They are all essential.

For more information on the 217th General Assembly you might want to visit www.pcusa.org/ga217/. Also, you might find www.ga2006.com to be helpful as well.

The Gospel of Judas

2006-04-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

The recent National Geographic Channel presentation related to the release of the Gospel of Judas has sparked great interest in a document that some claim dramatically transforms our thinking about Christianity.

What is the Gospel of Judas? Briefly, it is a document that dating back to the late second century A.D. The church considered this document heretical due to its Gnostic ideas. Gnosticism describes a philosophical perspective that – among other things – holds a strict dualism between body and spirit. In Gnostic thought, Jesus is not identified with his body but dwells within his body. In other words, Jesus could only be a spiritual being if he were a divine being. Suffice it to say, Gnosticism with its emphasis upon “secret knowledge” and “personal revelation” differs from orthodox Christianity in many areas.

So what about the Gospel of Judas? Scholars agree that it is a document from the late second century. It is clearly a Gnostic document that has little to offer in our understanding of the historical Jesus. On the other hand, it does fill in some of the picture of Christian history, in particular the differentiation between orthodox Christian faith and Gnosticism. Because of its clear Gnostic perspective, the claims of the Gospel of Judas, including the claim that Jesus asked Judas to betray him, are unfounded claims. This document should not be taken as a threat to our faith or understanding of Jesus that is derived from the testimony of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Let me refer you to some sources of information that you may find helpful. First, visit the web site of Dr. Mark D. Roberts, pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church. Mark has been doing extensive research into the Da Vinci Code and has provided an excellent article related to the Gospel of Judas. His site is:

http://www.markdroberts.com

You will find a number of resources on this site. Scroll down to the Gospel of Judas article.

By the way, Mark will be here at GSPC (11600 Los Alamitos Blvd. in Los Alamitos, CA http://www.gspc.org ) on Sunday evening May 21st at 7:00 pm to speak about the Da Vinci Code.

Second, Newsweek published an article that is helpful. It is available at:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12227925/site/newsweek/from/ET/

If you would like to read the English translation of the Gospel of Judas manuscript, you can download it at:
http://www9.nationalgeographic.com/lostgospel/document.html

Another helpful resource is from Ben Witherington, professor of New Testament at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky. He has two Blogs on the subject:

http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/2006/04/gospel-of-judas-et-al-part-one.html

http://benwitherington.blogspot.com/2006/04/gospel-of-judas-part-two.html

Another helpful Blog – especially if you know Hugh Hewitt – is found at:
http://www.scriptoriumdaily.com/middlebrow/archives/the-gospel-of-judas-or-hugh-hewitt-is-a-democrat-operative/

The Dream of God

2006-03-20T13:46:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I have offered a new posting. I'll chalk it up to trying to spend every spare moment with grandchildren Grace and Weston ... and many other activities.

Maybe it's the new babies or maybe it's just part of the way one's thinking emerges, but I have come across a concept that is making more and more sense to me. It's the idea of God's mission in this world expressed as "The Dream of God" for this world. I am indebted to Brian McLaren, a pastor and refreshingly clear thinker and articulate communicator, for the idea.

How do we speak of the activity of God in this world? A common phrase found in the New Testament is "The Kingdom of God." It's a good phrase ... if we tear into the original language and the theological implications of it. In contemporary America, the notion of "kingdom" loses the significance of the first century usage of this phrase. Actually, a more helpful translation of tthe term "kingdom" might be rule or realm, specifically then we get "the realm of God's ruling activity" that refers to individual persons, institutions, governments, nations, througout the world, throughout the universe, visible and invisible ... in everything.

That's accurate theologically and linguistically ... but it brings to mind things like "... imperialism, domination, and a regime without freedom - the opposite of the liberating, barrier-breaking, domination-shattering, reconciling movement the kingdom of God was intended to be!" (From McLaren's article entitled Found in Translation in Sojourners Magazine, March 2006).

That's why I like the notion of the Dream of God as a means of describing God's mission and heart for the world. God's dream for the crowning achievement of creation - human beings - is to know God and enjoy an everlasting relationship with God. God's dream for human beings is for us to be fully human ... that's the result of experiencing God through Jesus Christ ... fully human beings who go around loving unconditionally, experiencing deep joy and peace, who are patient and good and kind, and who exercise self-control (not surprisingly this is the "Fruit of the Spirit" of God).

Maybe I'm drawn to this notion of God's Dream because I have similar dreams for little Grace and Weston ... to live blessed lives (there's another one of those loaded terms - blessed, made truly happy through relating to God) and to bless others with their care and with their love and with their abilities.

"The call to faith is the call to trust God and God's dreams enough to realign our dreams with God's, to dream our little dreams within God's big dream ... to continually receive God's dreams ... to publicly identify with God's dreams (in baptism) ... to learn to live the way God dreams for us to live" (more from McLaren's article).

Creator God, who art in heaven, I hallow you.
May all your dreams for this creation come true.

Weston Kai

2005-11-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

God's gifts seem to be coming in pairs. Weston Kai Jones was born on Novemebr 14th at 8:39 pm. We are grateful for a healthy little grandson and are so thrilled for his parents Steve and Sarah. Thank you Simona for all your support and help with the delivery! Thank you, Lord Jesus, for such a gift of grace. See more at: http://skipperjones.blogspot.com.

Peace

Grace

2005-10-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

Grace

Born October 24, 2005

What a joy it is to welcome Connie's and my first grandchild.

Grace, it's the name for a girl
It's also a thought that changed the world
And when she walks on the street
You can hear the strings
Grace finds goodness in everything - U2

We hear the strings of God's grace - knowing that God loves us unconditionally and blesses us with good gifts.

See more at http://trautfam.blogspot.com

Channels for Faith - Revelations

2005-05-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

Television has become, as one newspaper writer puts it, "a mainstream pulpit for Biblical themes" (OC Register, May 4, 2005). Referring to the new show "Revelations" that is being aired on NBC on Wednesday evenings.

This program joins a host of other religiously-oriented shows including "Joan of Arcadia," "7th Heaven" and others that have followed in the wake of "Touched by an Angel."

What is different about "Revelations" is that it is not about generic "religiosity" but specifically about biblical prophecies concerning "the possible collapse of everything ... the end of days."

In light of programs such as "Revelations" there are some things for thoughtful people to keep in mind.

First, as the show's producer, Gavin Polone says, "It's a business. How are we going to increase our receipts?" One way is to introduce sensational ideas ... whether they are actually the ideas communicated by the Book of Revelation or the other biblical passages referenced in the program or not. Another way is investing heavily in special effects to capture and hold the viewer's interest.

Second, the program suggests that despite the growing power of evil in the world and the importance of biblical prophecy, humankind can still change its destiny. Human beings actually forestall the end days. This is a very tainted view of the events described at the time of Christ's return. No human being will forestall this event ... just as no human being can accurately predict when this will take place.

Third, in light of the fascination with spiritual things, and particularly with the topic of Christ's return and the culmination of history, we should understand the spiritual hunger in our culture. Our neighbors, co-workers, classmates, friends are wanting to know and to experience the reality of God. There is a nagging sense that we exist for a greater purpose than to take up space on this planet and to consume material things. A sense that we have been made for life in relationship with God. How can we help others discover the abundant life that Jesus gives?

Finally, Christians affirm the divinity and lordship of Jesus. God took on human flesh and dwelled among us in Jesus of Nazareth. Fully God and fully human, Jesus died on the cross to reconcile us and all of creation to God ... to himself. Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of God. And he will return once again to reign on a new, re-created earth.

The ultimate "revelation" of Jesus Christ is described this way: "They will see the Son of Man (one of Jesus' favorite self-identifications) coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud tumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other" (Matthew 24:31-32).

There will be no uncertainty about the return of Christ. It will unfold as an undisputable reality. It will be evident to all that the Lord of All has come to reign over all of creation.

What are we to do in the meantime? Jesus says, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know onwhat day your Lord will come" (Matthew 24:42). Keep watch. Be prepared. Have the house of your life in order. Look forward ... no to the alleged triumph of evil ... but to the ultimate triumph of God.

Tsunamis and the Question of God's Goodness

2005-01-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

On the morning of December 26 the lives of hundreds of thousands were devastaed by the 9.0 earthquake that hit off the western shore of Indonesia and the resulting tsunami that traveled hundreds of miles to the coasts of Thailand, India, Sri Lanka and East Africa.

As of this date over 150,000 have died and thousands remain missing.

These events do cause us to react with questions like "how could a loving God allow this to happen?" or "If God is all-powerful, why do these kinds of terrible disasters occur?"

Others have addressed these questions and I would like to commend their comments to you.

First, Craig Williams, a Persbyterian pastor who serves a church in Trabuco Canyon, California:
http://tabletalk.typepad.com/tabletalk/2004/12/this_devastatin.html

Also helpful are the insights of Tom Wright, the Bishop of Durham, England, found at:
http://comment.independent.co.uk/commentators/story.jsp?story=597132

Finally, take a look at the thoughts coneyed in the Blog of Tod Bolsinger, pastor of the San Clemente Presbyterian Church in California:
http://bolsinger.blogs.com/weblog/2005/01/dont_just_do_it.html

For up-to-date reports on the disaster assistance efforts of our denomination, please visit:
http://www.pcusa.org/pda/

I encourage you to pray for those who have been affected by this disaster and respond to the overwhelming needs as the love of Christ guides you.

Stem Cell Research

2004-10-11T14:04:00.000-07:00

The issue of stem cell research is on the ballot in California and is raising many questions. I would like to express some opinions that may be of help when considering the ballot measure.

First, there needs to be a clear distinction drawn between the use of stem cells gathered from "adult" sources such as blood, bone marrow, skin, brains, spinal cords, dental pulp, muscles, corneas, retinas, livers, pancreases, fat, hair follicles, placentas, umbilical cords and amniotic fluid and those taken from human embryos.

There have been tremendous breakthroughs in the use of stem cells taken from these "adult" sources. Scores of clinical successes with adult stem cells have been reported. They have the potential not only for curing the underlying disease but also repairing damage already done by the disease. Successes have been achieved in treating diabetes, Parkinson's, stroke, heart disease, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis and more.

The use of embryonic stem cells, on the other hand, has been less promising and less effective and raises serious moral and theological issues.

The Bible, while not a book of scientific or medical theory, does point to the beginning of human life at the point of conception. Psalm 139:13; Isaiah 44:2 and 24; Jeremiah 1:5; and Luke 1:41 and 44 indicate that in the womb human beings are known and formed by God. The Bible's understanding of human life existing in the womb ... from the moment of conception ... is consistent with every textbook that deals with the meaning of human being. These sources say the same thing: a human life begins with the union of the male and female gametes to form a unique being with genetic definition separate from that of mother and father.

The real moral question then becomes: is it right to kill an unborn human being (human embryo) to extract stem cells that may (or may not) save another human being?

Those who favor the use of embryos argue that these are not actually human beings or that they are "surplus" embryos that have resulted from multiple eggs fertilized in the course of dealing with infertility. But, can we say in essence that because they are not wanted or necessary for implanting in utero that they are therefore not human and are merely some kind of medical commodity?

So then, should we support any kind of stem cell research? Yes we can and should. Using "adult" stem cells is a viable, proven and effective course of action and we should encourage research in this area.

On the other hand, there seems to be no justification for the use of embryonic stem cells. Further, we do so at the expense of forfeiting the sanctity and value of all human life for the sake of humans already living. I do not believe this should be encouraged.

It's a tough issue. What do you think?

God is not a Republican or a Democrat

2004-09-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

A number of thoughtful, respected followers of Jesus have reminded us through full-page newspaper ads that "God is not a Republican or a Democrat." You may have seen these ads in the OC Register or LA Times. They have been issued in response to comments made by Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson asserting that George W. Bush is God's candidate of choice.

The ads give us much to consider as we approach another national election. They stress that "single-issue" voting is irresponsible and that Christians are called to "more thoughtful involvement in this election, rather than claiming God's endorsement of any candidate." Their encouragement is that we examine candidates by measuring their policies against the complete range of Christian ethics and values. Here are some of their suggestions:

Poverty - Do the candidates' budget and tax policies reward the rich or show compassion for poor families? Do their foreign policies include fair trade and debt cancellation for the poorest countries? (Matthew 25:35-40; Isaiah 10:1-2)

Environment - Do the candidates' policies protect the creation or serve corporate interests that damage it? (Genesis 2:15, Psalm 24:1)

War and Peacemaking - Do the candidates' policies pursue "wars of choice" or respect international law and cooperation in responding to real global threats? (Matthew 5:9)

Truth-Telling - Do the candidates' tell the truth in foreign and domestic policies? (John 8:32)

Human Rights - Do the candidates' respect the image of God in every person? (Genesis 1:27)

Response to Terrorism - Do the candidates' adopt dangerous language of righteous empire in the war on terrorism? Do the candidates see evil only in our enemies but never in our own policies? (Matthew 6:33, Proverbs 8:12-13)

Human Life - Do the candidates' positions on abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia, weapons of mass destruction, HIV/AIDS - and other pandemics - and genocide around the world obey the Biblical injunction to choose life? (Deuteronomy 30:19)

For more about this, visit www.sojo.net/petition.

I agree that thoughtful, faith-based evaluation of the candidates is critical and is the responsibility of every voter.

Do you have some other criteria that would be helpful in doing this kind of evaluation?

Our Position on Homosexuality - PC (USA)

2004-08-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

Many are struggling with the issues surrounding homosexuality and it is important to understand our church's position related to this matter. I recommend a helpful resource found on the Presbyterian Church (USA) website at http://www.pcusa.org/101/101-homosexual.htm.

This lays out our position as a national church. I appreciate the balance it presents in affirming that homosexual behavior is contrary to the Bible while also affirming our call as a church to love one another, to be welcoming all people and to declare the transforming power of Jesus Christ who makes all things new.

This balance prevents us from thinking that someone else's sin is worse than our own. We are all debtors to the loving-kindness of God. So, let's strive toward holiness - in our sexuality, in our attitudes toward others, in our behavior and in our self-concepts.

Genocide, Persecution of Christians in Sudan

2004-08-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

The African nation, Sudan, has been torn apart by civil war for over 20 years. Unfortunately this has resulted in devastating consequences for and severe persecution of non-Muslims in this country.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has stated that there is perhaps no greater tragedy on the face of the earth today than the war in Sudan. The State Department views Sudan as one of the most egregious violators of human rights. Strangely, the media has relegated the holocaust in Sudan to the back pages of the newspapers as if thousands of people being killed, children raped, and enslaved every day is not really that important. As a result, most people don’t even know what is happening in Sudan.

The northern fundamentalist Muslim government, the Khartoum, has declared jihad (“holy war”) against the mostly Christian south (Christians compose 19 percent of the population in Sudan). The fighting began in 1983 when rebels from the Christian south rose up against Khartoum’s forced implementation of Muslim law. Muslim students were lured into fighting for the Khartoum with promises that they would be allowed to keep whatever they stole from the south. Captured women have been raped and their children sold into slavery. Christians from the north who refuse to fight with the Khartoum against the south are forced to be mine sweepers.

Because of the war hospitals, schools, relief centers, and marketplaces are constantly under bombardment, and there is massive famine. Two million have died from the fighting, persecution and famine.

Not only has this government killed and enslaved Christians, but it has tortured them. Christians have been baked to death, their lips have been padlocked together to prevent them from talking about the torture they have endured; they have been crucified, forcibly converted to Islam and circumcised – including women. Slaves have had their fingers and limbs cut off for reasons like losing a goat.

John Eibner, an official with Christian Solidarity International, has reportedly freed about 60,000 slaves, mostly by buying them. In all, it is estimated that between 100,000 and 200,000 people from the south have been enslaved by the north and sold into slavery in other nearby countries.

How can you and I respond? What can we do to help in this heinous situation?

Pray for:
Enforcement of the “peace agreement” that was instituted between the government in Khartoum and the peoples of the south Sudan. But the action against the black inhabitants of west Sudan shows there is no peace
An end to the fighting and genocide
An end to the persecution and systematic killing of Christians

Respond by:
Contacting the White House to urge President Bush to declare the situation genocide and put strong political pressure on the Sudanese government
Contacting Senators and Representatives to do the same
Donating money for relief through PCUSA, World Vision or Samaritan’s Purse (who already have a presence in Sudan); and encourage friends and neighbors to take similar action.

There is an urgent need for your help. Will you?

Parties, Conventions, and Coins

2004-07-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

The Democratic National Convention is in full swing as I write these thoughts. The media is in their usual frenzy of activity ... trying to find the compelling story ... snooping for controversy ... The Republican Party is making plans for their upcoming convention. The air is filled with enthusiasm, optimism and the zeal for electing the parties' nominees for president and vice-president.

I can't help but think about the role of government in the big picture of things. We could spend countless hours arguing the differences between Republican and Democratic platforms, philosophies, views on taxes, concepts of what makes the economy tick and the daunting reality of our troops in Iraq. But the real question seems to me to be what place does government have in our lives?

In Matthew's Gospel account, Jesus confronts some of the religious authorities who were deliberately tryng to force him into a trap - either denying the auhority of God or that of the Roman government. In response to their question Jesus asks to see a coin bearing the image of Caesar and admonishes them (and us) "give to Caesar (government) what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." You can read about this in Matthew 22:15-21.

Government is not God. Government will never solve all our problems. Government is, however, instituted by God and in spite of all the human fallibilities with which governments are rife, they exist for the good of humankind.

What do we owe our government? Loyalty. Support. Prayer. Appreciation. Participation. Critical thought and evaluation.

What do we owe God? Allegiance above that given to any other person or government or thing. Gratitude. Obedience. Love. Ourselves.

A Declaration on Marriage

2004-07-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

The following Declaration was written in November 2000 and signed by representatives from a number of different Christian faith groups (their names are at the end of the declaration). I appreciate and agree with the declaration. What do you think?

A Christian Declaration on Marriage
November 14, 2000

As we celebrate the 2000th anniversary of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, entering the third millennium, we pledge together to honor the Lord by committing ourselves afresh to God’s first institution—marriage.

We believe that marriage is a holy union of one man and one woman in which they commit, with God’s help, to build a loving, life-giving, faithful relationship that will last for a lifetime. God has established the married state, in the order of creation and redemption, for spouses to grow in love of one another and for the procreation, nurture, formation and education of children.

We believe that in marriage many principles of the Kingdom of God are manifested. The interdependence of healthy Christian community is clearly exemplified in loving one another (John 13:34), forgiving one another (Ephesians 4:32), confessing to one another (James 5:16), and submitting to one another (Ephesians 5:21). These principles find unique fulfillment in marriage. Marriage is God’s gift, a living image of the union between Christ and His Church.

We believe that when a marriage is true to God’s loving design it brings spiritual, physical, emotional, economic, and social benefits not only to a couple and family but also to the Church and to the wider culture. Couples, churches, and the whole of society have a stake in the well being of marriages. Each, therefore, has its own obligations to prepare, strengthen, support and restore marriages.

Our nation is threatened by a high divorce rate, a rise in cohabitation, a rise in non-marital births, a decline in the marriage rate, and a diminishing interest in and readiness for marrying, especially among young people. The documented adverse impact of these trends on children, adults, and society is alarming. Therefore, as church leaders, we recognize an unprecedented need and responsibility to help couples begin, build, and sustain better marriages, and to restore those threatened by divorce.

Motivated by our common desire that God’s Kingdom be manifested on earth as it is in heaven, we pledge to deepen our commitment to marriage. With three-quarters of marriages performed by clergy, churches are uniquely positioned not only to call America to a stronger commitment to this holy union but to provide practical ministries and influence for reversing the course of our culture. It is evident in cities across the nation that where churches join in common commitment to restore a priority on marriages, divorces are reduced and communities are positively influenced.

Therefore, we call on churches throughout America to do their part to strengthen marriage in our nation by providing:

- Prayer and spiritual support for stronger marriages
- Encouragement for people to marry
- Education for young people about the meaning and responsibility of marriage
- Preparation for those engaged to be married
- Pastoral care, including qualified mentor couples, for couples at all stages of their relationship
- Help for couples experiencing marital difficulty and disruption
- Influence within society and the culture to uphold the institution of marriage

Further, we urge churches in every community to join in developing policies and programs with concrete goals to reduce the divorce rate and increase the marriage rate.

By our commitment to marriage as instituted by God, the nature of His Kingdom will be more clearly revealed in our homes, our churches, and our culture. To that end we pray and labor with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
May the grace of God, the presence of Christ, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit be abundant to all those who so commit and be a blessing to all whose marriages we seek to strengthen.

Bishop Anthony O’Connell, Chairman, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, Committee on Marriage and Family Life; Dr. Richard Land, President, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, Southern Baptist Convention; Dr. Robert Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches (Name withdrawn 11/17/2000); Bishop Kevin Mannoia, President, National Association of Evangelicals

Fourth of July

2004-07-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

What an amazing country we live in! Not perfect, certainly we have our problems and issues - there is still too much poverty, illness, exploitation of women and children, greed, self-interest.

But we are free to worship God, to express our opinions and to pursue our aspirations.

I am thankful to be an American.

But, I still feel the weight of responsibility for being an American who has more wealth than 2/3's of the world's population, who consumes more energy than 90% of the world, who complains about $2.13/gallon gas while most of the rest of the world pays double that price or more.

Are we using our freedom for good or are we exploiting it along with so many resources? Are we using our freedom and wealth in a way that pleases God?

Supreme Court decision about the ban on pornography on the Internet

2004-06-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

The US Supreme Court, by a 5-4 decision, maintained that a ban on internet pornography is unconstitutional and sent the case back to a lower court. This raises many issues about freedom of speech rights under the First Amendment to the Constitution, the nature of pornography as a free speech expression and the question of protecting children from exposure to such material.

I believe the writers of the Constitution presupposed a certain moral character that underlies the propositions of the First Amendment - a certain moral character or moral righteousness.

Unfortunately pornography lacks such character and is a destuctive thing. I know many marriages that have been torn apart by sexual addictions that have been fed by internet pornography. At the same time our country is built upon and values freedom of speech and expression.

I am concerned about the destructive effects of pornography and the concern for exposing children to it. Do these outweigh the freedom of speech issue? I am also concerned about the selfishness, greed and willingness to exploit people of the porn industry. Should it be limited?

What do you think? Is freedom of speech the ultimate good? Do we allow antything and everything - whether it is helpful or harmful - to be expressed? Is there a "greater good for the greater number" and if so, what is the greater good?