The Christian Post reports that pastors can now go to a website where they pledge to keep their sermons Bible-based, and avoid the rampant practice of so many modern-day pastors who preach sermons based more on positive thinking, personal wellness, general ethics and extra-biblical topics than they do on the Word of God.

At the LC I used to attend here in NorCal they had a guy on their pastoral staff who was a (professional) Motivational Speaker, and who was often asked by the SP to speak on Sundays, amidst a lot of flair and hoopla. They would even put up a life-sized, cardboard cut-out of him in the church lobby, of him standing with his hands held out and smiling.

His “sermons” were usually quite animated, and were filled with various jokes, antics, high-jinks and histrionics, with him bouncing — and often jumping – all over the platform, and were filled with references that always managed to center upon himself, his wife, or his child. It was quite a show.

He always "preached" on the same motivational hokum he spoke on to all the secular corporations and Fortune 500 companies, with titles like: “Believing In Yourself,” “Don‘t Ever Quit,” “You Can Have What You Want,” and “Dare To Be A Dreamer.” The only difference was in the Sunday sermons, he would typically throw in one or two Bible verses to make it sound like the people were getting a real sermon. 

As I recall, the people ate it up.

-joe

According to Yahoo News, President Obama wants to limit the salary of top execs whose companies are receiving Federal aid to $500,000 per year. Although I'm sure there will be the obligatory cries of unfairness and the need to adequately compensate talented individuals, I concur with his rationale and think this is an excellent idea.

And although it is in an entirely different arena, and in light of Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig’s recently divulged 2007 total salary of over $18 million, I wish the same could somehow be applied to the world of sports. I know these people are talented, and I understand the principles of free-enterprise, supply-and-demand, and laissez-faire. But really, does anyone actually need/deserve several million dollars a year in salary? 

Do you think Senior Pastors should also have salary caps?

-joe

(In light of the sparkling repartee engendered by yesterday's question, allow me to submit another….)

According to CNN, President Obama signed a memorandum on Friday that ends a prohibition on funding federal family-planning funds and contraceptives to international aid groups that provide abortions, abortion referrals or abortion counseling. See article here.

On the one hand, Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Obama's move "welcome news to the poorest women and families in the world." 

And on the other, Rep. Tom Price, R-Georgia, said, "This is a stunning reversal of course from the president's campaign statements that he hoped to reduce the number of abortions."

Do you agree with the President? 

-joe

Yesterday, President Obama signed an executive order calling for the closing of Guantanamo Bay, to take place within the next year. He said, "We are not going to continue with a false choice between our safety and our ideals.”

While lauded in some quarters, his decision was decried by, among others, families of the 9/11 victims (here).

Do you agree with him?

 -joe

A couple of days ago, I posted some questions to facilitate discussion about the persecution and killing of Jews in Nazi Germany and Europe before and during WW2 in a post entitled, WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Which questions were in turn born out of a previous thread concerning the killing of babies in the womb entitled, Pro-Life & In favor of Keeping Abortion Legal.

In that Pro-Life thread a number of interesting points/opinions, implicit as well as explicit came up…. 

1) it's not Government's role to regulate morality,  

2) Christians have no business getting involved in political processes,   

3) abortion is already legalized and thus is a moot point,  

4) Christians are not responsible for what is done as a whole in an unbiblical society,  

5) too many of the Republicans and the Religious Right have already muddied the waters for useful action, 

6) after more than 30 years of Roe vs. Wade, who really cares? 

….and the like.  

None of which notions hold water IMO. And so I ended up positing that — in both society as a whole and among Believers in Jesus — to reject the one (the killing of Jews) and embrace the other (the aborting of babies) is tantamount to not only apathy, but also hypocrisy. 

And it seems to me that decrying the killing of Jews in WW2 while accepting the legalized killing of babies in America since 1973 is not the only incongruity we have in society.

There are other “hot” topics which have fomented their way to the surface of politically correct dialogue, like:   

1) the wrongness of male chauvinism 

2) the need for women’s suffrage and rights

3) the evil of past injustices to racial/ethnic groups, 

4) with the resultant attitudes of entitlement by other racial/ethnic groups

5) the folly of a disregard for, and mistreatment of the environment

6) how the inhumane treatment of animals is wrong

7) the wrongness of bias against homosexuality/lesbianism.   

So what we have is the fact that some things are obviously right or moral to one group of people, and those same things can be considered wrong or immoral to a 2^nd group. And visa versa. 

For stance, tomorrow I could attend a predominantly African-American local church and use the so-called “N” word several times in conversation, and I’d probably not make it out of there alive. And yet, I could also say I believe in abortion and would probably experience little opposition, much less physical violence. 

And then, I could jump on a plane and attend a church in the so- called "Bible Belt" that evening populated by predominantly white farmers, and if I were to use said “N” word, I would probably get congratulated, while remarks supporting abortion would probably be disdained. 

So my question is, who — or what’s — to say what’s right and what’s wrong?  

Why is one thing deemed to be wrong or immoral while another is not?  

 -joe   

P.S. If my hypothetical scenario offends, I apologize ahead of time to any African-Americans, or farmers (sorry bout that 'Scrupe!  ) who may read this.

Recently, the following questions were asked in another thread on this blog, and after changing the wording slightly, I would like to post them for discussion here:

1. If you had been living in Religious America in the 1920s-1940s and a ballot measure was proposed which would allow the Government (and citizens) to rob American businesses, beat drunkards in the streets, and even kill a good buzz, would you vote on that measure?

2. And assuming the measure passed and thus became law - and wine was no longer game - would you get involved and try to help?

3. Next, would you go so far as to break the law, and serve beer in your home if necessary?

4. And lastly, if the Gestapo came to your door asking if you were hiding liquor in your home, would you lie to them to keep these bottles/kegs  from being destroyed?

Recently, the following questions were asked in another thread on this blog, and after changing the wording slightly, I would like to post them for discussion here:

1. If you had been living in Nazi Germany in the 1930s-1940s and a ballot measure was proposed which would allow the Government (and citizens) to rob Jewish businesses, beat Jews in the streets, and even kill Jews, would you vote on that measure?

2. And assuming the measure passed and thus became law – and the Jews were now open game – would you get involved and try to help them?

3. Next, would you go so far as to break the law, and hide Jews in your home if necessary?

4. And lastly, if the Gestapo came to your door asking if you were hiding Jews in your home, would you lie to them to keep these Jews from being murdered?

-joe

This one's just in from The Christian Post:

OBAMA SUGGESTS JESUS CHRIST NOT THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN 

Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama suggested Wednesday that Jesus Christ is not the only way to heaven during a campaign event in North Carolina. 

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., speaks at a town hall meeting in Greensboro, N.C., Wednesday, March 26, 2008. While answering a question about his Christian faith, Obama said he believes that Jesus Christ died for his sins and through God’s grace and mercy he could have “everlasting life,” according to the Los Angeles Times. 

But he also believes Jews and Muslims and non-believers who live moral lives are as much “children of God” as he is, according to The Associated Press. 

As an example, he spoke about his late mother who was “not a believer.” 

"[S]he was the kindest, most decent, generous person that I have ever known," Obama said, according to the Times. "I'm sure she is in heaven, even though she may not have subscribed to everything that I subscribe to." 

Obama’s response came amid the recent controversy surrounding his former Chicago pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who made inflammatory remarks about race and America in sermons he delivered many years ago. 

The Illinois senator, who has made religion a cornerstone of his campaign, has denounced the comments – which included “God damn America” for its racism – but refuses to distance himself from the pastor, whom he compares to an uncle. 

During his response on Wednesday, Obama praised his church, Trinity United Church of Christ, especially its choir, and said it was very warm and welcoming and is like any other church in America in that it exists to praise God. 

Obama also said he believes in putting the Gospel to action here on Earth and treating people with “dignity” and “respect” as children of God, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

Currently, Obama is leading the Democratic race with 1,622 delegates compared to Hillary Clinton’s 1,485, according to CNN.

That's just great.

(And just when I thought I had this whole thing figured out…)

-joebib  

I don’t know. Maybe I shoulda never cancelled my Sacramento Bee subscription. I'm always the last one to find these things out.  

But, in the wake of my “Gorbachev A Christian?” post, now comes news that I must perhaps address Ms. Rodham-Clinton as “sister!” 

This is starting to get difficult. 

I guess I need a scorecard. Let’s see, first it was Charlie Sheen, then Stephen Baldwin, then Barack Obama…and now Hillary. I mean, who’s it going to be next, Bill Clinton? Hey! That's not a bad idea. At least then, husbands, fiancés and boyfriends all across the U.S. could sleep nights. 

If this is true, one wonders…can Osama bin Laden be far behind?

-joe

H/T: Albino Hayford

I came across this article under the Q & A section of John Piper’s excellent blog.

Inasmuch as "the homosexual question" just won’t seem to quietly go away from the lofty threads of C-BUS-C — see the debate under the Obama And Same Sex Union thread — I thought Dr. Piper's take on the matter, this aspect of negative/positive confession, was interesting. 

In the original article, he provides a link to a position paper he helped draft on homosexuality, which I have appended. It all runs rather long, and will perhaps be a bit tedious to some, I still think it's some good food for thought. At the very least, it will help keep us occupied till Cat gets back and starts earning his pay again.

I just hope I’m not in violation of any copyright laws in cutting and pasting this stuff here.

{{Shudder}}

“How can we help Christians who are struggling with homosexual desires?” 

(By John Piper January 16, 2008.) 

(The following is an edited transcription of the audio.)  

How can we help Christians who are struggling with homosexual desires?  

I would encourage them to be careful not to define themselves as "homosexual." Don't say, "I am gay," or "I am a homosexual." Say, rather, "I struggle with homosexual desires." That's a very small—and huge—distinction.  

There was a Christian brother in our church who had AIDS due to his history in the homosexual lifestyle. The Lord wonderfully saved him from that, and he taught me so many things over the 10 years or so that we were together. He also helped me draft a one-page statement of conviction and compassion with regard to homosexuality.  

He, Joe, said to me: "Don't ever let any man tell you he is a homosexual. Always correct his vocabulary, because in Christ Jesus that is not who I am. In Christ Jesus I am a new creature."  

Just like John Piper is a new creature in Christ, even though he still struggles with the sins of impatience, lust, and pride, Christians who struggle with homosexual desires are not homosexuals. In Christ they are new creatures who struggle with the temptations of homosexuality. And I just want to come along side them and say, "Get that as your paradigm, and let's struggle together in chastity and in purity until we're dead."  

Who knows how much healing may come? There is an article I read recently in Christianity Today about Exodus International ministries. It talks about people experiencing true change, healing and victory over homosexual temptations. It doesn't mean that those feelings go away entirely, but many in time are able to enjoy heterosexual lives or lives of contented, chaste singleness despite a history of homosexual sin.  

I don't want to create the impression that this is a taboo subject at my church or that I won't be patient and compassionate with those who are struggling with it. They have enough burden of their own.  

I just heard of another young man who is suicidally depressed because of who he thinks he is. Everything in me wants to say to him, "I'll stand by you all the way to my grave or your grave, but don't give up this battle and don't think God doesn't have you here, with this struggle, for a purpose that you can find and flourish in."  

Bethlehem's Position on Homosexuality

(By John Piper August 6, 2003)   

In view of the recent actions of the Supreme Court in regard to Sodomy laws, and the controversy over actively homosexual bishops in the Episcopalian and Anglican denominations, it is important to bring forward again the position of Bethlehem Baptist Church which the Elders established in the fall of 1992. I drafted this statement with the help of Joe Hallet who came out of the homosexual life by the power of Christ and lived faithfully with AIDS, and eventually with his wife, until his death in 1997. 

Beliefs about Homosexual Behavior and Ministering to Homosexual Persons

Our affirmation that the Bible is the infallible Word of God with "supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct," and our affirmation that "a Christian should live for the glory of God" include the following six beliefs about heterosexuality and homosexuality: 

1. We believe that heterosexuality is God's revealed will for humankind and that, since God is loving, a chaste and faithful expression of this orientation (whether in singleness or in marriage) is the ideal to which God calls all people. 

2. We believe that a homosexual orientation is a result of the fall of humanity into a sinful condition that pervades every person. Whatever biological or familial roots of homosexuality may be discovered, we do not believe that these would sanction or excuse homosexual behavior, though they would deepen our compassion and patience for those who are struggling to be free from sexual temptations. 

3. We believe there is hope for the person with a homosexual orientation and that Jesus Christ offers a healing alternative in which the power of sin is broken and the person is freed to know and experience his or her true identity in Christ and in the fellowship of his Church. 

4. We believe that this freedom is attained through a process which includes recognizing homosexual behavior as sin, renouncing the practice of homosexual behavior, rediscovering healthy, non-erotic friendships with people of the same sex, embracing a moral sexual lifestyle, and in the age to come, rising from the dead with a new body free from every sinful impulse. This process parallels the similar process of sanctification needed in dealing with heterosexual temptations as well. We believe that this freedom comes through faith in Jesus Christ, by the power of his Spirit. 

5. We believe that all persons have been created in the image of God and should be accorded human dignity. We believe therefore that hateful, fearful, unconcerned harassment of persons with a homosexual orientation should be repudiated. We believe that respect for persons with a homosexual orientation involves honest, reasoned, nonviolent sharing of facts concerning the immorality and liability of homosexual behavior. On the other hand, endorsing behavior which the Bible disapproves endangers persons and dishonors God. 

6. We believe that Christian churches should reach out in love and truth to minister to people touched by homosexuality, and that those who contend Biblically against their own sexual temptation should be patiently assisted in their battle, not ostracized or disdained. However, the more prominent a leadership role or modeling role a person holds in a church or institution of the Conference, the higher will be the expectations for God's ideal of sexual obedience and wholeness. We affirm that both heterosexual and homosexual persons should find help in the church to engage in the Biblical battle against all improper sexual thoughts and behaviors. 

Pastor John

Late note: I just noticed Cat also posted something by Dr. Piper — his tirade on the Prosperity Gospel — and all I can say is…Cat and I apparently think very much alike.

-joebib