True Religion is This

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to share with my friends in Brownsville on the topic of True Religion. I didn’t use the phrase “damned religion” in church but the thought went through my head. So did the following image…

At one table: the folks who practice Damned Religion sit. Their traditions are lifeless, meaningless… they stand up, sit down, kneel at the right times… but there is no relationship, no compassion, no love in their motions. Talking about the folks “in church”? Sure. But also those that practice their brand of religion in front of the TV or computer, at the bar or arena or even the office… Some of the most religious folks I know never step foot in a church.

At a second table, the folks who practice True Religion sit. They have traditions… but it’s only part of the bigger picture. These folks… you will see them everywhere and you will know them… because of their love.

Folks who practice Damned Religion are an rowdy bunch… they love a good fight, especially if they can instigate it, but they have no greater purpose. It sure looks like a fun bunch until you realize they just do the same thing… over and over and over, again.

If those guys are rowdy, folks who practice True Religion are downright unruly. They run toward the fight, they are the first to help someone in need, they give out of their own need, they risk more, live with less, are willing to suffer and die for a cause and, more importantly, willing to live with purpose… and, in doing all of this: they rejoice with an unruly love.

As I meditated on such thoughts, imagine my surprise to receive a letter from my friend Robert. Robert runs an orphanage in Tanzania. This is part of that note:

“We cannot carry out the program due to lack of funding. And to make matters more worse, Tanzania was hit bad by drought and many will be starving to death. The scarcity of food has forced prices up. This is Scary! I have been experiencing sleepless nights thinking and looking for some ways on how manage with such the situation.”

You see, Tanzania has been hit by three catastrophes… AIDs/HIV has killed over 1.4 million Tanzanians and has created over 1 million orphans. Robert and his wife Mariam have dedicated their lives to serving the most vulnerable in their country. They provide food, clothing, shelter, education and their love and lives to 200 orphans. Now, a drought has come upon them and that drought has led to food shortages and leading toward famine.

Practicing True Religion is simple… be separated from worldly cares and concerns and care for those that are the most vulnerable among us. The vulnerable are widows and orphans. So, I was moved by conviction, as much as compassion, to send financial help and to share this story with you.

When you practice religion today, which table will you be with?

If you are looking for an opportunity to test your convictions, to sit at the table of True Religion and experience its blessing… please consider the Good Samaritan Orphanage in Tanzania. Their website is www.gsotanzania.com; there you will find more information and directions on how to contribute. Of course, I would be pleased to answer your questions and provide more information.

Merry Christmas

As we wind down the final days of Christmastide and head back to work, school and all of our 'realities'... take a look and listen to the video as a reminder of the Reality of All Seasons...

Meditations on Hate

I am perplexed, concerned and preoccupied by hate. It’s nothing personal, it just seems that if hate isn’t in the news it is making the news.

On the first thought, look toward the political season where folks on both sides of issues and candidates accuse the other of hate. On the latter, hate consistently makes the news… most recently in the terrorist acts in Mumbai.

There is True Hatred and Counterfeit Hatred.

Counterfeit Hatred is convenient, it is accusatory, it is a deflection, it is ignorance. It is an ad hominem argument. It takes the form “If you disagree with me, you must be filled with hate.”

True Hatred and Counterfeit Hatred are sometimes exchanged and are frequently found together but they are intensely different.

True Hatred is directed at someone or something. True Hatred cherishes animosity.

Perhaps you are familiar with the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-51)? The story begins and ends with True Hatred.

Joseph was one of 12 brothers. He had the love of his father, a robe, and dreams of grandeur. His brothers were jealous and hated him for this.

The brother’s feelings were dear to them; they cherished this animosity, nurtured it and fostered it in their hearts and with each other. Encouraging it and perhaps treating it with tenderness and affection just as a mother looks upon her child. But this child is vile and contemptuous; it is hideous to the eye and would be reviled by anyone not caught in its spell. Their delight in this evil would lead to active enmity and violence against their brother.

Joseph’s brothers conspired to kill him but then opted to strip him, throw him into a well and sell him into slavery. They hated him and rid themselves of his presence. Joseph lived in slavery, then imprisonment but in the end gained the favor of pharaoh and became the viceroy over all Egypt during a great famine. It was at this time where Joseph’s brothers, in search of wheat, were reunited with Joseph. They feared that Joseph would repay their evil with evil… that he hated them.

They lived in this fear and when their father died, it came to light one final time. "When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?" … But Joseph said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

They believed that Joseph had cherished his animosity all these years and would now unleash this enmity at the death of his father. But Joseph had forgiven his brothers and not only saw the completeness of God’s plan but lived in and experienced its peace. Forgiveness triumphed over hatred.

These are my meditations on hate:

Hatred is a condition of the heart. It often ends in violence but it is born from pride, jealousy, envy, fear,… Jesus said "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

Few people experience True Hatred in the first person… a concerted and direct animosity from cherished sin intended to destroy – be it emotional, spiritual or physical destruction. I can think of 2, maybe 3 times in my life where I can say that I was the recipient of True Hatred.

Hatred changes the countenance of man. In perhaps the first manifestation of recorded hatred, it is obvious that hatred changed the countenance of Cain. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." (Genesis 5)

Hatred separates us from God. King David, also of the Old Testament, “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66)

Hatred is a choice. By the grace of God, it is within our ability to escape its grasp through repentance. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15)

Don't Complain

I count my family and friends among my greatest blessings. This past weekend provided a powerful reminder of the love borne from the intimacy of family and the love that transcends culture, distance and infrequent visit. We were truly blessed to host Father Robert and his wife Mariam who are visiting the States from Tanzania. We spent the weekend eating (a lot), telling stories, taking hayrides, roasting marshmallows, picking pumpkins…

The kids enjoyed the near singular focus on having fun and especially Robert’s mesmerizing stories of encounters with giant snakes, lions and elephants. I doubt I will forget the picture of Robert sitting on the floor and the face of the kids as he weaved the story of starting an elephant stampede while riding his bicycle… lesson: don’t ring a bell to move an elephant.

Robert’s visit has a very serious nature. Quite frankly, it makes the current “crisis” in the United States look more like an “event” or maybe a “mild debacle”. The AIDs epidemic in Tanzania has claimed over one-third of the population and has created 1,500,000 orphans. The numbers and the need are staggering.

Robert and Mariam, in their love for God, have great compassion on the orphans of Tanzania. They began by bringing in 8 orphans to their home in 1996 and now run an orphanage with 120 children and an additional 80 for whom they care. Life is not easy in the orphanage with only six helpers, no electricity, and clean water two miles away.

They have a vision of hope. Real hope in the midst of real suffering. A hope that comes from the simple gratitude for food, clothing and shelter… of being educated to serve community, country and God… and being adopted into a family temporal and eternal.

Robert’s message on Sunday was simple: don’t complain. God provides, God sustains, God blesses.

This week, I have complained about bad weather, late flights, inadequate hotel accommodations, late dinners, too much work, other people, sore muscles, … shall I go on?

I hear Robert’s deep voice as he surveys my family… “Mark, you are truly blessed.” I am.

And… You are.

The needs of the orphanage are simple: electricity and water. To connect to the “grid” is costly, about $25,000. I can choose to hide behind economic certainty, too many bills, too much need. Or I can choose to give out of a multitude of blessing. We will do the latter and have pledged $1,000 to Good Samaritan Orphanage.

If you feel compelled to help, please contact me and I will provide the details.

You can also visit the Good Samaritan Orphanage website and donate there.

http://www.gsotanzania.org/index.html

Around the Dinner Table

Politicians love to connect with the American public by presuming they know what we discuss “around the dinner table”. Over the past few weeks, I have had numerous dinner conversations with many people from many walks of life from many parts of the world.

The obvious common threads include the US election and the global economy. I hear some of the usual sound bites about McCain, Palin and Obama. And I am quick to relay my sentiment that none of the candidates represent my view of government, industry or religion. I express my disappoint in the collective lack of experience, lack of plan and lack of inspiration. I am finding that many people agree.

This is, of course, an unscientific focus group. But, then again, so is the presumption that Biden or Palin (as in the VP debate) know what we are talking about. In fact, we are not talking about a paycheck, we are not talking about our health care and we are not talking about our mortgage. We are collectively wondering, “Is this the best America has to offer?”

Where is the genius of Adams? The ability in inspire government like Henry? The clear articulation of Jefferson? The perseverance of Lincoln?

Where is sacrifice? Where is humility? Where is might? Where is truth? Where is righteousness? Where is leadership?

Where are the great men who stood with these great leaders? Where is the church? Where is the fire of the revolution? Where is America?

I lament. I weep.

I was recently at dinner with a multi-national group of businessmen. The conversation deepened with a man from France and a man from Spain. They wondered, with admiration, how can a nation that is so different remain so united. I quickly turned them to one of the greatest vision statements ever written “We the People of the United States of America.”

A statement so simple and profound but yet would bind together a dispersed and diverse group of people, give birth to a nation and hold her together for over 200 years.

Read the Preamble and know who we are. Know justice, liberty and freedom and you know what we cherish. Know God and you know who gives us hope, who inspires, and who comforts.

It is not time for America to change. It is time for her to return to the ideals that make her great and to the God who demonstrates his mercies and is always ready to forgive and welcome.

And the truth is… I must be ready to return.

I must be quick to offer forgiveness, to show compassion and to love.

Not just some distant people or those on the other side of the aisle but my friends, my family and my neighbor.

Change, whether its revival or revolution, starts in the heart of man.

How is your heart?

The Brownsville Economy

There are about 1,560 working age adults living in the Brownsville Borough. At any one time, we employ 25-30 drug dealers in the community. Dealers don’t typically work alone. If you count their familial support, their runners, their attorneys, their friends who serve as eyes and ears… it’s not hard to imagine 100-150 folks involved in the supply side of this economy. That’s about 10% of our population. Clearly it is one of the biggest employers in the community. The Brownsville Economy is a Drug Economy.

And I have known many dealers over the years. They are kids, neighbors, friends, grandmothers. They are black, they are white. Some consistently elude the law, many are incarcerated, some are dead.

I have had frightening encounters, thoughtful conversations and shocking points of view from dealers.

We have a very active and brazen dealer still living on our block and selling on our corner. Three times in the past few weeks we have run right into a deal. The unpredictability of a wild animal protecting its home and territory is the best way to describe such an encounter.

I have counseled and prayed with men at my kitchen table who believe they are morally justified in selling drugs as long as the money is used to put food on the table.

I have listened to men use oppression and racism as an excuse to lash back and seek vengeance through selling drugs to those of a different color.

There is not a single reason why the dealer exists. There is not a single solution to the problem. The “War on Drugs” may be a great description of what happens in Columbia, along our borders and against the cartels. But in Brownsville and neighborhoods across our country, the war is against kids, neighbors and families. It’s against a culture, against apathy and even oppression.

And the cost is found in despair, destroyed lives, and the “hard cost” of addictions, law enforcement, treatment and crime that is estimated to be nearly $181 billion (ONDCP Study).

Who can help?

Government. But laws and regulation won’t overcome corruption and the inability to enforce.

Business. But economic opportunity won’t overcome sloth and hatred.

The Church. But silence must be replaced by action.

It will take all and all working and all working together.

Senate Republican Ted Stevens (R) Who is a Republican from Alaska is Indicted

A federal grand jury has indicted longtime Senator Ted Stevens, Republican of Alaska, on charges of failing to disclose receiving gifts of services and construction work as part of a wide-ranging corruption inquiry involving public officials and corporations in his home state. (NY Times)

But Mr. Stevens’s constituents have a right to wonder why their revered senator, a Republican who has served them fiercely for four decades, ever agreed to have his home richly upgraded by someone so obviously hunting for the inside track to politicians. (NY Times Op)

Republican White House hopeful John McCain's campaign said on Wednesday the indictment of fellow Republican Sen. Ted Stevens was a "sad reminder" the next president will face a tough task rebuilding the public trust. (Reuters)

Eighty-four-year-old Republican Ted Stevens of Alaska, newly charged by the feds with corruption-related offenses, walked over to the desk of 90-year-old Democrat Robert Byrd of West Virginia yesterday morning. Byrd, in a wheelchair, clasped his friend's hands, then squinted up at him and shouted, "Say it ain't so!" (Washington Post)

Stevens is the Senate's longest-serving Republican and has been a dominant figure in congressional politics for a generation (AP)

The indictment of Alaska Republican Sen. Ted Stevens strengthened forecasts that Democrats will gain Senate seats on Election Day. (WSJ)

Some observers think the reputation of the longest-serving Republican senator may weather this scandal. The former chairman and now ranking Republican on the influential U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Stevens is known as a master of pork barrel politics, with a record of channeling billions of federal dollars to his home state. (LA Times)

In case you missed it, Ted Stevens is a Republican.

Back in March of this year, I posted a few lines about Eliot Spitzer. It was on a whim and timely as I had a number of posts back then about government, common good, and integrity. I never mentioned his name but I did mention that he is a Democrat. Why did I do that?

First, let me say that blogging has given me an opportunity to practice those forms of speech I learned in 8th grade English class and honed in 10th grade speech class: satire, sarcasm, alliteration, onamonapea, irony, parallel sentence structure,…

Second, when the Spitzer story broke I was annoyed that I could not find a single article that listed his party affiliation. In fact, I had to search his bio on Wikipedia. So I deployed an ironic device and listed his party affiliation… which had nothing to do with the post and everything to do with the media’s inability to report this simple fact. So, I was “hiding what is actually reality in order to obtain a desired oratorical or artistic effect.”

Now for some more irony. It worked. The eight sentence Spitzer post is one of my most viewed and commented posts. I chuckled when I was gently reminded by an anonymous comment that Democrats don’t have the birthright to corruption. Indeed, that was half the point.

Corruption is truly a bipartisan issue. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Hope in What or Who

Our Founding Fathers were radicals, fundamentalists and zealots. Among them were men who invoked the Name of God and professed faith in Christ. They were intolerant, warmongers, and stubborn. They were the Right in men like John Adams. They were the Left in men like Thomas Jefferson. They were all patriots. They were willing to die for their country. They were willing to live for their country. Why? They had purpose, they had calling, and they had hope.

Their hope was not in government, not in the military, not in the economy, and not even in their fellow man. Their hope was in a God who provides, directs and sustains.

How times have changed! Our politicians preach hope in government, the military and the economy. Our citizens put into action the words from the pulpit (grassroots), evangelize the message (campaign) and come to the altar (of subsidy, welfare and rebate). That is the New Religion. Government is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.

Government becomes God.

How times remain the same! Government is not god in the same way the ancient kings and rulers proclaimed their divinity. We are too sophisticated for that. But yet, the end will be the same.

A reminder…

Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. (Jesus in Matthew 22:21)

Running the Race

The Apostle Paul was a man who loved a good fight, he loved the race, he knew what he was willing to die for and, more importantly, he knew what he was willing to live for. Some number of months ago, I heard a great story about the Persian War. I researched and reviewed this legend to relay it to you this morning (the story is based on the links at the end of the post).

If you review a map of Paul’s missionary journeys and superimpose those journeys over a map of the battles and troop movements of the Persian Wars (some 500 years earlier)… you would see that Paul’s mission trips and those battles match very closely. Paul preached and ministered in a land where magnificent and long standing myths, legends and heroes were visible and tangible in the culture, the architecture, the government and the military.

And it was in this context were Paul witnessed and proclaimed the love of God in Jesus. When and where he said things like “24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. (Acts 20)”

Five hundred years before Paul ministered in cities like Athens and Corinth, there were great wars and battles fought for man’s freedom. The Greeks would fight the Persians in this ancient land as a democratic rebellion against tyranny. The Athenians, in particular, were engaged in this battle for freedom and would win and lose over some fifty year period. This struggle would reach a climax when the Persians desired to punish Athens for their role in a rebellion and the destruction of a Persian city (Sardis).

A battle ensued and the Persians were met by one of their former soldiers Miltiades. The Athenians were greatly outnumbered. By some accounts 10,000 Athenians to 30,000 Persians. If the Greeks loose this battle – Greek power, culture, art, government and its influence on history is ruined. Europe is likely overtaken and the world as we know – never was.

Miltiades, recognizing that the Athenians are greatly outnumbered, sends his fastest runner – a man named Phidippides 140 miles to the city of Sparta to gain the support of their rivals to fight the common Persian enemy. However, the Spartans are in the middle of a religious festival and refuse to leave until the next full moon. Phidippides returns 140 miles over 2 days and 2 nights to fight along side his country men in the Battle of Marathon. He dons his battle gear and with his comrades looks down upon an army who inspires fear, who is better trained, and who has greater numbers. And now, their General tells them to advance at great speed toward the enemy – a very unusual tactic (to avoid the enemies arrows). Few likely believe they will make it out of this battle alive. But they are willing to die for their country and their freedom.

The two armies collide in fierce hand to hand combat with great spears, swords and the clanging of shields. Phidippides, who had run nearly 300 miles prior to this day, is among the thick of the battle. And beyond all probability the Athenians defeat the Persians and run them into the sea. Victory at Marathon is complete and now the Greeks must attempt to kill the Persian army and destroy their ships before they can board and sail to Athens.

But to no avail, more than a few hundred ships escape the hands of the Athenians. Now word must be sent to Athens to inform them of this great victory and to call them to arms to protect the city. Miltiades must turn to his fastest runner once again to cover the distance of 26 miles between Marathon and Athens. Phidippides knows he must well outrun the Persian fleets and cover mountainous terrain, he casts off his battle gear… he puts aside the memory and the fatigue of the hand-to-hand combat, the 280 miles he has already covered. The level of fatigue and exhaustion were beyond human experience, BUT his freedom and the freedom of his family and country were at stake and drove him through each painful stride. Phidippides reaches his beloved Athens and cries out NIKE! Victory! And it is with this single word, the last stride of the run and with this breath that Phidippides dies.

This is the legend heard by the Athenians, Corinthians, likely the Thessolians, the Philippians and the Romans. This is the 26 mile run – that we still use to commemorate this battle to this day - called a marathon. This is the legend and backdrop in the book of Hebrews…

1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12)

And in the Apostle Paul’s words…

7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4)
24However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. (Acts 20)

Map of Paul's Missionary Journeys
Map of Ancient Greece
Illustrated Persian Wars
Marathon - Quick Overview
Marathon with Links
Pheidippides
YouTube History Channel Documentary

What is the Midnight Message of Our Day?

And so through the night went his cry of alarm To every Middlesex village and farm, A cry of defiance, and not of fear, A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door, And a word that shall echo for evermore! For, borne on the night-wind of the Past, Through all our history, to the last, In the hour of darkness and peril and need, The people will waken and listen to hear The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed, And the midnight message of Paul Revere.

Race, Politics and Religion

It’s been several days now since the story of the Reverend Jeremiah Wright came into the public discussion. I’ve spent hours reading, listening and watching what the preachers, the politicians, the press and the people have to say about race, politics and religion.

After all of this, my initial reaction to the Reverend’s sermon remains a defining and critical point. It is grievous and gut-wrenching to listen to profane and blasphemous preaching from the pulpit. It is painful to listen to other ordained ministers call Wright a prophet when he has twisted, mis-used, and denied God’s word. It is sad this has been politicized.

The relationship between priest and communicant, pastor and congregant, shepherd and sheep is a powerful one. The ordained ministry is first one of representation; representation of Christ and his Church. It is not a relationship of genealogy, blood or metaphor. It is spiritual.

You can walkout, reject and disown this relationship. More importantly, and appropriately, you can call it to account (Matthew 18).

There is little question that the pastoral relationship between Wright and Obama is one that is dependent on race. I find this only problematic if this part of the relationship supersedes the Christ-centered spiritual relationship.

You can see and hear the pain and suffering of Jeremiah Wright. His pain and suffering is born from racism. And each of us face the trials of this world and the kinds of suffering: in abandonment, abuse, loss, injustice, betrayal… and all of their kin. And these forms of suffering have power. And this power, called sin, bears resentment for those who refuse to forgive.

The harboring of unforgiveness and the justification of unforgiveness by holding up the bible is blasphemous.

Barack Obama responded with a great speech. But a great man will call for forgiveness and repentance. A great man will call to account the words of a friend. A great man will take on the hard work of reconciliation.

Suffering bears sin. But, more importantly, suffering bears hope.

This is why the apostle Paul wrote to rejoice in our suffering.

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us (Romans 5:3-5)

Hope is not born from our achievement but our suffering

Change is not born from a promise but from forgiveness

Holiness and righteousness cannot be sacrificed for unity

Reconciliation between men cannot take root until there is reconciliation with God.

What Makes One Catholic?

I mentioned I was catholic in my post about Common Good. What does it mean to be catholic?

There are a few angles to examine.

First, there is the common method of looking at the definition or etymology of the word. Catholic is from a Greek word “katholou” which means “in accordance with the wholeness.” You may remember hearing the Nicene Creed just after a sermon or homily with the line “I believe one holy Catholic and Apostolic church.” Catholic… meaning there is one, complete, whole, universal church. There can only be one church; scripturally, there is one body.

Second, the catholic church believes that there are four components that define or characterize the church; those things that unify or complete the church. These components are based on the life and ministry of Jesus and include: the apostolic ministry, the sacraments, the faith and the scriptures.

Apostolic Ministry (Matthew 28:18-20). The authority of the church is in the hands of living people and the apostolic succession provides the commissioning of those in that authority.

The Sacraments (John 3, 1 Corinthians 15, Acts). The outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. There are seven taught by the church. Do you remember them?

The Faith (Matthew 24:14, 26:13). What you believe makes you who you are. What do you believe? The creeds of the church summarize the tenants of the faith. See the Nicene Creed. Do you seriously believe it?

The Scriptures (Mark 15:28). The scriptures are the words of God split between the history and prophecy of the Old Testament and the life of Jesus and the early church in the New Testament. The Bible has primacy over all other sources of doctrine.

Third, there are five churches that specifically describe themselves as catholic: the Anglicans (including the Episcopal church, for now), the Orthodox, the Roman Catholic and, the “Old” Catholic and the Philippine Independent Church.

End Notes: I hade to research those last two, so the links are provided. Most of this information is taken from “Whole Christianity” by the Reverend Hugh C. Edsall. It’s a lengthy study and some of the teaching is off the wall (e.g., his belief that women’s ordination is scripturally mandated because Mary was the first priest). If you happen to come across the study book, proceed with caution.

And just for fun, here are more creeds than you could shake a stick at.

Archbishop of Sharia Law

This is a post that requires some work. If you read the links, I suspect you will be more informed than the majority of Americans.

What do the statements of a relatively obscure and impotent Bishop some 3500 miles away have to do with us? Do the statements of Archbishop Rowan Williams impact our lives?

To set the stage, I encourage you to read the works of a godly and thought provoking Anglican priest: John Donne. For Whom the Bell Tolls. The entire poem resonates here but the specific line that hits the mark…

The church is Catholic, universal, so are all her actions; all that she does belongs to all.

Now, there is much controversy as well as confusion about the statements of Rowan Williams.

The controversy stems from his statement that Sharia law is inevitable in the United Kingdom. The confusion stems from his masterful deconstruction of the English language and ability to control the argument through owning the language. A friend pointed to another godly Anglican: C.S. Lewis’ work That Hideous Strength that illustrates this.

What did the Archbishop say, specifically, that caused the stir… “and you're words are that the application of Sharia in certain circumstances if we want to achieve this cohesion and take seriously peoples' religion seems unavoidable?” The entire text.

There are four questions that jump to mind for me.

What is Sharia law?

In short, Sharia law is a legal framework that regulates both public and private aspects of life. See Wikipedia for some detail.

Is Sharia law compatible with a democratic government?

There appears to be some debate on this issue. Rowan Williams helps fuel this. Read the Democracy and Human Rights section of the Wikipedia entry.

There is also some scholarly study that discusses the incompatibility of the Enlightenment and Sharia that is worth reading.

There are two other sites that you may want to consider.

Top 10 Reasons why Sharia is Bad for All Societies by the American Thinker provides some documented research that is compelling but requires some thought and consideration before accepting wholesale.

No to Political Islam appears to be a site and organization of Muslims who are simply opposed to Political Islam. From their site

“We oppose Political Islam and its agenda of hatred and oppression, and its illegitimate pursuit of the most barbaric interpretation of Sharia law. We seek a future in which all people, men and women, Muslims and non-Muslims, can enjoy the benefits of equality, democracy, human rights, freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression.”

Really, what is the Archbishop’s agenda?

I’ve read a number of news reports and blogs. It seems like the answer to this question falls into one of six categories

- He desires the destruction of the Anglican Church
- He desires the destruction of England
- He is trying to help us think of ways to work towards unity
- He was simply initiating a healthy debate or a “thoughtful intervention”
- He is absolutely brilliant
- He is just plain stupid

Finally, what does this have to do with me?

Archbishop William’s statements discredit the Anglican Church, and hence, the Catholic church. His actions belong to all.

At best, his clumsy attempt for “thoughtful intervention” continues to erode the credibility and voice of the church; it’s manifestation of absolute morality, truth and beauty; it’s light in this dark place.

That is something we all should be concerned with.

At a time when Christian men, women and children are dying for their faith; some at the hands of Muslim extremists and because of Sharia law… the Archbishop of Canterbury chooses to support that which is killing our brothers and sisters.

We should be more than concerned. We should grieve and we should act.

“any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”

Archbishop Rowan Williams should step down.

Revelation 12:11

Vision

Vision. It separates mediocrity and greatness, chaos and direction, impotence and power.

It causes men to try the impossible, it brings them to their knees, it leads them to their death.

Vision identifies us, it unites us, it moves us and it makes us.

In the right hands, man is better and mankind benefits. In the wrong hands, malevolence reigns.

Vision took us to the moon, it freed the slaves and it founded our country.

Vision transcends one man. Vision is generational. True vision is eternal.

Vision should not be taken lightly. It should be considered. It should be respected. It should be acted upon.

If you are an elected official, I pray you have vision for your constituency.
If you are a pastor, I pray you have vision for your congregation.
If you are a teacher, I pray you have a vision for your classroom.
If you are a parent, I pray you have a vision for your family and children.

I pray you have vision.

I Cry at the Ballet

I am shocked that I admit it. The ballet has been a foreign concept to me my entire life. Now, with three daughters in a production of the Nutcracker, I have come to appreciate the ballet. More than appreciate it. I just wept through the entire first act.

There is the grace and elegance of the performance.

There is an admiration for all the hard work and sacrifice… from lessons to try-outs to practice to rehearsal to production.

There is an appreciation for the production crew, the teachers, the parents and everything that must “go right” and often does.

And most of all I realized that this culminates in a performance that, just for a moment, each person on the stage becomes the embodiment of all the hard work, the instruction, the coaching, the sacrifice, and the love they have for their art and the love of those that support them. At that moment, all cares and worries, all sweat and toil, all sacrifice and discipline is forgotten. At that moment, they are perfect in who they are and what they do. Such is the picture of Heaven Eternal. I cry at the ballet.

Does God Have a Plan for Brownsville?

Yes. God has a great temporal and eternal plan for the people of Brownsville… and he has a very specific plan for Brownsville in this generation. There are four ways that I want to develop the basis for this plan: historical and current events, biblical and personal testimony.

Let’s briefly look into the historical perspective… God has a Great History of establishing covenant with individuals and nations. Noah and all living creatures. Abraham and his descendents. In recent history, the Pilgrim’s and their calling to the New World to establish a New Jerusalem. Our Founding Father’s who were called to found a nation.
Let’s pause there and talk about the idea of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” … our unalienable rights as declared in 1776. Let’s focus on Liberty.
I believe that liberty is critical to unleashing God’s plan for Brownsville. It was notable Revolutionists such as John Adam’s who believed that liberty demanded action. I think that Adam’s would agree that liberty is the freedom to submit to the will of God. In his time, the cause of liberty demanded action against a tyrannical government. A tyrant is an illegitimate ruler.

There are illegitimate rulers in Brownsville today. Not because of some election fraud but because the men, women and even the children have given the prince of this world control and power in their lives. And by this same power, there are earthly religious and government leaders that are destroying the people of our community, culture and nation. Not by direct malicious intent but out of their own selfish and prideful pursuits of power, wealth and prestige... or from laziness, sloth and lack of concern for those they claim to lead.
In pursuing their earthly gains, they oppress or hold down the children of God and the people of our community. This is exactly the situation in the OT lesson today. The prophet Jeremiah cries out to these shepherds and gives them a word of terror for their negligence. The day is at hand when God will reckon with them concerning the trust and charge committed to them. That is God’s business.
In addition! This form of tyranny must be crushed in our own lives. Jeremiah reminded his people that the beginning of error in their lives was their failure to take God seriously. The people of Judah had lost contact with the word of God. They did what was right in their own eyes… not doing what they knew was wrong in the sight of God but becoming like God in judging what is good and evil. A regression all the way back to the fall of man.
But in the midst of the pain and suffering, the looming captivity and, for Jeremiah, a ministry that was marked by 40 years of failure as a prophet to a decaying nation… God gave a word of comfort to the neglected sheep.
The pain and suffering, the neglect as well as the words of comfort and hope ring true today for our time, our church, and our community. There are 4 parts of this word of comfort and hope.

1. Judah was a little remnant, that has narrowly escaped destruction. We are a little remnant…
2. God, Himself, will gather that remnant. God, Himself, will gather us…
3. And there they shall be fruitful, and increase in numbers. We shall be fruitful and increase in numbers
4. Formerly they were continually exposed and disturbed with some alarm or other; but now they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed. We have been exposed… but now we shall fear no more…

There is a well worn passage in the 29th chapter of Jeremiah that sums this up and reads “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” These plans are for us, for Brownsville and for you… as Deacon Don will bring to us next week.
Jumping back to our reading from the 23rd chapter this morning…
“The days are coming”, declares the Lord, when I will raise up to David a righteous branch, a king who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land”. This is, of course, the Messianic Promise fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. The leaders, even in our day, who are more like wolves than shepherds will be replaced by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And, even in this coming advent season, when we are reminded of his first coming, we are even more expectant of his second coming.

Let’s turn to the gospel reading this morning, where we find ourselves taken to the place called the Skull where Jesus was crucified between two criminals. I toiled to understand how and why this scripture was appointed for this morning. And as I was reading a sermon by Charles Spurgeon from over 100 years ago, I realized that this passage, for us, this morning is about the repentant criminal.
This man justly hung on a cross as punishment for his sins while a man with no sin hung on a cross for our sins. We are the criminal who must die justly but by the grace of God we are saved. The way Spurgeon said it is “The cross of Christ is to some a savour of life unto life, to others of death unto death”. There were two criminals -and one had a great faith - as he suffered in intense pain and certain death, also surrounded by scoffers and derision. He heard the priests ridicule the Lord, he heard the same from the soldiers and the people as well as his friend who hung there with him.
How easy for him to join the crowd, to follow these people, to suffer from the tyranny of his time and place. But he did not! His faith, like Jeremiah’s, was not affected by his surroundings.

I mentioned at the onset today that liberty is critical to unleashing God’s plan for Brownsville. This criminal, had one member of his body that was not bound (by nails to a cross), and with his tongue he rebuked his friend and asked Jesus to remember him when he comes into his kingdom.
What faith – even as he witnessed Jesus dying on a cross!
This criminal experienced the fullness of the grace of God and he submitted to the will of God in his painful and final hours. Liberty demands action. His action was a testimony, in front of his friend, the priestly rulers, the soldiers who nailed him to the cross, the common people, and our Lord Jesus. The testimony and proclamation is “Jesus is Lord”. What is your proclamation? What is your action? How will you participate in God’s plan for Brownsville?

We have heard about historical and current events, the teaching from our scripture readings today… now I would like to close with a testimony (short version) of how God has spoken and worked in my and my family’s like these 10+ years in Brownsville.
We were living in the Washington DC area where we were both starting our professional careers, she as an OT and myself as a consultant with PW. We were newly married, young, showed the signs of successful, building new friendships, involved with our church and active in ministry. God asked us to leave and leave all of that behind to move to Brownsville to minister to the young people here. We were married in this church but that was about the extent of what I knew and have ever seen of Brownsville. (Good thing too).
I couldn’t wait to move. I thought I was going to miss all of the action. I believed and still believe that God will pour out his spirit on this community and change it’s very character. Liberty is critical to unleashing God’s plan for Brownsville. Liberty demands action.

I pray that I live to see this day but if I do not, my children or my children’s children will be here to see it and be worker’s in this harvest field. I have come to see Brownsville as not just a lifelong mission, but a generational mission and an eternal mission… Until then God is calling us all to live like Jeremiah and to die like the criminal on the cross. But liberty demands action.
God, who set all the boundaries of the earth, loves and cares for Brownsville, He has a plan and purpose for Brownsville. And Brownsville will become a community known for its love for God and for each other and we will make disciples whom we will send to the very ends of the earth. God will be glorified… and it all begins with you. Just this morning, I came across an article about David Livingstone, a famous Christian missionary and (interestingly enough) contemporary of Charles Spurgeon. Livingstone, in all his difficult years as a missionary, was directly involved with the conversion of only one African. He wrote “we work for a glorious future which we are not destined to see.”
God is calling us to the hard work of discipleship … of building our families… of reaching the lost… of ministering to the poor, the needy, the addicted… of loving each other
And Brownsville will become a community known for its love for God and for each other and we will make disciples whom we will send to the very ends of the earth. God will be glorified… and it all begins with you.
I remind you, again, that liberty is critical to unleashing God’s plan for Brownville. We are called to a difficult task of building the road that other’s will enjoy. Livingstone’s life motto was “Fear God, work hard.”
Brownsville must be set free from its illegitimate rulers. You must first be set free from the power of sin and death. Liberty demands action and I submit to you that this day, that (like the thief on the cross) action begins with confession. When Brownsville comes to a place of repentance and confession, life and liberty will prevail, and God will unleash his plan on this city of hope.

Fear God, work hard. Amen.

Does God Care About You?

This is a new feature to The Brownsville Experience. You can now download audio files. The link below is today's sermon by Deacon Don from Christ Church, Anglican in Brownsville titled "Does God Care About You?" It is the second in a four part series about Brownsville. Stay tuned towards the end where Deacon Don gives his life story (in 3 minutes) where God rescued him from a living hell.

Here is the entire series...

Does God Care about Brownsville? (below - blog post only)

Does God Care about You? (this post - audio only)

Does God Have a Plan for Brownsville? (November 25)

Does God have a Plan for You? (December 2)

The other posts will come as available.

Please pardon the sound quality. I'll do my best to improve this over time.

To access this sermon, simply click on the link below. You will have the option to "save" or "open" the file (5Mb). If you "open" the file it should load into your preferred audio reader. Let me know if you experience any technical problems.

DGCAY v2.wav

Does God Care About Brownsville?

We have lived in Brownsville for over a decade, in that time we've witnessed Brownsville’s 40 year slide, deep cynicism, the little hope or false hopes of the community, the poverty, the addiction, the oppression, depression and apathy and all of their scorching effects.

Does God Care About Brownsville?

And in that decade we have seen homes burn, buildings collapse, police departments close, friends come and friends go, we’ve been robbed, vandalized and sued, we’ve witnessed tragedy and… worst of all…we’ve witnessed the erosion of hope.

Does God Care About Brownsville?

To answer this question, I ask you to consider “Biblical Proportions”.

There are three Old Testament geographies to think about: the cities of Sodom and Gomorra, the land of Egypt and the entire Earth. These were bad times and circumstances, this is what the bible has to say about each of them.

Sodom and Gomorra
The cities were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy (Ezekiel 16:49)
The Land of Egypt
The Egyptians held the Hebrew people in slavery for 400 years of which God said.. I have seen their misery…I have heard the cries of my people… and I am concerned about their suffering (Exodus 3:7)
The Entire Earth
The thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. The Lord was grieved that he had made man and his heart was filled with pain. (Genesis 6: 4-6)

In the end, S&G was destroyed by fire, ten plagues were brought upon the land and people of Egypt, and a flood was brought upon all the earth.

Before we discuss what God has brought upon Brownsville and what he will destroy… let me assure you that the fire, the plagues and the flood are images of a God who cares.

S&G demonstrates that God is merciful and just. The plagues illustrate that God liberates his people and redeems his creation while the flood teaches us that God rescues the righteous and covenants with all living creatures.

Let us pray that God is merciful and just with Brownsville, that he will liberate Brownsville and redeem his creation and rescue the righteous while remembering His covenant. Amen.

You could say that God smote S&G, the land of Egypt and the entire earth. The OT talks a lot about smiting. Smiting enemies, armies, etc. Smiting – to completely and utterly destroy. In the OT, he brought catastrophe of biblical proportion… now he has brought love of biblical proportion.

The fullness of His compassion and love become manifested in the giving of his son Jesus to a lost and dying world…

Does God care about Brownsville? The answer is … yes.

God brought his love upon Brownsville.

For God so loves the world, that he gave us his only begotten son, so that whoever shall believe in him will not perish but have everlasting life.

While we are still sinners, Christ died for us…

God does want to completely and utterly destroy you… with his Love. He will free you from the penalty of sin, set you free from the power of sin and one day he will free you from the very presence of sin.

This is the picture of a New Creation in Christ. God is the Great Liberator and Redeemer. He cares so much for Brownsville that he was willing to die for Brownsville.

For God so loved Brownsville, that he gave his only begotten Son…

But Yet… There is darkness in Brownsville; physics tells us, and more importantly, the bible tells us that darkness cannot overcome light… and speaking to his people, God tells us that you are the light of the world

The Erosion of Hope and False Hope needs to be placed with the Hope of the Resurrection.

I encourage you to read and meditate on the following passages.

Job 19: 23-27
2 Peter 3: 8-14
Matthew 9: 35-38

You, are the workers in his harvest. You are the light of the world.

William Wilberforce, who led the fight to bring the abolition of the slave trade in the English Parliament , proclaimed “the national difficulties we face result from the decline of religion and morality among us. I must confess equally boldly that my own solid hopes for the well-being of my country depend, not so much on her navies and armies as on the persuasion that she still contains many who love and obey the Gospel of Christ. I believe that their prayers may yet prevail."

I know that God cares about Brownsville. May those who love and obey the Gospel of Christ in Brownsville prevail.

If you want to see and know a God who cares about Brownsville. Try four things this week…

(1) Forgive a friend or relative who has harmed you
(2) Reach out to a neighbor with some great or small kindness
(3) Pray for a friend in need
(4) Live in the hope of resurrection

God cares about Brownsville. Do you?

Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself

“Please allow me to introduce myself…”

What are your summertime memories as a child? I can remember endless days of swimming, kickball, forts in the woods, playing in the creek, blackberry picking, bike riding, trying to stay cool in the basement,…

In Brownsville, summer time brings out the vandals, carjackers, armed robbers, prostitutes… It’s been a tough few months in the community and people I know have been threatened, hurt, beaten, robbed and mugged. People have died. For now, we are doing our best to stay the tide of crime and there is a growing grass roots Neighborhood Watch program. There have been victories too; including the arrest of a notorious criminal who had been terrorizing his neighborhood.

There are many ideas on how to improve the situation in the community: a multi-community police force, stronger watch programs, armed militia, vigilantes, more unity among the community. To name a few I’ve heard.

To create a solution, we need to understand the root of the problem in Brownsville. Evil.

One of my hero’s, William Wilberforce, is best known for bringing an end to the slave trade in early 19th century England. His vision and accomplishment was even grander than this. In fact, it was God-given. “The abolition of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.” Wilberforce believed that the slave trade, and ultimately the end of slavery, would only happen upon the moral reform of his country. Moral reform at the individual level.

I’m reminded of the words of our first President in his farewell address, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.… Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” (Washington’s Farewell Address http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/49.htm)

To be sure, there is a relationship between our success as a community, our morality and our religion. More specifically, our devotion to biblical principles and Christian faith.

In this context, I share with you an encounter from last summer.

Last year, we put a rope swing in the backyard. It quickly became one of our favorite backyard pastimes and created quite a bit of interest among the kids in the neighborhood. One afternoon, we were entertaining “Tina”, a young neighborhood girl (about 9). She was sweet and considerate but frequently used God’s name inappropriately.

So, I decided to use this opportunity not only teach her, but have my two younger children listen and observe. I asked her if she had ever heard of the Ten Commandments. Here is the dialogue.

“Is that like when, your lost at the store and you go to the front and ask them to call your mom.”

“No, sweetie, that’s a good safety rule but that’s not one of God’s Commandments.” Turning to my kids, I asked if they could remember any.

“You shouldn’t lie… you shouldn’t steal…” Tina jumped immediately into the conversation with the following response.

“My mom stole this shirt from the Dollar General. My uncle stole us a Slip and Slide and a grill. My mom steals from my dad and my dad hits my mom. My dad is in jail. My mom was in jail when I was in her belly. Now she’s out. She stole his hat and he got mad…” The monologue went on.

In this moment of disorder, two things struck me. First, stealing, lying, cheating, physical abuse are as much as part of her culture and doctrine as honesty, compassion, love… are part of my family's. Second, she is being raised, not in an immoral family, but an amoral family.

Now, imagine an entire community of families like Tina’s. Or an entire nation. What does that community look like? Spend some time in Brownsville and you will likely see a glimpse of it. Despair. Oppression. Depression. Fear. Addiction. Chaos.

“Pleased to meet you Hope you guess my name But whats puzzling you Is the nature of my game.”

In Brownsville, our safety requires us to address the symptoms of the problem. Our future requires us to address the root. We need to be reminded that we have a hope and a future and to be “on the side of Jesus Christ”, as Wilberforce exclaimed. There is no hope and no future apart from him who created us and redeemed us.

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”

It's time to address our morality. It's time for the Church to wake up.

Five Things

Every year, Travis and I meet over the summer to pray and plan for the upcoming school year. We often meet at the Route 40 Diner over breakfast. This year, my heart was heavy with five words that were impressed upon me for my children. Five words that were beginning to define how we wanted to raise our children and that which we desired to impart to them.

This is not a list that sits on our desk but is impressed upon our hearts. They were manifested through reading God’s word, a reflection on how we were living our lives and how we were not, prayer, and who we are as God’s children.

Its how I desire to live my walk with God, my relationships with my family and neighbors, and our ministry… and what I want to impart to my children.

Identified. Called. Obedient. Influencing. Loving.

My understanding with what these words mean grows and deepens with my own walk. On the Sunday after Easter I had the opportunity to share with our church family a snapshot of these five things through a reflection of the appointed scripture reading. The heart of this message is based on the question “What is the most important thing you will do today?”

As a parent, I am responsible for the spiritual upbringing of my children. We teach, we admonish, we train, we nurture and we also help lead our children to an encounter with the risen Lord. In fact, at their Baptism, we made a commitment to help them grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of his Church. To help understand “spiritual upbringing” and an “encounter with God”, consider Job and Thomas…

The story of Job unfolds as we understand who he is and his life goals, as he lives through and endures physical and emotional suffering, as he spends time before God and finally exclaims “My ears of heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” Job has heard the report of God… but now he has physically, mentally, and spiritually encountered God. His response? Repentance.

Repentance is a mark of one who has encountered God. They have become identified with Christ. Their identity is in Christ.

The gospel of John for this Sunday is the passage that is often referred to as the story of doubting Thomas. Thomas doubted when he did not see. (Let’s not forget that it took Job 42 chapters before he saw!) But when he did encounter the Risen Lord, he fell down and cried out “My Lord and My God”. I would understand this to be the first recorded instance of the praise and worship of the Risen Lord.

A mark of one who has encountered God is praise and worship. They acknowledge His presence and humble themselves before him.

We can learn about God but we must be identified with His death and resurrection. We must be transformed and take on the image of Christ; identified with him.

We can know our gifts and our talents, inventory our interests and capabilities, but we must seek the calling and purpose of our Creator. We are called.

We can be obedient to the law, but we are not under the law. We must be obedient to the will and commands of God… out of love.

In the midst of our identity, our calling and our obedience we live a life of influence. We must go into the world…

And finally, love. Follow the way of love. Love of God, love of neighbor… the most excellent way.

Identified. Called. Obedient. Influencing. Loving.

It should be noted that the appointed readings for this Sunday are
Job 42:1-6
Acts 5:12a,17-22, 25-29
John 20:19-31