Saturday, November 29, 2008

PC vs. Mac

Have you ever sat in front of your PC and gotten some eternal hourglass, or blue screen of death? You restart and the same thing happens?!??! You just want to kill the kids for picking up some spyware on MySpace or Facebook. After three restarts you know you are in trouble. Didn't you hear the salesman when he said, "there are two types of people on this earth, those that are going to lose data, and those that have!"

Whatever happened to point-and-click? Windows was supposed to be plug-and-play, yet, was better know as plug-and-pray. Years have gone by and Windows '95 (Macintosh '86) has had 13 years of development and upgrades to become the best operating system in the world. "VISTA." This is the mountain top computer experience, right? No! This is hell on the big screen. Nearly a year after its release, we are no better off then we were the day of the release. The carnival in Redmond, better known as Microsoft, has suckered the public into beta testing (and paying for) it's latest and greatest. Can you blame me for not believing in evolution?

I am always amazed at the Mac vs PC war. Which is better? Which is easier to use? My question is which is more likely to keep on running without reloading the operating system? I have often wondered if our cars ran as poorly as our Windows computers, would they qualify under the lemon law? In truth, I think of the ever popular Windows like a Ford Escort. I have never met anyone that said, "I dream of owning a Ford Escort." But millions do. Think about it.

But there is a bright side. Windows was green first, using the Recycle Bin instead of a desktop Garbage can.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Proclamation of Thanksgiving


By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

William H. Seward,Secretary of State

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Christianity, the Bottom Line - Politically Incorrect Christianity!

Are you tired of the church being in the news, public debate by politicians as to how you get to heaven and being picked on by folks like Bill Maher? Conversely, have you really thought about what you believe, why you believe it and "is it working for you?" What is your worldview? Your religious paradigm? Is it denominational, experiential, media made, or though the lens of "Americanism"?

Recently, possibly due to the election, I have had heard an escalation of very intense Christian rhetoric. Some from hard-line Christians, some from nominal Christians and even some from main-line pastors. On the other side we have had some violent protesting of California's passage of Proposition 8 banning gay marriage and Al-Queda's name calling of president elect Obama. The conflict between darkness and light appears to be intensifying.

Christianity is blamed for so many things, but especially intolerance. One of the problems here is the mixed message that we can give in standing for a biblical principal, while acting very unlovingly. Hypocrisy is never a good message.

No matter where you are from, your Christianity is likely tainted with your own culture. The early church was stuck in Judaism to the point where Paul rebuked Peter. If you are from any denomination or ethnic background, I am sure some of it has seeped in. This is not a bad thing. Why? Because God is relevant. However; He is never changing. His principals transcend culture and time, but they work exactly the same for every human being in every age. Sin will always be sin to God, regardless of how culture and society view it, rationalize it, defend it or make it legal.

Your worldview will not be 100% correct without a lot of time with the the Master. I am still having trouble finding the verse that talks about suits and ties in church. Yet, I have ministered in many churches where that is a requirement. I was in another church and a woman on our team was not allowed to minister simply because she was a woman. Sad. So she preached healing and laid hands on the sick in the parking lot where many got healed. Worldviews can get in our way.

I think that most damaging thing to Christianity is the media. Many Christians learn from TV. And some TV teachers are really good, but others are not. Worse are the scientific explanations of biblical stories filled with conjecture; like Jesus was married! Oh, and Paul suffered a seizure on the road to Damascus!?! I thought he fell off his Harley at Bike Week. I would submit that questioning is good, but logic is hardly the friend of the Spirit-controlled Christian.

Having taken a one-man survey, I have come to some conclusions about Christianity.

-1 Most Christians don't know what exactly they believe. They take the word they have heard preached on Sunday-- or part of it. They don't test it or challenge it. I am not sure if it is blind faith, laziness, or simply that the pastor called it truth, that this form of acceptance is called faith. The Bereans challenged Paul's teachings and they were commended for it, why not us? A lot of hypocrisy could be avoided if we'd study what we are taught.

-2 The lack of seeing the Word in action is also a real draw back to our faith. We are told to take everything on faith like Thomas. Let me tell you, Thomas saw Lazarus raised from the dead! What he doubted was the fact that the disciples saw Jesus after His death and burial. We need to see the Word in action to build our faith.

I often think of the story where a man is watching a high-wire act over Niagara Falls. There is a man crossing the falls, pushing a wheelbarrow crossing over the perilous falls below over and over. The spectator speaks to him saying, "man you are really good at that; just amazing!"

The high-wire artist replies, "Really, if you think I am that good, than why don't you get in the wheelbarrow?"

We need to chronicle that which we have asked God for, and look for the result. That is what real faith is.

-3 We need to toss our spiritual tin snips out and and let God be all that he is in the Bible. By His Spirit He heals, prophesies, provides faith, wisdom and knowledge, works in signs and wonders, is all knowing, ever present, He is Faith, Hope and Love. He is God of all. Here are 650 More Things That He Is.

-4 We need to be doers, not just hearers of the Word. Most Christians (those not from Muslim and Communist nations) have heard hundreds if not thousands of sermons and spiritual messages. If nearly 80% of Americans claim to be Christians, then how come we are not in better shape in terms of social issues such as abortion, marriage, divorce and even murder?-5 We need to embrace grace and forgiveness with humility. Grace and forgiveness are not excuses for bad behavior. Many get caught up in this type of Christianity and don't have a relationship with God-- really. And those who do, need to be careful of judging others and being legalistic. This type of spiritual pride and smugness is not a good witness for the church.


-6 We need mercy from God. We need to stop pointing at someone else' bad behavior to minimize our own. It is time to be a witness for Jesus, not some TV show that we watched last night.

-7 We need the revelation, knowing that when the work of love is actually done in us, we'll see God as our closest friend. Hosea 2:13-19. We will see Him as fuel to our love tank. And when we take a stand against sin, we'll do it with love, power and a sound mind, not tauting others with Christian rhetoric.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Who Is Jesus? - He is Everything!

In 1998 I decided to do a little study on Jesus (God) and His names and attributes. I was inspired by a speaker that I heard and a poster that I saw in Brazil which had about 15 names. Understanding the nature of God is essential for becoming what God meant for us to be.

Here are 650+ that I was able to find. I once preached a sermon on "He is Everything," and for the last 20 minutes I simply read this list out loud. I found it very powerful.

abounding in goodness and truth (Ex. 34:6)
acquainted with grief (Isa. 53:3)
Adam, the last (1 Cor. 15:45)
Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1)
all (Col. 3:11)
Almighty, the (Job 5:17; 1:8)
Alpha (Rev. 1:8; 21:6)
Amen, the (Rev. 3:14)
Ancient of Days, the (Dan. 7:22)
anointed (Ps. 2:2; Acts 4:27)
Apostle and High Priest of our confession (Heb. 3:1)
author and finisher of our faith, the (Heb. 12:2)
author of eternal salvation, the (Heb. 5:9)
banner to the people, a (Isa. 11:10)
Beginning of the creation of God, the (Rev. 3:14)
Beginning, the (Rev. 21:6)
Beloved, My (Matt. 12:18)
Branch of the LORD, the (Isa. 4:2)
Branch, of (Isa.11:1)
Branch, a righteous (Jer. 23:5)
BRANCH, the (Zech. 6:12)
bread from heaven, true (John 6:32)
bread of life, the (John 6:35)
breath of the Almighty Job 32:8; 33:4)
bridegroom, the (Matt. 9:15)
brightness of His glory, the (Heb. 1:3)
brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon, of (Mark 6:3)
builder and maker (Heb. I 1:1 0)
carpenter, the (Mk 6:3)
carpenter's son, the (Matt. 13:55)
chief cornerstone, elect, precious (I Pet. 2:6)
chief cornerstone, the (Matt. 21:42; Mk 12:1 0; Eph. 2:20)
Child Jesus (Luke 2:27)
chosen of God, the (Luke 23:35)
Christ, the chosen of God (Luke 23:35)
Christ Jesus my Lord (Phil. 3:8)
Christ of God (Luke 9:20)
Christ, the (Matt. 16:6)
comforter, (2 Cor. 1:4)
Commander of the Lord's army, the (Josh- 5:15)
confidence of all the ends of the earth and ... (Ps. 65:5)
Consolation of Israel, the (Luke 2:25)
cornerstone, a precious (Isa. 28:16)
Counselor, Wonderful (Isa. 9:6)
covenant to die people (Isa. 42:6)
Creator of Israel, the (Isa. 43:15)
Creator of the ends of the earth (Isa. 40:28)
Creator, a faithful (I Pet. 4:19)
Creator, your (Eccl. 12:1)
crown of glory, a (Isa. 28:5; 62:3)
Dayspring, the (Luke 1:78)
defender of widows, a (Ps. 68:5)
deliverer, my (2 Sam. 22:2; Ps. 18:2
Deliverer, the (Rom. 11:26)
Desire of All Nations (Hag. 2:7)
diadem of beauty (Isa. 28:5)
diadem, a royal (Isa. 62:3)
door of the sheep, the (John 10:7)
door, the (John 10:9)
dwelling place, our (Ps. 90:1)
dwelling, your (Ps. 91:9)
End, the (Rev. 21:6)
Excellent Glory, the (2 Pet. 1:17)
express image of His person, the (Heb. 1:3)
everlasting strength (Isa. 26:4)
Faithful and True (Rev. 1 9:1 1)
Father (Matt. 11:25) God
Father of glory, the (Eph. 1:17)
Father of lights, the James 1:17)
Father of mercies, the (2 Cor. 1:3)
Father of spirits, the (Heb. 12:9)
father of the fatherless, a (Ps. 68:5)
Father to Israel, a (Jer 31:9)
Father who honors Me, My (said by Jesus) (John 8:54)
Father, Everlasting (Isa. 9:6)
Father, Holy (John 17:1 1; 20:17)
Father, My (John 8:54)
Father, our (Isa. 64:8)
Father, righteous (John 17:25)
Father, your (Deut. 32:6; John 20:17)
Fear of Isaac, the (Gen. 31:42)
fire, a consuming (Deut. 4:24)
fire, the devouring (Isa. 33:14)
first to rise from the dead (Acts 26:23)
First, the (Isa. 44:6; Rev. 22:13)
firstborn among many brethren (Rom 8:29)
firstborn from the dead, the (Col. 1:1 8)
firstborn over all creation, the (Col. 1:15)
firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, the (I Cor. 15:20)
fortress, my (Ps. 18:2; Ps. 91:2)
foundation (1 Cor. 3:1 1)
foundation, a sure (Isa. 28:16)
fountain of living waters, the (Jer. 2:13)
friend of tax collectors and sinners, a (Matt. 11:19)
gift, indescribable (2 Cor. 9:15)
gift, the same (Acts 11:17)
glory, their (Ps. 106:20; Jer. 2:1 1)
glory, your (Isa. 60:19)
God (Gen. 1:1; John 1:1)
God of Hosts, the (El Sabaoth) (Ps. 80:7)- 17:10)
God of my salvation, the (Ps. 18:46)
God of your salvation, the (Is. 17:10)
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3)
God and Savior Jesus Christ, our (2 Pet. 1:1)
God and Savior, our great (Titus 2:13)
God in heaven above and on the earth
beneath (Deut. 4:39; Josh. 2:1 1)
God Most High (Gen. 14:18)
God my Maker Job 35:1 0)
God my Rock (Ps. 42:9)
God of Abraham, the (Ps. 47:9)
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel (1 Kings 18:36)
God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Ex. 3:16)
God of all comfort (2 Cor. 1:3)
God of all flesh (Jer. 32:27)
God of all grace (1 Pet. 5:10)
God of all the kingdoms of the earth (2 Kings 19:15)
God of Daniel (Dan. 6:26)
God of David your father (2 Kings 20:5)
God of glory (Ps. 29:3)
God of gods (Deut. 10:1 7)
God of heaven (Gen. 24:3; Ps- 136:26)
God of heaven and earth (Ezra 5:11)
God of Israel (Ex. 24:10; Matt. 15:31)
God of Jacob (Ps. 20:1; Ps. 46:7)
God of Jeshurun (the upright one) (Deut. 33:26)
God of mercy (Ps. 59:1 0)
God of my father Abraham (Gen. 32:9)
God of my father Isaac (Gen. 32:9)
God of my salvation, the (Ps. 51:14; 88:1)
God of my strength (Ps. 43:2)
God of Nahor (Gen. 31:53)
God of our fathers (Deut. 26:7)
God of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:17)
God of our salvation (1 Chron. 16:35; Ps. 85:4)
God of peace (Rom. 16:20; 1 Thess. 5:23)
God of recompense (Jer- 51:56)
God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego (Dan. 3:28)
of the armies of Israel (I Sam. 17-45)
God of the earth (Gen. 24:3)
God of the Hebrews (Ex. 5:3)
God of the living (Matt. 22:32)
God of the spirits of all flesh (Num. 16:22; Num 27:15)
God of the whole earth (Isa 54:5)
God of truth (Ps. 31:5)
God of truth and without injustice (Deut- 32:4)
God of your fathers (Deut. 1:2 1)
God our Father (Eph. 1:2)
God our Savior (Jude 25)
God our strength (Ps. 8 1:1)
God over Israel (2 Sam. 7:26)
God the Father (John 6:27)
God the King of all the earth (Ps. 47:7)
God the LORD (I Chron. 13:6; Ps. 85:8)
God who alone is wise (I Tim. 1:17)
God who avenges (Ps. 94:1)
God who avenges me (Ps. 18:47)
God who does wonders (Ps- 77:14)
God-Who-Forgives (Ps- 99:8)
God who delivers me from my enemies, the (Ps. 18:47-48)
God-Who-Sees, the (Gen. 16:13)
God, a jealous (Deut. 4:24)
God, Almighty (El Shaddai) (Gen. 17:1)
God, great and awesome (Dan. 9:4)
God, Israel's (I Chron. 17:24)
God, living (Jer. IO:IO)
God, living and true (I Thess. 1:9)
God, merciful and gracious (Ex. 34:6)
God, Mighty (Isa. 9:6)
God, my (Gen. 28:21; John 20:17)
God of my righteousness (Ps. 4:1)
God, 0 King (Ps. 145:1)
God, the Everlasting (Gen. 21:33; Isa. 40:28)
God, the faithful (Deut. 7:9)
God, great (Deut. 10:17)
God, the great and awesome (Neh. 1:)
God, the true, (Jer. 10:10)
God, your (John 20:17)
guarantee, a (2 Cor. 1:22; 2 Cor. 5:5)
guide, our (Ps. 48:14)
habitation of justice, the (Jer- 50:7)
He who blots out your transgressions (Isa. 43:25)
He who built all things (Heb- 3:4)
He who calls for the waters of the sea (Amos 5:8)
He who comes in the name of the Lord (Ps. 1 18:26)
He who comforts you (Isa. 51:12)
He who declares to man what His thought is (Amos 4:13)
He who forms the mountains, and creates the wind (Amos 4:13)
He who makes the day dark as night (Amos 5:8)
He who makes the morning darkness (Amos 4:14)
He who raised Christ from the dead (Rom. 8:1 1)
He who reveals secrets (Dan. 2:29)
He who sanctifies (Heb. 2:1 1)
He who searches the hearts (Rom 8:27)
He who searches the minds and hearts (Rev. 2:23)
He who turns the shadow of death into morning (Amos 5:8)
He who was dead, and came to life (Rev. 2:8)
head of all principality and power, the (Col. 2:10)
head of the body, the church (Col. 1:1 8)
head of the church (Eph- 5:23)
head, the (Eph. 4:15; Col. 2:19)
heir of all things (Heb. 1:2)
help in trouble, a very present (Ps. 46:1)
help, my ( Ps. 27:9; Ps. 40:17)
help, our (Ps. 33:20)
helper of the fatherless, the (Ps. 10:14)
Helper, another (John 14:16)
Helper, the (John 14:26)
He who has the seven Spirits of God (Rev. 3:1)
He who lives (Rev. 1:1 8)
hiding place, my (Ps- 32:7)
High Priest forever (Heb. 6:20)
High Priest over the house of God (Heb. 10:21)
High Priest, a great (Heb. 4:14)
High Priest, a merciful and faithful (Heb. 2:17)
Him who is able to keep you from stumbling (Jude 24)
Him who is able to present you faultless before ... (Jude 4)
Him who is from the beginning (I John 2:13)
Him who is most just (Job 34:17)
Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead(I Pet. 4:5)
Him who lives forever (Dan. 12:7)
Him who lives forever and ever (Rev. 10:6)
Him who loved us and washed us from our sins ... (Rev. 1:5-6)
Him who ought to be feared (Ps. 76:1 1)
Him who sits on the throne (Rev. 5:13)
Holy One (Luke 1:35; 1 John 2:20; Isa. 43:15)
Holy One and the Just, the (Acts 3:14)
Holy One of God, the (Luke 4:34)
Holy One of Israel (Ps. 71:22; Isa. 41:14)
Holy One who is faithful, the (Hos. 11:12)
holy Servant Jesus (Acts 4:27)
Holy Spirit, the (John 14:26; Ps. 5 1:1 1)
Holy Spirit of God, the (Eph. 4:30)
Holy Spirit, His (Isa. 63:1 0)
Holy Spirit, the promise of the (Acts 2:33)
hope in the day of doom, my (Jer. 17:17)
Hope of Israel, the (Jer. 14:8)
hope of Israel, the (Jer. 17:13; Acts 28:20)
hope of their fathers, the (Jer. 50:7)
hope of their fathers, the (Jer- 50:7)
hope, my (Ps. 71:5)
horn of my salvation, the (2 Sam. 22:3; Ps. 18:2)
horn of salvation (Luke 1:69)
Husband, My (Hos. 2:16)
husband, your (Isa- 54:5)
I AM (Ex. 3:14; John 8:58)
I AM WHO I AM (Ex. 3:14)
image of God, the (2 Cor. 4:4)
image of the invisible God (Col. 1:1 5)
Immanuel (God with us) (Matt. 1:23)
immortal (I Tim. 1:17)
inheritance, their (Ezek. 44:28)
intercessor, my (Isa- 53:12)
invisible (I Tim. 1:17)
Jealous (Ex. 34:14)
Jesus (Matt. 1:21)
Jesus Christ (John 1:17; Acts 2:38)
Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Acts 4:1 0)
Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 1:3)
Jesus Christ our Savior (Titus 3:6)
Jesus of Nazareth (John 19:19)
Judge of all the earth (Gen. 18:25)
judge of the earth (Ps. 94:2)
Judge of the living and the dead (Acts 10:42)
judge, just (Ps. 7:1 1)
Judge,-our (Isa. 33:22)
Judge, righteous, the (2 Tim. 4:8)
judge, the (Judg. 11:27)
just One, the (Acts 7:52)
King above all gods, the great (Ps- 95:3)
King from of old, my (Ps- 74:12)
King of all the earth, the (Ps. 47:7)
King of glory, the (Ps. 24:7)
King of heaven, the (Dan. 4:37)
King of Israel, the (Zeph. 3:15; John 1:49)
KING OF KINGS (Rev. 19:16)
King of kings (1 Tim. 6:15)
King of the Jews'(Matt. 27:1 1; John 18:39; 19:9)
King of the nations (Jer. 10:7)
King of the saints (Rev. 15:3)
King over all the earth, great (Ps. 47:2)
King who comes in the name of the
Lord (Luke 19:38)
King, everlasting (Jer. 1 0:IO)
King, great (Ps. 48:2; Matt. 5:35)
King, my (Ps. 44:4)
King, our (Isa. 33:22)
King, your (Matt. 21:5; 43:15)
Lamb of God, the (John 1:29)
lamb without blemish and without spot, a (I Pet. 1:1 9)
Lamb, a (Rev. 5:6)
Lamb, the (Rev. 5:8)
Lamb who was slain (Rev. 5:12)
lamp, my (2 Sam. 22:29)
Last, the (Isa. 44:6; Rev. 22:13)
Lawgiver, one ((Isa. 4:12)
Lawgiver, our ( 33:22)
leader and commander for the people, a (Isa- 55:4)
life, eternal (I John 5:20)
life, our (Col. 3:4)
life, the (John 14:6)
light (I John 1:5)
Light, the true (John 1:8)
light of life, the (John 8:12)
light of men, the (John 1:4)
light of the world, the (John 8:12)
light to bring revelation to the Gentiles (Luke 2:32)
light to the Gentiles (Isa. 42:6)
light, a great (Isa. 9:2)
light, an everlasting (Isa. 60:19)
Light, true (John 1:9)
lily of the valleys, the (Song of Sol, 2:1)
Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5)
longsuffering, the (Ex. 34:6)
Lord (Luke 2:1 1)
Lord (Adonai) (Ps. 54:4)
Lord Jehovah) (Gen. 15:6)
Lord and Savior, the (2 Pet. 3:2)
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the (2 Pet. 2:20)
Lord God (Gen. 2:4)
Lord God Almighty (Rev. 15:3)
Lord God of Gods, the (Josh. 22:22)
Lord God of hosts, the (2 Sam. 5:1 0)
Lord God of Israel (I Chron. 29:1 0)
Lord God, the only (Jude 4)
Lord-Is-My Banner, the- (Ex. 17:15; see Num. 2:2)
Lord-Is-Peace, the- Jehovah Shalom (Judg. 6:24)
Lord Jesus (Luke 24:3; Aces 7:59)
Lord Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:3; Jas. 2:1)
Lord Jesus Christ, our hope (I Tim. 1:1)
Lord Most High (Ps. 7:17)
Lord my Rock (Ps. 28:1)
Lord of all the earth, the (Josh. 3:13)
Lord of both the dead and the living (Rom. 14:9)
Lord of Glory, the (Jas.. 2:1; I Cor. 2:8)
Lord of heaven and earth (Matt. 1 1:25)
Lord of hosts (Ps. 24:10)
Lord of kings (Dan. 2:47)
LORD OF LORDS (Rev. 19:16)
Lord of lords (Deut. 10:17; 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14)
Lord of peace, the (2 Thess. 3:16)
Lord of the harvest (Matt. 9:38)
Lord of the Sabbath (Matt. 12:8; Luke 6:5)
Lord our God, the (Josh. 24:24)
Lord our Maker, the (Ps. 95:6)
LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, THE (Jer. 23:6; 33:16)
Lord our shield (Ps. 59:1 1)
Lord over Israel (I Chron. 28:5)
Lord who heals you, the (Ex. 15:26)
Lord who made heaven and earth (Ps. 115:15; 121:2)
Lord who sanctifies you, the (Ex. 3 1:1)
Lord-Will-Provide, the- (Gen. 22:14)
Lord your God, the (Lev. 11:44)
Lord your Maker, the (Isa- 51:13)
Lord, my (John 20:28)
love (1 John 4:8)
Maker of all things, the (Jer. 10:1 6)
Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, an. ... (Ps. 146:6)
Maker of the Bear, Orion, and Pleiades ... Job 9:9)
majestic LORD, the (Isa. 33:21)
Majesty on high, the (Heb. 1:3)
Maker, his (Prov. 14:3 1)
Maker, my (Job 32:22)
Maker, our (Ps. 95:6)
Maker, your (Isa. 54:5)
Man attested by God (Acts 2:22)
Man Jesus Christ, the (1 Tim. 2:5)
Man of sorrows (Isa. 53:3)
Man, a righteous (Luke 23:47)
Man, the second (I Cor. 15:47)
Man, that just (Matt. 27:19)
Man, the (John 19:5)
Man, this (Mark 6:2)
Master (Luke 5:5; 2 Tim. 2:21)
Master in heaven, a (Col. 4-1)
Mediator, the (I Tim. 2:5)
Mediator of the new covenant, the (Heb. 9:15)
Messenger of the covenant, the (Mal. 3:1)
Mighty One of Jacob, the (Ps. 132:2;5)
Mighty God (Isa. 9:6)
Mighty God of Jacob (Gen. 49:24)
Messiah, the (John 1:41)
morning star (2 Pet. 1:1 9)
Morning Star, the Bright and (Rev. 22:16)
Most High (Ps. 18:13; 92:1)
Most High over all the earth, the (Ps- 83:18)
Most Holy, the (Dan. 9:24)
Most Upright, (Isa. 26:7)
Nazarene, a (Matt. 2:23)
offering and sacrifice to God, an (Eph- 5:2)
oil of gladness (Heb. 1:9)
Omega (Rev. 1:8)
only begotten of the Father, the (John 1:14)
One greater than Jonah (Matt. 12:41)
One greater than Solomon (Matt. 12:42)
One greater than the temple (Matt. 12:6)
one Lawgiver who is able to save and to destroy (Jas. 4:12)
One who gives salvation to kings, the (Ps. 144:1 0)
One who is and who was and who is to be, the (Rev. 16:5)
One who remembered us in our low state (Ps. 136:23)
One you are to dread (Isa. 8:13)
One you are to fear (Isa. 8:13)
One you should hallow, the (Isa. 8:13)
One, My Elect (Isa. 42:1)
Passover, our (i Cor. 5:7)
peace, our (Eph. 2:14)
Physician (Luke 4:23)
portion, my (Ps. 119:57)
portion in the land o' the living, my (Ps. 142:5)
Portion of Jacob, the (Jer. 10:1 6)
portion of my inheritance, the (Ps. 16:5)
Possessor of heaven and Earth (Gen. 14:22)
possession, their (priest's) (Ezek. 44:28)
Potentate, blessed and only (I Tim. 6:15)
potter, the (Isa. 64:8; Rom. 9:21)
power of the Highest (Luke. 1:35)
power of God, the (I Cor. 1:24)
Power, the (Matt. 26:64)
praises.of Israel, the (Ps. 22:3)
praise, your (Deut. 10:21)
priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, a (Heb. 5:6)
Prince, the (Dan. 9:25)
Prince and Savior (Acts 5:31)
Prince of life (Acts 3:15)
Prince of Peace, the (Isa. 9:6)
Prince of princes, the (Dan. 8:25)
Prince of the host, the (Dan. 8:1 1)
Promise, the Father of (Acts 1:4)
prophet from Nazareth, the (Mart. 21:11)
Prophet who is to come into the world, the (John 6:14)
Prophet, the (John 7:40)
propitiation for our sins, the (I John 1 2:2)
Rabbi (John 3:2)
Rabboni (Teacher) (John 20:16)
ransom for all, a (I Tim. 2:6)
Redeemer from everlasting, our (Isa. 63:16)
Redeemer, my, (Job 19:25; Ps. 19:14)
Redeemer, our (Isa. 47:4)
Redeemer, their (Ps. 78:35; Prov. 23:1 1)
Redeemer, your (Isa. 41:14)
refiner and purifier, as a (Nu. 3:3)
refuge and strength, our (Ps. 46:1)
refuge for the oppressed (Ps. 9:9)
refuge from the storm, a (Isa. 25:4)
refuge in the day of affliction, my (Jer. 16:19)
refuge in the day of my trouble, my (Ps. 59:16)
refuge in times of trouble, a (Ps. 9:9)
refuge, my (2 Sam. 22:3; Ps- 142:5; Isa. 91:2)
refuge, our (Ps. 46:7)
refuge of His anointed, saving (Ps. 28:8)
resurrection and the life, the (John 11:25)
reward, your exceedingly great (Gen. 15:1)
righteousness and sanctification and redemption, our (1 Cor 1:30)
Rock of his salvation (Deut- 32:15)
rock of my refuge, the (Ps. 94:22)
rock of my salvation, the (Ps. 89:26)
rock of my strength and my refuge, the (Ps. 62:7)
rock of offense, a (1 Pet. 2:8)
Rock of our salvation, the (Ps. 95:1)
Rock of Israel, the (2 Sam. 23:3)
rock, my (Ps. 18:2; 92:15)
Rock, spiritual (I Cor. 10:4)Rock, the (Deut. 32:4)
Root and the Offspring of David, the (Rev. 22:16)
Root of David (Rev. 5:5)
Root of Jesse ( Isa. 1 1:IO; Rom. 15:12)
rose of Sharon, the (Song of Sol. 2:1)
ruler over the kings of the Earth, the (Rev. 1:5)
Ruler, a (governor) (Matt. 2:6)
salvation, my (Ex. 15:2; Ps. 27:1)
salvation, Your (Luke 2:30)
sanctuary, a (Isa. 8:14)
Savior in time of trouble (Israel's) (Jer. 14:8)
Savior-Jesus (Acts 13:23)
Savior of all men, the (I Tim. 4:1 0)
Savior of the body (Eph. 5:23)
Savior of the world, the (John 4:42)
Savior, my (2 Sam. 22:3)
Savior, the (Eph- 5:23)
Savior, their (Isa. 63:8)
Savior, your (Isa. 43:3)
Scepter (Num. 24:17)
seal, a (Eph. 1:1 3)
seed, His (I John 3:9)
seed, his (Abrahams) (Gal. 3:16)
Seed, the (Gal. 3:19)
servant to the circumcision (Rom. 15:8)
Servant, holy (Acts 4:27)
Servant, My (Matt. 12:18)
Servant, My righteous (Isa. 53:1 1)
seven Spirits of God (the sevenfold
spirit) (Rev. 5:6)
shade at your right hand, your (Ps. 121:5)
shade from the heat, a (Isa 25:4)
shelter for His people, a Joel 3:16)
Shepherd and Overseer of your souls, the (I Pet. 2:25)
Shepherd of Israel (Ps. 80:1)
Shepherd of the sheep, great (Heb. 13:20)
Shepherd, one (Eccl. 12:1 1)
Shepherd, the Chief (1 Pet. 5:4)
shepherd, the good (John 10:10)
shield for me, a (Ps- 3:3)
shield, my (Ps. 18:2; 28:7)
shield, our (Ps. 33:20)
Son of Abraham (Matt. 1:1)
Son of David (Matt. 1:1; Luke 20:4 1)
Son of God (John 1:49; 1 John 4:9)
son of Joseph (John 6:42)
Son of Mary (Mark 6:3)
Son of Man, the (Matt. 12:40; 24:27)
Son of the Blessed One, the (Mark 14:61)
Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16)
Son of the Most High God (Mark 5:7)
Son, My beloved (Mark 1:I 1)
song, my (Ps. I 1 8:14)
Spirit of adoption, the (Rom. 8:15)
spirit of burning, the (Isa. 4:4)
Spirit of Christ, the (Rom. 8:9)
Spirit of counsel and might, the (Isa. 11:2)
spirit of faith, the (2 Cor. 4:13)
Spirit of glory, the (I Pet. 4:14)
Spirit of God, the (Gen. 1:2; Matt. 3:16)
Spirit of grace, the (Heb. 10:29)
Spirit of grace and supplication, the (Zech. 12:10)
Spirit of His Son (Gal. 4:6)
Spirit of holiness, the (Rom. 1:4)
Spirit of Jesus Christ, the (Phil. 1:1 9)
spirit of judgment, the (Isa. 4:4)
spirit of justice, a (Isa. 28:6)
Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD, the (Isa. 1 1:2)
Spirit of life, the (Rom. 8:2)
Spirit of our God, the (1 Cor 6:1 1)
Spirit of the living God, the (2 Cor 3:3)
Spirit of the LORD, the (Isa. 11:2; Luke 4:18)
Spirit of truth, the (John 14:17; 15:26)
spirit of wisdom and revelation, the (Eph. 1:1 7)
Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the (Isa. 11:2)
Spirit of your Father, the (Matt. 10:20)
spirit of wisdom, the (Deut- 34:9)
Spirit who bears witness, the (I John 5:6)
Spirit who dwells in us, the (Jas. 4:5)
spirit, a life-giving (1 Cor. 15:45)
spirit, a new (Ezek. 1 1:1 9; 1 8:3 1)
Spirit, the eternal (Heb. 9:14)
Spirit, His (Num. 11:29; Eph- 3:16)
Spirit, My (Gen. 6:3; Matt. 12:18)
Spirit, the (Num. I 1:1 7; Acts 16:7)
Spirit, Your (Neh. 9:30)
Spirit, Your good (Neh. 9:20)
Star, a (Num. 24:17)
stone of stumbling (Isa. 8:14; 1 Pet. 2:8)
stone which the budders rejected, the (Matt. 21:42; Mark 12:10; 1 Pet. 2:7)
stone, a living (I Pet. 2:4)
stone, a tried (Isa. 28:16)
Stone of Israel, the (Gen. 49:24)
strength of my life (Ps. 27:1)
strength to the needy in his distress, a (Isa. 25:4)
strength to the poor, a (Isa. 25:4)
Strength of Israel, the (1 Sam. 15:29)
strength of my heart, the (Ps. 73:26)
Strength, his (Ps. 59:9)
strength, my (Ps. 28:7; 118:14)
Stronghold, my (Ps. 18:2)
sun and shield, a (Ps. 84:1 1)
support, my (2 Sam. 22:19; Ps.. 18:18)
surety of a better covenant, a (Heb. 7:22)
sword of your majesty, the (Deut- 33:29)
Teacher (Mark 9:17)
Teacher, the (Mart. 26:18)
teacher who has come from God, a (John 3:2)
tower from the enemy, a strong (Ps. 61:3)
trap and a snare, a (Isa. 8:14)
trust from my youth, my (Ps. 71:5)
truth, the (John 14:6)
vine, the (John 15:5)
vine dresser, the (John 15:1)
vine, the true (John 1 5:1)
voice of the Almighty, the (Shaddai) (Ezk 1:24)
voice of the LORD (Ps. 29:3)
way, the (John 14:6)
wisdom from God (I Cor. 1:30)
wisdom of God, the (I Cor. I-.24)
witness to the people, a (Isa. 55-.4)
Witness, Faithful" and True (Rev. 3:14)
witness, my Job 16:19)
witness, the faithful (Rev. 1:5)
Word of God (Rev. 19:13)
Word of life, the (I John 1:1)
Word, the (logos) (John 1:1)
You who dwell in the heavens (Ps. 123:1)
You who hear prayer (Ps. 65:2)
you who judge righteously, testing ... (Jer. 1 1:20)

Sunday, November 9, 2008

They Speak With Other Tongues

"Have you ever been saved," a wide-eyed young fellow questioned me as we walked toward the bus. He handed me a booklet with the picture of hell on the front.

"Sure," I responded. "Once when I was 9, I was swimming at Jones' beach on Long Island, and a strong undertow began to drag me out to sea. My uncle heard my call and ?.."

"No, no, no," he interruped. "I mean redeemed. Have you ever been redeemed? You know, reborn? Washed in the blood?"

"What," I inquired, "in the world are you talking about?"

"Convicted," I mean. "Have you ever felt convicted?"

"Well, of course not. I've never been in trouble with the law."

He looked at me square in the eye and said, "I think you need to be delivered."

"Delivered? I was just waiting for the bus home. I think I'll stick to that, but thank you very much."

He looked at me as though I were speaking another language.

"Can we have lunch together sometime?" he asked. "I work just down the street."

"Sure, that'd be fine." He looked like a harmless fellow, but I must admit, he was unusual and quite difficult to understand.

That Wednesday, I had lunch with Ed. He was a little late, but he explained he was having a quiet time.

I said, "Quiet time? What does that mean?" "Well, each day before lunch, I get in my prayer closet."

I was puzzled. "You pray in a closet? At work?"

"Oh, no, it's my car." "You have a closet in your car?" He changed the subject like the first day I met him. Again he left me confused.

This Ed is quite a strange fellow I thought. As we parted that day, Ed gave me a little book that explained how someone could come into relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I read it and understood enough, and knew that was exactly what I needed. And so that night I gave my life to Jesus, was born again as it stated in the booklet.

Two days later, I told Ed. He was overjoyed. The following week we got together again and strongly urged me to find a good body. Now I was surprised at this suggestion, but it sounded good to me. So I took his advice and began to comb the local health clubs for an attractive body.

When I met Denice, I knew she was just the one. We began to date and soon, she became a believer too. Ed rejoiced and told us it was crucial that we get planted so that we could grow together.

I said to Denice, "Sometimes this guy's hard to understand."

I told Ed I wasn't quite sure what he meant by planted. He responded, "Committed. You know, both of you need to be committed."

"Now wait a minute," I protested, "just because I don't understand what planted means doesn't mean I'm nuts and need to be committed. Anyway, I think to trust in Jesus is probably the most sane thing I've ever done."

Well, it was obvious that Ed's patience was growing thin, and he explained, "Bob and Denice, you've got to get plugged in. Don't you understand?"

Well, no, we didn't. I did wonder if getting plugged in had any connection with going out under the power. Something that I'd heard Ed mention and hoped it would never happen to me.

Regretfully, I had to miss worship the next Sunday out of town.

But Ed and I had breakfast together later, and he filled me in on what had happened. He said, "Boy, God moved!" He said, "God really moved yesterday."

"Where did He go, Ed? I was just getting to know Him and now He's gone?"

"No, no, Bob, God hasn't gone anywhere." I was relieved.

"It's just that so many people were stepping out and moving in the gifts."

"You mean people were leaving the meeting? And what's this about presents? Was it someones birthday?"

"No, no. It's the gifts. The gifts were really flowing," he said.

Changing the subject, he said, "Hey, Denice was there, and boy she was on fire!"

"Fire? Denice got burned? What happened? Is she ok?"

"No, Bob, you don't understand." "And boy, that's an understatement," I thought.

He said, "Denice is just fine. It's just that I believe she's really called, and God really wants to use her."

Things were not getting any clearer. "Did Denice mention she was getting too many phone calls or something? And what's this about God wanting to take advantage of her?"

Ed sighed, "Can I walk in the light with you, Bob?"

I said, "Well, yeah, where do you want to go. We can walk in the light. It's daytime, Ed."

He just shook his head. I don't know what it is. Sometimes it seems like Ed and I have a hard time communicating. Now it's been 2 years since I was saved and delivered, plugged in, planted, committed to a good body. God has been moving, and I've been stepping out in the gifts. I can hardly believe how God's been using me. I do have one new problem, however. It seems that all my friends can't understand me any more.

When I share about my redemption, I've been washed in the blood as white as snow, that I desire to follow the lamb, they just tune me right out. I guess they're just convicted when they see me on fire.


Author Unknown - But I am sure they go to your church. ;o]

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The Church: How Do We Fit In to God's Plan?

God's will, what is it for you? For the church? For the world? The basic plan is to bring salvation to all mankind so they can share in God's love for Jesus. We were created to witness, and participate in this amazing love. The church has been chosen for this task. (Ephesians 4) But what about us? How do we fit in the church in such a way that we fall into God's will and bear fruit? How is it that we do the do work of God, be led ourselves by the Holy Spirit, and stay humble at the same time?

I am sure that you get your fair share of forwarded emails. I got one the other day linking to a pastoral sermon about what we could do for the pastor; how we could pray to make him a better servant of Christ. Now don't get me wrong, I want every pastor to be awesome, but I was bothered by the tone of how we could serve him. I do think we need to pray for our pastors-- bless them, but again, the tone of this sermon was almost pastor worship, which I am totally against. Before you stop reading, let me give a you couple of positive examples. I once heard a pastor speak on Father's day. He preached about how fathers need to get at the back of the line to serve their families. The sense of humility in his sermon was amazing. He asked the question, "did you know that shepherds lead from the back? That was nearly 20 years ago. His form of leadership was to serve, always getting at the back of the blessing line. I have a friend that is a missionary and he is the same way. We give him a gift, and he passes it on to the poor.

It is interesting that people seem to want to lead or be led. I also find that when challenged, they rarely mention God as the one they are following, and when they do, that in itself can be an excuse for bad behavior. Read Romans 12, there are some biblical gems in there. "Do not be conformed to the world," "don't think more highly of yourself then you should." That's is good stuff. My point is simple, we need to be a church, not a corporation. People need to have significance and value in church to achieve their destiny in God. God is not looking for ability, but availability.... amazingly He is already good at everything and ready to empower us!

One of the main problems that I see in the church is the improper use of authority and/or a corporate mentality (which is not biblical). That along with a good dose of control, which is often used as a tool to cover up insecurity, the church fails to reach more folks for Jesus. I will say it again, people need to have significance and value in church to achieve their destiny in God. The church does not need power brokers or control freaks. Those types of leaders end up with a following that will most likely never reach much in the way of potential, and in the end, probably be a huge stress on the leader just to keep them going.

So what is the plan for jump starting the church and providing significance and value for the average parishioner?

-1 We need to pray corporately. We need to identify our prayer worriers, intercessors and storm Heaven as a group. This is intercessor led prayer.

-2 We need to stop being spectators at church. That's right. We are not there to give the Sunday sermon a thumbs up or down. We should be there expecting God to use us for something. Maybe it is us, that is there to do some of the feeding, not just to be fed. We may not take the pulpit, but that doesn't take us off the hook for doing something for God.

-3 Leaders need to staff for their weaknesses, not try to create clones. We're a body, and we can't all be armpits. If you are an evangelist, then you better raise up a teachers, pastors etc.

-4 I once attended a church that had the motto "reach, teach and release." No one got released. Why? The churches teaching didn't allow others to participate at any meaningful level. There was no mentoring, and little encouragement for ministry outside of the what the pastor was called to do personally. They filled the programs like Sunday school, but they had no place for missionaries or other ministries. As a church, we must train people to do something and then let them do it! How long do we have to show up before we let someone clean a toilet, do an announcement or greet folks at the door? For God's sake, you can get a paying job at Wal*Mart doing this stuff. Character? It is built by allowing folks to make mistakes while teaching them the truth.

-5 I attended another church that has the motto "passion, vibrancy and relevancy" or something like that. Same old stuff. Musical worship, teaching and coffee. I read Acts and I get excited about Jesus. Some days I would rather just stay home and listen to worship music and read the Word, dreaming about being used like that. One of these days I want to turn around and hear someone saying, "gold and silver I do not have, but what I do have I give to you, walk in the name of Jesus!" (And hopefully it's not the firing of the head of the deacon board.)

-6 We desperately need to hear form God. Who are your prophetic folks, your dreamers and interpreters? Are you listening? Are they tested? I always find it funny that some people seem to hear from God, and we don't test it. I would think a pastor would be overjoyed if he had someone that was hearing from God that he trusted in his church. Well of course, until it conflicts with their vision.

-7 Love, we need love. We need sold-out lovers in the church, ready to lay down their lives for one another. And with it mentoring, really showing someone else how to do our job as toilet cleaner, secretary or pastor. What would happen if we were left in the dust by our protégée? Is our ego so big that we don't want someone else to be better that we are?

-8 Lastly, power. We need His power, not our own understanding. We need more power as the days grow evil. If you have been on this earth 20 or 30, or 40 or 50 years, you'll see that things have changed.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Election Results - What Does it Mean for the Church?

The results are in, the president of the United States will be Barack Obama for the next 4 years. What can we glean from this historic event? As Christians we need to measure what is going on in the world against the measure of the Word of God.

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 "The spiritual man makes judgments about all things." He does not judge others in such a way that we curse them. However; we do need to measure things against the commands of Scripture. My view is that many biblical principals were at work in this election.

First, regardless of how we voted, God is sovereign and uses everything to accomplish His will to bring the age of salvation to those that have faith, while judging those that don't. That is the the reality of the Gospel in a nut shell. The work of the Gospel in a nut shell is, love one another as I have loved you.

Romans 13:1 Let EVERY person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God's appointment.

I love and hate this verse. First, I don't like it when Christians are not at the helm. But it also allows ungodly men and woman to be in office with God's approval. It does remind me of how Joseph was blessed in the house of Pharaoh and Daniel was spared from the lion's den under an evil king. There are others too, Moses, Esther, Nehemiah and even Paul were given favor under ungodly rulers. And because of salvation, public figures like Chuck Colson can get saved and be a voice for Jesus that they never could have been had it not been for their ascension to public office. Then you have the George W. Bush's who nearly 80% of Americans don't think much of, and then equate Christianity with it.

There were all kinds of barbs and arguments made about both candidates. I am sure that some of them are valid, and others are just vitriol. But once the dust settles what do we have left?

Let's start with the basics. (I am not counting John McCain's stance because it no longer matters.)

Obama said that he was saved because of his faith in Jesus. Provided it is heartfelt, that is biblical, and now between him and God.

Obama said in the same interview, that there were many roads to Heaven. Not biblical, Jesus said He was the only way. It makes me doubt my first point.

Obama voted for partial birth abortion. In his interview with Rick Warren, he said that judging when conception takes place in both biblically and scientifically were above his pay grade. Christians still debate this, but the Bible doesn't.

Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being;you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.

I am curious what degree President Elect Obama thinks he needs to understand the biblical moment of conception? Scientifically the embryo has brainwaves by 6 weeks and 2 days! Again, regardless of the educational degree required, I found this on the Internet. A week later they have feet, little ones, but recognizable feet. I am doubtful that you need a PHd to get it.

Although America as founded by Christians with God's blessings, it doesn't look like the environment will remain hospitable for us in the public square forever. Our new president is hopeful to include churches under the same employment guides as US corporations, therefore not allowing churches to hire "believers" without fear of breaking laws protecting citizens from discrimination. It is already illegal for a church to promote a candidate under the 501C(3) regulations. It is possible that this will get worse. In the end, we'll need to follow Jesus, not kowtow to the regime. Read Daniel again.

The age of persecution will probably not fall on us in a day or a week, or even in four years. But societies view of religion is slowly eroding. Separation of church and state used to mean that the government would not participate in the affairs of the church. Now it is construed to mean that the name of Jesus is outlawed in any public place.

So what is the bright side of all this? God is still God, and He never changes. The Gospel is just as relevant under Obama as it was under G. W. Bush and Adolf Hitler. Many Christians in history have prevailed under horrific regimes, kings and rulers. Yes, and many died. That's what we signed up for.

Will God use Obama for good? Well, he wants to feed the poor (something the church should be doing). He wants to make sure the elderly are cared for (something else the church should be doing, especially widows) and he intends to do good things for the environment. Those are good things. He proposes to end the war, hopefully responsibly. And I am sure there are other things too. He even said that he would fund faith based initiatives that support the needy.

What happens if he goes off the deep end? There are still loads of folks in states that can vote locally to promote biblical principals. In this election, 3 more states added marriage amendments. Those types of things promote kingdom principals. But remember, Roe of Roe vs. Wade became a Christian many years after the abortion decision and God uses her as a minster to woman facing the same predicament. Romans 8:28

As a church, we need to pray for this, and all leaders. We need to stay out of the name calling, partisan insanity and work towards advancing the Kingdom and preaching the Gospel with love and power, not changing specifically America for the sake of change. When the Kingdom of God advances, cities, towns, countries and churches will be changed. Amen.