Having recently returned from Israel and visiting the area known as the West Bank, I have a renewed appreciation for those who receive Christ in a hostile environment. The West Bank is controlled politically by the Palestinian Authority but it is also controlled religiously by the Muslims. There is so much involved there in that place -- politics and religion, as well as the politics of religion. The borders of politics and religion are very strong in some ways, but very liquid in other ways. The dividing wall between the Israelis and the Palestinians is real – both the concrete wall and the spiritual wall. Yet it is only Jesus Christ who can truly break down the dividing wall (Ephesians 2:14).
However, for the Muslim Background Believer (MBB) they find themselves walking in a no man’s land. Many Christians do not associate with them (out of prejudice, fear or ignorance) and the Muslims see them now as enemies. Yet still, many Muslims are coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray for your Brothers and Sisters who come to Christ from generations of Islamic influence. Their struggle is real, the danger is real, but more than that, their God is real. Check out Mission International Blog site for some more detail of the trip. http://missionintl.blogspot.com/
"And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. (John 10:16)
“Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
Think about it, pray about it, comment on it.
Pastor David
Friday, June 27, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
With Apologizes to Shakespeare
"To vote or not to vote, that is the question. Rather 'tis nobler to trust God's Sovereignty and not get involved in the political arena, knowing that His Word declares that it is He who raises and lowers princes and rulers; or to know that God in His Sovereignty allowed us to be born in a country that allows us to have some say in the political process, therefore we have a right, nay a duty to be both informed and diligent in the effort to elect men and women of godly principles."
As the time draws closer to the elections of a new President, there are also members of House and Senate who are either seeking position or desiring to remain in position. How much time have you spent in looking at the candidates which may effect our country or your local community over the next few years? Perhaps the more basic question would be; have you even registered to vote in the upcoming elections?
You can argue the effect or lack thereof for the single vote of a man or a woman in the general scheme of things. Yet, history has shown us that many elections have been won or lost by a marginally slim majority. You can argue the fact that even when people who seem to be godly in character get into positions of power that so many seem to so quickly become corrupt. Yet for each one who makes the headlines because of scandal there are countless others who continue on serving with integrity and purpose -- they simply don't make the headlines. You may argue all you want of the purpose, need and good that it would do for you to vote, the truth is that it does matter. I agree that many time you are voting for the lesser of two evils, yet to not vote simply gives the vote to the greater of the two evils.
I encourage you to prayerfully investigate the candidates, research patterns of voting records for the incumbents and then vote your conscience as to the best candidate for the office. We may not have the best system possible for the election of godly men and women, yet God has allowed us to have the best system of any nation that I am aware of. If it fails it is only because good men and women failed to do the right thing.
Pray about it, think about it and then leave a comment.
PD
As the time draws closer to the elections of a new President, there are also members of House and Senate who are either seeking position or desiring to remain in position. How much time have you spent in looking at the candidates which may effect our country or your local community over the next few years? Perhaps the more basic question would be; have you even registered to vote in the upcoming elections?
You can argue the effect or lack thereof for the single vote of a man or a woman in the general scheme of things. Yet, history has shown us that many elections have been won or lost by a marginally slim majority. You can argue the fact that even when people who seem to be godly in character get into positions of power that so many seem to so quickly become corrupt. Yet for each one who makes the headlines because of scandal there are countless others who continue on serving with integrity and purpose -- they simply don't make the headlines. You may argue all you want of the purpose, need and good that it would do for you to vote, the truth is that it does matter. I agree that many time you are voting for the lesser of two evils, yet to not vote simply gives the vote to the greater of the two evils.
I encourage you to prayerfully investigate the candidates, research patterns of voting records for the incumbents and then vote your conscience as to the best candidate for the office. We may not have the best system possible for the election of godly men and women, yet God has allowed us to have the best system of any nation that I am aware of. If it fails it is only because good men and women failed to do the right thing.
Pray about it, think about it and then leave a comment.
PD
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