Voting for candidates and issues based on who and what you think would best serve those whom Jesus called “the least of these” seems to be a Christ-like thing to do and a good way to vote. I would call it pro life. Think about it.
You may disagree with my decision to use my vote in this manner. But, hey, this is a democracy and it’s my vote. And I choose to give it to Igor.
Revelation: On Which Pete Enns Nails It
Instead Christians are called to practice “uncivil religion” where Jesus is not tied to the state or aligned with any wanna-be king, and God is not dragged down into our political squabbles as if the Creator has chosen sides. Rather, followers of the slain Lamb stand firm in God’s kingdom and call earthly powers to account.
Again, the powers serve legitimate functions in staving off general chaos and social disintegration. Cultures, value systems and social contracts (laws, politics) have some positive functions. But they only function well when they are functionaries, tools of service that aid human flourishing. The problem is that the powers are now ascendant and “in charge” of the world. Humans are serving the powers–nations, religions, corporations, “our way of life”–rather than the powers serving us.
Muslims go to Catholic Mass in France, Italy for solidarity
From the towering Gothic cathedral in Rouen, only a few miles from where 85-year-old Rev. Jacques Hamel was killed Tuesday by two Muslim fanatics, to Paris’ iconic Notre Dame, where the rector of the Mosque of Paris invoked a papal benediction in Latin, many churchgoers were cheered by the Muslims in their midst.
The Story of Iran’s Church in Two Sentences
It’s a simple story that can be summarized in just two sentences: Persecution threatened to wipe out Iran’s tiny church. Instead, the church in Iran has become the fastest growing in the world, and it is influencing the region for Christ.
Which countries still outlaw apostasy and blasphemy?
We found that laws restricting apostasy and blasphemy are most common in the Middle East and North Africa, where 18 of the region’s 20 countries (90%) criminalize blasphemy and 14 (70%) criminalize apostasy. While apostasy laws exist in only two other regions of the world – Asia-Pacific and sub-Saharan Africa – blasphemy laws can be found in all regions, including Europe (in 16% of countries) and the Americas (29%).
Expectant Prayer for the Nations
So, let’s gather our children around and pray for specific places and people in the world. Who knows what they might see thirty and forty years from now?! The sons of Korah prayed in Psalm 87 that Rahab and Babylon, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush would say that they were born in Zion. God has answered and is answering that prayer. May we too pray expectantly that specific nations and people would be born again and bow the knee to Jesus!
I am not writing this post to stir up controversy. I am not writing a diatribe against groups that protest or people who wear uniforms. I am not writing to stir any group into action or to change procedures, policies, or personnel. I am writing simply to say that you and I, as individuals, can and should treat all people with respect, tenderness, and compassion, believing in their full God-given potential. I am not suggesting dismissing criminal behavior. I am not pointing fingers at groups of people. I am pleading for you to view my family and friends in law enforcement and my little nephew as individuals deserving love and respect.
Stop Assuming Your Neighbors Are Hostile to Your Faith
We must not assume that our unchurched friends and neighbors are hostile to our faith. When we believe the myth that everyone hates us, we tend to retreat to our closets where we hide our lamp under a bowl. We equate faithfulness with maintenance rather than mission.
Missionaries are Supposed to Suffer… So Am I Allowed to Eat Lobster?
I understand that this is a tricky issue–because it’s a heart issue. I’m sure there are missionaries who make selfish or unhealthy financial decisions–just like lots of other Christians. I am all about accountability, and godly priorities, and fighting against our instinct to make comfort or wealth an idol. But if it’s acceptable for other Christians to take vacations, if they are living generously, wisely, and with a heavenly mindset, then why can’t missionaries do so as well?
There is far too much at stake in our broken world. This is a time to be earnest. This is a time to pray for the Holy Spirit’s conviction and power. For a people who have been given a mission, the cause is too great to act as if we had plenty of time, resources, and opportunities. The cause and the Gospel itself ought to even inspire some sense of urgency about what we are doing.
The ’60s ‘Batman’ Movie Just Turned 50 And Attention Must Be Paid
Even so: to watch Batman: The Movie today is to savor the essence of the TV show. To modern eyes, its plot seems overstuffed, its structure rigidly episodic, its pacing more languorous than strictly necessary, and yet the whole thing is so blithely and sublimely goofy any quibbles fall by the wayside.