[This is going out late; Internet problems in our office. That will teach me not to do these the night before.]
So after the KKK dismissed they left armed to the teeth with shotguns and rope, to fight the civil rights movement that was “invading their Mississippi” and within a few days 3 civil rights workers were killed….In Jesus name.
It’s easy to see, looking back how far this group was from the heart of God, how they had made Jesus into a god of their own image. But I think we do this exact same thing all the time. At least I do.
I’ve noticed that Jesus tends to vote the same way I do. He’s never against a war that I’m for, and he’s rarely interested into calling me toward self-sacrifice or mercy to people different than me. That’s the Jesus that I am most comfortable with, and it’s most certainly an idol.
RAWtools: AK47s into Farm Tools
Our Mennonite blacksmith friends, Mike and Fred, have been inspired by the “beat your swords into plows… and study war no more” vision of the prophets Micah and Isaiah. After 9/11 they heard that some of the metal from the twin towers was recycled and used for a warship. After hearing of that, they caught the vision for RAWtools, Inc.(turning “war” around and cultivating life instead of death) – check them out: www.rawtools.org
The Problem with Arrogant Pastors & 5 Ways Not to Be One
However, sometimes to personally admit to our own arrogance, we need prodding. Why? Because we often become blind to our own faults.
The reason it is so dangerous, especially for those of us in ministry positions, is that it can become a cancer to our ministry. I could, and I guess you could as well, name dozens of pastors whose arrogance and pride led them to a very public, very shameful fall.
Arrogance stifles mission. It redirects the focus of our ministry to us instead of to a kingdom focus. And if left unchecked, our ministry will begin to exist for its purpose, not God’s purposes.
Leaders of Courageous Character: Why They’re Needed but Lacking– With Four Ways to Be One
True leadership demands character. In ministry, that character has to be courageous character. My experience is that it is not celebrated enough and, to be honest, is sometimes lacking in ministry.
The Three Generosities of a Local Church
Just noodling around with this theory. I think there are three levels of generosity a local church can process through given the gospel’s dominion in the place and the leadership’s determination to be humble and not insecure.
Which brings me back to the Sermon on the Mount. As stated earlier, the Lord’s primary theme from beginning to end was to address the condition of the heart, the basis of our faith and trust. The crux of the entire sermon is found in Matthew 5:48, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” There is only one right response to this verse. In recognition of our inability to fulfill its mandate, we should be driven to our knees, proclaiming, “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner!”
Bible quotes on Finnish toilet paper draw church protests
“People like to read small, happy messages while sitting on the toilet,” Christina von Trampe, a spokeswoman for Metsa Tissue, which produces the Lambi brand, told Reuters. “The vast majority of the feedback has been positive. Our intention was to spread love and joy, not religious messages.”
Holy smokes! “Batman” nabs suspect for British police
Closed-circuit television footage showed a portly figure wearing an ill-fitting costume including gloves, cape and mask, bringing a 27-year-old man to a police station in Bradford in northern England.