Where Have All the Moral Questions Gone?

As I have contemplated and analyzed last night's Presidential debate I have found myself continually perplexed by what I watched. I am fully aware that the great pressing concern of Americans right now is the economy. I also believe our national defense is a high priority. What absolutely puzzles me though, is the fact that neither candidate spoke (nor did they in the first debate) to me. That is, neither spoke to Evangelical Christians.

It's clear both candidates were attempting to hit hard on the hot button issues that interest swing voters. I'm also aware that the majority of the questions were asked from audience members. Nonetheless, it appears the candidates have either forgotten or taken for granted a great part of the voting public. My guess is that they feel they can sidestep many of the toughest questions each would be faced with as president, the "moral" questions.

Both campaigns would like to believe that since their candidates are not being forced to speak to these issues, the issues have somehow faded off the scene and out of existence. Thankfully, some are still raising these tough questions. In fact, the day before the debate George Weigel of, Newsweek, reminded us of some of these tough, yet very important questions in his article, Dangling Conversations: Posing the Moral Questions Facing the Next President. Here are his questions:

ON MATTERS OF FOREIGN POLICY
1. This past April, Pope Benedict XVI spoke at the United Nations of the "duty to protect" and described it as the litmus test of political legitimacy. Does the United States have a moral obligation to act, alone or in concert with others, when governments manifestly fail in their "duty to protect"?

2. Religiously-shaped moral conviction plays multiple, dynamic roles in 21st century world politics. Very few people at the Department of State, the Department of Defense, or the Central Intelligence Agency understand this. What will you do to change that?

3. Forget the chatter about "preemption." The correct term, within the classic just war tradition, is "the morally justified first-use of armed force." Do you think the first use of armed force is ever morally justifiable? Is so, when? If not, why not?

4. What role does distorted religious conviction play in creating the dangers we face from terrorists? How can American public diplomacy address those convictions?

5. What is the responsibility of the United States to help ensure that the new Iraq is safe for all its religious communities? What is the moral responsibility of the U.S. government toward displaced Iraqi Christians, many of whom have fled the country?

ON MATTERS OF DOMESTIC POLICY
6. Do you consider homosexuality the equivalent of race for purposes of U.S. civil rights law?

7. Is any public defense of classic biblical sexual morality a de facto act of intolerance and discrimination against gays?

8. Should Roman Catholic and evangelical social service agencies working with orphans be legally required to consider gay couples on an equal basis as foster-care providers? How about as potential adoptive parents?

9. Does the increasingly assertive role played by federal courts in adjudicating hotly contested questions of public policy threaten the moral fabric of American democracy, by taking serious decisions out of the hands of the people and their elected representatives? Are we becoming morally lazy in allowing the courts to decide so many issues for us?

10. Are you at all concerned that the trajectory of Supreme Court jurisprudence over the past six decades risks driving religiously informed moral argument out of our public life?

11. What is the moral balance to be struck between sensible work on climate change and the aspirations of the Third World poor, many of whom live in countries dependent on high-carbon-emission technologies for economic development?

12. How would your administration foster a culture of savings and personal financial responsibility in the United States?

13. What role, if any, should Washington play in elevating our national cultural life? Does it bother you that pornography is a major American export, and if so, what might be done about that?

14. What, if any, is the moral difference between a Supreme Court decision that puts unborn children outside the protection of the laws and a Supreme Court decision that once put black Americans outside the protection of the laws?

15. Does the ability to reprogram adult cells so that they function like embryonic stem cells change the moral character of the debate over stem cell research?

ON MATTERS OF CHARACTER
16. For what are you willing to risk your popularity, and perhaps your re-election?

17. Are you prepared to dismiss a subordinate who may be a friend, but who is manifestly not up to the requirements of the office to which you appointed him or her?

18. Can you live with able subordinates who are prepared to tell you, "Mr. President, you're wrong"?

19. There are things a president cannot tell the American people. But are there circumstances in which you would deem it your responsibility to mislead the American people? To deny what you know to be true? To affirm what you know to be false?

20. Who are your moral heroes?

Regardless of the issues the mainstream media and the two campaigns want to tell us matter most, we must do whatever possible to make sure these fundamentally important issues remain at the forefront and are not altogether dismissed. This will not be easy, but here a few suggestions that will help. First, personally research each candidate's political track record. Next, read carefully each parties platform (these generally can be downloaded from a party's official website). Finally, vote your conscience at the pole.

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What's Really at Stake, Saving the Planet or Saving Souls?

In a recent Newsweek article, a Religious-Right Revival, Lisa Miller suggests that Republican presidential nominee, Senator John McCain's selection of Alaskan Governor, Sarah Palin as his veep candidate has sparked a renewal of enthusiasm among the traditional religious right. Miller notes that a new, younger generation of evangelicals have moved beyond the traditional hot button issues of abortion and same sex marriage to issues more in tune with the mainstream such as "global warming, Darfur, illiteracy, human trafficking, preventable disease", etc. While this shift in cares among the "new" evangelicals is really no surprise, since these are the issues pertinent to their generation. It is the driving force behind this shift in concerns suggested by Miller that I find attention grabbing. Where as traditional evangelicals have been primarily motivated by things such as the preservation of the freedom to propagate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people, upholding the sanctity of human life, and restoring the traditional family. Today's younger evangelicals are "Eager to help care for the planet, these Christians are building bridges between left and right, between the secular and the devout, even among subscribers to different holy books. These "new" evangelicals, according to the mainstream press, are exciting now because they're politically powerful."

Did you catch it? Their primary motivation is the planet! Now do not misunderstand me, I care for our planet. I believe our planet is very important. In fact, I happen to think it is the most important planet in our universe. I also, understand that we have a God-given responsibility to be good stewards of this planet. However, what I do not understand is why these new evangelicals have made preserving planet Earth the great calling of their generation.

I suspect several contributing factors. However, allow me to touch on what I believe to be the one that tops the list and concerns me most, a diminished view of the authority of the Bible. Miller reported that "of the 60 million white evangelicals in this country, 60 percent of them believe the Bible is literally true." This suggests that 40 percent of them do not believe the Bible to be authoritative for their lives (It is probably not to great a stretch to also suggest that the majority of the 60 percent is made up by traditional evangelicals). Since so many of the younger professing evangelical Christians are not looking to the Bible as the primary basis for the development of their worldview, they must look to other outlets such as pop culture and the mainstream media to form their views. This is why they have developed a distorted non-Biblical outlook that sees taking care of the planet more important than reaching souls with the Gospel. It is also precisely why these evangelicals have put aside the "divisive religious rhetoric" and have no problem uniting with followers of distinctly different faiths. Is it any wonder they have become politically powerful? Unfortunately, in becoming so they have compromised the long standing identity of evangelical Christians in America and undermined the decades of hard work, prayer, and action so many faithful traditional evangelicals have given.

As for the enthusiasm of traditional evangelicals with relation to Governor Palin, there are many things that make her attractive. There is her so called "maverick" reputation, the fact that she is young and a woman, or even the fact that she is a faithful wife and "hockey mom" of a traditional family. However, what I believe makes her most attractive to traditional evangelicals is the fact that she is a conservative evangelical Christian who is shaped by a Biblical worldview. She has been an agent of change in a state where leftist environmentalists have thrived. She led her state in making great contributions to the country regarding the production of oil and other natural resources. She obviously is not a part of the new breed of evangelicals who are focused on saving the planet, and for that I am thankful. We do not yet know enough about the governor to know exactly what kind of an evangelistic passion she possesses, but I have a hunch she like her fellow traditional evangelicals values the saving of human lives for eternity far more than saving the planet.

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Sorry It's Been So Long!

Hello everyone, Please alow me to apologize for not posting anything new for several months. Life as a pastor often becomes so demanding that generally simple things, such as blogging, become difficult to fit in to a busy a schedule. Nevertheles, today I just had to make time.

For years I have been reading Charles Spurgeon's, Morning and Evening, daily devotional book. I've tried several other devotionals but none have proven to be nearly as rich as Spurgeon. This morning's read was such an encouragement to me that I felt compelled to share. Here it is:

"For You Lord, have made me glad through Your work."

Psalm 92:4

Do you believe that your sins are forgiven and that Christ has made a full atonement for them? Then you should be a joyful Christian. You should live above the common trials and troubles of this world!

Since your sin is forgiven, can it matter what happens to you now? Luther said, "Smite, Lord, smite, for my sin is forgiven; if You have but forgiven me, smite as hard as You will." In a similar spirit you may say, "Send sickness, poverty, losses, crosses, persecution. Send what You will, You have forgiven me and my soul is glad."

Christian, if you are saved, be glad, grateful, and loving. Cling to the cross that took your sin away. Serve Him who served you. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1)

Do not let your zeal evaporate in the vapor of some little song. Show your love in expressive expressions. Love the believers in Him who loved you (Romans 12:10). If there is a Mephibosheth who is lame or in need, help him for Jonathan's sake (2 Samuel 9:3ff). Where there are poor tried believers, weep with them; carry their cross for the sake of Him who wept for you and carried your sins.

Since you are forgiven freely (Romans 8:32), for Christ's sake go and tell others the joyful news of pardoning mercy. Do not be content to keep this unspeakable blessing for yourself alone. Preach the story of the cross. Holy gladness and holy boldness will make you a good preacher, and all the world will be your pulpit.

Cheerful holiness is the most forcible of sermons, but the Lord must give it. Seek it this morning before you go into the world. When you rejoice in the Lord's work, there is no need to be afraid of being too glad.

I hope you were as uplifted and challenged by the words of the great preacher as I was. May we all live this day and this life filled with His gladness!

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Did You Know God Still Uses Kids?

The Bible has no shortage of episodes in which God chose the services of a juvenile to further His purposes. Instantly, the names Joseph, Samuel, David, Josiah, and Mary come to mind. When we think of such historical figures from the Ancient Text we often are unaware or simply forget that so many that God used to impact the world were indeed just kids. Perhaps we fail to make bigger of this because we find so few instances where kids are making a difference in the world today. Let's be honest, almost all we hear these days regarding young people centers around disrespect and dilinquency. However, regardless of how dark things may appear there is always a glimmer of light that shines. In this case, such a glimmer of light bares the name Austin.

Austin Gutwein is the twelve year old founder of "Hoops of Hope," an organization he started three years ago with the purpose of helping the 15 million kids in Africa orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Austin was interested in many of the same things most nine year old boys in America are. At the top of the list was making his school's basketball team. This was until he watched a video that showed children who had lost their parents to the awful epidemic of AIDS. Austin says he "realized these kids werent any different from me except they were suffering. I felt God calling me to do someting to help them." So what did he do? He quit worrying about making the team and started making a difference. "I decided to shoot free throws and on World AIDS Day, 2004, I shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during my day at school. People sponsored me and we were able to raise almost $3,000. That year, the money was used by World Vision to provide hope to 8 orphan children."

Since its inception just three years ago, "Hoops of Hope" has seen thousands join Austin by shooting freethrows to raise money. Thus far the ministry has raised over $160,000 which has provided food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and a school for those orphaned by AIDS in Zambia. Austin has set a goal for his organization to raise $150,000 this year to build a medical lab in Sinazongwe, Zambia. The lab will provide much needed testing and medication for parents affected by the horrific disease.

How refreshing it is to hear of a young man heeding the call of God and making a difference in this destitute world. What is God calling you to do? Has he placed a burden upon your heart for someone, some people, or some country that is hurting and in need? You too can make a difference, no matter what your age! Just go do it!


Hoops of Hope Links:

http://www.hoopsofhope.org/

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On Mission in Mexico!

What a wonderful experience we had ministering on our Mexico trip! These are just a few of the photos I took demonstrating the ministry in which we were engaged. Our efforts were really two-fold. First, we spent our mornings and early afternoons at First Baptist, Fabens doing various tasks such as, cleaning, painting, repairing windows, organizing closets and storage facilities, and prayer walking and canvassing the niegborhood. Second, during the evenings we crossed the border and held preaching revival meetings along with bible schools at churches in three border towns.

In addition to the opportunity of getting to unite with other Christians and exercise a common passion for taking the "gospel to every creature", the trip provided a refreshing means of meeting believers living in a distinctly different culture, speaking a distinctly different language, yet serving the same distinct Jesus! Throughout the trip we were able to minister to over three hundred people through our bible schools. Six adults came to faith in Jesus and many folks in the churches responded by filling the alters to pray for their unbelieving neighbors. Praise God for His bountiful goodness to us!

In closing, allow me to say a special thanks to those of you who lifted us up continually in prayer during the trip. Your prayers were certainly warranted and felt. May God grant you a great big blessing!

God Bless,

Pastor Joey

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Making a Run for the Border! Mexico Mission Trip

Yesterday thirty-eight of us loaded up in three church vans, a mini van, and a pickup truck pulling a trailer headed for the Texas border town of Fabens. We are on a mission trip comprised of individuals from various different churches in the North Canadian Baptist Association of Oklahoma. Our plans are to take the gospel to the people of three separate communities just across the border in Mexico. We will be participating in Bible Schools, evangelistic revivals, and various other ministry endeavours in the local baptist church of each of these three communities.What anticipation there is regarding what the Lord plans to do!

Right now as I write I am sitting in the hotel lobby of the La Quinta Inn in Sweetwater, Texas. Sweetwater is about halfway between Henryetta, Oklahoma (our departing point) and Fabens, Texas (our destination). Soon we will be having breakfast, a time of devotion, and hitting the road again to make the final half of the trip. Thus far the trip has been relatively uneventful, except for the two flat tires we experienced on the trailer yesterday. This was a minor setback that caused five of us to arrive at the hotel a few hours later than the rest of the group. However, no real damage was done. In fact, we are just "pressing on"!

In addition to keeping everyone informed of the inns-and-outs of the trip and offering a few photos to illustrate them, I want to offer an interesting thought that has been on my mind thus far on the trip. You see we are a group of Christians from America headed to a foreign country to take the gospel to people in need of a Savior. This sort of activity is certainly not unusual practice for American churches. In fact, it has become as common an item dawning church summer calendars these days as Vacation Bible School and Camp. I am quite confident that this sort of activity is not at all uncommon for our foreign neighbors to receive as well. After all, American churches have been taking mission teams to foreign soil for decades. So the thought that has regularly been infiltrating my mind stems from this question, how long will it be until it becomes common practice for churches of foreign countries to send mission teams to our American communities on a regular basis?

I am aware there are already foreign mission teams that regularly come to the U.S. However, though the number of these groups is growing annually, most of these endeavors remain so few that we Americans hardly notice. To the contrary, what I am envisioning is a day when our communities are inundated with various foreign mission teams here on our soil simply to share the gospel. To think about this occurring in the Unites States seems ridiculous. After all, we are the mighty US. We are the one's who are considered the most dominant Christian nation in all the world. We are the one's who, for all intents and purposes, created the modern short-term mission trip. How could this ever happen here?

It is sad to consider such possibilities. Some may even consider it far fetched. To those who doubt, allow me just to remind you that there was once a day when our British neighbors "across the pond" considered it absurd to think that they would one day be so dominated by Secularism and Islam that American church mission teams would turn their focus toward the British Isles as a hotbed for gospel preaching. All signs point to a U.S. that is headed for the same sad predicament. It may still be several years or even decades before we see this come to fruition. Regardless, the day is coming. Let's just hope that our Christian neighbors around the globe care as much or more about the souls of Americans as we have about theirs through the yeas.

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Christians and the Etiquette for the Road

We have all seen the fish emblem on the trunk, the cross decal on the rear windshield, the "Honk if you love Jesus!" bumper sticker, or any number of other religious automobile placards intended to make a distinctive Christian statement to roadway onlookers. Unfortunately, we probably all share common experiences that have found us observing these symbols as the vehicles dawning them whiz by us vastly exceeding the speed limit or cutting us off. To be honest, every time this has happened to me I have initially thought, "what a hypocrite". Admittedly this is the wrong attitude. But if I as a Christian am reacting this way, I can not help but wonder how unbelievers receive such rude behavior. Although I and many other Christians are not choosing to state our faith on the roadways by driving vehicles clad with Christian symbols or bumper stickers, such behavior has caused me to do some evaluating as to what sort of statement, if any at all, Christians should be making on the road and what should be the proper etiquette for the road.

Since all Christians have been given the Scriptural mandate to be "salt and light" to the world in which we live, the question as to whether or not we should seek to demonstrate our faith on the roadways is certainly obvious. The greater question then is, how can we most effectively do this? As previously mentioned, many choose to do this by displaying distinctly Christian emblems or stickers on their vehicles. While I am not suggesting that this is a wrong thing to do, I simply am not sure this is the best way of accomplishing the goal. While the stickers and emblems do tend to identify us as Christians, I am not convinced anyone has ever effectively been drawn to Christianity because someone they knew identified himself as a Christian (much less someone they have never met). I actually think there is a more effective way. I believe we can demonstrate the love of Christ simply by practicing the proper road etiquette.

Please allow me to suggest three major points of emphasis in regard to etiquette for the road:

1. Obey the traffic laws. As Christians we are called to obey the laws of the land. Therefore this should be an obvious point. However, many of us have developed bad habits through the years such as floating stop signs, not turning on blinkers at appropriate times, etc. Remember the laws exist to keep you and others on the road safe. Showing the love of Christ on the road starts with loving people enough to seek their safety.

2. Slow down and be courteous. I know this can be extremely difficult given the "rat race" we live in today. Regardless, we need to seek to live at a moderate pace of life so that we are not rushed, causing us to make poor and selfish decisions that are rude (This means no more hotrodding fellas). It will also be helpful if we stay off the cellphones and find another time to do our make up (ladies).

3. Avoid road rage at all costs. Given what we are trying to accomplish here, this seems rather obvious. However, if you do find yourself becoming angered by the actions of others on the roadways seek to channel that anger into a loving response rather than an outburst of rage.

Perhaps none of these actions alone is ever going to cause any individual to say to herself, "wow! I think I want to become a Christian". But, if enough Christians become dedicated to showing the love of Christ to others on the road perhaps we can demonstrate that we do take our faith seriously and we are not simply a bunch of hypocrites. This could help some to become intrigued by the uniqueness of the Christian faith, or at least prevent many from being completely turned off by it.

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