I would like for someone to take me up on a challenge.  Probably you have some convictions and/or outlooks upon life that are quite different from mine.  These matters are very important to you.  And, maybe you think I should grow and mature in these areas of understanding.  I'd like to swap books with you.  You recommend a book for me to read, and I will do the same for you.  We'll secure our books at the local library, amazon.com, electronic download, or wherever.  I'll read your recommendation and give you a thoughtful response, and you do the same for me.

Some Rules:

(1) The book must be 300 pages or less.  I'm a slow reader, and suspect I'm ADD.

(2) Please do not recommend a read that is blatantly offensive or of little real value.  Not the Unibomber Manifesto or Kama Sutra.  Well, come to think of it, I have looked at the latter- but I'd best stay away from it. 

(3) I'm admittedly conservative and Christian.  But, I'm not afraid of a book.  Are you?

I had a Jehovah's Witness knock on my door.  He wouldn't take me up on this offer.  Maybe you will.  I think a big part of life is learning and growing.  I'd like to pick out one or two of you, who accept this challenge with the offer of intriguing books, and maybe do this again at a later time.

Let me know.

(A Personal Favorite)

A man arrived at the gates of Heaven.

St. Peter asked, "Religion?"

The man said, "Methodist."

St. Peter looked down his list and said," Go to Room 24, but be very quiet as you pass Room 8."

Another man arrived at the gates of Heaven.

"Religion?"

"Catholic."

"Go to Room 18, but be very quiet as you pass Room 8."

A third man arrived at the gates.

"Religion?"

"Jewish."

"Go to Room 11 but be very quiet as you pass Room 8."

The man said, "I can understand there being different rooms for different faiths, but why must I be quiet when I pass Room 8?"

St. Peter told him, "Well, the Baptists are in Room 8, and they think they're the only ones here."

(NOTE: As you read this, I am particularly interested in your insights concerning the "consistency" issue. - PastorDave)

I probably have a minority viewoint.

Why am I Pro-Life?  I believe the spark of human life begins the moment of conception.  And human life is of supreme value because, of all living beings, the human is especially created in the image of God.  The human life has value because of existence.  Period.  A person does not have to perform in any way in order to have value.  This is why I am supportive of a pre-born child’s right to live.  I am opposed to so-called “mercy killing” and assisted suicide.  I believe the taking of any human life is a great tragedy.  It should sadden our hearts, as I believe it does the heart of God.  The only proper justification for the taking of a human life, I believe, is self-defense. 

I am opposed to the state-sponsored death penalty.  I believe it is rendered inconsistently and unfairly.  I watched the trials of O. J. Simpson and Michael Jackson with amazement, but was not particularly surprised with the verdicts.  These men invested lots of money, were defended by top-notch legal teams, and benefited from their fame.  If they had been so-called “nobodies” from east Atlanta, defended by court-appointed attorneys, and tried by rural juries, do you think the verdicts would have been the same?  I am skeptical.  And I believe we have adequate prisons and criminal justice systems, where vicious criminals can be put away from society for the rest of their lives.  But, of highest argument, I believe the death penalty is societal revenge.  I would want the society in which I live to be of a more noble quality.  Can you believe those barbarians in Iran recently executed two men because they were homosexuals?  That is not the reflection of a quality society, and we are better than that.

Now, here is my challenge to you.  Many Conservative Christians, probably the majority, are strongly pro-life.  But, they are also strongly supportive of the death penalty.  I challenge this as being inconsistent.

I would like to talk about it. 

I came across the description “fear monger” while reading some of your comments on a previous blog.   A monger is “someone who purchases and maintains an inventory of goods to be sold”.  So I guess a fear monger is someone who sells fear.

I was captivated by a story told long ago.  It has stayed with me:

A family was driving down a dark and lonesome road on a foggy night.  As their car approached an expansion bridge, out of the murk emerged a wild-eyed man waving his arms frantically and shouting unintelligibly.  The driver slowed down, but was not inclined to stop because the stranger scared him.  However, the animated stranger proceeded to stand in the road, in front of the car, refusing to move and continuing the histrionics.  A couple of times the driver tried to ease his car around the man, but each time the stranger moved in front to block the way.  Finally, the father got out of the car to face man who would not let him continue.  The family watched the events unfold, behind locked doors inside the car.  They saw the stranger speaking animatedly to the husband and father, hearing his frantic message, “The bridge is out!”.  Then they saw the two men embrace in tears and joy.  The wild-eyed, insistent stranger was now their friend, and he told his story.  The bridge up ahead had been knocked out.  He had narrowly avoided catastrophe, and he was trying to stop cars from plunging into the icy river.  However, two drivers had swerved past him as he pleaded for them to stop, and disappeared into the precipice.  He was determined to stop the next car, no matter what it would take.  His insistence and perseverance saved this family from certain disaster.

Was this man a “fear monger”?

I do not intend to do a lot of preaching through this website, preferring that our ongoing communication be of a more personal nature. But, I’d like to give you a window into this important part of my life.  As pastor, I am in the process of teaching/preaching through the book of I John on Sundays. 

When I preach, I seek to make the study of the Bible practical, applicable to daily living.  The book of I John is great for such insight.  In this particular section, I believe God’s Word tutors us in the making of decisions.  In all matters of life, we would be wise to seek God’s guidance before we move forward.  Following are some guidelines. I will leave out most of the commentary, illustrations, and scripture quotations. If you have deeper interest, I’ll be glad to e-mail you my sermon notes.

Take a look, see what you think, and send me some commentary if you would like!

_________________________ ______

It hit me last night, right between the eyes. And it hurt. A foundation-shaking challenge blasted it's way into my life. I wasn't expecting it, and I certainly did not welcome it. But it did not ask to come in. It simply broke the door off the hinge and walked right in. I'm afraid my life will never be the same. This is one of those events that will leave an impact, even a scar, for the rest of life.

So, how do I respond? Many emotions and urges run through the mind at first. Anger. Depression. Revenge.

But, I am amazed, again, at another response that develops within. It is a strength to face the challenge with an amazing peace. The situation, although admittedly huge, does not overcome. I am able to consider, and to do the right thing. At first I do not want to do what is good and right. But I am able, even easily, to realize that love is to rule even at this time.

I get alone. Cry a little. Then I pray. And the Presence, God's presence, takes over. I do not lose my facilities, for this is not a mystical experience. But it is supernatural. Once again, God gives me strength sufficient for the challenge.

I slept well last night. This morning, the answers still appear difficult. And God is still there. He is sufficient.

I do not wish this particular challenge to happen to anyone else. It is not fair. It hurts. But life brings awful experiences. Guaranteed. Thank God we do not have to face it alone. It is foolish, and oh so self-destructive, to even try.

I am reminded that God is far more than a Sunday subject, or a name in a theological textbook.  He is present, and He loves me, and He holds my life together.

My 19-year-old daughter to the rescue!  She sat down at the computer, in response to my request, and proceeded to correct and improve most of what I messed up.  It is impressive to me how these teens can adapt to computing/programming so much more quickly than myself. 

I would still like to place my blog name in the banner, and any suggestions would be appreciated.

K is a great girl.  She makes wise decisions concerning relationships.  She has high moral standards.  She is a devoted and consistent friend to others.  And, she works hard to be a good student.  K values her relationship with her parents.  Her faith is strong and growing.  I am very thankful for her.

IS IT JUST WORDS, AND STERILE THEOLOGY....OR, DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE?

(Here's an illustration I will be sharing in tomorrow's sermon)

"On July 4, 1854, Charlie Peace, a well-known criminal in London, was hung.  The Anglican Church, which had a ceremony for everything, even had a ceremony for hanging people.  So, when Charlie Peace was marched to the gallows, a priest read these words: 'Those who die without Christ experience hell, which is the pain of forever dying without the release which death itself can bring.' "

When these chilling words were read, Charlie Peace stopped in his tracks, turned to the priest, and shouted in his face, "Do you believe that? Do you believe that?"

The priest, taken aback by this verbal assault, stammered for a moment then said, "Well...I...suppose I do."

"Well, I don't," said Peace. "But if I did, I'd get down on my hands and knees and crawl all over Great Britain, even if it were paved with pieces of broken glass, if I could rescue one person from what you just told me."

-------

My Comments: As a preacher, I do not address the subject of Hell very often.  Love, forgiveness, purpose, etc.- these seem much more pleasant.  But, sometimes I think maybe this subject should be presented more often.  With a broken heart, for sure.

I'd be interested in your honest feedback, whether you are a believer or not.