Saturday, July 31, 2010

I Feel Your Pain

Finally following the advice of friends who are also in the ministry, conference leaders, authors, and assorted others, I have begun to do something as part of my desire to improve my preaching. And to those of you who grimace, yawn, shake your head, have your eyes glaze over, or fall asleep I want you to know: "I feel your pain."

Yes, I have begun listening to recordings of my sermons. But take heart because your suffering may lead to better preaching and relief for future congregants.

Oh yes, one more thing: Thank you for your patience!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Marley's Ghost

In Dicken's classic, A Christmas Carol, Jacob Marley returns as a ghost to warn Ebenezer Scrooge to change his ways or he will end up in the same predicament as Marley. After a very revealing night, Scrooge does turn his life around and as the saying goes: "All's well that ends well."

The United States of America has a similar opportunity to learn from another country's, even a continent's, past before it is too late. I would encourage anyone and everyone to view the following video blog (Keep in mind that Pat Condell is a British comedian who spends much of his time bashing religions, including Christianity.): http://www.jihadwatch.org/2010/06/pat-condell-on-ground-zero-mosque-is-it-possible-to-be-astonished-but-not-surprised.html


In the movie version of the television classic, The Little Rascals (a.k.a. Spanky and Our Gang), Alfalfa says, "I'm usually a lover, not a fighter, but in your case, I'm willing to make an exception!" I identify with him. I stay out of political debates and agonize over confrontation. But in this case, I'm willing to make an exception! This is not even political. This is spiritual. Islam, like all false religions, is founded by Satan and has the destruction of God's kingdom as its end.