My thought was not published last week due to my being away.
Since my last posting a couple of weeks ago, we've been made aware of some disturbing events in the news: the deaths of several Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan (the most since the Korean Conflict in the 50's); the tragic shootings (deaths and injuries) in Virginia; and to a lesser degree, the ramblings of Don Imus.
Of course, there have been other news items, but these 3 quickly come to mind. I heard someone say on a television program last week, that perhaps there isn't any more violence (action or spoken) in the world today than in the past - it's just that with the easy and quick access of TV and the internet, we hear and see it much more in today's world. I'm sure that that is open to debate, but it certainly sounds plausible.
Of course, violence and hate language have been around forever. Just think of the Biblical story of Cain and Abel - and the many, many examples since then. There is something within us that seems drawn to violence. Even in sports, watch the crowds when a bench-clearing brawl starts or a fight in hockey. Now, granted, most people do not support murder and acts of violence towards innocent people - but within the heart of man, there is the possibility to do some nasty things. Look at how the vast majority of the Germans were 'conned' into what they accepted and participated in during WWII. They certainly were a civilized and cultured people.
If we think back to the French Revolution in the 1700's, we see a time of chaos and violence. There was much suffering and bloodshed in that nation. It's been said that England was on the same path as France, but something significant took place there to help turn things around. When John Wesley began his ministry in 1738, morality and religion had collapsed in England. In May of that year, Wesley had his Aldersgate (conversion) experience and went out to minister to the multitudes in the open fields. A century later, the social and moral climate of England had changed dramatically. Queen Victoria was on the throne and “Victorian” became a synonym for piety and morality. Conditions can change for the better. It has happened.
What John Wesley and others like him proclaimed, was that the way to change the heart and frustration of man was to accept the grace and forgicveness of Christ and to live as a True Follower. Oh, some will say, look at what the 'Christians' did during the Crusades, or in the difficult days between Ireland's Protestant's and Catholic's. Well, I would counter that many of those believers were in name only and had not experienced a changed/transformed heart.
The true Christian lives a life like that of Christ - full of compassion, love, help and heart holiness.
Be in prayer for the families who have been affected by recent acts of violence - but also check your heart; do others know that you're a Christian by your love?
Let me know what you think.
"Send Revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Rockin' Robin
As much as I enjoy a large stowstorm (when I don't have to travel), I truly love the perks that come with spring - warmer weather; flowers, new life (green grass, tree buds), and being able to go for walks without having to bundle up. And as summer gets closer, it only gets better for me.
A sure sign that spring has arrived is when you begin to notice the robins. As I look out my office window, I see several of them hopping around the yard. I remember a time back in kindergarten when our teacher told us that if we took a shaker of salt and ran after the robins that were gathered in our play area, we could catch one and make it our pet if we got close enough to throw the salt on its tail. I certainly can recall running around the yard many times with a salt shaker trying to do just that. But I have to tell you, I never got close enough to actually sprinkle the salt on any bird. So, in theory, I'll never know whether or not what she was telling us was true or not. (Though, as an adult, I certainly can reason that it was simply a way to keep our young minds and bodies busy).
We, who share the Christian worldview, will be celebrating Easter (Christ's death and resurrection) this coming weekend. Many others (neighbours, friends, family) will only be celebrating a holiday. Then there will be those who ignore Easter altogether.
For most, outside the Christian faith, there is a struggle to buy into the resurrection component of Christ's story. It seems quite outlandish (ie: a childish fairytale) to believe that anyone can come back to life once truly dead. Our adult and scientific minds don't allow for that sort of thing to happen.
However, if it could be done, then it only stands to reason that God Himself could do it - if in fact He is the giver and taker of life. Most people in Canada (75+%) suggest that they believe in God, though less than 25% attend church on any sort of regular basis. There is a disconnect there - especially if we feel that God wants to have a personal relationship with us. In fact, that's what Easter is all about - Jesus providing a way for mankind to bridge the gap that keeps us from knowing God.
Like I did as a child, when I bought into the notion of catching robins with salt - we too, must use simple faith when considering the great sacrifice of Christ on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. Some will say that they are one in the same - foolishness...but because of my experience with God in the past and the present - no one can ever convince me that Jesus is not the risen Lord and forgiver of my sin.
This blog is not designed to 'convince' anyone of the facts - simply to say that in order to buy into this age-old story - we must begin with a first step. Child-like faith that says, 'ok God, I'll trust You...now help me to know it.'
In Luke 24, we read of where the angels asked the women at the empty tomb, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" Perhaps too many of us are doing the same. We expect that Christ is dead, and so we look for His bones and tomb. Instead, reach out to Him - seek Him - and see if He is not real. Let Him prove Himself. Have a blessed Easter. Let me know what you think.
"Send Revival. Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
A sure sign that spring has arrived is when you begin to notice the robins. As I look out my office window, I see several of them hopping around the yard. I remember a time back in kindergarten when our teacher told us that if we took a shaker of salt and ran after the robins that were gathered in our play area, we could catch one and make it our pet if we got close enough to throw the salt on its tail. I certainly can recall running around the yard many times with a salt shaker trying to do just that. But I have to tell you, I never got close enough to actually sprinkle the salt on any bird. So, in theory, I'll never know whether or not what she was telling us was true or not. (Though, as an adult, I certainly can reason that it was simply a way to keep our young minds and bodies busy).
We, who share the Christian worldview, will be celebrating Easter (Christ's death and resurrection) this coming weekend. Many others (neighbours, friends, family) will only be celebrating a holiday. Then there will be those who ignore Easter altogether.
For most, outside the Christian faith, there is a struggle to buy into the resurrection component of Christ's story. It seems quite outlandish (ie: a childish fairytale) to believe that anyone can come back to life once truly dead. Our adult and scientific minds don't allow for that sort of thing to happen.
However, if it could be done, then it only stands to reason that God Himself could do it - if in fact He is the giver and taker of life. Most people in Canada (75+%) suggest that they believe in God, though less than 25% attend church on any sort of regular basis. There is a disconnect there - especially if we feel that God wants to have a personal relationship with us. In fact, that's what Easter is all about - Jesus providing a way for mankind to bridge the gap that keeps us from knowing God.
Like I did as a child, when I bought into the notion of catching robins with salt - we too, must use simple faith when considering the great sacrifice of Christ on the cross and His subsequent resurrection. Some will say that they are one in the same - foolishness...but because of my experience with God in the past and the present - no one can ever convince me that Jesus is not the risen Lord and forgiver of my sin.
This blog is not designed to 'convince' anyone of the facts - simply to say that in order to buy into this age-old story - we must begin with a first step. Child-like faith that says, 'ok God, I'll trust You...now help me to know it.'
In Luke 24, we read of where the angels asked the women at the empty tomb, "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" Perhaps too many of us are doing the same. We expect that Christ is dead, and so we look for His bones and tomb. Instead, reach out to Him - seek Him - and see if He is not real. Let Him prove Himself. Have a blessed Easter. Let me know what you think.
"Send Revival. Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
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