Having had a couple of Mondays away on vacation and with family visiting last week, I've hardly had a chance to think about this blog. But here I am, trying to get back into the flow...
While I was away, during the beginning and mid parts of the month, a controversial decision was made by Truro town council to not fly the Gay Pride Flag. Most of the controversy, as I understand it, came from the impression that the mayor is not tolerant of the gay lifestyle and that he used his Christian faith as a basis for that stance. Something like 7000 letters to the editor were written in on this topic. This issue even received national news coverage.
Most of the other council members stated that they had their own reasons for not wanting to fly the flag...but it was mainly the mayor - the Christian mayor - who bore the brunt of the criticism. The issue has now been sent to the Human Rights Commission by the gay community - I suppose in an effort to force the town into flying the flag and make an apology.
What I wanted to do in this blog was not debate whether or not the town should fly the flag, but rather, look at why a Christian might make a decision such as what the mayor of Truro did. Some have said that the mayor should keep his religious beliefs to himself and outside of the political arena, but what those people do not understand is that Christianity is not one single book in our life's library, it is, in fact, the whole thing. In other words, a Christian does not separate their faith from their work or their relaxation. They are always a Christian, no matter what the environment or situation. Other people do that everyday - they live by their worldview - I just find it fascinating that tolerance isn't often granted towards the Christian community these days, otherwise why the big fuss over the flag. Isn't it just two opposing worldviews? Society is no longer tolerant of the church's position that Jesus is the way...'Go and sin no more'...;it may tolerate the church, but its views are not welcome in modern day life.
Why might this be? Perhaps because society doesn't want to acknowledge its flaws and subsequent need for a Saviour. Whether or not you abide by the Bible - the basis for the Christian worldview - here is what is says in I Cor. 6:9-11; "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
As you can see, there is quite a list - not exhaustive - of people that won't be a part of God's kingdom. Yet, the wonderful thing about Christianity is that it is hope based. Christianity is about transformation - not tolerance. God desires to change us from what we are in our flawed (sinful) state into one that is transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2) and life. Note how I Cor. 6:11 says that some of the believers used to practice 'wicked' activities. But no matter the past, God can change the present.
I've heard it argued in this debate that Christians should practice the love they 'preach' about, and not be against others who may be different. But love without the hope of change/transformation from our fallen state is an incomplete Christian message that does no one any eternal good.
Should homosexuals - or others who are different - be discriminated against? Never...and for that there should be no excuse…however, that does nor mean that I have to agree with what they do. For those that want to fly the flag or take part in rallies, that’s their choice, just as it’s my choice to believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus. For those that disagree with the Bible or Christ, feel free to state that, but do not discriminate against me because I choose to believe. If discrimination is wrong one way – then it’s wrong the other. Live life your way, but let the Church be the Church with its message of life change and transformation. For those that accept it, it’s a matter of choice.
It isn't so much about not flying the flag, as it is standing up for what you believe is truth. If that is wrong, then we're all in trouble.
Let me know what you think.
"Send Revival, Start with me."
Pastor Ken
Monday, August 27, 2007
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
If you want your light to shine, go to the dark places
Addition to the Sunday sermon:
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And doesn't know where to find them
But leave them alone, and they'll come home
Wagging their tails behind them
In this familiar children's poem, we realize that Bo Peep has a problem. She has lost her sheep and has no idea of their whereabouts. But evidently, the optimist in her thinks that if they are left alone, then eventually, they'll find their way home.
Unfortunately, there are many Christians who feel the same way when it comes to those who are unsaved (non-Christian). We live in a country where there are 70-80% of the population who would be classified as unchurched - meaning that they do not regularly attend any Christian church. To put it another way, roughly 7-8 out of 10 of your neighbours do not regularly go to a church.
Too many of of our community churches look at this group and take a Bo Peep position. They fail to see the hurts and needs of the spiritually lost and fail to effectively reach out to them. These churches take the attitude, 'If they want to change - they know where the church is.' In reality, these churches are so focused on themselves, that they fail to focus on what God is calling it to do.
By contrast, there are also churches who take a Good Shepherd approach. A church of the Good Shepherd, models the story told by Jesus, when, even with 99 sheep safely in the pasture - He goes out into the rough, rocky places to seek out that one sheep who is lost.
Our modern day predicament is that there are 20-30 sheep in the pasture, and 70-80 who are lost in the rough and rocky places of life. The church of the Good Shepherd is one that intentionally endeavours to share hope and help with those within its reach.
Our challenge, then, is to become a people who are willing to stretch ourselves, sacrifice and focus on the needs of those around us.
Are you more interested in helping than being helped?
Are you more interested in loving than in being loved?
Are you more interested in giving than in getting?
These are characteristics of a Good Shepherd church.
How would you rate yourself? Are you a Bo Peep Christian or a Good Shepherd Christian? Or are you one of the lost sheep? I would love to hear from you...
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep
And doesn't know where to find them
But leave them alone, and they'll come home
Wagging their tails behind them
In this familiar children's poem, we realize that Bo Peep has a problem. She has lost her sheep and has no idea of their whereabouts. But evidently, the optimist in her thinks that if they are left alone, then eventually, they'll find their way home.
Unfortunately, there are many Christians who feel the same way when it comes to those who are unsaved (non-Christian). We live in a country where there are 70-80% of the population who would be classified as unchurched - meaning that they do not regularly attend any Christian church. To put it another way, roughly 7-8 out of 10 of your neighbours do not regularly go to a church.
Too many of of our community churches look at this group and take a Bo Peep position. They fail to see the hurts and needs of the spiritually lost and fail to effectively reach out to them. These churches take the attitude, 'If they want to change - they know where the church is.' In reality, these churches are so focused on themselves, that they fail to focus on what God is calling it to do.
By contrast, there are also churches who take a Good Shepherd approach. A church of the Good Shepherd, models the story told by Jesus, when, even with 99 sheep safely in the pasture - He goes out into the rough, rocky places to seek out that one sheep who is lost.
Our modern day predicament is that there are 20-30 sheep in the pasture, and 70-80 who are lost in the rough and rocky places of life. The church of the Good Shepherd is one that intentionally endeavours to share hope and help with those within its reach.
Our challenge, then, is to become a people who are willing to stretch ourselves, sacrifice and focus on the needs of those around us.
Are you more interested in helping than being helped?
Are you more interested in loving than in being loved?
Are you more interested in giving than in getting?
These are characteristics of a Good Shepherd church.
How would you rate yourself? Are you a Bo Peep Christian or a Good Shepherd Christian? Or are you one of the lost sheep? I would love to hear from you...
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
Monday, July 30, 2007
Yes, I am alive...
Hi. For anyone checking in, I'll have a regular blog thought later today. It's been awhile since I last posted, but Colby has been in the hospital; I've been to Beulah Camp; and had family down for a visit - so my Mondays have been pretty pre-occupied.
Thanks for checking in. - Ken
Thanks for checking in. - Ken
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Loyalty
Man's Best Friend. That would definitely be the tag that I'd have used to describe my relationship with my dog, Sheba - a purebred Siberian husky, with icy blue eyes.
Unfortunately, I had to put her to sleep on Saturday, after nearly 13 years of friendship. She was just about 15 years old, when arthritis in her hips got the best of her. Putting her to sleep was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do - even though it was in her best interest. She was a good dog; a faithful dog and a wonderful companion.
If you've never gotten close to a dog (or any animal), then I can imagine that one would find it difficult to relate to how close a bond can be formed. But believe me, a pet can become like a member of the family.
Over the last couple of days, I've been reflecting on my time with her and the word that comes to my mind is that of loyalty. I'm sure that many people can say that about their dog - but to me, she was the poster-dog for that word.
Never once did she bite anyone, let alone me. She remained when others left. She was excited when I was around; and sad when I wasn't (so I'm told). She loved others, especially children. She had a wonderful disposition - never getting nasty or angry, even when Colby would haul on her or pull her fur. Oh sure, she had a few faults, but they hardly seem relevant now.
Perhaps, we can all learn a lesson from her life - a dog's life:
-Never bite anyone: Christians are to by-pass the urge to attack others, aren't we? -> whether it be verbally, thru gossip or any other form.
-Stay true to others, especially other Christians: Don't abandon people (no matter their faults), but look for those that need to be encouraged.
-Be interested in others: If our thoughts are only on ourselves, we miss out on fellowship, unity and the strength found in those who are interested in you.
-Love others: Don't reason it out, but like Sheba, just do it.
-Be kind: People will pull your fur - how we react shows how willing we are to allow Christ to transform us.
Thanks for the memories, Sheba.
"Send Revival, Start with Me".
Pastor Ken
Unfortunately, I had to put her to sleep on Saturday, after nearly 13 years of friendship. She was just about 15 years old, when arthritis in her hips got the best of her. Putting her to sleep was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do - even though it was in her best interest. She was a good dog; a faithful dog and a wonderful companion.
If you've never gotten close to a dog (or any animal), then I can imagine that one would find it difficult to relate to how close a bond can be formed. But believe me, a pet can become like a member of the family.
Over the last couple of days, I've been reflecting on my time with her and the word that comes to my mind is that of loyalty. I'm sure that many people can say that about their dog - but to me, she was the poster-dog for that word.
Never once did she bite anyone, let alone me. She remained when others left. She was excited when I was around; and sad when I wasn't (so I'm told). She loved others, especially children. She had a wonderful disposition - never getting nasty or angry, even when Colby would haul on her or pull her fur. Oh sure, she had a few faults, but they hardly seem relevant now.
Perhaps, we can all learn a lesson from her life - a dog's life:
-Never bite anyone: Christians are to by-pass the urge to attack others, aren't we? -> whether it be verbally, thru gossip or any other form.
-Stay true to others, especially other Christians: Don't abandon people (no matter their faults), but look for those that need to be encouraged.
-Be interested in others: If our thoughts are only on ourselves, we miss out on fellowship, unity and the strength found in those who are interested in you.
-Love others: Don't reason it out, but like Sheba, just do it.
-Be kind: People will pull your fur - how we react shows how willing we are to allow Christ to transform us.
Thanks for the memories, Sheba.
"Send Revival, Start with Me".
Pastor Ken
Monday, June 18, 2007
Glad for Dad
Even though yesterday was an active day for me (2 services plus a nursing home service), it was an enjoyable Father's Day. The weather was nice and I had a chance to spend time with my son. Ever since Thursday, Colby has been telling me that he bought me a present. He never spilled the beans to tell me what it was, but he certainly was excited about it. April told me that at first, he tried getting me a bag of chips, then a kids swimming pool - but finally settled on some golf items. I'm certainly glad to be a father. Colby brings so much joy to my world.
I was also thinking of my own father yesterday...and had the chance to call him last night. I don't tell him very often, but I'm also very glad that he's my dad. I have tremendous memories of doing things with him as a boy; and still enjoy spending time with him today. In more ways than one, he's my role model. I can only hope to be such a father to my son.
I came across this article the other day, and thought that it might be appropriate to post it here. Among so many great things about my dad, I'm glad that he is a Matt. 7 kind of man.
"A minister concluded his sermon one Sunday by saying, "If there's someone here who wants help in getting to know God, and you would like me to pray for you, please raise your hand." A young man stood up and said, "Please pray for me, sir. The burden of my sin is too heavy to bear."
After the service, the minister talked with the man and led him to faith in Jesus. The young man had been wandering around the country for 8 years without contacting his parents, so he decided to write to them and tell them about the change in his life.
Several days later, a reply came from his mother: "My dear son, you must have accepted Jesus Christ at the same hour your father went home to heaven. He had been sick for a long time, and that day he was very restless. He tossed from side to side on his bed, crying out, 'Lord, please save my poor, wandering boy.' I'm sure that one of the reasons you became a Christian was Dad's unceasing intercession."
A praying father will "ask," "seek," and "knock" in behalf of his children, persistently trusting his wise heavenly Father to do what is best (Matthew 7:7-11)."
(From the 'Our Daily Bread' daily devotional; June 15, 2003)
Happy Father's Day!
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
I was also thinking of my own father yesterday...and had the chance to call him last night. I don't tell him very often, but I'm also very glad that he's my dad. I have tremendous memories of doing things with him as a boy; and still enjoy spending time with him today. In more ways than one, he's my role model. I can only hope to be such a father to my son.
I came across this article the other day, and thought that it might be appropriate to post it here. Among so many great things about my dad, I'm glad that he is a Matt. 7 kind of man.
"A minister concluded his sermon one Sunday by saying, "If there's someone here who wants help in getting to know God, and you would like me to pray for you, please raise your hand." A young man stood up and said, "Please pray for me, sir. The burden of my sin is too heavy to bear."
After the service, the minister talked with the man and led him to faith in Jesus. The young man had been wandering around the country for 8 years without contacting his parents, so he decided to write to them and tell them about the change in his life.
Several days later, a reply came from his mother: "My dear son, you must have accepted Jesus Christ at the same hour your father went home to heaven. He had been sick for a long time, and that day he was very restless. He tossed from side to side on his bed, crying out, 'Lord, please save my poor, wandering boy.' I'm sure that one of the reasons you became a Christian was Dad's unceasing intercession."
A praying father will "ask," "seek," and "knock" in behalf of his children, persistently trusting his wise heavenly Father to do what is best (Matthew 7:7-11)."
(From the 'Our Daily Bread' daily devotional; June 15, 2003)
Happy Father's Day!
"Send Revival, Start with Me."
Pastor Ken
Monday, June 11, 2007
Service in the Park
Hi again. Last Monday, we were away on a vacation break. It was enjoyable but its always nice to be back.
I wanted to begin this week's blog with some thank you's for those that played a big role in this past weekend's "Service in the Park". If you're not familiar with what that is...we had the LaPointes, of Fredericton, hold a concert at Truro's Victoria Park - which was free to the community - where we passed out bottles of water to anyone and everyone who came into the park, and then we (Central Nova Wesleyan) closed the day by hosting a BBQ, also in the Park. It was a great day!
Over 250 people attended the service; 270 bottles of chilled water were handed out to people passing by; and over 150 people were served at the BBQ.
It was a great opportunity for our church to offer something 'free' to the community, and to connect with many people that we did not know - a special thanks to the board for supporting such an endeavour and to the church, in general, for rallying behind it by inviting friends and family who aren't a part of church life.
Those that I'm about to thank would not expect me to do this, but that's what makes it all the more important to recognize their help.
Darren/Naomi S. - Thanks for donating the 504 bottles of water
Barry/Nikki H. - Thanks for donating the specialized labels for the bottles
Marilyn/Claude R. - Thanks for setting up the BBQ
Dave H. - Thanks for getting the ice (free) and for your willingness to do 'whatever'
Gordon S. - Thanks for helping pass out the water
Shannon A. - Thanks for heading up the kids ministry
Thanks to the many other numerous volunteers who helped out, either by serving, cooking or in any other way that contributed to this outreach's success.
If somehow I've missed someone that should have been mentioned by name, I do apologize. I know that many of you gave of your time to help us connect with others. THANKS!
Next week, I'll be sharing a few thoughts on Father's Day. Stop by the church this weekend if you're looking for a place to attend church. We've got an inmate from Westmoreland Institute in Dorchester speaking at 10:30 am on Sunday.
"Send Revival, Start with me."
Pastor Ken
I wanted to begin this week's blog with some thank you's for those that played a big role in this past weekend's "Service in the Park". If you're not familiar with what that is...we had the LaPointes, of Fredericton, hold a concert at Truro's Victoria Park - which was free to the community - where we passed out bottles of water to anyone and everyone who came into the park, and then we (Central Nova Wesleyan) closed the day by hosting a BBQ, also in the Park. It was a great day!
Over 250 people attended the service; 270 bottles of chilled water were handed out to people passing by; and over 150 people were served at the BBQ.
It was a great opportunity for our church to offer something 'free' to the community, and to connect with many people that we did not know - a special thanks to the board for supporting such an endeavour and to the church, in general, for rallying behind it by inviting friends and family who aren't a part of church life.
Those that I'm about to thank would not expect me to do this, but that's what makes it all the more important to recognize their help.
Darren/Naomi S. - Thanks for donating the 504 bottles of water
Barry/Nikki H. - Thanks for donating the specialized labels for the bottles
Marilyn/Claude R. - Thanks for setting up the BBQ
Dave H. - Thanks for getting the ice (free) and for your willingness to do 'whatever'
Gordon S. - Thanks for helping pass out the water
Shannon A. - Thanks for heading up the kids ministry
Thanks to the many other numerous volunteers who helped out, either by serving, cooking or in any other way that contributed to this outreach's success.
If somehow I've missed someone that should have been mentioned by name, I do apologize. I know that many of you gave of your time to help us connect with others. THANKS!
Next week, I'll be sharing a few thoughts on Father's Day. Stop by the church this weekend if you're looking for a place to attend church. We've got an inmate from Westmoreland Institute in Dorchester speaking at 10:30 am on Sunday.
"Send Revival, Start with me."
Pastor Ken
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Say 'Awwwww...'
Today, I was at the dentist. I had the privilege of receiving the 2nd of 3 fillings I need due to cavities. I've never been particularly fond of the dentist - but neither have I particularly minded it. It's one of those things in life that I endure, knowing that it's for my overall benefit.
However, I need to evaluate why I had 3 cavities that needed attention in the first place. Of course, I could blame the snack food industry and the pop conglomerates - for, after all, their treats are filled with sugar and teeth rotting ingredients. It should be obvious that its their fault for forcing all their tasty morsals my way. In reality, I could be seen as the victim for years of being force fed those vile snacks. I mean, it really is true, 'you can't eat just one'.
And yet, somehow, I don't think that that argument will work. I guess that no one really forced me to indulge.
Perhaps, it had more to do with the fact that I hadn't been to a dentist in 6 years, prior to moving to Truro. Since July, I've been to see him 4 times. That's 4 times in the last 10 months or 4 times more than I'd been to a dentist in the last 72 months. Ouch! I guess the dentist did say that it could've been worse. Perhaps that explains why I have 2 more visits scheduled in the next 3 months.
Oh, it's fun catching up...all the needles, drills and rinses.
As I think about our spiritual life (walk, journey), I wonder how often we might let things slide, like I did with the dentist. You know, the walk with God stuff. Reading the Bible - not just to do it, but to discover the riches that God wants to say to you on that particular day or moment; spending some thoughtful and soulful time in prayer - for the lost, as Jesus called them, and for the presence of God to be evident - really evident - like the 'old-timers' used to talk about; or about making a difference to those in difficulty or need - thinking beyond ourselves (which I find quite easy to let slide).
As I discovered with my cavities, if we allow the 'routine' things (ie: dentist visits) to pass by, there is a price. Could it be that same way in our spiritual life, if we skip over or take lightly the things that God uses to make us like Him?
Wonder what the church would look like if we all skipped our God visits. Would it look differently than today?
What do you think? Let me know...I appreciate your feedback.
"Send Revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
However, I need to evaluate why I had 3 cavities that needed attention in the first place. Of course, I could blame the snack food industry and the pop conglomerates - for, after all, their treats are filled with sugar and teeth rotting ingredients. It should be obvious that its their fault for forcing all their tasty morsals my way. In reality, I could be seen as the victim for years of being force fed those vile snacks. I mean, it really is true, 'you can't eat just one'.
And yet, somehow, I don't think that that argument will work. I guess that no one really forced me to indulge.
Perhaps, it had more to do with the fact that I hadn't been to a dentist in 6 years, prior to moving to Truro. Since July, I've been to see him 4 times. That's 4 times in the last 10 months or 4 times more than I'd been to a dentist in the last 72 months. Ouch! I guess the dentist did say that it could've been worse. Perhaps that explains why I have 2 more visits scheduled in the next 3 months.
Oh, it's fun catching up...all the needles, drills and rinses.
As I think about our spiritual life (walk, journey), I wonder how often we might let things slide, like I did with the dentist. You know, the walk with God stuff. Reading the Bible - not just to do it, but to discover the riches that God wants to say to you on that particular day or moment; spending some thoughtful and soulful time in prayer - for the lost, as Jesus called them, and for the presence of God to be evident - really evident - like the 'old-timers' used to talk about; or about making a difference to those in difficulty or need - thinking beyond ourselves (which I find quite easy to let slide).
As I discovered with my cavities, if we allow the 'routine' things (ie: dentist visits) to pass by, there is a price. Could it be that same way in our spiritual life, if we skip over or take lightly the things that God uses to make us like Him?
Wonder what the church would look like if we all skipped our God visits. Would it look differently than today?
What do you think? Let me know...I appreciate your feedback.
"Send Revival, Start with Me"
Pastor Ken
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