Sho Baraka, Christian rap artist, writes an excellent article in Christian Today titled Why I Can't Vote for Either Trump or Clinton (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2016/october/sho-baraka-why-i-cant-vote-for-either-trump-or-clinton.html?start=1). He comments that As an African American, I’m marginalized by the lack of compassion on the Right. As a Christian, I’m ostracized by the secularism of the Left.
Mr. Baraka clearly articulates a biblical perspective when he states that he wishes that soon there will be a movement of folks who protest both police brutality and abortions without feeling disloyal to one party or the other. These Christians comprehend an unabridged concept of life, that it is to be protected from the cradle to the grave. This is a comprehensive outlook that seeks justice in community development, education, prison reform, and job creation. These people recognize honoring humanity is a service to God and not a partisan policy.
God is in control. I pray that we have the faith and strength to live this out everyday and especially in the voting booth.
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ" - Ephesians 4:15.
Missing in many, many of these posts and in this presidential election cycle is speaking the truth in love. By speaking in truth, we build up one another; it is how God gives grace to others through us, and builds unity.
It is my fervent prayer that we speak the truth in love to one another so that we will grow to a strong maturity to do the work God has appointed us to do.
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ" - Ephesians 4:15.
Missing in some of these posts and in this presidential election cycle is speaking the truth in love. By speaking in truth, we build up one another; it is how God gives grace to others through us, and builds unity.
It is my fervent prayer that we speak the truth in love to one another so that we will grow to a strong maturity to do the work God has appointed us to do.
Dear Anonymous Child of God: You are courageous for taking the steps you did to survive your horrible experience. You are also courageous for telling your story.Your advice to others experiencing sexual harassment is important to share. And thank you for encouraging churches and ministries to be proactive. Grace and peace to you.
Mr. Boessenkool: Thank you for your thoughts on Rev. Syd Hielema's article. What a weighty responsibility ministers of the Word have - "to declare the Word of the Lord to a community" - overwhelming indeed! I am thankful that Rev. Hielema trembles on his knees at his calling.
Regarding the example, I do not come away with the same feeling as you that "the end point is acceptance of homosexual marriage." Rev. Hielema intriguingly states that "This mother believes that her daughter has both done the wrong thing and the better thing." While not in my place to defend his position/comments, I am intrigued with his idea that the"'better/worse' compass supersedes the 'right/wrong' one."
While you advocate Rev. Hielema writes with a "forked pen," I would thank him for his thoughtfulness in presenting a position that is based on biblical teachings and serious study. He certainly is advancing food for serious thought and discussion.
I also echo Rev. Hielema's prayer we "mature as a people who weep with those who weep," and add the prayer for us to have ears that listen and hearts that serve.
Posted in: Trump, Assault, and Standing Up for Women
Amen sister!
Posted in: Trump, Assault, and Standing Up for Women
Sho Baraka, Christian rap artist, writes an excellent article in Christian Today titled Why I Can't Vote for Either Trump or Clinton (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2016/october/sho-baraka-why-i-cant-vote-for-either-trump-or-clinton.html?start=1). He comments that As an African American, I’m marginalized by the lack of compassion on the Right. As a Christian, I’m ostracized by the secularism of the Left.
Mr. Baraka clearly articulates a biblical perspective when he states that he wishes that soon there will be a movement of folks who protest both police brutality and abortions without feeling disloyal to one party or the other. These Christians comprehend an unabridged concept of life, that it is to be protected from the cradle to the grave. This is a comprehensive outlook that seeks justice in community development, education, prison reform, and job creation. These people recognize honoring humanity is a service to God and not a partisan policy.
God is in control. I pray that we have the faith and strength to live this out everyday and especially in the voting booth.
Posted in: Trump, Assault, and Standing Up for Women
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ" - Ephesians 4:15.
Missing in many, many of these posts and in this presidential election cycle is speaking the truth in love. By speaking in truth, we build up one another; it is how God gives grace to others through us, and builds unity.
It is my fervent prayer that we speak the truth in love to one another so that we will grow to a strong maturity to do the work God has appointed us to do.
God is in control.
Posted in: Trump, Assault, and Standing Up for Women
"Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ" - Ephesians 4:15.
Missing in some of these posts and in this presidential election cycle is speaking the truth in love. By speaking in truth, we build up one another; it is how God gives grace to others through us, and builds unity.
It is my fervent prayer that we speak the truth in love to one another so that we will grow to a strong maturity to do the work God has appointed us to do.
God is in control.
Posted in: What I Wish the Church Knew About Harassment
Dear Anonymous Child of God: You are courageous for taking the steps you did to survive your horrible experience. You are also courageous for telling your story.Your advice to others experiencing sexual harassment is important to share. And thank you for encouraging churches and ministries to be proactive. Grace and peace to you.
Posted in: Homosexuality and Holy Uncertainty
Mr. Boessenkool: Thank you for your thoughts on Rev. Syd Hielema's article. What a weighty responsibility ministers of the Word have - "to declare the Word of the Lord to a community" - overwhelming indeed! I am thankful that Rev. Hielema trembles on his knees at his calling.
Regarding the example, I do not come away with the same feeling as you that "the end point is acceptance of homosexual marriage." Rev. Hielema intriguingly states that "This mother believes that her daughter has both done the wrong thing and the better thing." While not in my place to defend his position/comments, I am intrigued with his idea that the"'better/worse' compass supersedes the 'right/wrong' one."
While you advocate Rev. Hielema writes with a "forked pen," I would thank him for his thoughtfulness in presenting a position that is based on biblical teachings and serious study. He certainly is advancing food for serious thought and discussion.
I also echo Rev. Hielema's prayer we "mature as a people who weep with those who weep," and add the prayer for us to have ears that listen and hearts that serve.
Grace and peace.