Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Making the Case for Christ

One of the great things about this time of the year is the inevitable conversations about the role of God and faith in our culture, communities and politics.

The celebration of Christmas presents a stark contrast to the values of secular humanism. Many non-believers are empty, looking for answers to life and the problems they face.

These conversations are happening around dinner tables, family gatherings, the gym and in the workplace. Without question, the harvest fields are fertile now for believers to jump in and offer a distinct world view. We need to be ready with answers to what and why we believe.

Are you ready to share Jesus Christ with your family, friends and neighbors?

Here's a great verse towards that end. The Apostle Peter wrote that we are "to be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But to do this with gentleness and respect"- 1 Peter 3:15.

Here a remarkable story about Christians cooperating the public square. Here's another one where there is work to be done...

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Christmas is the Reason for the Season

Surprise! Most Americans believe in Christmas! Despite pundits and media apologists, the vast majority of Americans still believe in the true story of Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 18, 2006

Should "Evangelical Lesbians" Be Given A Pass?

Sunday's Denver Post featured a front page article by reporter Eric Gorski trumpeting the "progress, peace and self-fulfillment" made by Sheila Burris, local lesbian Christian. But according to the tone of the story, most Christians and churches are still obtuse when it comes to accepting homosexuals and their lifestyles.

I just have one question. Simply, all good feelings aside, what does the Bible say about sin and in particular homosexuality? We live in a time where no one wants to hear what God has to say about all sin. Here's a good article on what the Bible says about homosexuality.

Finally, every one of us has a sin problem. Mine may be different than yours. Homosexuality is a sin according to God's Word. Many today don't want to hear this. But the fact remains that God, according to His Word, will require sin to be dealt with.

Monday, December 11, 2006

Faith and Freedom-Its Hand in Glove

Last week at a Southern California symposium, Denver's Archbishop Chaput hit the nail on the head regarding the relationship of faith to freedom. He stated that "democracy does not mean putting aside our religious and moral beliefs for the sake of public policy; in fact, it demands exactly the opposite."

While some secular apologists would posit that freedom does not require faith, their rationale ignores American history. Our nation's rich liberties are the fruit of our mostly faithful predecessors. Our culture, institutions and creeds are primarily based on the common assumption that most Americans have and practice faith in God.

Several years ago, a current state legislator proudly claimed that while she was a Christian she would "check her faith at the capital door so not to be biased." For her, the highest notion was tolerance and consensus, buzz words for secularlism . In my view, she sold out unhooking faith and freedom.

Our view: faith and freedom are historically connected. Promoting secularlism does not benefit our state or nation. Secularlism only offers tolerance which offers no principles or beliefs for a successful life. Instead, let's offer faith, hope, charity and life to our dark world.