When will the truth finally set us free?

Recently someone forwarded an email to me warning that Barack Obama is the Antichrist because the book of Revelation says that his reign will be 42 months, the same as a U.S. Presidential term. Big mistake. I hit the "reply" button and preached that brother a sermon. Here's what I wrote:

It's not possible for the book of Revelation to claim the anti-christ is of Islamic decent, 1) Islam wasn't invented yet when it was written, 2) it's a religion not an ethnicity so you can't be of Islamic decent.

An anti-Christ is anyone who takes attention away from the true Christ.

I suggest you read the 1 John 4:1-3

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world."

Obama publicly acknowledges Jesus as his Lord and savior.

While you're at it, you need to bone up on your both your theology and your eschatology a little bit. Many fundamentalist strains of Christianity believe in a false doctrine called dispensationalism that is not truly found in Scripture, but rather was developed in 19th century America.

You're trying to frighten Christian voters into being afraid of Barak Obama, a devout Christian himself- not a Muslim or the anti-christ. This is NOT a Christ-like behavior.

1 John 4:18 tells us that "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." Besides, Jesus tells us in Matthew 5 and Luke 6 to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us.

What you're doing is "the ends-justifies-the-means." You're so afraid of Obama yourself, that you're willing to spread lies and propaganda about him to insure that McCain/Palin win. That's not Jesus- that's Machiavelli.

Dispensationalists pretend to be friends of Israel because they think that Jerusalem will be some kind of celestial star-gate for Jesus' second coming, when in reality they are anti-semitic, hating Jews and blaming them for killing Jesus. They can't wait for them to be "Left-Behind" and sent to Hell. Whereas, granted, Jesus may be the only way, truth and life (John 14:6) BUT- God does not WANT ANYONE to perish (2 Peter 3:9).

It's so unfortunate that politics makes such strange bedfellows because Catholics that are so adamantly opposed to abortion find quick and fervent allies among fundamentalist and evangelicals in the religious-right movement, yet many of these allies suspect the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church itself of being the Antichrist and/or the Beast!

How do we know that Jerusalem won't be a cosmic star gate for his arrival to usher in some millennial reign? Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:22-24 that His true worshipers will worship in spirit and in truth, not in physical, geographical or political locations.

As for predictions and prophecies and televangelists who think that the market crash is a sign of the end times or Sarah Palin's prediction that Christians will find refuge from the tribulation in Alaska- Jesus tells us that he will return like a thief in the night in 1 Thessalonians 5:2 and in Matthew 24:36 He assures us that "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." We need to love and trust Him and not worry about signs or trying to help arrange things for Him politically. He doesn't need any help.
I know you mean well and I'm sure you truly love God and America, I'm sure you're a good person. But be careful not to be corrupted by politics and political messages, whether they're from the right OR the left. Don't be motivated by fear or anger. Be motivated by love and a desire to reconcile everyone to Jesus.

As God tells us in 2 Peter-
" 3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins."
Thank God, He's granted us liberty and privilege to elect our own leaders in the United States. If you want to vote solely on social issues that are important to you so be it. This is your right. But please, don't be frightened into any choice based on shoddy theological assertions of people who seek to use religion as a means to assert their political agendas.

Remember Galatians 3:28- "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Guess what- there is neither Republican nor Democrat, Independent nor Libertarian, Black nor White, Asian nor Hispanic, Urban nor Suburban, Metropolitan nor Rural, either. Believe it or not, there ARE Liberal Democrats who LOVE Jesus and America and want what's best for everyone. I'll even bet that when we get to Heaven, we might just find a few Socialists, Communists, and even Anarchists there!

When will we ever live up to our motto? "E Pluribus Unum"- From many, one.

Soon, I pray.

Please forgive me if I've come off as angry or condescending in either of these emails. I happen to love Jesus and to love America and I have been wounded and persecuted and attacked and alienated and ostracized and doubted, slandered and shunned because I disagree with other Christians who watch Fox News more than they read their own Bibles and I feel like I have to either take a stand like Luther or gradually be pushed away from my Savior by His own "sheep."

Please forgive me, but please, please, don't fall prey to fear, lies, or political propaganda, let alone to false prophecies, false doctrines, and foolish heresies. Read the Bible, not political email forwards. Share God's love and His good news of forgiveness, not fear and racism.

He is risen indeed

Return to the land of the living
Charter Oak-Ute NEWSpaper - Schleswig Leader, Thursday, April 5, 2007 - Page 3

As if his torture wasn’t excruciating enough, which by the way consisted of the most advanced and brutal means available to the military at the time- as if the torture wasn’t bad enough, all of it was essentially because there were people who didn’t want to lose power- not because he had violated any laws.

He was an easy mark for both sides. The people who wanted to establish a theocracy used him as a scape goat with the occupying super power to draw attention away from their own corruption and behind the scenes power-brokering. The soldiers were all too happy to oblige, They were tired and frustrated being stationed so far from their families, and hated and resented by the people who they believed they were helping by bringing civilization and order.

The political envoy acted the way you can expect politicians to behave. He didn’t want to give the religious leaders the blood they craved, but he certainly wasn’t about to stick his neck out for, for what? A member of the lunatic fringe? A leader of yet another splinter sect? A thinker? An activist, pundit, spiritual healer, guru? He tried to evade taking responsibility for whatever torture or execution that the man would be subjected to- but truthfully, this was a win-win for a politico. His soldiers could release some aggression, maybe even improve their morale a little. The men with the religious clout would be placated because they’d feel as if their “imperial oppressors” were giving them some modicum of authority. And who knows, hopefully he could even win over some minds and hearts of the people by making it look like he was responsive to their leaders for once.

As if the torture, incarceration under false pretenses, the kangaroo court held in secret in the middle of the night, with no representation, as if all this wasn’t enough- and oh yeah, the slow, cruel death, as if that wasn’t enough, then there was carrying all of the weight of all of the sins and hatred and selfishness and ugliness and pain of all of the people of all of the world through all of the ages, all at once.

But when it was over, it was over and done. He was the one and only sacrificial lamb, the last one and the ultimate one for all time. He tore the curtain that separated the profane from the divine. The war was over and the reconciliation could begin. The Father and ALL of His children could finally have a healed relationship thanks to His only “begotten” Son.

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
His long time rival and sworn enemy was caught surprised in the midst of his gloating and premature celebrating. He broke through the gates of his compound and marched in to declare victory.

The very Earth trembled. Soldiers who had days before made sure His fate was secure were now slack jawed with awe and amazement.

Early Sunday morning, women took the things they needed to ceremonially prepare the body to the vault where they expected it to be. It was open. They were confused when He wasn’t there and were taken aback by two people in clothes that glowed like an electrical charge. The women fell on the ground in fear.

These messengers asked them simply,
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you, that He must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ “

Finally, the light bulbs went on in their heads and it dawned on them that He had told them exactly how things were going to happen.
Now, He was the first born to new life. Like the first Robin of Spring, or the first daffodil to break through the snow. Because He died for us, defeated death and rose again, He will raise us all who believe in Him and one day where blood stained the ground, instead a carpet of flowers will bloom and beckon in the whole new creation.

Ted Mallory lives in Charter Oak and teaches at Boyer Valley Schools in Dunlap. ‘Ted’s Column’ has appeared weekly in the Charter Oak-Ute NEWSpaper since 2002. If you’d like to see any of Ted’s editorial cartoons bigger and brighter, you can visit http://tmal.multiply.com/photos/album/2

9/11

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

~Benjamin Franklin

After all, why do they hate us? If it's really because of our freedom, they don't they win when we abandon those freedoms?

And besides:

"God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we're free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ's. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love." ~ 1 John 4:17-18

and is it a war between a so called "Christian Nation" and Islamist extremism? Okay, than ask yourself WWJD?

"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."~Romans 12:20-21

What Emails Would Jesus Forward?

Recently, I received an Email forward that claimed to be an appeal from radio psychologist Dr. James Dobson asking my help in fighting famous Atheist Madeline Murray O'Hare. The Email claimed that she was responsible for 'Touched By An Angel' being taken off the air, and now she was trying to take all Christian broadcasting off the air.

It turns out this is a hoax. Dr. Dobson has made no such appeal. 'Touched By An Angel' was a successful program that ran for 9 seasons (1994- 2003) and simply ran its course. O'Hare disappeared in 1995. In 2001, authorities in Texas found her remains in a shallow grave.

The Email ended with a "PETITION TO REINSTATE PRAYER IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS." You're supposed to add your name to the bottom of the list and forward it on to everyone in your address book. The one millionth signer was supposed to Email the whole shebang to President George W. Bush.

The guy doesn't even have Email, he's said he doesn't believe in it. If you were President, would you open any Emails with a Million "Fwd: Fw: Fw: Fw:" in the subject line?

So, who would write these prayers for public schools? Southern Baptists? Methodists? Roman Catholics? Greek Orthodox? Lutheran? These groups are all Christians, yet there are many Evangelical Protestants who do not believe that Coptics, Lutherans and Catholics are true Christians.

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod doesn't recognize 7th Day Adventists as actual Christians because they deny the doctrine of the Trinity taught in the canonical Creeds.
Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons are not Christians, although many of them think that they are. What if my child had a Scientologist teacher? Or a Unitarian or a Jew, Hindu, Hare Krishna or Buddhist? Or what about a practitioner of Wicca or some other neo-pagan tradition?

I'm a public school teacher and I don't believe that it's my place to tell my students how to pray, let alone what to believe. If they are Christian, and it's okay with their parents, I would love to encourage, help nurture and mentor their faith. But the time for that is outside of class, not in front of all their classmates during time meant for Journalism, Art or whatever other subject matter. The last line of the Email said this:

"REMEMBER! : Our country was founded on freedom of religion."

Many people these days are proud of the fact that the Pilgrims founded the Plymouth colony for religious freedom. But who were they seeking freedom from? King James I, as in "the King James Bible." Protestants and Christians were killing each other in England in Jesus name for decades. The Puritans weren't exactly known for offering religious freedom to others, heretics, Jews, and of course accused witches certainly weren't.

The Plymouth Company that founded the Massachusetts Bay Colony and the London Company that founded Jamestown were businesses. America was founded on making money, even if it was Christians who did it.

Please, read Matthew 6:5-7 and rethink your position. Jesus never forces Himself on anyone.

If you want you kids to pray in school, enroll them in a Christian school. May I suggest a few excellent Lutheran Schools- visit http://www.valpo.edu/lutheran/lhsdir/index.htm

The separation of Church and state is the price we pay for our freedom of religion.
I loved the "Touched by an Angel" show, but lets face it, the true religion of America is consumerism. Money makes TV networks turn-round. If your faith in and relationship with Jesus is important to you, turn off your TV and open your Bible. You'll win more souls by being like Him, and near Him than by trying to force a cultural/political agenda on anyone, by TV programming, petitions, prayer in public schools, or Spam Emails.

"I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than to those attending too small a degree of it." - Thomas Jefferson

Beware of mystics selling books; Judas betrays Christ again

Happy Easter. I had hoped to offer you some light, entertaining fluff this holiday, but something has cast a pal across the holiday and I feel like I need to address it.

Unless you’ve been living in a box, you’ve probably heard that the National Geographic Society has unveiled the discovery of a “Gospel according to Judas.” It’s actually a bunch of papyrus that was discovered nearly 40 years ago, the existence of which was known all along by scholars.

So why is it such a big deal right now? Newsweek magazine said that it was as if “an unseen hand must have arranged for the Gospel of Judas to be published while the "Da Vinci Code" craze still had life in it.” Just before Easter, and soon before the Da Vinci Code movie is released. Convenient, whether you believe that is the unseen hand of commerce or the hand of the devil himself, it is a little too fishy.

The Da Vinci Code itself is very controversial. It suggests that the early Church conspired to hide secret knowledge. The theory is that Jesus didn’t really die on the cross, but went on to marry Mary Magdalan and the holy grail wasn’t a chalice that held the first communion wine or even the blood He shed, but it was Mary and the wine/blood is the bloodline of Jesus, carried by his descendants. People who get too wrapped up in this need to remember that the novel is "almost pure fiction, using author Dan Brown's imagination, loosely based on legends about so called “lost gospels” or “Gnostic gospels” like gospel of Thomas, the gospel of Mary, and now the gospel of Judas.

First of all, Leonardo Da Vinci had nothing to do with all this. Sure, he may or may not have included and later painted over Mary in his famous “last supper,” but he was a vain, short-attention-spanned fame hungry pop-star who was working for a church that at the time was drunk with the opulence of the renaissance and political power.

This Easter, you might want to read John 20:11-18. Think about the role Jesus appears to be give Mary in his church? I think that’s far more meaningful than being just a spouse.

Keep in mind, too that the four canonical gospels in the Bible were all written within a few decades of Jesus’ resurrection by Jesus’ followers who had a direct connection to Him. These other apocrafal gospels were written hundreds of years later by people trying to make Jesus’ story more complicated and mysterious than it has to be. I believe that Mary, the Apostle ‘doubting’ Thomas, and even the regretful, suicidal Judas would be ashamed that anyone put their names on something so counter to Jesus’ own teaching.

There are two basic false-doctrines that are being promoted by both the Judas gospel craze and the Da Vinci Code fad. One is Arianism and another is Gnosticism.

Arianism was a 4th-century Christian heresy named for Arius (c.250-c.336), a priest in Alexandria, Egypt. He basically denied the deity of Jesus. He held that the Son of God, while divine and god-like, was created by God the Father, rather than being part of the Trinity. Arianism spread in the early church and resulted in such disunity that Emperor Constantine called for a church council at Nicaea in 325, from which we get the “Nicean Creed.”

One of my favorite stories about the council was that a bishop from Turkey named Nicholas (you may know him as “Santa Claus”) got so angry he punched Arius in the nose!

Gnosticism is form of mysticism, that says that the goal of life is to discover "special knowledge" (gnosis). It basically sees the struggle of good and bad as a division between the physical realm, and the higher spiritual realm. This dualism is not a Hebrew, Jewish or New Testament Christian idea, it came from the Greeks, and the philosopher Plato in particular.

An in depth study of Gnosticism makes it look like some bizarre pagan religion like Wicca or Scientology (or even the deepest levels of Mormonism). It’s definitely not some lost or hidden form of true Christianity, far from it. Basically, the gospel of Judas and other Gnostic teachings want us to imagine that rather than the only begotten Son of God, who is the only way truth and life (John 4:14), He’s just a perfect human who demonstrated for us the “secret” way to discover our own inner-light.

This new gospel of Judas tries to suggest that Jesus asked Judas to help him escape his corrupt physical body in order to reach “enlightenment.” Funny, I could have swore that He was crucified for the forgiveness of our sins, not just his own spiritual benefit.

Like Judas, Gnostics want control, they want religion on their own terms, not God’s. At first Judas wanted to overthrow the Romans but when he saw that Jesus’ Kingdom was one of humility, love and service- he sold Him out for money instead. Now they’re trying to capitalize on our appetite for the mysterious and our own desires to feel like we understand or control God, instead of trusting Him.

This Easter, go to the sources. Read the Gospels of Matthew Mark, Luke and John and discover the true “light of the world,” the one outside yourself, who died and rose again so that you can know all His secrets, nothing hidden, nothing that we have to work for ourselves, free.

“Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” ~1 John 2:22-23

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.” ~1 John 4:1-3

What Would Jesus Want?

So, Christmas is three days away. Are you exhausted yet? Shopping, wrapping, planning, preparing food, cleaning, kids’ concerts and pageants, traveling, visiting, hosting…is it any wonder that this is one of the most stressful times of year. Sometimes it seems like Christmas is all about things. We say that it’s better to give than to receive, but either act is focused on materialism. Is that all Christmas is about? Just the presents. Getting what we hope for, giving what others will appreciate the most?

Has anyone bothered asking, what does Jesus want for His birthday?

Funny thing is, He tells us what He’d like. Micah 6:8 says: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Act justly. That doesn’t mean that we’re supposed to become self-appointed administers of justice. God’s vigilantes. We are not supposed to force people to do right or to make sure they’re punished for doing wrong. It’s not my job to speed up and cut off somebody who just cut me off or who wouldn’t let me into their lane even when I signaled and everything. That’s not acting justly. That’s trying to be God.

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” That’s not just another old saying, that’s Jesus from Matthew 7:1.

Acting justly does not mean controlling others. It means showing some self control. It means doing the right thing, not because it will get me something, not even because it’s what God tell us to do, but just doing it because it’s the right thing to do.

Love mercy. You think Jesus does a touchdown dance in the end-zone every time a convict is executed? Does He raise a foam finger in the air and shout “score one for the good guys” every time a terrorist is caught or shot? Does He really want to rub people’s face in it when they get caught doing wrong or when the law finally catches up with them?

Just the opposite. Jesus doesn’t scream at people. He doesn’t slander His opponents. He doesn’t bomb anything. In fact, 2 Peter 3:9 says: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

What does it mean to be humble? In Philippians 2:3-8 Paul tells us, “Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Think of yourselves the way Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what… He set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human!... He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death--and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion.” (from Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase, “the Message.”)

That humble baby in the manger born on Christmas loved mercy and loved us so much that He acted justly all His life and finally gave up His life for us, so that we can take a closer walk with Him.

THAT’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Merry Christmas, kiss your Medicare goodbye

If the House version of the budget passes, 220,000 low-income families may lose their food stamp benefits. If the potential capital gains and dividend tax cuts get passed, 80% of the benefits will go to the top 3% of earners, who make more than $200,000.

Poverty is as much a moral issue as abortion. Republicans do not have a monopoly on "Christian" issues. Yes, vote your faith, but please, don't be a one-issue voter, and please don't judge us who aren't as if you're more Christian then we are or as if one can't possibly get to Heaven and vote Democrat. Supply-side/Trickle-down economics not only does not work (at least not well enough) but it is immoral.

Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." ~Matthew 19: 23-24

The 9/11 email Hoax

BEWARE of The 9/11 email Hoax!
There is an email hoax going around that claims that Chapter 9, Verse 11 of the Koran says something like this:

"For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace."

It's supposed to get Americans to support the War in Iraq because it coincidently is the "9/11" verse. Well it is NOT true!

Here's what I got at U.S.C.'s online translation of the Koran at
http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/qmtintro.html

009.011
"YUSUFALI: But (even so), if they repent, establish regular prayers, and practise regular charity,- they are your brethren in Faith: (thus) do We explain the Signs in detail, for those who understand.
PICKTHAL: But if they repent and establish worship and pay the poor-due, then are they your brethren in religion. We detail Our revelations for a people who have knowledge.
SHAKIR: But if they repent and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate, they are your brethren in faith; and We make the communications clear for a people who know.

Please be careful with internet forwards. They may often be fabricated by people who're seeking to advance political agendas.

If there is a problem for believing Christians with this it may be the false doctrine of "Dispensationalism," that is the belief that Jesus' work was somehow incomplete on the cross and that God will make a special allowance for Israel to accept Jesus. Other people seem to think that Jesus' second coming won't happen until Solomon's Temple is rebuilt where there is currently a mosuque- as if the Temple is some kind of stargate through which Jesus will arrive.

Neither of these ideas is found in Scripture, in fact, Jesus makes two things clear. One is that our relationship with God is no longer tied to physical, geographical, or political places. The other one is that there is nothing we can do to precipitate, or speed-up Jesus' coming.

John 4: 19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."
21 Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

Matt 24:36"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son,but only the Father....44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

For any politician or party to think that they are a catylist for the end times is either presumptuous or delusional. The greatest fault of Islam is it's unacceptance of Jesus as the Messiah, other than that it is not in itself a violent or malevelant religion. Muslim extremist terrorists are to Islam what the Christian Identity and other white-supremist groups are to Christianity, fanatical cults, not true believers. Please be careful about email hoaxes that perpetuate negative stereotypes.

Sorry to be so "preachy," I'll get off my soapbox now.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." ~Matthew 5:9

"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.'" ~Psalm 122:6-7

The wrong man for the job

Recently it was decided that one of the Vice Presidential candidates of a major party was too much of a liability for his running mate. So that party, decided to choose another ‘Veep’ to replace him.

It was agreed that in order to appeal to traditional values, he should be someone who could feel comfortable speaking about his faith. At the same time, in an effort to make the party more diverse, he would be the nations first Jewish Vice President. In fact, he is even believed to be a Rabbi.

A press conference was held in a major U.S. city so that the media could get to know the candidate.

“Mister Krist, many people have criticized the President, saying that his tax cuts benefited the rich, meanwhile others accuse his opponent of engaging in ‘class warfare,’ how do you feel about this?”

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Candidate Krist, Some people have accused the Republicans of exploiting the 9-11 tragedy for political gain, but at the same time anti war protestors used caskets as props in some of their protests during last week’s convention, provoking the same kind of criticisms. What do you have to say to the families of either 9-11 victims or of the families of fallen soldiers in Iraq?”

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

“Both candidates have been accused of being out-of touch with the people. Some call Bush ‘smug’ and others call Kerry ‘aloof.’ Do you think candidates should be more humble or down-to earth?

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

“Recent polls suggest that Americans distrust politicians. They suspect their leaders of using religious issues for political gain. And they’ve grown to expect that politicians of both parties believe that ‘the ends justifies the means.’ How do feel about that?”

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

“Mr. Krist, Many people are concerned about the level of rancor in this year’s campaign. The American people have never been so polarized. Negative campaigning and mud slinging are stooping to all time lows, even candidate’s service records are being scrutinized. Some former leaders have said that America won’t be able to move forward until we start talking about what ideas are right or wrong and stop talking about who’s good and bad. If you are personally attacked by your opponents, how will you respond?”

You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

“But wouldn’t that be seen as weak? Don’t you need to project the impression of strength? Especially during a time of war and in an era of terror?”

You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

“One more question, Mr. Kist, isn’t it?”

Christ, actually.

“Christ, right. Someone told us your middle initial is ‘H,’ what’s the ‘H’ stand for?”

Suddenly the conference was interrupted, the candidate was spirited away and party officials came to the podium.

“We regret to announce that upon further reflection, not all of Mr. Christ’s positions are in harmony with those of our party, our platform, or our nominee. We will be reverting to our previous ticket, but we want to assure the public that our candidate still retains the endorsement of Rabbi Krist’s father, and if anyone says he doesn’t, your not a true patriot.”

Not exactly a date movie

Lent was originally a period of forty days of fasting and repentance to prepare the Christian for the feast on the Easter Sunday. It was a time of reflection, self-examination, and spiritual redirection. Traditionally, churches baptized new converts on Holy Saturday, after six weeks of Bible classes instructing the new converts in the basics of the Christian faith.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts for forty days, not including the Sundays- because any Sunday is supposed to be a celebration of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. It also doesn’t include St. Patrick’s Day – at least in the Catholic Church. That’s because it was a festival or feast day in the liturgical calendar.

It also doesn’t include my birthday, which is usually in Lent, but it DOES include YOUR birthday. Why? Because I SAY SO that’s why! Mu-Waha-Ha (maniacal laugh).

Okay, that wasn’t funny, it was just dumb, sorry.

Many of my students have been asking me if I’ve seen Mel Gibson’s Passion of the Christ yet. Actually, we spent several hours on Ash Wednesday (my birthday), in Omaha at the Creighton Medical Center with a developmental pediatrician who examined Grace and determined that if she indeed has dysarthria, it is part of a greater issue, either Oromotor dsypraxia/apraxia and/or motor dyscoordination. Whatever that all means. Hopefully she can qualify for speech therapy under our insurance, but an MRI would help our case. Of course, those run almost $2,000 and the insurance company will pay for 90% of it- once the deductible is paid, whine whine.

We were seriously thanking the Lord that she’s not in a wheel chair, she can think and see and hear and breath and smile. Many of the children we saw at the medical center are far worse off.

From how horrifically violent The Passion is supposed to be, we didn’t think we should take Grace. I’d hate to have my four year old frightened of Jesus. I’ve heard rumors that an elderly woman from the Dunlap area actually suffered a heart attack and died while watching that movie.

The wonderful thing about Gibson’s film (from the point of view of someone who hasn’t seen it yet) is that it moves people. It’s moved some to tears, (even macho guys) it’s moved them to think, and it moves them to discuss Jesus and religion with others.

Many of the kids in Dunlap certainly are. Naturally it’s a little frustrating for me to keep from violating their first amendment right of separation of church and state by not giving them all my opinions, but it’s thrilling to listen to them exercising their first amendment rights to freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

I imagine that Gibson hopes it will move people to reflection, self-examination, and spiritual redirection- I’m sure that’s why he released it at the beginning of Lent. My prayer is that it will move people to read the Passion and Easter stories for themselves in the Bible. And, thereby, hopefully, it will be moving them into their savior’s arms.

I read one critic who worried that Gibson failed to show any of Jesus’ eloquence, ethics, philosophy, personality and character by focusing on the brutality of His suffering and martyrdom. I’m not sure how any artist can portray a fair balance of law and gospel. Why shouldn’t we feel some shame and guilt for how much Jesus suffered for our eternal salvation? I think it was important for audiences to appreciate what WWII veterans went through on D-Day in Saving Private Ryan, and it’s imperative that audiences see what Jews suffered at the hands of the NAZIs in Shindler’s List.

But there should be a balance. Take Lent itself. It’s amazing how few Protestant Christians and un-churched people have even heard of the season. Some of us just take it for granted as another part of life. The Catholic tradition teaches that one’s faith is maintained by doing works of love and penance. Lutherans want to be very careful to never make the mistake of thinking that ANYTHING we can do could ever get us into Heaven, since our salvation was won by Jesus on the cross. Consequently, we often avoid the ideas of piety and penance as much as they can.

As an Irish Lutheran (Catholic grandparents), I can tell you that both Lutherans and Catholics are great at reflection, self-examination, (sometimes called “guilt”). Some of us are so practiced and conditioned that just a Scripture passage or a hymn can remind us that we didn’t deserve to be saved and Jesus didn’t deserve to die. However, perhaps the rest of society has become so jaded that we need a movie that dedicates 45 minutes just to the crucifixion itself.

As far as the spiritual redirection goes, my problem is that no mater how devout or dutiful I try to be, my Lenten resolutions look a lot like New Year’s resolutions. Self-centered attempts at self-improvement that eventually self destruct. For example: I drink WAY too much coffee. I intended to go cold turkey. I had such a headache the first night I thought I was suffering withdraws from cocaine or heroin. Bethany advised me to cut back to one or two cups a day, rather than a pot and a half or none at all. I took her advice. I hope God understands.

He probably will. I don’t know if during Lent we’re supposed to surrender stuff to show God how much we appreciate what Jesus did or if we’re supposed to sacrifice stuff so that we suffer a little and that helps us appreciate the suffering and sacrifices He made. Maybe we’re just supposed to reflect, self-examine, and spiritual redirect in any way that works. Since the victory is won and we know the end of the story, that Jesus rose again, maybe it’s not a matter of giving up anything.

We’re trying to read devotions together and I’m trying to be better about reading at least one chapter of the Bible a day. The goal is not to be better people or “holier” Christians. The goal is to learn more about God and what His plan is for our lives. I’m interested in seeing Passion of the Christ, but God won’t love me any less if I don’t. Besides, it’s not exactly a “date movie.” Who spends money on a babysitter unless you’re going out on a date?

Easter Sonrise

I can’t believe how many people half-believe. Whether you eaves drop, overhear or engage people in a conversation about religion it’s amazing how pessimistic some folks are. I can’t believe how many people have resigned themselves to the fact that they’re headed for Hell.

They resent religious people for being too hypocritical and sometimes they resent God for not wanting them, but they just figure they’ve been too bad to get into Heaven, so "what the Hell?!"

If you’re one of these people, can I let you in on something? It’s not how good or bad you are, it’s not what you know- it’s all who you know. God does want you, He loves ALL of His children, but He won’t ever force you to love Him back.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. ~2 Peter 3:9

That’s why He sent Jesus, to die and go to Hell, so we won’t have to. And since Jesus defeated death and the Devil on Easter, we don’t have to worry about how many mistakes we’ve made or how bad we’ve been, all we have to do is accept the free gift of His love, forgiveness and salvation.

Surely you’ve heard John 3:16-

16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Well, let me play Paul Harvey and give you "the rest of the story."

First of all, did you catch that there is no catch? All it says there is "whoever believes." I knew a girl in High School that knew without a doubt that she was going to Hell because she’d had an abortion. So, she said, "I may as well be bad, because I’m already going to Hell."

Listen, thank God you don’t have to be good to get to Heaven because no one could ever possibly be good enough their entire lives to earn their way to Heaven.

Jesus said in Matthew 5, "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother, will be subject to judgment…"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.'28But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

It’s our sinful-human nature to be selfish and short sighted. We’re base animals who’re only interested in gratifying our own desires. Romans 3:23 says that "ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." All the goody-goody hypocrites included.

But remember all John 3:16 says that we have to do to be saved is to believe.

8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9not by works, so that no one can boast. ~Ephesians 2:8-9

Nobody is a better Christian than anybody else. Now, once you believe that Jesus is who He says He is, God the Son, you probably want to learn more about Him and even try to be more like Him. Just like being a recovering alcoholic or a recovering drug addict, you’ll still have the same cravings, but unlike an animal, you’ll recognize that there are consequences for your choices and that "being bad" hurts other people and damages your relationships.

I want to make it perfectly clear to you this Easter that God does not want ANYONE to go to Hell. That’s why He came in the form of Jesus and sacrificed Himself in our place. Hell wasn’t even created for humans. Matthew 25:41makes it very clear that Hell was intended only for Satan and his demons, not for you.

You know John 3:16, but have you ever read John 3:17-19?

"17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil."

I hope this sheds some light on the subject, Jesus is the light of the world.

Now you know, the rest of the story.

Happy Easter!