Work/Life UpdateThe Inventory was finished at work today- I am glad to have that project behind me. I woke up today feeling stronger, but this cold isn’t going away without a fight. Also, the Saturn dealership called and is replacing the ignition apparatus. But I got to drive a family friend’s convertible today, so that was cool.
A Close Relationship with Vietnam?
I’ve never read a paper copy of the
Chicago Sun-Times, so I don’t know how good of a newspaper it is all around. But it has some really good columnists. If you are into movies
Roger Ebert is one of the best and for politics
Robert Novak is usually one of the best. His columns generally include previously unpublished new information, and he has good sources around Capitol Hill. Today I read a
column by another Sun-Times columnists on the idea of a closer US-Vietnam relationship. There seems to be some real potential there, Vietnam appears to be yearning to take a spot at the table of modernity. A US-Vietnam relationship would have a major economic component, and it would strengthen our counter balance to China in the region that includes Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, etc. The US needs as many friends and allies as we can get, and it seems many of the countries we are now good friends with we had to fight a war with first.
Reaction to Influence article
I have been reading and rereading
Pastor Steve Warman’s article in this weeks’
90&9. I’m glad he wrote the article, and really do admire what is being done in Pontiac, MI with the
Great Lakes University. I agree that God will be with us as we go out into the world, I also believe that someone will be making the big decisions for our country and for society and that it might as well be a person with Christian values.
The article’s first portion seams to be saying that Pentecostals need to engage our culture in order to save it. I wonder if we really can exercise that type of influence upon the culture.
I am easily drawn to notions of “Apostolics on the rise” and sentiments of “us expanding our influence.” Hey, I am even going to Law School this fall. But sometimes I wonder if this isn't similar to the mistake the Jews (including some disciples) made during Jesus’ time? Are we not looking for God (through us) to set up an earthly kingdom wherein Apostolics control major crosscurrents of politics, business, education and influence? While most of the writers in the New Testament did come from a place of importance or education, I can’t come up with examples of New Testament figures that exerted influence in their culture. The disciples with “important” jobs left them to follow Jesus. When writing the New Testament Paul was not also a CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Sure Paul went before Cesar, but only on the way to prison.
As to the claim that apostolics are on the brim of a new generation of influence, I really wonder. During my lifetime there are going to be more examples than in the past of Apostolics making a conspicuous impact through success, integrity and accomplishment in business, government, etc. However, it would take a few generations to get anywhere close to the “kingdoms” other groups have built up. But perhaps that is because we are not called to build such things.
I’m not so sure Jesus chose people of influence as his disciples. As a tax collector Matthew was an agent of the occupying Romans- not the kind of job that gets you on many of your countrymen’s proverbial Christmas lists. As fishermen, Peter, Andrew, James and John seemed to be living on the margin of life. I doubt it was glorious as we think it was. As a zealot, Simon was a revolutionary wanting to overthrow the Roman establishment; a fighter of the system, not a mover and shaker. Jesus had to call people who were available, willing to leave what they did have. The rich young rulers probably weren’t interested.
The real influence makers in the Bible are in the Old Testament
To find concrete examples of God using people of power, influence and means I think you really have to go to the Old Testament. Abraham became a very wealthy and powerful figure, his nephew Lott was probably a leader in the town of Sodom. Joseph became a prime minister in Egypt, and Moses was a prince. Esther was married to the King, and the three Hebrew children were officials in the court. Job was also a very wealthy man. David and Solomon were Kings of a might nation.
What does God want out of the church today?
I know you got some questions, comments, concerns... Please feel free to
E-mail me!
