How do you feel about Rick Warren’s Inaugural Invocation?

Posted on January 20, 2009 by Tim Farley

Here is the text from Rick Warren’s prayer at the Presidential inauguration of Barack Obama.  Warren and Obama have come under attack from the right and the left leading up to this event regarding Obama’s choice of Warren and the content of this prayer.  Christians wanted to be sure that Warren prayed a specifically Christian prayer, while others wanted a general prayer and no mention of anything uniquely Christian.  Below is the text of Rick Warren’s prayer.  Tell me what you think.

“Let us pray.

Almighty God, our Father, everything we see and everything we can’t see exists because of you alone. It all comes from you. It all belongs to you. It all exists for your glory.

History is your story. The Scripture tells us, “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God. The Lord is One.” And you are the compassionate and merciful one. And you are loving to everyone you have made.

Now, today, we rejoice not only in America’s peaceful transfer of power for the 44th time. We celebrate a hingepoint of history with the inauguration of our first African American president of the United States. We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility, where the son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a great cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven.

Give to our new President, Barack Obama, the wisdom to lead us with humility, the courage to lead us with integrity, the compassion to lead us with generosity. Bless and protect him, his family, Vice President Biden, the cabinet, and every one of our freely elected leaders.

Help us, O God, to remember that we are Americans, united not by race, or religion, or blood, but to our commitment to freedom and justice for all. When we focus on ourselves, when we fight each other, when we forget you, forgive us. When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us. And as we face these difficult days ahead, may we have a new birth of clarity in our aims, responsibility in our actions, humility in our approaches, and civility in our attitudes, even when we differ.

Help us to share, to serve and to seek the common good of all. May all people of good will today join together to work for a more just, a more healthy and a more prosperous nation and a peaceful planet. And may we never forget that one day all nations and all people will stand accountable before you. We now commit our new president and his wife, Michelle and his daughters, Malia and Sasha, into your loving care.

I humbly ask this in the name of the one who changed my life, Yeshua, Isa, Jesus [Spanish pronunciation], Jesus, who taught us to pray:

“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.””

Posted in Culture, Worldview | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Just War: Is it an act of love?

Posted on January 19, 2009 by Tim Farley

In Mark 12:30-31, Jesus states that loving God with all of one’s heart and loving our neighbor as ourselves are the most important commandments.  Paul then states in Galatians 5:14 that the whole law is summarized in the phrase “you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  What, if any, implications do these words have for determining if war is ever justified or not?

There are biblical passages that seem to indicate that Christians should never go to war:

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.  To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.  Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.  And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:27-31, ESV)

However, some have argued that the biblical command to love our neighbor requires that we go to war.  It is argued that going to the defense of our neighbor who is under attack is an act of love.  If we fail to go to our neighbor’s defense, we fail to obey God’s command.  John Calvin stated that a soldier is “an agent of God’s love.”  He said that soldiering in a just manner is a “God-like act” because “restraining evil out of love for our neighbor” is an imitation of God’s restraining of evil.  As we seek to restrain evil, we imitate God who restrains evil out of love for His creation.

Charles Colson wrote, “A world where Christians refuse to fight just wars wouldn’t be peaceful, and it certainly wouldn’t be a more just world.  It would be a world where evil would be unchecked by justice and where the strong would be free to prey on the weak.” (Tough Questions About God, Faith, and Life – p. 196).

So what do you think?  Is just war an act of love for our neighbor as Calvin and Colson argue?

 

 

Note:  John Calvin quotations taken from Tough Questions About God, Faith, and Life by Charles Colson, p. 196.

Posted in War | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Is All Really Fair in War? Part 2

Posted on January 16, 2009 by Tim Farley

Yesterday, I brought up the issue of torturing prisoners of war.  The United States has faced repeated accusations that the prisoners being held at Guantanamo Bay are facing torture.  I asked, “How should Christians feel about these repeated accusations?” and “Is this a violation of human rights?”  If these are violations of human rights, why do Christians in the U.S. seem to ignore the problem rather than trying to put and end to the abuse?

There is an article today that states that Barack Obama is ready to put an end to some of the interrogation methods that are currently used by the CIA.  You can read the article by clicking below.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090116/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_interrogations

I want to re-ask a couple of questions that I posed yesterday, but in a new way:

  1. While it is wrong to take the life of a human being, few would argue that there is not a time when war, which results in large numbers of casualties, is necessary.  It is argued that war is often justified because it preserves the greater good.  The loss of life is unfortunate, but a necessary price to protect the masses and allow good to triumph over evil.
  2. If this is true (that war and the taking of human life is sometimes justified), can it be argued that the torture of prisoners of war can be justified as well?  Can we argue that torturing prisoners of war is necessary to preserve the greater good?  Surely these methods result in intelligence that help good conquer over evil, right?
  3. Who decides what the greater good is and when it is OK to use extreme measures to protect it?

I am still trying to get a handle on this topic, so please lend me your thoughts.

Posted in War, Worldview | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Is All Really Fair in War?

Posted on January 15, 2009 by Tim Farley

OK, I first want to say that I am still thinking through this topic, so I have little to give you in this post concerning my opinion.  I promise to follow up with some thoughts after a discussion, which I am hoping will occur here.

I read an article yesterday that repeats oft-heard allegations that the U.S. is torturing prisoners it is holding in Guantanamo Bay.  The allegations come from a military judge who is overseeing the trials of the prisoners who are being held there.  You can read the entire article at the link below.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090114/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/guantanamo_torture

The questions I want to pose are:

  1. How should Christians feel about the repeated allegations that the U.S. is torturing these prisoners?
  2. If it is true, is it OK?
  3. How does Christ’s command to “love your enemies” apply to war-time situations?  Does it apply at all?
  4. Should Christians be as concerned with possible human-rights violations of war prisoners (if you believe these are human-rights violations) as they are with other human rights issues (i.e. abortion, gay marriage, freedom of religion, etc.)?

Let me know what you think.

Posted in War, Worldview | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Gleanings From Childbirth

Posted on January 13, 2009 by Tim Farley
Sarah.

Me and my newborn daughter: Sarah.

 My wife and I had one of the greatest experiences of our lives over the last weekend.  On Saturday afternoon, after 29 hours of labor, Rachel and I welcomed our first child into the world.  I am now a proud daddy and look forward to the days ahead spent with my daughter.  Throughout the pregnancy and through the delivery process, I believe I have learned a few things.  Below are some of them:

  1. I recommend delaying knowledge of the sex of your child (especially if it is your first) until the baby’s delivery.  We did not know what the sex of our baby was until we met her face-to-face Saturday.  The level of anticipation and excitement was beyond description.  I just think the added unknown concerning the baby’s sex made the day a little more special.
  2. After going through labor and delivery, I can honestly say I have a new respect for women.  I cannot imagine going through what Rachel went through to bring Sarah into the world.  Women are the stronger sex!
  3. Being a parent is a ministry.  In fact, for those who are parents, it is our primary ministry.  Even I, as a pastor, must care for my family first and my extended church family second.  I think it is unfortunate for those in pastoral ministry who neglect their families thinking they are making the ultimate sacrifice in service to the Lord.  We are told in 1 Timothy 3 that those who desire to be pastors or deacons must FIRST manage their household well.  This requirement does not cease after one is put in a position of church leadership.  If a person does not want to make his family his priority, he should remain single.  That was Paul’s point in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35.
  4. Unlike being a pastor, my job of being a father is life-long.  I cannot change my mind tomorrow.  God has given me the responsibility and it is mine as long as I live.
  5. The primary role of parenthood is to point your child to Christ.  It is not to make your children happy and give them their heart’s desires.  Pointing a child to Christ may mean a child has to learn to live without some things that would be detrimental to their spiritual health.  Of course, telling a child “no” also means they may be unhappy with you at times.
  6. Childbirth is a miracle and, for me, probably the greatest opportunity I have had to see God’s greatness and to feel a desire to worship and praise Him with my entire being.  Every time I look at my daughter I thank God for such a wonderful gift.
Posted in Family | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Out for a couple of days…

Posted on January 8, 2009 by Tim Farley

Hey everyone! Thank you for your faithfulness in reading my posts and offering your comments. I just want to let all of you know that I will be away from the computer for a couple of days as Rachel and I welcome our first child into the world. If you leave any comments, I will not be able to approve them until I return to check my computer (probably Sunday). Also, I will not be posting anything new until Sunday or Monday. Please check back though, I will be returning and I hope you will continue to interact with the different topics brought up on this blog.

Sincerely,
Tim

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 12 Comments

Marketing Christ

Posted on January 6, 2009 by Tim Farley
A Christian Coffee Mug

A Christian Coffee Mug

Do you ever wonder if Christian stores and those who produce Christian merchandise are authentic?  I mean, do they really care about Christ and the gospel, or are they just catering to a niche market that is eager to fork over extra cash for a product emblazoned with a cross or a passage of Scripture?  Exactly what makes an item “Christian” anyway?  Does a product need to be, in some way, sanctified to be considered Christian?

For example, can I have coffee from a regular coffee mug or is it better to have my coffee from a Christian coffee mug with John 3:16 on the side?  There must be something to having Christian symbols and Bible verses on products, because stores are selling anything and everything with them on it.  You can find T-shirts, mugs, key-chains, stuffed animals, Christian versions of all of your favorite board games, etc.  I once met two married couples who had exchanged their normal wedding rings for ones with crosses on them because they thought this was a more spiritual thing to do.

I believe the Bible teaches that everything comes from God and there is no need for it to be sanctified by Christian emblems.  In other words, a regular old coffee mug will do…and it will cost much less than one with a cross on the side.  In fact, I believe that the marketing of “Christian” products could teach a dualistic theology that says that ordinary products are bad, but spiritual products are good.  It is the same type of thinking that leads people to believing that this earth (which is God’s creation) is bad and that our goal is to escape to another spiritual world (heaven).

Please do not get me wrong.  I am not against T-shirts and mugs having Christian emblems on them.  I am just against a mindset that believes that these items are in some way more appropriate for the Christian than their ordinary counterparts.  I am also against turning Christ and Christianity into a fashion statement in the name of corporate profit much like Abercrombie and other marketers attempt to do with their products.  I think it would be better for Christians to save their money by buying regular products that are less expensive and give the extra money to the poor, or their church, or a missionary.

What do you think?

Posted in Consumerism, Culture, Worldview | Tagged , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Do you have a Bible reading plan for the new year?

Posted on January 4, 2009 by Tim Farley

One of the most common resolutions for Christians each year is to commit to reading through the Bible.  Unfortunately, most of us fail to complete the task.  Many of us start out well.  Genesis is interesting and a number of great stories to keep us reading.  Then we get to Exodus, which is not too bad.  It has a few law lists to get through, but the story of Moses and the Hebrews gaining freedom from Egypt keeps us moving along.  Then we get to Leviticus.  This is where most read-through-the -Bible commitments meet their demise.  The lists of laws and details about sacrifices prove too much and we give up.

Well, I want to encourage you to start this year with a new commitment.  However, this year try finding a reading plan that is easier to maintain.  Instead of reading through the Bible from cover to cover, try reading multiple sections of the Bible each day.  This will give some variety to your reading and keep you from getting bogged down in Leviticus.

Do you need help finding a reading plan?  The website for the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible has several posted that you could choose from.  You do not need to use the ESV version to use the plan (although I do highly recommend this version).  You can use whatever version you already own.  Just go to their site, find the plan you like, print it off, and you are on your way.  The link to their site is below:

http://www.esv.org/biblereadingplans

I personally am going with the ESV Study Bible plan, which includes daily readings in 4 categories.  The categories are “Psalms and Wisdom Literature”, “Pentateuch and History of Israel”, “Chronicles and Prophets”, and “Gospels and Epistles”.  I think the variety each day will be refreshing.

I hope you make a commitment to read through God’s word this year.  I also hope you have a plan that you can keep.  Happy reading!

Posted in Bible Study | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Is Your Bible Green Enough?

Posted on January 2, 2009 by Tim Farley
The Green Bible

The Green Bible

At least one Christian group is promoting a “greener” Christianity.  They have released a Bible made from soy-based fibers and recycled paper.  It also has verses and passages highlighted that are believed to speak of God’s love for His creation and remind us of our need to care for it.  Appropriately enough, this new Bible is called “The Green Bible.”

Of course, there are those within Christianity (especially more conservative groups) who believe that being “green” is un-Christian.  They argue that Christians should be concerned with “saving souls”, not the earth.  They argue that our focus should be on the world to come, not this one, which is going to go away.

Here is a quick news video that discusses the new Bible.

What are your thoughts?  Do you like the idea of a green Bible?  Should Christians be concerned about the environment or focused on the world to come?

Update:  Please read the comments area for a link to a blog site that is critical of this new Bible and a discussion concerning whether or not Christians should run out and buy it.

Posted in Environment, Worldview | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The Offense of Christ

Posted on December 31, 2008 by Tim Farley

church1Jesus was a controversial man.  In fact, if we believe his claims, he was much more than controversial and much more than a man.

Jesus, the one who would be called “the Christ” (or Messiah) by his followers made claims that were, and still are, extremely divisive.  Jesus forgave sins, allowed others to bow down in worship before him, and even made specific claims to be equal with God.  His most controversial statement is arguably found in John 14:6: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”  Jesus claimed to be equal to God.  He claimed that if a person wanted to have a relationship with God, he/she could only do so by bowing before him (Jesus) as Lord and Savior.  According to Jesus, there is no other way.  All other religions are false.

I find it interesting when I hear those outside of Christianity refer to Jesus as a great prophet or teacher, but not God.  If Jesus’ claims to be God are not true, he cannot be held as a great prophet or teacher.  He is either to be fully believed or rejected.  As has been written and argued by many Christian writers, Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord.  He could not be called a great teacher or prophet if he was either a liar or a lunatic.  If he was a great prophet, he was also exactly who he claimed to be: God in the flesh.

As a Christian, I find it frustrating at times when I hear other Christians talk about a need to remove the “offensiveness” of Christianity as if Christianity is going to lose its relevance in the world if it does not become more inclusive.  Jesus was offensive.  Jesus would not be considered “tolerant” by today’s politically correct culture.  He claimed to be equal with God and the only way to the Father.  Christians must continue to proclaim this same message if we are to be faithful to the one we call Lord.  For those seeking God through other avenues, we must say that Jesus is the only way to the Father, just as Jesus the great prophet and teacher told us.

I pray that the Church does not lose the true Christian message in its efforts to be less offensive and more tolerant.

Posted in Culture, Gospel, Worldview | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments