Sunday, April 12, 2009

Should church serve as a political forum?

I came across a circumstance today where someone distributed fliers for an upcoming politically-related event. As I understand it, the distribution of these fliers was not sanctioned or authorized by church leadership.
Regardless of whether church leaders were knowledgeable or not, I personally think church is not the place to promote or endorse political activities, regardless of party affiliation, platform or agenda - not any Sunday, but especially not Easter Sunday.
Anyone agree, disagree or otherwise have a thought?

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Embracing Easter

This weekend, I've been trying to absorb the impact of the three days between Christ's death and his resurrection, maybe more so than I ever have.
It's so easy to get caught up in the preparation for celebrating Easter that we miss Him - and what he went through - in the process.
Emotionally and mentally, I'm trying to place myself in front of the cross and get a sense of the pain and grotesque physical state he was in as he died. This was not a death where the person fell asleep one night and didn't wake up the next morning. We shouldn't understate how much he suffered; it wouldn't do his death justice.
What's so great is that the story isn't over on Friday afternoon. It resumes on Sunday morning with his resurrection.
As I've mentioned, Amanda and I have been attending and volunteering with LifeChurch.tv. This weekend, Craig Groschel talked about the path of his life and how the Lord was there, but often we're not in a position to see it. At times, it's taken a while for me to understand it.
But he's been there, and I do see it now.
I pray that everyone who reads this will embrace the truth of Christ's death and resurrection and learn to love and grow with him.