There’s a lot of debate these days over politics in church (both church politics and governmental politics). Most of the churches I attended growing up were very political. At a church I was on staff at in the past I preached a sermon and said something to the effect of “government doesn’t belong behind the pulpit” which resulted in an uproar afterwords where an elderly gentleman wanted to (quote), “take my head off.”

I think that proved my point.

In a recent article in the NY Times, Darrin Patrick of The Journey Church in St. Louis, MO talked about how younger believers are not following in their parents and grandparents footsteps this election year. But I’ll get back to that in a moment…

Do you know where and how American Evangelicals entered into the political arena and claimed an entire party for itself? It (somewhat) began with Roe v. Wade and then outspoken pastors and leaders such as Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson began to speak out. The Republican party saw the writing on the wall and began to market their party on the platform of “family values.” Next thing we know, to be a christian (small “c” used on purpose) meant to be a Republican.

But that always left a horrible taste in my mouth. Anytime I hear political propaganda come from the pulpit, I either stand up and leave, or I hold the vomit back (usually both). I want to worship God with my family at a worship event, not hear another Fox News report on the political landscape.

What happened to voting out of convictions and voting for the person who is best suited to run the country, not be a christian (again, small “c” used on purpose) “voice” in office. I remember when I was 9-years-old and I asked my Dad, “What party are you?” And he said, “None. I vote for the best guy.” I’ll keep that with me forever. About three years ago I pulled my Republican card out and tore it up.

Here’s the sad fact of this election year… I’m not thrilled about the Democrats OR the Republicans! I think this may be Ralph Nader’s year! ; )

If you’re like most people, you always have this feeling of, “I was meant for more than this.” Whatever your “this” may be, be it your job, your family, your town, whatever… you’re right! You ARE meant for more than “this.” God created each one of us to fulfill something. To fill a void. To add to something bigger than just “survival.”

On August 14th and 15th, NorthWood Church is having a “Turbo Training” where we help connect people’s passions with the greater needs around the world. You might be saying, “I’m not a Pastor” or, “I’m too busy for anything like this.” If you answer “Yes” to the following question, this training applies to you: Have you ever laid in bed at night, stared at the ceiling, and thought to yourself, “I was meant for greatness”?

We agree. You are meant for greatness. You just need a nudge (or a sharp blow to the head) and NorthWood can help you with that. If you’re interested in this, go to http://www.glocal.net and click on “Turbo.”

Well, I was interviewed for the North American Mission Board’s Church Planting Group podcast last Thursday. It was fun. I’ve never been on a national podcast before! Go HERE to listen to it.

If you happened to miss it, the Miss Universe Pageant was held in Vietnam this year! NBC did an incredible job of showing the absolute beauty of Hanoi, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay (all places I go when I work there). Sapa, in the Lao Cai province, is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been in my life. You should do a search on YouTube for clips of the Miss Universe Pageant in Vietnam (at the time of publishing this, the show was still on, therefore there was no video clips as of yet). I hope someone posts the “Vietnam bio” from the show. It was phenomenal.

Ok, anybody who’s anybody remembers the most awesome shoes in American Cinema history… any takers? You bet! It’s Marty McFly’s Nike’s from the 1989 movie “Back to the Future 2″! I can remember as a kid wanting a pair of those shoes SO BAD (that, and a Hoverboard, of course).

So, Nike finally did it… sorta. They released Marty McFly’s shoes (minus the glowing “Nike” in the back and the power laces, of course). At a release party, Kobe Bryant unveiled the sneakers from the year 2015. Here’s the catch, Nike only made 350 pair, making them instant collector’s items on Ebay that are now selling in upwards of $2,000 a pair! That’s right TWO-THOUSAND-DOLLARS!!! I’m gonna sell my car and buy a pair.

I’m still holding out for the release of the Hoverboard and the instant Pizza Hut pizza’s too. (I still think the Hoverboard has always existed… the government just wants to keep it for themselves. Conspiracy, I tell ya! CONSPIRACY!!!)

For years, I have studied what it means to “love your neighbor.” Some argue that this is a brotherly love toward fellow believers, that we are to share with our brothers and sisters who are in need. I can’t find any scripture to back that claim up. What I have found is love, true love, is loving your neighbor whether they are Christian, Jew, Muslim, homosexual, drug or alcohol abuser, whatever. Jesus told us in the Sermon on the Mount, “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… 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? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5.43-48 (NIV)

What would the world look like if all those who claim to be believers in Jesus Christ followed this one command? What if this one simple truth was taught to all peoples around the world, whether they follow Jesus or not? What would the Middle East tensions look like? What if Israel could forgive all who have done her harm throughout the centuries? What would be worth fighting over? Anything?

UPDATE: Our church (NorthWood) works in Vietnam… a lot. We even have a fully-staffed office in Hanoi, the nation’s capital. For those of us who are too young to remember the horrific war that happened in Vietnam, just know that America lost 58,193 service men and women (compare that to the War on Terror). But the real tragedy is what the Vietnamese were doing to their own people. Read this amazing story of love and forgiveness.

A few weeks ago, I reported that 92% of Americans believe in God, or a “higher power.” According to a 2003 poll, less than 1% of Americans believe that they will go to hell when they die. I think we forget that Jesus taught more about hell than all the Bible’s authors combined. If it is a real and terrible place for Jesus, shouldn’t that concern us? So, if someone asked you to give a reason for believing in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit could you? Would your reason hold water? This book will help you. It’s also a great tool for building disciples, in my opinion. Mind you, I don’t believe that we make disciples once they say a prayer, but from the moment you begin building a relationship.

So what is this book I speak of? It’s called “The Reason For God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism” by Tim Keller

While the term “missional church” is beginning to turn my stomach because of the constant mis-use, there still seems to be a lack of terminology that describes my ecclesiological beliefs. For my friends who do not attend “church” because of the hypocritical nature of some, or because you were drug to church as a child and it was boring, or you just don’t think the church has anything to offer… I agree… but there’s hope. Watch this and see.
For my “Christian” friends: Too many people think that by giving financially to missionaries or missions organizations, they are qualified as missional. Others think that by going on two-week Christian vacations to India and Africa qualify them as being missional. The following video is a very well-defined look at “missional” (to finish the video, go to YouTube and look up “Michael Frost Wrap-up at PGF 2007″).