September, 2007
This is an observation. Christians under the age of 30 or so don’t seem to understand the traditional Christian view of homosexuality. Now obviously this is a over simplification and an exaggeration. I’m certain that there are many Christians who are under the age of 30 who have a clear understanding of the historic position which Christians have held on the issue of homosexuality.
But there are plenty who do not. I have been thinking about this for some time. And I have some ideas about why this is so. First, we have had nearly 30 years of relentless lobbying for the notion that homosexuality is merely a variation on the continuum of human sexual identity. The new orthodoxy says: homosexuality isn’t abnormal, its merely different. Over 20 years ago pressure on the American Psychiatric Association resulted in homosexuality being removed from the diagnostic manual psychiatrists use to to assign names to various psychiatric or psychological disorders. Was this change the result of new research? Was there some breakthrough in our understanding of homosexuality that caused social scientists to change their view? The answer to both is no. Yet, popular culture began to adopt the view that homosexuality is simply a human variation, rather than a pathology which needs treatment (a view which was held by nearly all mental health professionals only 25 years ago). (more…)
The Dove of Peace, for the Celts an image of love and harmony, as well as a symbol of innocence and marital love, of Christ and Mary. The dove conquers the lion (eros) with caresses. Every command in scripture challenges us to trust Christ, and to rely upon the grace of God to empower our obedience.
But is there a command more challenging to a man that Paul’s word in Ephesians 5: 25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her? I find no higher standard anywhere in scripture than this word. It places the absolute highest requirement on the behavior of a married man. It is a call to sacrifice and service second only to Christ himself. It could be daunting if we do not meditate on it and ask the Holy Spirit for understanding regarding what it actually looks like in day to day life. (more…)
The great revivalist and preacher R.A. Torrey wrote: “There have been revivals without much preaching; there have been revivals with absolutely no organization; but there has never been a mighty revival without mighty praying.”
Wednesday, Sept. 12 something significant happened for the Cry for Awakening; we prayed together for the first time in a historically African American church for revival. I wonder if you have been gripped like I have by just how special this prayer gathering was? Perhaps you have forgotten that this year represents the 40th year anniversary of the Newark Riots. Only 40 years ago racial tension, and bigotry were the order of the day. Yet, even 40 years later we, as Christians have still not been able to see the kind of racial healing that ought to be characteristic of people of The Way. (more…)
What will it be like when the Holy Spirit comes in revival? We have been praying and asking God for over two years. Many others in the U.S. having been praying for much longer. IHOP (International House of Prayer) have been at it non-stop for 7 plus years. But what should we expect? There are certainly many things about revival which are special, sovereign works which God does in a particular place to address particular concerns which He has. Translation: We will be surprised!
However, there is a clear and plain revelation of this in Acts. 2: (42) And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (43) And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. (44) And all who believed were together and had all things in common. (45) And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. (46) And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, (47) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. This is a statement of revival… (more…)