The recent attacks in Mumbai have left over 155 dead, 327 injured, (at the time of this blog) and left me thinking about a subject that I can’t get out of my mind. Justice.

I think often of the defenseless and the abused…those that have no chance. What happens to the ”bad guys” that prey on the weak and vulnerable?

From a theological standpoint the subject of justice has a few sides. On the spiritual side, I do not want justice because…I would fry. Yet grace seems to nullify justice through the sacrifice of Christ in our stead. We do not get what we deserve. Jesus makes it very clear in John 14:6 that He has provided the way to God, a Way that circumvents the punishment that all men deserve because of our transgressions against Him.

Clearly those without Christ are not so fortunate.

Psalms 10:13-14

13        Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, ”He won’t call me to account”?

14        But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand.  The victim commits himself to …

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There is a question floating around the spiritual airwaves these days. As a fourth generation preacher, I must admit I have a lot of things about my ministry style that may be characterized as “old school”. I actually do altar calls. Despite my best efforts I have a “preaching voice”. I do not use the phrase “seeker friendly”. It may seem as if I am taking a jab at those who have a different approach than I do. I am not. I try every day to use the things that have been given to me to make sure that I am being as effective for God as I can in every way possible.

Now…on to that question. The question is, “Is the church relevant in the world we live in”. It is an interesting question I must admit. Growing up in a denomination that was anything but forward thinking, I saw countless opportunities slip away to reach hungry people with the gospel. It was truly heartbreaking. Especially in light of the fact that my aforementioned denomination, once a thriving organization, has …

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I believe God loves all people. Do not mistake that fact. Right now however, I want to make a distinction between His love and His favor. God pours His favor on people, and nations that honor Him. We as a nation have done just that. Despite our shortcomings, God favors this nation. I believe this nation is a light to the world. I believe we are a beautiful nation. Why do I believe this? Many reasons…to name a few…Over 50% of the Protestant missionaries in the WORLD are from the United States. There are over 250,000 churches in America that meet once a week or more. 92% of Americans believe in “God”, while 52% believe He is a personal being that you can have a deep relationship with (Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, 2008 survey) Even if most of these people are lying, at least they are lying about the right person. We may have stumbled quite a bit, but we have never got out of the race, or quit on God as a nation.  I believe God’s plan for …

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