The Prophet Joel

Brit Hume becomes a televangelist. USA Today, NPR (interview with audio), NY Daily News “He is said to be a Buddhist. I don’t think that faith offers the kind of forgiveness and redemption that is offered by the Christian faith.” I can’t say I disagree.

Blasphemy now illegal in Ireland. NPR (Thanks Adrian for sending this in)

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Epiphany 2010

Written by Joel on January 6th, 2010

Jan. 3, 2010
Matthew 2:1-12 & Ephesians 3:1-12
St. Luke’s United Church of Christ
Timberville, VA

Epiphany 2010

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Outline:

“Won’t you be glad when Christmas is over?” Christmas is not over; Merry Christmas!
What is Epiphany?
The wise men were Gentiles.
The mystery of Christ is that Gentiles (people like you and me) are sharers in the promise of Christ.
Billy Currington’s People Are Crazy
Epiphany Proclaimation

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Sunday Bulletin Jan 3, 2010

Written by Joel on January 3rd, 2010

Pope attacked during Christmas eve mass. Reuters, LA Times, CNN, BBC, NY Times

Pope Pius XII moved closer to sainthood. Pope Pius XII is accused of not doing enough to help Jewish victims during the holocaust. USA Today

Jonah Goldberg, in an LA Times opinion piece, examines the faith themes in Avatar. The faith aspect is not controversial because the good guys adopt a new age religion. “What would have been controversial is if — somehow — Cameron had made a movie in which the good guys accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts…If the Na’Vi were Roman Catholics, there would be boycotts and protests. Make the oversized Smurfs Rousseauian noble savages and everyone nods along, save for a few cranky right-wingers.”

Church fined for offering to shelter the homeless. Times Leader

4-year old killed in church on New Years Eve. WCTV with video, WSB Radio, Fox News

Malaysian Court Rules that Christians May Use ‘Allah’ to Refer to God. AFP, Wall Street Journal, NY Times, The Baltimore Sun, BBC

Saddleback Church Faces $900,000 Budget Deficit. OC Register, NY Times

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8 Year Old Grasps Substitutionary Atonement

Written by Joel on December 30th, 2009

Recently I shared a story about a boy who was sent to undergo psychological evaluations for drawing a crucifix to fulfill the assignment “draw something that reminds you of Christmas.” The boy’s family took him to The National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette to view a Christmas display. In addition to the Christmas display were several crucifixes throughout the shrine. School administrators were concerned when the boy put his name above the Jesus figure. When asked about the drawing, the boy said the person on the cross was himself. He was sent for psychological evaluations which determined that the boy is not a threat to himself or others.

This boy may understand what many older and wiser people fail to see their whole lives. That Jesus died for our sins. The ten cent theological word for this is atonement. The idea that Jesus took punishment in our place is substitutionary atonement, an idea made popular in Western Christianity by St. Anselm of Canterbury in the 11th century. It is also interesting that when thinking of Christmas, the boy immediately went to the cross. That Christ’s primary work on earth was his passion.

I think the school administration is right, it is crazy: That God became man in order to die for our sins. In the church we call this the mystery of Christ. It is a mystery many will spend a life time attempting to grasp.

For further reading:

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Sunday Bulletin for Dec 20, 2009

Written by Joel on December 20th, 2009

Here is a fresh scoop of news to for the pot-luck dinner…

Boy sent for psychological evaluation for drawing crucifix at school. A 2nd grade class was given an assignment to “draw something that reminds you of Christmas.” A boy drew Jesus on the cross. When asked about the drawing he said “that’s me on the cross.” He was suspended and forced to undergo psychiatric evaluations. CBS (local, with video), AP, Washington Times, Fox (local), NY Post, Boston.com with balanced reaction from the school.

Pope calls for action on climate change. AP

DisciplesWorld Magazine to end publication. DisciplesWorld is the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) affiliated magazine. From their website.

Malaysia courts hear case on Christian use of word ‘Allah.’ The Herald translation of the Bible uses the word ‘Allah’ for God. Local Muslims argue that ‘Allah’ should be reserved for Islam, use by Christians they say is confusing. AP, Christian Post

Pope addresses priest abuse in Ireland. USA Today

Archbishop of Lusaka, Emmanuel Milingo is dismissed by Pope. Milingo was an out-spoken advocate for married priests. He ordained married men in his diocese without permission and participated in a mass wedding in New York. Catholic New Agency, Washington Post, AP, BBC

Muslim countries want a UN resolution banning blasphemy. This story is a bit old, but just heard about it on Dan Carlin’s most recent show. See also AP (via NPR)

Oral Roberts has died. LA Times, Washington Post

An Alabama City Requires Firefighters to be Present for Candlelight Services. NY Times.

Pastor finds dynamite in church. (video), AP

Church billboard in New Zealand sparks controversy. Meant to encourage spiritual conversation about Christmas. I think the picture says it all. The Sydney Morning Herald, Stuff, BBC, The Baltimore Sun, ABC, AP

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FEMA knows the 2nd Coming is near!

Written by Joel on December 15th, 2009

rapture This year FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has put together a Christmas list to take some stress out of your holiday season: (from their website)

Disaster kits for homes, offices and autos (first aid kits; food, water and prescription medications for 72 hours; i.e., extra clothing, blankets, and flashlights).
NOAA weather radios with extra batteries.
Enrollment in a CPR or first-aid class.
Smoke detectors.
Fire extinguishers (for kitchen, garage, car, etc.)
Foldable ladders for second-story escape in a fire.
Car kits (emergency flares, shovels, ice scrapers, flashlights and fluorescent distress flags).
Pet Disaster kits (food, water, leashes, dishes and carrying case or crate).
Battery powered lamps

“Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere and the holiday season provides a great opportunity to ensure that you and your loved ones are taking simple steps to be prepared,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

I’m not sure if FEMA is telling us the whole story. Do they know something we don’t know? Get disaster kits to be prepared for Christmas? …..

FEMA must know that Christ is coming back for Christmas this year!

Good thing there are 10 more shopping days until the Apocalypse.

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The Sunday Bulletin, Dec 13 2009

Written by Joel on December 13th, 2009

I want to change the publication schedule a bit, and so now here is the news from the last couple of days. I’m moving these posts to Sunday because hey “Sunday Bulletin” just sounds right.

More reaction about newly elected gay bishop. Baltimore Sun includes an interview with the bishop elect, Ekklesia, Beliefnet, NY Times, PBS. See also “Pride and Prejudice in the Episcopal Church” by Andrew Klavan in the Wall Street Journal: “For myself, if the church splits, I neither want to join a communion that defines itself by its opposition to homosexuality nor stay with a group that’s been highjacked by radicals now free to override every church tradition…It’s the right decision at the wrong time, which makes it the wrong decision. Gradualism is the whole method of God.”

The Lutheran Church, ELCA, hosts online town forum. Link

Catholic bishops disapprove of Ohio execution. The Catholic Spirit.

No atheists allowed on city council in NC. From one opponent: “My father was a Baptist minister. I’m a Christian man. I have problems with people who don’t believe in God.” AP

Church hosts 21-foot tall signing Christmas tree. Billings Gazette

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