SCC Pastors' Blog

I confess – I read way too much news during the week.  Here is a story that has really got me thinking the last few weeks.  What do you think?

David Bahati, Member of the Ugandan Parliament recently made the following statement about Pastor Rick Warren: “It’s unfortunate that a man who has inspired millions of people around the world for a long time would be blackmailed to disappoint them. It’s a pity that he has opted to please the world instead of God.”

            What would warrant such a statement regarding one of most recognized Christian leaders in America?  A new proposed law in Uganda regarding homosexuality has created quite a stir.   In some cases (e.g. homosexual activity with a minor or the disabled) the punishment would be the death penalty.  It’s been a fascinating story to follow.  Many members of both political parties in the US have come under pressure to renounce their support of the Ugandan government’s current draft of the proposed legislation.

         In many ways Uganda has become a model African nation, particularly in the fight to prevent the spread of HIV infections.  A few years ago the Ugandan government decided to play a larger role helping fight the spread of HIV.  They recognized the Church’s success in the fight against the spread of HIV and decided to ask the Church to help craft the message and creating an educational plan. 

         One of the interesting by-products of this proposed law is the unlikely partnership it has created in Uganda.  Not only is it being endorsed by a majority of the Christian population, it is also favored by Muslims.  In fact, Christian and Muslim leaders have UNITED at rallies to show their support of the proposed law!

         Pastor Warren sees the proposed law from a very different perspective then the majority of Ugandans (including most Ugandan Christian leaders).  The proposed law, and the reactions to it by American politicians and pastors, has raised some questions with which I’ve been wrestling. 

What do you think?  I’d love to hear from you.  Here’s some food for your thoughts:

• Is there difference between personal responsibilities and the responsibilities of a government for its people?  (E.g. should governments “turn the other cheek” when “slapped” or is that addressed to individuals?)
• How far should we go in exporting our cultural and political views to other countries?
   Are there some issues that people of different faiths should unite around and fight for together?
• To what degree should the Church influence the State?  Could that influence vary from country to country?
• What does the Bible say about homosexuality?
• Are there any biblical principles or passages that would justify the death penalty?
• Finally, if similar laws were being proposed in America how would you vote and why?

For further reading about the controversy you can see these articles:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/decemberweb-only/151-42.0.html  (From a Ugandan Bishop)
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/africa/east/Uganda_Anti_Gay_Bill-79127677.html  (Quote from Uganda politician regarding Pastor Warren)
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/decemberweb-only/151-41.0.html
If you want to hear Pastor Rick Warren’s comment in full about this you can find them here:
http://tpmtv.talkingpointsmemo.com/?id=4173063

 
Noah Largent

My message this week was focused on creating an atmosphere that is conducive to growing your relationship with God.  My third ingredient in creating growing atmosphere was:  Authentic Relationship. 

Although I only knew Bob Andrew for a short time we spent lot of time together.  We shared a passion for spiritual disciples and teamed up to teach our 201 course “Disciples for Life”.  Bob was Jewish and had rich appreciation of his heritage that gave me beautiful insights about  faith in Jesus.  Bob wanted the best for me and wanted to see me grow in my ability to teach and lead and shared some great advice with me.  I have one additional thought for you as you think about being committed to maturing in your faith, it comes not from me but from Bob.  It is the from his outline “Keys to a Quality Quiet Time” -

4.  Willingness To Obey
This attitude is crucial.  You don’t come (to the Bible) to chose what you will or won’t do, but with the purpose of doing everything God wants you to.  Come to meet the Lord having already chosen to do His will, no matter what.

What gift Bob is for those who traveled with him!  Bob went to be with Jesus this last Sunday night.  Dan is sending an email regarding his memorial service.
 
 
Noah Largent

Hi All!
 
In the anticipation of the celebration of Jesus’ birthday I just wanted to remind you of the privilege we have to be God’s children.
 
Last night I had a relapse with my back and it was worse then before, as I was crawling on all fours I began to think of King Nebuchadnezzar, the King of the once mighty Babylonian nation, and how God humbled him and caused him to lose his mind and he crawled around like a beast of the field.

Daniel 4 records this great event in detail.

You are no longer ruler of this kingdom. 32 You will be driven from human society. You will live in the fields with the wild animals, and you will eat grass like a cow. Seven periods of time will pass while you live this way, until you learn that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses.’
 33 “That same hour the judgment was fulfilled, and Nebuchadnezzar was driven from human society. He ate grass like a cow, and he was drenched with the dew of heaven. He lived this way until his hair was as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails were like birds’ claws.
 
Nebuchadnezzar Praises God
 34 “After this time had passed, I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up to heaven. My sanity returned, and I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever.

 
Truly one of the greatest turnarounds in history. So here I am crawling in the middle of the night, pain engulfing me, and God whispers to me, “Am I enough?”  I want you to know there was no victim this night, I gave myself anew and told God he had all of me,  broken or otherwise. I then spent the next hour confessing too many sins to list here.  I told Him I wanted to serve Him above all else.  No shortcuts.
 
The author of Hebrews writes “endure all hardship as discipline”, I am viewing my present suffering as God’s gentle reminder to seek His kingdom and His righteousness.  My friends, my sins are many, my abilities limited, but as for me and my House we shall serve the LORD.
 
I can’t think of a better week in which to renew our commitment to Christ and open our hearts to one another in humility and dependence as we follow hard after the God who sent His only begotten Son to us.
 
Peace,
dan

Wow!  Thanks for all the feedback from the questions on Sunday!   I was reading back over Acts 13 and 14 – amazing how much good stuff is in there…
I finished reading “Sea of Glory” on Monday Night.  I had been reading for a few weeks, and from the first chapter on I had a nagging question about the main character in the book.  Finally, the second to the last page, the author deals with the question I had been pondering all along.  I wasn’t sure I was satisfied with his answer… Heather was on the couch next to me so I told her some of the background and asked her what she thought.  The topic really came alive to me as we talked… I was left with some good answers but it also grew my curiosity about the subject.
 
Thanks for making the journey with us this year as we explore God’s story.  I’ll bet that as you spend a little time each week discussing with others some of what you are learning on Sunday, the topics will really come alive to you as you talk, and inspire you on your journey to follow Jesus!
 
Have a great week – Here are few of the questions I put on the back of Sundays fill-in the blanks.
 
1. If corporate prayer was such a dominant part of the gatherings of the earliest church, why isn’t it today?
 
2.  Fasting seems to be a central part of these two chapters.  Why?  Does fasting play a role in your life?
 
3.  There were some family and ministry connections already established that made the island of Cyprus a natural destination to go first.  Where do you have connections and established relationships that you could take advantage of in sharing with others?
 
Noah Largent

Hi Folks!

I had some great inspired thoughts to leave you with this week and here it is Wednesday afternoon and I am trying to remember if I spoke last Sunday or not. I have to admit as the days pass after each Sunday the message begins to fade quickly, I can’t begin to imagine how tough it is for you to hang onto any nuggets if it’s so hard for the guy who wrote the message.

Anyway just a quick provoker of thoughts from Sunday two things that stood out for me in the message.

1. Paul is a lot like you and I.  He loved Jesus and he took his natural penchant towards zealousness and made a problem for the early church.  Man I can relate to that one.

I think this principal that I didn’t share Sunday but should have, is right on the mark. I learned it from past teaching pastor Paul Null.  He saw my zealousness for the things of God but he also saw how my attitude hurt the message.  He told me something that was very important then and now.  It goes like this.

“An unguarded strength becomes a double-weakness.”

My strength was to care enough to confront but far too often I left it unchecked, and as a result made more problems then good.  I think Paul’s early years showed us a similar pattern.
What has been the key for me to guard that strength?  Simply practicing humility.  I say practicing because it doesn’t come natural, at least not for me.  I am learning how to live under the authority of Jesus in and through my life.  To do that I simply remind myself as often as necessary just how messed up I am, and how great my need is for God’s forgiveness.  When I stay in this place I am a much better communicator of Jesus’ love.

2. God never gives up on his kids, ever.  You come to Him broken, He won’t let you go.  In Paul’s case he had him set aside for a season, to allow Paul the opportunity to practice his own form of humility.  Of course the outcome in Paul’s life was nothing less then stunning.  The Jew of Jews, became the Apostle to the entire gentile world, which includes me and most of you as well.
I like the fact that God our Father’s love doesn’t waver like human love can.  He simply sets us straight, and winks and smiles back at us to do it right from now on.  It certainly appears that Paul did, I think I’ll keep trying too, and you?

Love being your pastor,

dan