Current Events - 4/8/2005

(information below is from Pastor's Weekly Briefing, (April 8, 2005)

• A bill that would allow stem cell research, including stem cells obtained from cloned human embryos, was overwhelmingly approved last week by the Massachusetts state Senate and House of Representatives. Gov. Mitt Romney, who plans to veto the bill, realizes that his veto will be overridden. "I'll vote my conscience, but this is one that the story is complete," said Romney.

• According to a CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll released last week, opposition to same-sex "marriage" is at an all-time high. When asked if homosexual "marriages" should be recognizes as valid, 68 percent said no. Last year, a similar poll found 55 percent were opposed.

• A new study appearing in the March issue of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology shows that many pregnant women are only given negative information by medical professionals when a prenatal diagnosis reveals the possibility of giving birth to a baby with Down Syndrome. The report also revealed that some of the prenatal testing for Down Syndrome is wrong 20 to 40 percent of the time, leading to the possibility of healthy babies being aborted.

Active judiciary

We are seeing more and more indication of an active judiciary that is making law by its rulings rather than intepreting the laws. This has been evidenced by the recent events of Terri Schiavo. Dr. Dobson from Focus on the Family has written rather pointedly about this situation. (Link here)

New Danger in Cell Phones

The physical dangers of exposure to radiation from cell phones is being debated. However, a new danger is now on the rise. There are companies working on bringing "adult" content to cell phones. Cnet carries an article about this new danger. But a danger already here is found in cell phones that take pictures which have been used in dressing rooms. Polices have been developed by a few foreward thinking places that are banning these types of cell phones in dressing rooms and locker rooms gyms (does your school have a policy?). Parents, another danger of which you need to be aware to help protect your children in this age.

Stop Dating the Church!

Josh Harris has written a couple of books that deal with the dating relationship (or maybe better, difficulties with dating). His most recent book draws analogies of dating and marriage to the church. He writes that too many people in our society look at the Church as a dating relationship, rather than a committed relationship. They are more interested in what they can get out of it for themselves, rather than a commitment to the Bride of Christ.

It is important to be reminded of the priority of the church. It is the church which is the "pillar and support of truth" (1 Tim. 3:15). It is through the church that Christ has determined to make disciples. It is the church that is to show what it means to be a community of people, regardless of backgrounds, as we live in a fragmented society.

Harris writes that "becoming a church member gives you specific accountability, care, encouragement, and leadership" (p. 67). It also means that one builds his or her life around the church and makes it a priority, rather than the church being secondary with life flowing around it.

Harris also points out that the fastest way to feel a sense of ownership in your church and to build relationships is serving (p. 72). The church means "doing life" with other Christians and building relationships that extend beyond the church gathered.

Harris then lists 10 Important Questions to determine what kind of church with which to identify:

1. Is this a church where God's Word is faithfully taught?
2. Is this a church where sound doctrine matters?
3. Is this a church in which the gospel is cherished and clearly proclaimed?
4. Is this a church committed to reaching non-Christians with the gospel?
5. Is this a church whose leaders are characterized by humility and integrity?
6. Is this a church where people strive to live by God's Word?
7. Is this a church where I can find and cultivate godly relationships?
8. Is this a church where members are challenged to serve?
9. Is this a church that is willing to kick me out? (interesting!)
10. Is this a church I'm willing to join 'as is' with enthusiasm and faith in God?

In chapter 6 entitled "Rescuing Sunday: How to Get More from the Best Day of the Week," Harris points out that it is important to start preparing for Sunday on Saturday.

"The real burden of responsibility on Sunday morning is not on the preacher to perform, but on the congregation to listen" (p. 112). [I might rephrase it, "the most important responsibility is how the congregation performs before God whom they have come to worship" - djp]

Chapter Titles:
1. Can This Relationship Be Saved? What we miss when we date the church
2. He still Calls Her His Bride: Seeing the Church from Heaven's perspective
3. Why we really need the local church: Thinking globally, loving locally
4. Join the Club: What passion in actions looks like
5. Choosing your Church: The ten things that matter most
6. Rescuing Sunday: How to get more from the best day of the week
7. The Dearest place on Earth: It's Time to say Yes.