Wow, think there is something we can learn from this church. ;)
Long-Distance AIDS Ministry
How one modest-sized church in North Carolina is making a big difference in the heart of Africa.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Definition of success
"We need a radical re-definition of "success" in the ministry. I reject the notion that the bigger the church is, the more "successful" it is. In an age of superficiality, immaturity and mediocrity, the church must be careful not to get caught in an ego-trip that equates mere numbers with success. It is easy to sacrifice the integrity of calling (and the implications of discipleship) upon the altar of bigness.
Nonetheless, I believe in church growth! In some Christian circles, "church growth" is a dirty word. Yet, nothing is sadder than an in-grown, inward-looking church. Heir of infinite resources, destined for glory, entrusted with the glorious Gospel, an in-grown church is but an irresponsible sleeping giant. There is indeed such a thing as irresponsible non-growth!"
Pastor Edmund Chan, A Calling: Covenant Evangelical Free Church
I was blown away by the sermon today, the emphasis on inward growth, before the outward. The reminder that it is relatively easy to change on the outside, but very difficult for change to come from the heart. Telling someone steps 1-10 is easy to complete, but left without the steps, one has to live based on principles. These come from the heart.
The vision of Pastor : seek to build the foundations (authentic discipleship), through which, God will build the church. The key to a missions church is discipleship.
I had to repent of whatever I had thought abt the church, that it was inward looking. For God laid upon my heart what was the heart behind this vision. That only when we are changed inwardly can we be missionaries wherever we go to, and bring transformation to the place we go to.
I'm so thankful also how every individual is so valued in this church. How comfortable it was today sharing with a leader about my journey and struggles. And how we are all on this journey, and the start of it all is to confess that we know nothing/can do nothing, only God can work through us. The more I know God, the more inadequate I feel, the more I need His grace.
God has been speaking to me. To not focus so much on my environment, not be distracted by circumstances, but to be thankful, and focus on Him. That is the discpleship of gratitude. Being thankful in all things.
Nonetheless, I believe in church growth! In some Christian circles, "church growth" is a dirty word. Yet, nothing is sadder than an in-grown, inward-looking church. Heir of infinite resources, destined for glory, entrusted with the glorious Gospel, an in-grown church is but an irresponsible sleeping giant. There is indeed such a thing as irresponsible non-growth!"
Pastor Edmund Chan, A Calling: Covenant Evangelical Free Church
I was blown away by the sermon today, the emphasis on inward growth, before the outward. The reminder that it is relatively easy to change on the outside, but very difficult for change to come from the heart. Telling someone steps 1-10 is easy to complete, but left without the steps, one has to live based on principles. These come from the heart.
The vision of Pastor : seek to build the foundations (authentic discipleship), through which, God will build the church. The key to a missions church is discipleship.
I had to repent of whatever I had thought abt the church, that it was inward looking. For God laid upon my heart what was the heart behind this vision. That only when we are changed inwardly can we be missionaries wherever we go to, and bring transformation to the place we go to.
I'm so thankful also how every individual is so valued in this church. How comfortable it was today sharing with a leader about my journey and struggles. And how we are all on this journey, and the start of it all is to confess that we know nothing/can do nothing, only God can work through us. The more I know God, the more inadequate I feel, the more I need His grace.
God has been speaking to me. To not focus so much on my environment, not be distracted by circumstances, but to be thankful, and focus on Him. That is the discpleship of gratitude. Being thankful in all things.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Rebuilding our altars
Was really encouraged by Pastor Kai's msg today at Prayer and Praise. I felt that it was the word in season for me. How Elisha had to rebuild the altar before the fire came down. How we as christians have to rebuild our altar before revival will come.
I have a lot a lot of rebuilding to do. How I have come so short of Him, with my whinning, bad attitude and focusing on the nitty gritty stuffs that I don't like. How I am simply so distracted. It wasn't even specific things that had become my idol. It was just losing my focus on Him, and no longer having that kind of child like faith to believe in Him. I know that it will take some time for the altar to be rebuilt, but nevertheless, I was really encouraged.
It amazes me at times how the same God can speak to us in the same manner in different settings. What do I mean by this? CHC style of ministry and worship is different from CEFC. And in many occasions in the past at CHC, I had felt God's touch, and the Holy Spirit's presence over me. Similarly in CEFC, for example today, I felt the same touch of the Holy Spirit, and it was the same peace and assurance that came upon me. :D So God doesn't come by formulas and styles, He comes when a people seek Him and worship Him.
Have u ever felt so "naked" before the Lord? Like He knows u inside out and u can't hide anything from Him. And u feel so humbled. No matter how much self-justification, pretending to be good & alright, He just searches so deeply on the inside.
Been very burdened about a lot of stuffs. Especially wrt how comfortable many christians are...the lack of urgency...living like peace time when it is war time. Was just sharing with a sister from GIC CF, and she pointed out that sometimes, when burdens are given to us, it is time to look inward. Something like looking at the plank in yr own eye first, let ourselves be changed, and others be impacted by the change they see in us. And I find that is really insightful.
I have a lot a lot of rebuilding to do. How I have come so short of Him, with my whinning, bad attitude and focusing on the nitty gritty stuffs that I don't like. How I am simply so distracted. It wasn't even specific things that had become my idol. It was just losing my focus on Him, and no longer having that kind of child like faith to believe in Him. I know that it will take some time for the altar to be rebuilt, but nevertheless, I was really encouraged.
It amazes me at times how the same God can speak to us in the same manner in different settings. What do I mean by this? CHC style of ministry and worship is different from CEFC. And in many occasions in the past at CHC, I had felt God's touch, and the Holy Spirit's presence over me. Similarly in CEFC, for example today, I felt the same touch of the Holy Spirit, and it was the same peace and assurance that came upon me. :D So God doesn't come by formulas and styles, He comes when a people seek Him and worship Him.
Have u ever felt so "naked" before the Lord? Like He knows u inside out and u can't hide anything from Him. And u feel so humbled. No matter how much self-justification, pretending to be good & alright, He just searches so deeply on the inside.
Been very burdened about a lot of stuffs. Especially wrt how comfortable many christians are...the lack of urgency...living like peace time when it is war time. Was just sharing with a sister from GIC CF, and she pointed out that sometimes, when burdens are given to us, it is time to look inward. Something like looking at the plank in yr own eye first, let ourselves be changed, and others be impacted by the change they see in us. And I find that is really insightful.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Being Single
Quite thankful for a workshop I attended at CEFC today on Dating. Perhaps quite a taboo topic for discussion, yet there was an atmosphere of openness in talking today.
Pastor Chung Kai spoke of the purpose of dating. He emphasized on the importance of friendship, and how friendship is a worthy end in and of itself. Usually when u are attracted to someone, u move on to explore if that someone is suitable, get into courtship and marry. But he suggests after being attracted, to move on to friendship with the person, leading to exploring and courtship and marriage. Hence the impt of getting to know the opposite sex for friendship.
Lordship- Christ must be Lord in all relationships. If we are unhappy being single, we will still be unhappy attached. That's because we don't expect our partner to fulfill our needs.
So once again, I said a quiet prayer, giving God Lordship over my heart.
Relationships has always been something that affected me a lot. I'm also glad for this period of single-ness where I begin to enjoy spending time with myself, and getting to know myself better. Now I understand better what I like and dislike. Learning to be independent and secure about myself.
I also understand better what kind of man I want. Defintely a man who loves God with all his heart, someone who is compassionate. Someone who is wise and kind and sensitive to others.
Recently, I seem to be coming to a place where I actually tell God it is okay if I remain single all my life. I don't know if I will really enjoy doing that...But nevertheless thankful that I am no longer that needy nor starving for love elsewhere. May His love truly and wholly satisfy. Out of which that satisfaction, I am able to love another.
What one of the speakers say today is true, we look for love elsewhere, but they never really satisfy. For many of us, including myself, God's love is sometimes what we only conceptualise in our head. But it's something we need to experience with our hearts before we can say that only that love can satisfy.
Loneliness- definitely those times when u are alone, waiting for the bus/mrt, walking down the streets and seeing people holding hands. Bible did say that it was not good for man to be alone. We all need relationships and accountability. Yet, these may not come in the form of a life partner. They may come in the form of a group of godly friends whom we attach ourselves to, people who encourage us along in this journey.
Pastor Chung Kai spoke of the purpose of dating. He emphasized on the importance of friendship, and how friendship is a worthy end in and of itself. Usually when u are attracted to someone, u move on to explore if that someone is suitable, get into courtship and marry. But he suggests after being attracted, to move on to friendship with the person, leading to exploring and courtship and marriage. Hence the impt of getting to know the opposite sex for friendship.
Lordship- Christ must be Lord in all relationships. If we are unhappy being single, we will still be unhappy attached. That's because we don't expect our partner to fulfill our needs.
So once again, I said a quiet prayer, giving God Lordship over my heart.
Relationships has always been something that affected me a lot. I'm also glad for this period of single-ness where I begin to enjoy spending time with myself, and getting to know myself better. Now I understand better what I like and dislike. Learning to be independent and secure about myself.
I also understand better what kind of man I want. Defintely a man who loves God with all his heart, someone who is compassionate. Someone who is wise and kind and sensitive to others.
Recently, I seem to be coming to a place where I actually tell God it is okay if I remain single all my life. I don't know if I will really enjoy doing that...But nevertheless thankful that I am no longer that needy nor starving for love elsewhere. May His love truly and wholly satisfy. Out of which that satisfaction, I am able to love another.
What one of the speakers say today is true, we look for love elsewhere, but they never really satisfy. For many of us, including myself, God's love is sometimes what we only conceptualise in our head. But it's something we need to experience with our hearts before we can say that only that love can satisfy.
Loneliness- definitely those times when u are alone, waiting for the bus/mrt, walking down the streets and seeing people holding hands. Bible did say that it was not good for man to be alone. We all need relationships and accountability. Yet, these may not come in the form of a life partner. They may come in the form of a group of godly friends whom we attach ourselves to, people who encourage us along in this journey.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
How shall we live then?
I've been rather troubled about how I should be living as a christian in terms of my possessions. One of the questions is, should I liquidate all my assets and give them away? How much proportion should I retain, how much should I save? Basically the practical application of living out a godly life.
Quite thankful I read this chapter from Randy Alcon's book tonight. I think it is quite insightful.
Chapt 13
Giving: Reciprocating God's Grace
The most striking characteristic of the early Christians is that they shared all they owned, liquidating their possessions to give to the needy (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37). In one verse, we're told, "Much grace was upon them all," and in the next, "There were no needy persons among them." Compare this description with that of Christ's bickering disciples, jockeying for position and unwilling to wash each others' feet (Mark 9L33-34, 10:35-41; Luke 9:46, 22-24; John 13:3-16). Radical giving demonstrates the life-changing power of God.
There are two common errors made in evaluating the first Jerusalem church. One is to see it as a model to be followed by all Christians. The other is to reject it as irrelevant to us today.
Those who see the Jerusalem church as a detailed model fail to understand its unique historical context. Perhaps a million Jews had made the Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The city was bursting at its seams. Many of the thousands coming to Christ wanted to stay in Jerusalem to learn as much as possible before going home. Others probably couldn't return to their homes at all. As a result of following Christ, they would have become "the victims of social and economic ostracism, ecclesiastical excommunication, and national disinheritance. Their business enterprises must in most cases have collapsed in ruins and family bonds been heart-breakingly severed."(Hughes, 1965)
The result was thousands of homeless, jobless people. This was an emergency situation that called for unusual action. It cannot serve as a strict pattern for all Christian communities, because not all congregations are faced with such extreme situations. However, the first Christians' attitude toward money and possessions is a timeless model for all Christians. Second-century Church leader Justin Martyr writes:"We who formerly treasured money and possessions more than anything else now hands over everything we have to a treasury for all and share it with everyone who needs it."
Some groups have followed a communal model and done well, whereas others have found it problematic. I don't oppose attempts to imitate the early Church. To hoard or withhold our resources from the needy is always unscriptural. But the graces of giving and sharing can legitimately take other forms than that of Acts 2 and 4. Although sacrificial giving is an intergral part of all healthy churches, never again in the New Testament do we see it manifested in the same way as in Acts 2-4.
Some have taken these texts to indicate that the early Church rejected the private ownership of property. On the contrary, the liquidation of possessions took place not all at once but "from time to time" (Acts 4:34). It was strictly voluntary. Peter told Ananias and Sapphira that their property was theirs till they sold it, and once they sold it the money was still theirs to use as they wished (Acts 5:3-5). Their sin wasn't in failing to lay everything at the apostles' feet but in claiming they were doing so when they weren't, just so to impress others.
The early Church is not potrayed as utopian. In addition to the situation with Ananias and Sapphira, the Greek and Hebrew Christians quarreled over in-equities in the distribution of food to the needy (Acts 6:1).
The "bread line" of Acts 6 is not a specific pattern for churches, but a reflection of the ongoing effects of the emergency in the fledgling Church. However it demonstrates the high priority of helping the needy and taking organisational steps to do so effectively. It would be a mistake to see Acts 2-4 as a socialistic model, but an even greater mistake to disregard the early Church's example of openhanded giving to the needy.
Giving involved money, but much more. We can give a meal, a house, dress, shovel, bicycle, sewing machine, or any possession. I may give someone a car. Or I may freely loan it to others, or use it to give a ride to my elderly neighbour, or to go buy groceries for a shut-in. There's a great deal of giving that can take place even when I retain ownership-as long as I remind myself that God is the true owner, and I am only his asset manager.
Two cautions are in order. First, we can easily rationalize owning unnecessary things on the grounds that we share them with others. The face that people often invite others out on their boat doesn't necessarily mean that owning a boat is the most strategic ministry use for the money required. We must also be careful that our ownership doesn't involve possessiveness.
Money, Posessions and Eternity
Randy Alcorn
Quite thankful I read this chapter from Randy Alcon's book tonight. I think it is quite insightful.
Chapt 13
Giving: Reciprocating God's Grace
The most striking characteristic of the early Christians is that they shared all they owned, liquidating their possessions to give to the needy (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37). In one verse, we're told, "Much grace was upon them all," and in the next, "There were no needy persons among them." Compare this description with that of Christ's bickering disciples, jockeying for position and unwilling to wash each others' feet (Mark 9L33-34, 10:35-41; Luke 9:46, 22-24; John 13:3-16). Radical giving demonstrates the life-changing power of God.
There are two common errors made in evaluating the first Jerusalem church. One is to see it as a model to be followed by all Christians. The other is to reject it as irrelevant to us today.
Those who see the Jerusalem church as a detailed model fail to understand its unique historical context. Perhaps a million Jews had made the Passover pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The city was bursting at its seams. Many of the thousands coming to Christ wanted to stay in Jerusalem to learn as much as possible before going home. Others probably couldn't return to their homes at all. As a result of following Christ, they would have become "the victims of social and economic ostracism, ecclesiastical excommunication, and national disinheritance. Their business enterprises must in most cases have collapsed in ruins and family bonds been heart-breakingly severed."(Hughes, 1965)
The result was thousands of homeless, jobless people. This was an emergency situation that called for unusual action. It cannot serve as a strict pattern for all Christian communities, because not all congregations are faced with such extreme situations. However, the first Christians' attitude toward money and possessions is a timeless model for all Christians. Second-century Church leader Justin Martyr writes:"We who formerly treasured money and possessions more than anything else now hands over everything we have to a treasury for all and share it with everyone who needs it."
Some groups have followed a communal model and done well, whereas others have found it problematic. I don't oppose attempts to imitate the early Church. To hoard or withhold our resources from the needy is always unscriptural. But the graces of giving and sharing can legitimately take other forms than that of Acts 2 and 4. Although sacrificial giving is an intergral part of all healthy churches, never again in the New Testament do we see it manifested in the same way as in Acts 2-4.
Some have taken these texts to indicate that the early Church rejected the private ownership of property. On the contrary, the liquidation of possessions took place not all at once but "from time to time" (Acts 4:34). It was strictly voluntary. Peter told Ananias and Sapphira that their property was theirs till they sold it, and once they sold it the money was still theirs to use as they wished (Acts 5:3-5). Their sin wasn't in failing to lay everything at the apostles' feet but in claiming they were doing so when they weren't, just so to impress others.
The early Church is not potrayed as utopian. In addition to the situation with Ananias and Sapphira, the Greek and Hebrew Christians quarreled over in-equities in the distribution of food to the needy (Acts 6:1).
The "bread line" of Acts 6 is not a specific pattern for churches, but a reflection of the ongoing effects of the emergency in the fledgling Church. However it demonstrates the high priority of helping the needy and taking organisational steps to do so effectively. It would be a mistake to see Acts 2-4 as a socialistic model, but an even greater mistake to disregard the early Church's example of openhanded giving to the needy.
Giving involved money, but much more. We can give a meal, a house, dress, shovel, bicycle, sewing machine, or any possession. I may give someone a car. Or I may freely loan it to others, or use it to give a ride to my elderly neighbour, or to go buy groceries for a shut-in. There's a great deal of giving that can take place even when I retain ownership-as long as I remind myself that God is the true owner, and I am only his asset manager.
Two cautions are in order. First, we can easily rationalize owning unnecessary things on the grounds that we share them with others. The face that people often invite others out on their boat doesn't necessarily mean that owning a boat is the most strategic ministry use for the money required. We must also be careful that our ownership doesn't involve possessiveness.
Money, Posessions and Eternity
Randy Alcorn
Friday, November 17, 2006
Compassion and Hope
A bit of a lag, but nevertheless, stumbled upon this and thought it will be nice to share! :)
I'm sure that gay and homosexual issues are not as simplistic as they sound.
Brian McLaren: Compassion and Hope in the Haggard Scandal
As a representative of the Red Letter Christians, I was asked the other day to participate in an NPR dialogue about the recent resignation of Ted Haggard. Two things struck me about the dialogue.
First, compassion. The tone of the conversation was not glee at the fall of a hypocrite, but rather sadness and empathy at the suffering of a fellow human being - before and after his resignation. I'm sure there has been some glee, both among secular people who saw Ted as their political enemy, and among religious people of a certain type who find it easy and legitimate to disregard the words of I Corinthians 13, the "Golden Rule," and the Sermon on the Mount. I have been especially moved, both on the NPR program and elsewhere, by the compassion expressed by many in the gay community and by many evangelicals, both of whom may have found reasons to respond otherwise.
Second, hope. A number of people on the program expressed hope that this trauma in the evangelical community will increase understanding about the issue of homosexuality, that it will bring to light the complexity and depth of pain experienced by people for whom heterosexual drives are not inborn and exclusive. Perhaps this painful story will help more preachers (like myself) to back away from the easy answers and binary thinking that are so easy to dispense, and to reject the simplistic moralism Jesus diagnosed in the Pharisees, who, he said, loaded up burdens on the backs of others that they themselves couldn't bear. I've met Ted on a few occasions and he impressed me as a compassionate and hopeful person himself. I join millions of people - Christian and non-, straight and gay - who pray for God's presence, strength, and guidance for him and his family - and his church and NAE colleagues too, as they grapple with the complex realities of the human condition which we all share.
It's Sunday as I write these words, and in an hour or so, I'll be in church, and we'll pray, "Lord, have mercy." The older I get, and the more I experience, the more weight and meaning those simple words carry.
Brian McLaren (brianmclaren.net) is an author, speaker, and board chair of Sojourners/Call to Renewal.
I'm sure that gay and homosexual issues are not as simplistic as they sound.
Brian McLaren: Compassion and Hope in the Haggard Scandal
As a representative of the Red Letter Christians, I was asked the other day to participate in an NPR dialogue about the recent resignation of Ted Haggard. Two things struck me about the dialogue.
First, compassion. The tone of the conversation was not glee at the fall of a hypocrite, but rather sadness and empathy at the suffering of a fellow human being - before and after his resignation. I'm sure there has been some glee, both among secular people who saw Ted as their political enemy, and among religious people of a certain type who find it easy and legitimate to disregard the words of I Corinthians 13, the "Golden Rule," and the Sermon on the Mount. I have been especially moved, both on the NPR program and elsewhere, by the compassion expressed by many in the gay community and by many evangelicals, both of whom may have found reasons to respond otherwise.
Second, hope. A number of people on the program expressed hope that this trauma in the evangelical community will increase understanding about the issue of homosexuality, that it will bring to light the complexity and depth of pain experienced by people for whom heterosexual drives are not inborn and exclusive. Perhaps this painful story will help more preachers (like myself) to back away from the easy answers and binary thinking that are so easy to dispense, and to reject the simplistic moralism Jesus diagnosed in the Pharisees, who, he said, loaded up burdens on the backs of others that they themselves couldn't bear. I've met Ted on a few occasions and he impressed me as a compassionate and hopeful person himself. I join millions of people - Christian and non-, straight and gay - who pray for God's presence, strength, and guidance for him and his family - and his church and NAE colleagues too, as they grapple with the complex realities of the human condition which we all share.
It's Sunday as I write these words, and in an hour or so, I'll be in church, and we'll pray, "Lord, have mercy." The older I get, and the more I experience, the more weight and meaning those simple words carry.
Brian McLaren (brianmclaren.net) is an author, speaker, and board chair of Sojourners/Call to Renewal.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Radical & Ridicule
Just very thankful that God encouraged me today. He confirmed His word through CF.
Been wondering whether I am being too "radical", or how people might view me for how I keep talking about poverty. And wondering if I should tone down a bit. This morning, I felt He was trying to tell me that it doesn't matter what others think, it matters mostly to please Him.
And during CF, a colleague shared about how the world will hate us, and how Jesus wasn't exactly the most comfortable person to be with. He challenges us, challenges people.
So I shall continue.
God, help me to fear U and not fear men. Help me to speak truth. Guard my mouth, let whatever comes out of it bring light. Guard my heart from pride, help me to be humble and ready to learn.
Been wondering whether I am being too "radical", or how people might view me for how I keep talking about poverty. And wondering if I should tone down a bit. This morning, I felt He was trying to tell me that it doesn't matter what others think, it matters mostly to please Him.
And during CF, a colleague shared about how the world will hate us, and how Jesus wasn't exactly the most comfortable person to be with. He challenges us, challenges people.
So I shall continue.
God, help me to fear U and not fear men. Help me to speak truth. Guard my mouth, let whatever comes out of it bring light. Guard my heart from pride, help me to be humble and ready to learn.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
How vulnerable we all are.
Not sure if u all follow the Ted Haggard saga. But I thought this post was really balanced and kind.
Esp this prayer:
And so I pray: Lord and Father, how sad you must be when you see the most powerful and the weakest of your children fall prey to the energy of sin and evil. There is nothing any one has ever done that we –each of us—is not capable of doing. So when we pray for our brother, Ted Haggard, we pray not out of pity or self-righteousness but with a humble spirit because we stand with him on level ground before the cross. Father, give this man and his wife the gift of your grace. Protect them from the constant accusations of the evil one who will seek to deny them sleep, tempt them to talk too much to the public, arouse conflict between them as a couple and with their children. Send the right people into their lives who can provide the correct mixture of hope and healing love. Deliver them from people who will curry their favor by telling them things they should not hear. Restrain them from making poor judgments in their most fearful moments.
I don't exactly know who this pastor is. But he has responded in a contrite spirit, and I pray that God will keep him from the evil one.
It's just too easy for us to be self righteous and to condemn another isn't it? But "we pray not out of pity or self-righteousness but with a humble spirit because we stand with him on level ground before the cross".
I believe that through his ministry, he must have been a blessing to many people. We can be most sinful, but God uses us to fulfil His purpose anyway.
How we can be critical of homosexuals or outright sinful acts, when hidden in our hearts is also a sinful nature? How vulnerable our christian leaders are to sin. How easy it is for us to critique others.
God, help us. Help him.
Esp this prayer:
And so I pray: Lord and Father, how sad you must be when you see the most powerful and the weakest of your children fall prey to the energy of sin and evil. There is nothing any one has ever done that we –each of us—is not capable of doing. So when we pray for our brother, Ted Haggard, we pray not out of pity or self-righteousness but with a humble spirit because we stand with him on level ground before the cross. Father, give this man and his wife the gift of your grace. Protect them from the constant accusations of the evil one who will seek to deny them sleep, tempt them to talk too much to the public, arouse conflict between them as a couple and with their children. Send the right people into their lives who can provide the correct mixture of hope and healing love. Deliver them from people who will curry their favor by telling them things they should not hear. Restrain them from making poor judgments in their most fearful moments.
I don't exactly know who this pastor is. But he has responded in a contrite spirit, and I pray that God will keep him from the evil one.
It's just too easy for us to be self righteous and to condemn another isn't it? But "we pray not out of pity or self-righteousness but with a humble spirit because we stand with him on level ground before the cross".
I believe that through his ministry, he must have been a blessing to many people. We can be most sinful, but God uses us to fulfil His purpose anyway.
How we can be critical of homosexuals or outright sinful acts, when hidden in our hearts is also a sinful nature? How vulnerable our christian leaders are to sin. How easy it is for us to critique others.
God, help us. Help him.
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