Adoptions in Haiti

While we have seen the Haitian government release some of the missionary workers from jail yesterday...they were charged with trying to take some of the Haitian children out of the country and bring them back to the US to either adopt them for themselves or have them adopted by other American families.

While the cause and thought was very noble, I have to pose this question for the week....why is it that we (Americans...and church folk at that) are quick to run to other countries and bring their children back and attempt to provide them with a better life, and neglect the facts that there are inner city children who have suffered quakes in their lives and no one is ready to take them from the inner city to the suburbs to raise them and give them a better life? I mean doesn't the Bible tell us that charity (LOVE) begins at home and then spreads abroad!

WHAT'S YOUR THOUGHTS?

President Obama

With all of the hype behind President Obama's election as the 44th President, how would you rate his 1st year? Has he taken on to much in the first year? Has he not done enough? Is he on point with what he has promised to change? Let's hear from you about President Obama's 1st year in office.

Humbleness/Respect

Recently in Bible Class, we discussed the notion of humbleness and what makes a person humble. We know the "signs" of humbleness, but in your opinion, what makes a person humble?

Last night, we heard a Congressman (Joe Wilson (R) SC) blurt out to the President of the United States "You lie!" Today, in his humbleness and with a tremendous out cry from citizens and even fellow Congressmen/women, he was forced to apologize for his comments. What are your thoughts on the lack of Respect for leadership..and not just in the government, but even in the church.

Let's Talk!

What's your favorite?

Tonight I want ask a question about what we sometimes take for granted, but is still very important in all of our lives...MUSIC! There are songs that have so much impact in our lives and provide a place of refuge for our journey through life. Here is tonights question...what is your favorite Gospel/Christian song, and why?

Be Blessed!

Pastor Mark

The 10 Virgins

The 10 virgins were all equipped to go out, but only 5 were equipped to meet the bridegroom! Matthew 25 talks about the 5 foolish and 5 wise who all were waiting and fell asleep. There was a distinct difference between 5 of them....one group was in expectation, which lead them to preparation and in the end....thye ended up with the bridegroom in a celebration.

What causes folk to think that all they need is "just enough" when you try to anticipate an arrival from God? What are your thoughts on the decisions that were made in this story, and what conclusions do you draw from how that parable relates to the church?

The Tension with Tithing

Just the other day I read a statement from a person that talked about "the problem with tithing is...." The person was making mention that there are those who tithe money expecting to receive money in return, and that tithing was not just money, but that seems to be all that pastors focus on. There seemed to be a notion that some folk are neglecting their responsibilities (financial to their creditors) because they are giving their tithe and then having to pay their other bills with credit cards.

Tithing is, to the believer, a command that has been established from the early beginnings of creation. What are your thoughts on the notion that in this recession, one needs to hold back on their obligation to God through the tithe. Also, while I realize that tithing is not just money, but also time and talent. Where does that part of your tithe fit in?

Let's get ready to talk...and I mean talk openly about this!

It's time to GROW UP!!!

Good Evening...or for most of you that know me....Good Morning!

Last night we continued our discussion on "Advancing through Adversity." In our discussion, which I must say was one of the best Bible Classes we have had, we discussed the level of maturity that one must have if they are going to advance through their adversity (whatever that/them may be). Paul spoke about the children of God coming off of milk and eating meat...in other words...it's time for folk to grow up. We see so many folk year after year celebrating birthdays; however, for some, their spiritual birthdays seem to never come when you witness toddler attitudes being displayed by chronologically older folks.

Here is our thought for the evening...why does the spirit seem to go uncelebrated and cared for, but the dependence on God to "pull one through" seems to be so high? We say we trust him, but don't show signs of executing the faith that He can and will do it for us!