I condemn in the strongest possible terms the murder of George Floyd. I also condemn racism in all its forms. The church must stand against injustice and racism. And our voices have not been loud enough in doing so.

Can we condemn this murder…and racism…and still support our law enforcement officers? WE MUST! The actions of the officers in this heinous act are indefensible. But they do not reflect the actions and attitudes of all officers. We are blessed in this country with amazing and selfless servants who protect us every day. We are indebted to them.

Thank you to our law enforcement officers!

We grieve over the death of George Floyd and others who have died in our country under similar circumstances.

Let us stand together as a church and as a nation to condemn criminal action and racism…and to require justice in our country. May God heal our nation.

George Barna describes a “tribe” of religious people in American today:

Casual Christianity is faith in moderation. It allows them to feel religious without having to prioritize their faith. Christianity is a low-risk, predictable proposition for this tribe, providing a faith perspective that is not demanding. A Casual Christian can be all the things that they esteem: a nice human being, a family person, religious, an exemplary citizen, a reliable employee – and never have to publicly defend or represent difficult moral or social positions or even lose much sleep over their private choices as long as they mean well and generally do their best. From their perspective, their brand of faith practice is genuine, realistic and practical. To them, Casual Christianity is the best of all worlds; it encourages them to be a better person than if they had been irreligious, yet it is not a faith into which they feel compelled to heavily invest themselves.

People much like this are confronted by Elijah in 1 Kings 18. We learn:

• Casual Christians do not like risk. They love undisturbed lives. They attempt to blend in rather than stick out. Elijah was unfazed by risk. He left himself no “fall-back” position. If God did come through, he was sunk.
• Casual Christians value tolerance. They accept every belief system.
• Casual Christians equate activity with spirituality. Stay busy. More about doing than being.
• Casual Christians pray bland prayers. They pray generically and ambiguously rather than specifically. Their prayers are almost always answered this way…even if nothing really happens.
• Casual Christians do not expect or want to see God’s power. The supernatural makes them uncomfortable. They value the predictable and the safe.

How many of  these casual characteristics do you see in yourself? Enough to make you uncomfortable?

Week three of our Elijah story… 1 Kings 17:17-24. The prophet prayed that God would return life to the widow’s son. This is the first time in the Biblical story that someone has been brought back from death.

My question: how does someone even think to pray for something without precedent? The answer to that question will alter how we pray and change our lives.

• Be lead by the Spirit. Even though this is an old testament story, Elijah embodies what this means. The text repeatedly tells us that the word of the Lord came to Elijah, told him where to go and what to do, and he obeyed. That is Spirit-lead living.
• Pray passionately and not casually. Elijah did not just pray. He “cried out to the Lord” (1 Kings 17:21). Casual prayer does not produce audacious results.
• Creatively solve problems through prayer. The normal rules of the natural world do not limit God. They should not limit what we ask in prayer. Ask the Spirit of God to open your eyes to what is possible…through him.

How can you pray like crazy? I bet we all have room to pray some crazy prayers. In fact, we need to stretch our faith with a little crazy.

The following email got past my spam filters today. I couldn’t let it go…so here is part of the text:

“God Allah Re-announced His Official Millennium Arrival and The Resurrection.

God Allah announced today He is now seeking sponsors for the purpose of The Resurrection. Applicants may apply by email. Allah states, “I am pleased to update you on My Successful Arrival. I am seeking sponsors, e.g. businesses, organizations, communities, etc. to further the cause of The Resurrection. I want the world to know I love you and am here amongst you. I thank you for your prayers and issue My Press most expediently. I believe although this is an emergency, I advise you to stay calm, pray and welcome Me unto you so I may help you.” For more information please contact Allah Media Relations at …”

Now, I feel sure that this is a money-making scheme and not from any official religious body. But I love the contrast it brings to what the Bible says about the Second Coming of Jesus.

The Bible says that “every eye will see him.” His return will be a time/history/world stopping event. He won’t need a press release to announce it or sponsors to make it happen.

Lately, I have found myself longing for Jesus to return so that I would no longer have to deal with the cares of this world. That is not good motivation … but the desire is good.

“Come quickly, Lord Jesus.” We long to see you. We long to be with you.

Until He returns, we keep working. “Let us not become weary in doing good.” May we continue to share Jesus with every person everywhere.

“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.”

(1 Peter 4:7 NIV)

Do you long for Jesus to return? Do you hunger for more of Him now?

In preparation for Easter, we are encouraging our church to prayerwalk in their neighborhoods.  Many people have never done this before.  Here is a helpful “how to” article.  I encourage you to read it and begin your spiritual journey down the streets where you live.

This article is on The Waymakers website. They also have a great app to help you pray and “Seek God for the City.” It would be a great tool for the weeks ahead.

Bless you as you pray! Be ready for God to move…

I Am a Church Member – ThomRainer.com.

Love this article! What does it mean to be a church member? Is church membership important? Ranier nailed it. I am going to keep this.  HBC may see this again.