Christspeak, Rx

Ever participated in or heard of churches and volunteers serving breakfast at the shelter? Before _____ _____ returned to Greensboro some 20 plus years ago, there were no such services offered. A week ago today, ______ suffered a medium stroke. He's recovering, but his speech is still slightly impaired.

One of ______'s mentors, John Staggers of Washington, DC, was also a humble servant who's "under the radar" ministry touched thousands. John used to respectfully reject any recognition of his good works, "so it won't spoil my heavenly reward." (see references below to Jesus' teachings.) So in that spirit, I am leaving out his name. If you want to learn his name, feel free to ask me or Cara Michele or most anyone at the shelter...

A good friend wrote this short note about _____, encouraging us to pray.

_____ _______ has had a long and compassionate ministry in Greensboro through music and service for many years....His work with the homeless of Greensboro has been very significant. I am sure a number of you know _____ and his wife _____ to some capacitiy....he was a neighbor of mine for several years and has been an example of humble and gracious service for Christ as long as I have known (or known of) him. The thought of _____'s speech being impaired is painful to imagine as _____ possesses an incredible singing voice, a gift he has been sharing for thirty years or more. I could go on and on.....excuse my indulgence, I guess the reality of age and the fallout of a broken world weigh heavy as I consider _____ in the hospital. There is much to be grateful for .... just as there is much need for intercessory prayer.

Matthew 6:2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:1-3 (in Context) Matthew 6 (Whole Chapter)
Matthew 6:4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:3-5 (in Context) Matthew 6 (Whole Chapter)
Matthew 6:5[ Prayer ] "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
Matthew 6:4-6 (in Context) Matthew 6 (Whole Chapter)
Matthew 6:6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.Matthew 6:5-7 (in Context)
Matthew 6 (Whole Chapter)
Matthew 6:16[ Fasting ] "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full
.Matthew 6:15-17 (in Context) Matthew 6 (Whole Chapter)
Matthew 6:18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

"Church Family"

When addressing the congregation, the pastor begins "Church Family."
Church family, please remember to pray for...

I noticed this phrase was used countless times during a sermon preached by my daughter's pastor. He's Baptist. Recently a younger elder in my own church (Covenant Fellowship, we're Associate Reformed Presbyterian) is sending emails that always begin with, "Dear Church Family."

Though it may sound a little country, it is important for believers in Christ who worship together in a Church recognize that they are not merely members of an organization, they are family in Christ. Amen.

Has anyone researched the link between the color of coffee and how your breath smells after you drink it?

It's been blissful, my staying away from politics. Today's post is somewhat political, more important, it is about Christspeak... my term for the language of Christianity. The other day John Edwards said, "I think that Jesus would be disappointed in our ignoring the plight of those around us who are suffering and our focus on our own selfish short-term needs," Edwards told the site. "I think he would be appalled, actually."

Jesus actually did call on His followers to consider the poor. Yet, Edwards' statement was shallow and so embarrassingly hypocritical it seems more like something Steve Carrell's character in The Office would say. (Edwards just built a mansion and owns an impressive home at Figure Eight.) It would be wise for Edwards, (and each of us), to ask Jesus how he can best serve God's kingdom, and to politically lead this country by walking the talk.

But more important, Edwards statement is theologically incorrect. In fairness to Edwards, he is not alone. Jesus is not dead. Alot of folks are inspired to do good by first considering, "what would Jesus do." We acually know quite a bit about what Jesus said and did, (though not nearly enough). However, a statement that inludes the phrase, "Jesus would," presupposes Jesus is either dead or unable to know us and communicate His will to us. In truth, Jesus is physically alive and actually initiates communication with people.

Here's some key points to consider:

• Jesus suffered and died for our rebellions and sins, in our place.
• Jesus Christ was physically resurrected and currently sits at the right hand of God the Father
• Jesus acts as our High Priest, providing His believers direct access to God through prayer.
• Jesus sent the Helper, the Holy Spirit to live within us and guide us.