During the days of King Josiah, as they were remodeling the Temple, they broke down a wall and found a treasury box hidden inside. They were no doubt excited to find the offerings of years gone by stashed there. What they also found was "THE BOOK OF THE LAW OF THE LORD GIVEN THROUGH MOSES". King Josiah read it and tore his clothing in regret, shame and loss. This was in the eighteenth year of his reign as king, so we know THE WORD was hidden behind a wall and buried beneath the money for AT LEAST that long. (II Chronicles 34)
King Josiah enacted immediate reforms at having uncovered The Word of God, discarded and hidden, buried under the offerings. They seemed dramatic, because they had gotten so far from The Word, but it was counted as faithfulness to Josiah.
Jesus followed John the Baptist (Elijah), who preached repentance (changing one's thinking so that one's direction will change). Jesus ushered in the New Covenant of Grace in Agape Love, challenging what the religious leaders and political leaders had done to God's people in hiding the Word from them. Jesus uncovered the truth of God's Will and Kingdom Values, which they had buried in their concern for outward piety and for their control of the people socially, politically and economically. They exploited God's people by abusing their authority and burying the true Word under their twisted interpretations that got them power and wealth. Jesus addressed that regularly. (Matthew 23 and elsewhere)
Martin Luther and others in the Reformation era strove to uncover The Word from the corrupt traditions of Pope Leo X and his predecessors. The Gospel of Jesus' Grace had been buried under church hierarchy, piety, ritual, the sale of indulgences and abuses of authority by the Popes and church officials. Luther and others uncovered the truth of salvation by Grace through Faith, so that God's people would no longer be exploited and oppressed by the Greed and Lust for Power that had become the Holy Roman Empire in their day. (see The 95 Theses of Martin Luther)
We need Reform now.
Since 1981, when Reagan (political right) got in bed with Falwell (religious right), the Good News of Jesus has been buried behind a wall of Greed and Lust for Power in the form of Church Growth, Prosperity Theology and other "itching ears" (II Timothy 4:1-5) movements that have coincided with the political "right's" agenda to privatize all services and gain power in order to exploit the masses for their own gain. We need to unbury the Good News of Jesus from the treasury box that has fed the bellies of the Bishops and Clergy and has left the people of God like "sheep without a Shepherd" (Mark 6:34). We need to address the corruptions done by the twisting of God's Word and exploitation of the masses. We need to attack this new "sale of indulgences" through tithing with a promise of monetary return and wealth, prosperity and blessings with favor that is used to exploit the desperate and greedy. We need to expose the lust for power and prestige that leads clergy to manipulate and exploit God's children. We need to reject the corruptions that have held God's people from living Agape Love for 35 years, raising as important purity and holiness, worship, praise and tithes above what God wants of God's people (Mark 7:1-23).
We need to first UNCOVER the Good News of Jesus from within our hearts. We need to WANT to have the Good News restored, preached, taught and lived. We need to reject the false teachings and unbury the Agape Love way of life that Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us. We need to embrace salvation by Grace through Faith and live the Agape way of not judging and forgiving others. We need to break down the walls that this Good News has been hidden behind and make it our standard of living as people who profess to follow Jesus. We need to weep over having kept it buried for this long, and repent (change our thinking so that we can follow Jesus) so that we can believe in His Good News as His Way for us, as God's Will, as Kingdom Values - Jesus' first command (imperative mood statement) in the first Gospel written, in the first Chapter of that Gospel (Mark 1:15)
We need Reform NOW.
In the face of all the divisions, hatefulness, oppression, exploitation, genocide, racism, classism, sexism, homophobia and violence, we need to live Agape Love (active commitment on behalf of the other, even stranger and enemy - Luke 10:25-37), and live it NOW.
We need Reform NOW - a great "UNCOVERING".
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Sunday, October 16, 2016
The First Century Believers and Agape
Those who followed Jesus strove to directly live the Agape Love He taught, commanded and modeled in the world around them, in THIS PART of God's Kingdom. They applied this "active commitment on behalf of the other, even stranger and enemy" (Luke 10:25-37) to EVERY aspect of life together, and it had dramatic consequences. It was a radical thing, because people noticed this kind of love and behavior that they saw nowhere else in the world around them. They responded by joining the community of believers and living that Agape with others around them. They believed in Jesus and His Good News - that following what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled was a better way for the world in which they lived.
They experienced a RADICAL REVELATION of God in the Pentecost experience, which created RADICAL COMMUNITY, not exclusive of nationality or culture or even faith of origin, but inclusive of all present (Acts 2:1-13).
This RADICAL COMMUNITY lived the RADICAL AGAPE LOVE that Jesus taught, commanded and modeled, as it was witnessed to them by the Apostles, and it created a RADICAL OWNERSHIP, and SHARING in which they shared ALL THINGS toward their well-being (2:43-47). This led to radical growth in the community, as people responded to the love shown.
This RADICAL COMMUNITY in RADICAL AGAPE LOVE also created a RADICAL SOCIAL REALITY, because they ELIMINATED POVERTY, out of a sense of unity as people with one heart and one soul (4:32-35).
This RADICAL AGAPE LOVE, when shared brought wholeness and completeness, even healing, deliverance and restoration because of the RADICAL AVAILABILITY of ordinary people who were willing to allow the shadow of their lives to fall on the lives of others (5:12-16).
This RADICAL COMMUNITY born of RADICAL AGAPE LOVE was an expression of RADICAL INCLUSION, as even Gentiles, Romans and others came, not just as members of the community, but also welcomed as LEADERS in it (6:1-7). The Good News of Jesus' Agape Love grew in hearts and lives.
This RADICAL COMMUNITY and its RADICAL INCLUSION born of RADICAL AGAPE LOVE also meant that those excluded by the Law of Moses, even on cultural, religious or sexual grounds, were INCLUDED in the community of believers (8:26-40). The Holy Spirit specifically worked that among them.
This RADICAL AGAPE LOVE of Jesus also meant RADICAL TRANSFORMATION of hearts that were opposed to Jesus' Way (Acts 9:1-22), and the RADICAL INCLUSION of those who had formerly been enemies because of a RADICAL ADVOCACY among them (9:26-31).
This RADICAL AGAPE LOVE was lived in RADICAL COMMUNITY that could not let traditions become a stumbling block to their RADICAL UNITY, so God advanced the RADICAL INCLUSION to those whose traditions and even faith practices were different, those who were previously considered enemies (10:9-48).
This RADICAL AGAPE LOVE continued to have a profound effect on the RADICAL COMMUNITY, so that they even reached out to STRANGERS with a RADICAL GENEROSITY and SHARING, to ensure their financial well-being (11:27-29).
The RADICAL ADVOCACY continued as people were given a second chance who may not have done so well at following the first time (15:36-41).
The RADICAL ADVOCACY also meant deliverance of those from both SPIRITUAL and PHYSICAL exploitation (16:16-24). This RADICAL LIBERATION meant a loss for the oppressors, but freedom for the oppressed.
The RADICAL ADVOCACY also meant the salvation of many people who had other oppressions, and whose lives were endangered for profit (Chpt. 27).
This is the doctrine of PEOPLE OF THE WAY OF JESUS, to LIVE the AGAPE that Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us in every aspect of life in the world - THIS PART of God's Kingdom, here and now!
They experienced a RADICAL REVELATION of God in the Pentecost experience, which created RADICAL COMMUNITY, not exclusive of nationality or culture or even faith of origin, but inclusive of all present (Acts 2:1-13).
This RADICAL COMMUNITY lived the RADICAL AGAPE LOVE that Jesus taught, commanded and modeled, as it was witnessed to them by the Apostles, and it created a RADICAL OWNERSHIP, and SHARING in which they shared ALL THINGS toward their well-being (2:43-47). This led to radical growth in the community, as people responded to the love shown.
This RADICAL COMMUNITY in RADICAL AGAPE LOVE also created a RADICAL SOCIAL REALITY, because they ELIMINATED POVERTY, out of a sense of unity as people with one heart and one soul (4:32-35).
This RADICAL AGAPE LOVE, when shared brought wholeness and completeness, even healing, deliverance and restoration because of the RADICAL AVAILABILITY of ordinary people who were willing to allow the shadow of their lives to fall on the lives of others (5:12-16).
This RADICAL COMMUNITY born of RADICAL AGAPE LOVE was an expression of RADICAL INCLUSION, as even Gentiles, Romans and others came, not just as members of the community, but also welcomed as LEADERS in it (6:1-7). The Good News of Jesus' Agape Love grew in hearts and lives.
This RADICAL COMMUNITY and its RADICAL INCLUSION born of RADICAL AGAPE LOVE also meant that those excluded by the Law of Moses, even on cultural, religious or sexual grounds, were INCLUDED in the community of believers (8:26-40). The Holy Spirit specifically worked that among them.
This RADICAL AGAPE LOVE of Jesus also meant RADICAL TRANSFORMATION of hearts that were opposed to Jesus' Way (Acts 9:1-22), and the RADICAL INCLUSION of those who had formerly been enemies because of a RADICAL ADVOCACY among them (9:26-31).
This RADICAL AGAPE LOVE was lived in RADICAL COMMUNITY that could not let traditions become a stumbling block to their RADICAL UNITY, so God advanced the RADICAL INCLUSION to those whose traditions and even faith practices were different, those who were previously considered enemies (10:9-48).
This RADICAL AGAPE LOVE continued to have a profound effect on the RADICAL COMMUNITY, so that they even reached out to STRANGERS with a RADICAL GENEROSITY and SHARING, to ensure their financial well-being (11:27-29).
The RADICAL ADVOCACY continued as people were given a second chance who may not have done so well at following the first time (15:36-41).
The RADICAL ADVOCACY also meant deliverance of those from both SPIRITUAL and PHYSICAL exploitation (16:16-24). This RADICAL LIBERATION meant a loss for the oppressors, but freedom for the oppressed.
The RADICAL ADVOCACY also meant the salvation of many people who had other oppressions, and whose lives were endangered for profit (Chpt. 27).
This is the doctrine of PEOPLE OF THE WAY OF JESUS, to LIVE the AGAPE that Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us in every aspect of life in the world - THIS PART of God's Kingdom, here and now!
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Speaking the truth in Agape Love
I heard a pastor on TV this morning talk about how Christians should not "exit quietly" upon Jesus' return. He talked about how we need to be conspicuously in the sphere of politics and such...
To be fair, I know that this pastor has blessed many people and I am sure that I would agree with much of what he teaches, and while I agree with today's outward statement of this pastor of some very dear friends of mine, I dare say that I would not agree with what at least some of what that means to him.
You see, I believe that our, contemporary "Desolating Sacrilege" that Jesus spoke of is the mixing of church and state that happened in 1981 and following, when Reagan and the political "right" got in bed with Falwell and the religious "right". The corruption of scripture, the constitution, democracy and ethical economics has been the result since that time. Fueled by a preoccupation with sexual "morality" which was raised as smoke and mirrors to cover abuses of power and wealth and the "normalization" of greed and lust for power, the corruptions of the church have gone hand in hand with the corruptions in politics and economics for 35 years. Instead of the church addressing the culture with the Good News of Jesus, it has reflected the culture, justifying its actions by twisting the teachings of the Word and ignoring much of what Jesus, fulfiller of the Law and Prophets taught.
I believe that followers of Jesus SHOULD have a "noisy exit". We should NOT sit down or sit by quietly while this happens. I believe that when it is all said and done, we who follow Jesus need to boldly stand and speak truth to power and wealth - that is, corrupt power and wealth - which means speaking truth to a LOT of American Christians.
I believe that if I am a follower of Jesus, I will follow what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for His followers to live. It is much less about purity and holiness for Jesus than it is about right living with one another, which pleases God.
Jesus' central teaching was Agape Love - HIS COMMAND for His followers to live - which includes NOT JUDGING OTHERS and FORGIVING OTHERS.
What we have seen come out of much of the American Church has been intolerance of people who Jesus never condemned, even as fulfiller of the Law and Prophets.
Jesus' teachings, commandments and examples consistently include the outcast, the foreigner who lives in the land, the practitioner of other faiths, women, the sick, the imprisoned and the socially, politically and economically most vulnerable.
What we have seen come out of much of the American Church has been the exploitation, further disenfranchisement, rejection, subjugation and de-humanization of many who Jesus embraced as Savior and Lord.
I heard it from our Uber Driver last night, who fancies himself a minister responsible to tell "the truth", but whose truth has been shaped and shaded by intolerance and corruption.
I hear it from lovely people who are striving to live what their preachers are telling them is necessary in order to be "righteous" children of God.
I hear it from strangers, friends and even people I dearly love.
Let me be clear.
I am not a "Christian" like that. I am a PERSON OF THE WAY OF JESUS. I follow Jesus, which means that I strive to live the Agape Love Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for me to live in THIS PART of God's Kingdom. Jesus is my redeemer and Savior who gave His life as the ultimate act of Grace (undeserved loving mercy freely given) for me. Jesus is therefore my Savior. Jesus is also Lord of my life. JESUS is my authority. I believe that to be a "Christian" means to live with God as Jesus showed us how to live with God.
The preachers, politicians, corporate leaders and even Uber Drivers who claim Jesus' name but strive to ignore His teachings, commands and examples on how to live Agape Love in the world do NOT represent what I believe it means to faithfully follow Jesus.
I am going to get very practical on you, now.
Get a RED LETTER version of the New Testament (preferably NRSV, which I believe is the most faithful to the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts).
Read what Jesus said.
Read the IMPERATIVE statements of Jesus (do this, don't do that) - Commands.
Read the Parables of Jesus as teaching tools.
Read what Jesus DID and how He addressed the Religious and Political Leaders of His time.
Jesus is the fulfiller of the Law and Prophets.
If you want to live with God, live what JESUS defined as living with God.
Read it over and over, if you need to... and THEN try to feel OK about judging others who are different, or feel OK about exploiting or ignoring the poor, de-humanizing anyone, rejecting people who cohabitate in this land, vilifying people of other faiths or promoting the church itself, instead of the Mission of the Gospel.
Read it over and over, if you need to... and THEN try to believe that this is all about Worshiping Jesus, who never said, "Worship me", praising, giving tithes and expecting monetary blessings in return or more blessings than others around you.
And if you are concerned about the time when Jesus returns, listen to what JESUS says are the criteria for salvation in Matthew 25:31-46. Nothing here of worship, praise or tithes. Nothing here of purity or holiness. What JESUS says defines the Sheep and Goats is how we live Agape Love (or refuse to live it) with one another in THIS PART of God's Kingdom, here and now.
I DO BELIEVE that followers of Jesus need to NOT be silent or absent from the public arena. I DO BELIEVE that we need to address the political and economic arena with the Gospel of Jesus who warns against Greed and shows His preference for the Poor, who warns against abuses of power and shows His preference for those abused by them. I DO BELIEVE followers of Jesus need to FOLLOW JESUS, because His Way for THIS PART of God's Kingdom is a better way for all of us.
But it starts by knowing what Jesus WANTS of us as His followers, and being willing to submit our lives to Jesus' Way for us.
Go ahead, read it over and over again... I dare you to do so without having at least SOME of your notions about church, politics and economics challenged!
Pastor Jamie
To be fair, I know that this pastor has blessed many people and I am sure that I would agree with much of what he teaches, and while I agree with today's outward statement of this pastor of some very dear friends of mine, I dare say that I would not agree with what at least some of what that means to him.
You see, I believe that our, contemporary "Desolating Sacrilege" that Jesus spoke of is the mixing of church and state that happened in 1981 and following, when Reagan and the political "right" got in bed with Falwell and the religious "right". The corruption of scripture, the constitution, democracy and ethical economics has been the result since that time. Fueled by a preoccupation with sexual "morality" which was raised as smoke and mirrors to cover abuses of power and wealth and the "normalization" of greed and lust for power, the corruptions of the church have gone hand in hand with the corruptions in politics and economics for 35 years. Instead of the church addressing the culture with the Good News of Jesus, it has reflected the culture, justifying its actions by twisting the teachings of the Word and ignoring much of what Jesus, fulfiller of the Law and Prophets taught.
I believe that followers of Jesus SHOULD have a "noisy exit". We should NOT sit down or sit by quietly while this happens. I believe that when it is all said and done, we who follow Jesus need to boldly stand and speak truth to power and wealth - that is, corrupt power and wealth - which means speaking truth to a LOT of American Christians.
I believe that if I am a follower of Jesus, I will follow what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for His followers to live. It is much less about purity and holiness for Jesus than it is about right living with one another, which pleases God.
Jesus' central teaching was Agape Love - HIS COMMAND for His followers to live - which includes NOT JUDGING OTHERS and FORGIVING OTHERS.
What we have seen come out of much of the American Church has been intolerance of people who Jesus never condemned, even as fulfiller of the Law and Prophets.
Jesus' teachings, commandments and examples consistently include the outcast, the foreigner who lives in the land, the practitioner of other faiths, women, the sick, the imprisoned and the socially, politically and economically most vulnerable.
What we have seen come out of much of the American Church has been the exploitation, further disenfranchisement, rejection, subjugation and de-humanization of many who Jesus embraced as Savior and Lord.
I heard it from our Uber Driver last night, who fancies himself a minister responsible to tell "the truth", but whose truth has been shaped and shaded by intolerance and corruption.
I hear it from lovely people who are striving to live what their preachers are telling them is necessary in order to be "righteous" children of God.
I hear it from strangers, friends and even people I dearly love.
Let me be clear.
I am not a "Christian" like that. I am a PERSON OF THE WAY OF JESUS. I follow Jesus, which means that I strive to live the Agape Love Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for me to live in THIS PART of God's Kingdom. Jesus is my redeemer and Savior who gave His life as the ultimate act of Grace (undeserved loving mercy freely given) for me. Jesus is therefore my Savior. Jesus is also Lord of my life. JESUS is my authority. I believe that to be a "Christian" means to live with God as Jesus showed us how to live with God.
The preachers, politicians, corporate leaders and even Uber Drivers who claim Jesus' name but strive to ignore His teachings, commands and examples on how to live Agape Love in the world do NOT represent what I believe it means to faithfully follow Jesus.
I am going to get very practical on you, now.
Get a RED LETTER version of the New Testament (preferably NRSV, which I believe is the most faithful to the original Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts).
Read what Jesus said.
Read the IMPERATIVE statements of Jesus (do this, don't do that) - Commands.
Read the Parables of Jesus as teaching tools.
Read what Jesus DID and how He addressed the Religious and Political Leaders of His time.
Jesus is the fulfiller of the Law and Prophets.
If you want to live with God, live what JESUS defined as living with God.
Read it over and over, if you need to... and THEN try to feel OK about judging others who are different, or feel OK about exploiting or ignoring the poor, de-humanizing anyone, rejecting people who cohabitate in this land, vilifying people of other faiths or promoting the church itself, instead of the Mission of the Gospel.
Read it over and over, if you need to... and THEN try to believe that this is all about Worshiping Jesus, who never said, "Worship me", praising, giving tithes and expecting monetary blessings in return or more blessings than others around you.
And if you are concerned about the time when Jesus returns, listen to what JESUS says are the criteria for salvation in Matthew 25:31-46. Nothing here of worship, praise or tithes. Nothing here of purity or holiness. What JESUS says defines the Sheep and Goats is how we live Agape Love (or refuse to live it) with one another in THIS PART of God's Kingdom, here and now.
I DO BELIEVE that followers of Jesus need to NOT be silent or absent from the public arena. I DO BELIEVE that we need to address the political and economic arena with the Gospel of Jesus who warns against Greed and shows His preference for the Poor, who warns against abuses of power and shows His preference for those abused by them. I DO BELIEVE followers of Jesus need to FOLLOW JESUS, because His Way for THIS PART of God's Kingdom is a better way for all of us.
But it starts by knowing what Jesus WANTS of us as His followers, and being willing to submit our lives to Jesus' Way for us.
Go ahead, read it over and over again... I dare you to do so without having at least SOME of your notions about church, politics and economics challenged!
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, October 2, 2016
James, the New Testament Prophet
Written after 57 A.D., James knows the 1st Century community of believers in Jesus. James also knows the corruption of political and religious leaders and the ways that the poor and most vulnerable struggled to survive under their unscrupulous control.
James promises that the rich "will wither away".
James likens generosity to God's work through humans with one another. Riches gained and kept for self are the opposite of God's value.
James equates care for the most vulnerable and remaining uncorrupted by the world as the true religion valued by God.
Prestige and position are signs, not of God-given blessing, but the level of corruption of the one who possesses them.
James points out that it is the rich who oppress, which is against God's will. Their wealth is at the expense of the poor and NOT a sign of God's favor. The poor are not to emulate them or lift them up, but recognize their treachery and NOT support them.
James points out that if one lives by the law, even ONE law broken means accountability for it all.
James points out that faith is LIVED... shows signs of faithfulness... not saying one thing and doing nothing or doing another thing... it is the FRUIT that we bear which is a sign of faith... "faith, if it has no works, is dead".
*If we follow Jesus, we will follow what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled in the Gospels and LIVE IT. Righteousness is how we treat one another, especially "the least of these" rightly. Faithfulness is how we faithfully live the AGAPE that Jesus commanded (active commitment on behalf of the other, especially the most vulnerable and even stranger and enemy). Matthew's vision of Jesus' judgment supports this, perhaps what informed James the Prophet (Matthew 25:31-46).
James exposes the corrupt political and economic thinking of that time and this one in 4:1-17, where he addresses greed, abuses of and lust for power and the need to abandon such hubris for humility. T
*This is an indictment of corrupt political machines that prey on their citizens, corrupt religious leaders who benefit at the expense of their flocks and corrupt military might that supports corrupt, greedy business practices - it is an indictment of the U.S. in 2016 - government, business and church.
James gives hope to those who have been powerless and poor. In chapter 5, James promises that God will correct the wrong direction of the rich, dramatically. God will deliver the victims of greed, abuses of power and a system of corrupt privilege, dramatically.
James also directs the people who would follow Jesus to let their WORDS be simply about truth, just as their ACTIONS are simply about the consistent living of AGAPE in the world. No hyperbole. No manipulation by words. No persuasion for self benefit. Just truth in word and action is to be valued, in humility.
Finally, James encourages true Elders, who follow Jesus' Way, to pray over folk who are suffering, and the people of God of confess our sins and repent (change one's mind - to follow Jesus' Way - so that one's direction is consistent with God's will).
Let your words and actions be consistent with what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us, and let them be consistent with each other.
Hold political, economic and religious leaders to the standard of the Gospel teachings of Jesus. Hold EVERYONE, including YOURSELF to those standards, for living what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled (Agape Love) IS faithfulness to God.
James, the New Testament Prophet says so.
Pastor Jamie
James promises that the rich "will wither away".
James likens generosity to God's work through humans with one another. Riches gained and kept for self are the opposite of God's value.
James equates care for the most vulnerable and remaining uncorrupted by the world as the true religion valued by God.
Prestige and position are signs, not of God-given blessing, but the level of corruption of the one who possesses them.
James points out that it is the rich who oppress, which is against God's will. Their wealth is at the expense of the poor and NOT a sign of God's favor. The poor are not to emulate them or lift them up, but recognize their treachery and NOT support them.
James points out that if one lives by the law, even ONE law broken means accountability for it all.
James points out that faith is LIVED... shows signs of faithfulness... not saying one thing and doing nothing or doing another thing... it is the FRUIT that we bear which is a sign of faith... "faith, if it has no works, is dead".
*If we follow Jesus, we will follow what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled in the Gospels and LIVE IT. Righteousness is how we treat one another, especially "the least of these" rightly. Faithfulness is how we faithfully live the AGAPE that Jesus commanded (active commitment on behalf of the other, especially the most vulnerable and even stranger and enemy). Matthew's vision of Jesus' judgment supports this, perhaps what informed James the Prophet (Matthew 25:31-46).
James exposes the corrupt political and economic thinking of that time and this one in 4:1-17, where he addresses greed, abuses of and lust for power and the need to abandon such hubris for humility. T
*This is an indictment of corrupt political machines that prey on their citizens, corrupt religious leaders who benefit at the expense of their flocks and corrupt military might that supports corrupt, greedy business practices - it is an indictment of the U.S. in 2016 - government, business and church.
James gives hope to those who have been powerless and poor. In chapter 5, James promises that God will correct the wrong direction of the rich, dramatically. God will deliver the victims of greed, abuses of power and a system of corrupt privilege, dramatically.
James also directs the people who would follow Jesus to let their WORDS be simply about truth, just as their ACTIONS are simply about the consistent living of AGAPE in the world. No hyperbole. No manipulation by words. No persuasion for self benefit. Just truth in word and action is to be valued, in humility.
Finally, James encourages true Elders, who follow Jesus' Way, to pray over folk who are suffering, and the people of God of confess our sins and repent (change one's mind - to follow Jesus' Way - so that one's direction is consistent with God's will).
Let your words and actions be consistent with what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled for us, and let them be consistent with each other.
Hold political, economic and religious leaders to the standard of the Gospel teachings of Jesus. Hold EVERYONE, including YOURSELF to those standards, for living what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled (Agape Love) IS faithfulness to God.
James, the New Testament Prophet says so.
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Jesus the Prophet - keepin' it 100%
So many have a view of Jesus as a NICE MAN who just loved everybody.
Jesus did love - taught, commanded and modeled AGAPE Love - active commitment on behalf of the other, even enemy and stranger (Luke 10:25-37). That love does not always allow being nice. It DOES mean standing with and advocating "the least", the most vulnerable and those that society (and church) has judged, disenfranchised and marginalized. The gloves come off for that sometimes.
Jesus dispelled any thoughts of a prophet of God being like a "reed shaken by the wind", and He was just speaking about John, the one sent to usher in the Great Prophet, Jesus (Luke 7:24-35). Jesus then went on to compare that generation of God's people as spoiled, entitled brats who want what they want, and want the Prophets of God to give them what THEY want. That ain't happenin'. It wasn't then, and isn't now.
Jesus, the Prophet, lamented over the city of God, because they rejected His Good News and refused to embrace the Kingdom Values God wanted them to live (Matthew 23:37-39). This touching, tender and tragic sharing is the lament of a Prophet who came and gave, even embodied the message of God in New Covenant, but who was rejected and about to be killed like so many prophets before Him. The tragedy, though was not for Him, but rather for what it meant for them. Walking away from God's Good News, from God brings destruction of self. The corruption of the powerful and wealthy who refused to learn about Agape Love sharing in Radical Community, permeated the whole society, and the message of Jesus fell on deaf ears, even hostile ones. It would mean their own destruction, just as ignoring, rejecting or killing the prophets of old meant.
Jesus, the Prophet did not mince words. He warned of false prophets who would come with slick words and seeming innocence, but who would bear much different fruit. He warned His followers to discern the prophets by the FRUITS they bear (Matthew 7:15-19).
Jesus, the Prophet warned about future false prophets, too, who could do signs and wonders but who were none-the-less false because they did not tell the Truth of God. They lead astray because they lead away from Jesus' Good News of Humility, Self-Sacrifice, commitment to the other and acceptance of all people. They lead astray because they convince people that this faith is just about Worship, Praise and Tithes in order to get personal favor and blessings, when they have a Gospel of Jesus that teaches that this faith is about living Agape Love with "the least", the outcast, and even stranger and enemy (Mark 13:202-7).
Jesus, the Prophet warns of Religious Leaders who like to dress up in finery, take places of honor and make it all about power, position and wealth. These are the ones who fleece their flocks. They use pleasing language and appear to be pious, but theiy devour the most vulnerable for their own gain. Jesus declares as the Prophet of God that they will receive the greater condemnation (Luke 20:45-47).
Jesus, the Prophet warned the rich, the satisfied, the smugly happy and the well respected (Luke 6:24-26). Jesus the Prophet taught the karma of God's Kingdom regarding Judging and refusing to forgive, saying that what we give is what we will get (Luke 6:37,38). Jesus, the Prophet warned about bearing no fruit and bad fruit, pointing out the hypocrisy of giving outward signs of devotion and allegiance without actually following the Lord (Luke 6:43-49).
Jesus, the Prophet spoke WOE to the religious leaders (and their followers) who tithe but neglect doing what His Good News demands in justice and Agape Love, for always promoting their own position, saying that they look good on the outside but are DEAD inside to God (Luke 11:42-44).
Jesus, the Prophet spoke WOE to those who manipulate the law of God to benefit themselves and hurt others in a false authority, giving up true knowledge and keeping it from others, thus keeping them from knowing and living His Good News (Luke 11:45-52).
Jesus, the Prophet taught parables about The Rich Fool (Luke 12), the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16), the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20) and the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) to teach Kingdom Values to be lived in THIS PART of God's Kingdom, here and now.
Jesus, the Prophet taught the rich young man what it takes for the wealthy to be right with God, and what God values (Mark 10), and taught how the wealthy can repent of their hubris and value for wealth over people (Luke 19).
Jesus, the Prophet addressed the world with Kingdom Values in His Good News. He taught, commanded and modeled Agape Love as a WAY OF LIFE WITH GOD. Jesus did not sugar coat anything. Jesus showed great compassion and kindness with those who were marginalized, disenfranchised, exploited and abused by the powerful and wealthy. Jesus addressed the ones who created the plight of "the least of these", out of love for them and a desire that they repent - change their thinking and direction - so that they could turn and walk with God. Jesus, the Prophet told the Truth of God to God's people, and what it would take for them to live according to God's Will. That is what a Prophet does. Jesus, the Prophet was ignored, rejected and killed. That is what people do who want to live outward appearance, form and false piety without truly living what God wants, people who want salvation and other perks of claiming the name, without living the sacrifice taught, commanded and modeled by Jesus on behalf of "the other", which is Agape Love. Jesus shared HIS vision of the last day, when He would return. It was clear. There are a lot of folk who think that they are sheep (even prophesying, wonder working, demon casting sheep - Matthew 7:21-23) who will find that they are goats at the judgment because Jesus, the Prophet makes it all about how we live Agape Love with each other (feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the sick and imprisoned and welcome the resident alien in our land), and many church leaders, politicians and others in our nation have made it about power, wealth and personal favor and blessings.
Jesus is a Prophet - indeed, the Great Prophet.
God, while looking upon Moses and Elijah, the Law and Prophets, told the disciples of Jesus, "This is my Son, the Beloved, listen to HIM!". He is the voice of God. You can want Him as Savior, but you must also then receive Him as Lord of your life. And if you do, then you must hear Jesus say to you, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord', and do not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46).
I love Jesus. I love His gift of Redemption and Salvation. I love His Grace. I love His Agape Love and the Good News of what it means to LIVE THAT in THIS PART of God's Kingdom, here and now. I love Jesus, the Prophet. My whole life is about living what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled as faithful living with God. It is that simple. It is that hard.
Pastor Jamie
Jesus did love - taught, commanded and modeled AGAPE Love - active commitment on behalf of the other, even enemy and stranger (Luke 10:25-37). That love does not always allow being nice. It DOES mean standing with and advocating "the least", the most vulnerable and those that society (and church) has judged, disenfranchised and marginalized. The gloves come off for that sometimes.
Jesus dispelled any thoughts of a prophet of God being like a "reed shaken by the wind", and He was just speaking about John, the one sent to usher in the Great Prophet, Jesus (Luke 7:24-35). Jesus then went on to compare that generation of God's people as spoiled, entitled brats who want what they want, and want the Prophets of God to give them what THEY want. That ain't happenin'. It wasn't then, and isn't now.
Jesus, the Prophet, lamented over the city of God, because they rejected His Good News and refused to embrace the Kingdom Values God wanted them to live (Matthew 23:37-39). This touching, tender and tragic sharing is the lament of a Prophet who came and gave, even embodied the message of God in New Covenant, but who was rejected and about to be killed like so many prophets before Him. The tragedy, though was not for Him, but rather for what it meant for them. Walking away from God's Good News, from God brings destruction of self. The corruption of the powerful and wealthy who refused to learn about Agape Love sharing in Radical Community, permeated the whole society, and the message of Jesus fell on deaf ears, even hostile ones. It would mean their own destruction, just as ignoring, rejecting or killing the prophets of old meant.
Jesus, the Prophet did not mince words. He warned of false prophets who would come with slick words and seeming innocence, but who would bear much different fruit. He warned His followers to discern the prophets by the FRUITS they bear (Matthew 7:15-19).
Jesus, the Prophet warned about future false prophets, too, who could do signs and wonders but who were none-the-less false because they did not tell the Truth of God. They lead astray because they lead away from Jesus' Good News of Humility, Self-Sacrifice, commitment to the other and acceptance of all people. They lead astray because they convince people that this faith is just about Worship, Praise and Tithes in order to get personal favor and blessings, when they have a Gospel of Jesus that teaches that this faith is about living Agape Love with "the least", the outcast, and even stranger and enemy (Mark 13:202-7).
Jesus, the Prophet warns of Religious Leaders who like to dress up in finery, take places of honor and make it all about power, position and wealth. These are the ones who fleece their flocks. They use pleasing language and appear to be pious, but theiy devour the most vulnerable for their own gain. Jesus declares as the Prophet of God that they will receive the greater condemnation (Luke 20:45-47).
Jesus, the Prophet warned the rich, the satisfied, the smugly happy and the well respected (Luke 6:24-26). Jesus the Prophet taught the karma of God's Kingdom regarding Judging and refusing to forgive, saying that what we give is what we will get (Luke 6:37,38). Jesus, the Prophet warned about bearing no fruit and bad fruit, pointing out the hypocrisy of giving outward signs of devotion and allegiance without actually following the Lord (Luke 6:43-49).
Jesus, the Prophet spoke WOE to the religious leaders (and their followers) who tithe but neglect doing what His Good News demands in justice and Agape Love, for always promoting their own position, saying that they look good on the outside but are DEAD inside to God (Luke 11:42-44).
Jesus, the Prophet spoke WOE to those who manipulate the law of God to benefit themselves and hurt others in a false authority, giving up true knowledge and keeping it from others, thus keeping them from knowing and living His Good News (Luke 11:45-52).
Jesus, the Prophet taught parables about The Rich Fool (Luke 12), the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16), the laborers in the vineyard (Matthew 20) and the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) to teach Kingdom Values to be lived in THIS PART of God's Kingdom, here and now.
Jesus, the Prophet taught the rich young man what it takes for the wealthy to be right with God, and what God values (Mark 10), and taught how the wealthy can repent of their hubris and value for wealth over people (Luke 19).
Jesus, the Prophet addressed the world with Kingdom Values in His Good News. He taught, commanded and modeled Agape Love as a WAY OF LIFE WITH GOD. Jesus did not sugar coat anything. Jesus showed great compassion and kindness with those who were marginalized, disenfranchised, exploited and abused by the powerful and wealthy. Jesus addressed the ones who created the plight of "the least of these", out of love for them and a desire that they repent - change their thinking and direction - so that they could turn and walk with God. Jesus, the Prophet told the Truth of God to God's people, and what it would take for them to live according to God's Will. That is what a Prophet does. Jesus, the Prophet was ignored, rejected and killed. That is what people do who want to live outward appearance, form and false piety without truly living what God wants, people who want salvation and other perks of claiming the name, without living the sacrifice taught, commanded and modeled by Jesus on behalf of "the other", which is Agape Love. Jesus shared HIS vision of the last day, when He would return. It was clear. There are a lot of folk who think that they are sheep (even prophesying, wonder working, demon casting sheep - Matthew 7:21-23) who will find that they are goats at the judgment because Jesus, the Prophet makes it all about how we live Agape Love with each other (feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the sick and imprisoned and welcome the resident alien in our land), and many church leaders, politicians and others in our nation have made it about power, wealth and personal favor and blessings.
Jesus is a Prophet - indeed, the Great Prophet.
God, while looking upon Moses and Elijah, the Law and Prophets, told the disciples of Jesus, "This is my Son, the Beloved, listen to HIM!". He is the voice of God. You can want Him as Savior, but you must also then receive Him as Lord of your life. And if you do, then you must hear Jesus say to you, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord', and do not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46).
I love Jesus. I love His gift of Redemption and Salvation. I love His Grace. I love His Agape Love and the Good News of what it means to LIVE THAT in THIS PART of God's Kingdom, here and now. I love Jesus, the Prophet. My whole life is about living what Jesus taught, commanded and modeled as faithful living with God. It is that simple. It is that hard.
Pastor Jamie
Monday, September 19, 2016
The Kaufy Scale of human interaction
Yes, I have my own scale,
regarding openness to others who are different from self...
It is a scale that may reflect prejudice, even bigotry
It may reflect the desire of folk for homogeneity
It may reflect one's xenophobia, sexism, racism, homophobia, classism, etc., etc.
You see, I have always been in the "majority" (of power) culture,
not by choice, and as I grew, not with any delight regarding that status,
because I saw the inequities and how it affected people I cared for, people I loved...
So, I learned. I soaked in the data with those in the "majority" culture AND those who I loved
who were not in it.
I learned about love and hatred, and apathy.
You see, the opposite of love is not hatred, but apathy. It is JUST NOT CARING.
Love and hatred are passions. Apathy is chosen absence of feeling, attitude, action, presence.
Those in the "majority" culture have never had to understand or empathize with those who are not in it. It is the "privilege" of being in the "majority" culture. People not in that majority of power, MUST understand well those who are in it in order to get along in life, but those in the "majority" culture are the ones to whom others must conform. Assimilation to the "majority (of power) culture" has always to some degree meant survival for those not in it. That has always troubled me. Inequity and inequality are falsehoods manufactured and forced upon some by others, with created "reasons" of "superiority" or "inferiority" to justify the ruthlessness of some over others.
The truth is that some will always be bigoted and discriminatory based on race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation or any number of other differences. We always seem to focus on our differences and assign "better than" or "not as good as" values to them. Until we are accused of prejudice, at which time some folk try to claim they are "colorblind".
"Colorblind" means a person is among the privileged who through their entitlement falsely assigned can ignore the wonderful qualities of others not the same as themselves, and render much of who they are and what they value invisible, rather than acknowledge it with value. It is APATHY - the opposite of LOVE.
So, my scale...
reflects human development (or a lack thereof) within individuals and groups of people...
Keep in mind that there are continuums of degree within each "stage" of development...
CELEBRATION (seeing the good in others' differences from self, and embracing them... even seeking to be with others who are different from self by choice, in delight)
ACCEPTANCE (understanding differences are ok, accepting others for who they are, interacting well with others who are different in most settings, though not always in diverse settings by choice)
TOLERANCE (will acknowledge and tolerate those different in degrees of civility - though still some false belief of one's superiority and the other's inferiority- note that this is often the stage of "blind spots" of bigotry, where systemic and institutionalized bigotry are allowed to live, and often the stage in which folk will claim one "token" friend or acquaintance in order to claim full acceptance of others who are different)
INTOLERANCE (learned prejudice, bigotry, with power it leads to discrimination, saying or
doing hurtful things by choice to others because one falsely believes they are "superior" or "right" compared to the other)
APATHY (not caring, because one is removed from people who are different, it is a non-issue
because one is so removed from ANYONE different from self, no emotional investment)
*some may argue this is better than intolerance, but not from a human development
standpoint...
It is through exposure, interaction and face to face encounter that we learn to accept and even celebrate others. Arrested human development regarding social interaction is CHOSEN and TAUGHT. It is unconscionable and immoral, and it damages one's soul because it hurts others. One cannot be right with God if one actively or passively hurts others.
That is my scale. Those are my opinions. As always, this and $3 will get you a cup at Starbucks.
Pastor Jamie
regarding openness to others who are different from self...
It is a scale that may reflect prejudice, even bigotry
It may reflect the desire of folk for homogeneity
It may reflect one's xenophobia, sexism, racism, homophobia, classism, etc., etc.
You see, I have always been in the "majority" (of power) culture,
not by choice, and as I grew, not with any delight regarding that status,
because I saw the inequities and how it affected people I cared for, people I loved...
So, I learned. I soaked in the data with those in the "majority" culture AND those who I loved
who were not in it.
I learned about love and hatred, and apathy.
You see, the opposite of love is not hatred, but apathy. It is JUST NOT CARING.
Love and hatred are passions. Apathy is chosen absence of feeling, attitude, action, presence.
Those in the "majority" culture have never had to understand or empathize with those who are not in it. It is the "privilege" of being in the "majority" culture. People not in that majority of power, MUST understand well those who are in it in order to get along in life, but those in the "majority" culture are the ones to whom others must conform. Assimilation to the "majority (of power) culture" has always to some degree meant survival for those not in it. That has always troubled me. Inequity and inequality are falsehoods manufactured and forced upon some by others, with created "reasons" of "superiority" or "inferiority" to justify the ruthlessness of some over others.
The truth is that some will always be bigoted and discriminatory based on race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation or any number of other differences. We always seem to focus on our differences and assign "better than" or "not as good as" values to them. Until we are accused of prejudice, at which time some folk try to claim they are "colorblind".
"Colorblind" means a person is among the privileged who through their entitlement falsely assigned can ignore the wonderful qualities of others not the same as themselves, and render much of who they are and what they value invisible, rather than acknowledge it with value. It is APATHY - the opposite of LOVE.
So, my scale...
reflects human development (or a lack thereof) within individuals and groups of people...
Keep in mind that there are continuums of degree within each "stage" of development...
CELEBRATION (seeing the good in others' differences from self, and embracing them... even seeking to be with others who are different from self by choice, in delight)
ACCEPTANCE (understanding differences are ok, accepting others for who they are, interacting well with others who are different in most settings, though not always in diverse settings by choice)
TOLERANCE (will acknowledge and tolerate those different in degrees of civility - though still some false belief of one's superiority and the other's inferiority- note that this is often the stage of "blind spots" of bigotry, where systemic and institutionalized bigotry are allowed to live, and often the stage in which folk will claim one "token" friend or acquaintance in order to claim full acceptance of others who are different)
INTOLERANCE (learned prejudice, bigotry, with power it leads to discrimination, saying or
doing hurtful things by choice to others because one falsely believes they are "superior" or "right" compared to the other)
APATHY (not caring, because one is removed from people who are different, it is a non-issue
because one is so removed from ANYONE different from self, no emotional investment)
*some may argue this is better than intolerance, but not from a human development
standpoint...
It is through exposure, interaction and face to face encounter that we learn to accept and even celebrate others. Arrested human development regarding social interaction is CHOSEN and TAUGHT. It is unconscionable and immoral, and it damages one's soul because it hurts others. One cannot be right with God if one actively or passively hurts others.
That is my scale. Those are my opinions. As always, this and $3 will get you a cup at Starbucks.
Pastor Jamie
Sunday, September 11, 2016
The Prophet - Amos
Amos was not a professional Prophet. He wanted folk to know that. He saw how the professional Prophets used their position for self gain at the expense of the truth of God - the role of the prophet. You see, telling the future is NOT the role of the Prophet of God (Nabi). That is a "seer". A Prophet tells what God's will is and what the benefits are of following God's will and what the consequences are for not following the will of God.
Amos offered angry words because God was angry.
Amos offered a warning to ALL the nations around Israel and Judah, including God's people in that kingdom, because God is the God of ALL nations and peoples, and God expected them ALL to act differently than they were in the world - THIS PART of God's Kingdom. God warned the nations through Amos, and the threat of Assyria was looming to be the hand of God in teaching the nations, including God's chosen and delivered people, the consequences of mistreating each other.
It was a time of relative prosperity, peace and military might with Israel and Judah. The people were gaining in affluence and quite content. But how they got that and what they did with it were not pleasing to God. Amos had been kicked out of the royal sanctuary at Bethel because of his conflict with the priest Amaziah and others who did not tell what God wanted, but rather taught that prosperity and strength was a sign of God's favor.
He was forced to give a harsh word in a pleasant climate to people who had benefitted from corruption and had gotten their power and wealth on the backs of other nations and those within their own nation (the real reason for their prosperity and power). They were ruthless and oppressive toward others, and that did not please God.
And so, he started with oracles against Israel's neighbors and addressed their abuses of other nations around them.
Then he turned on Israel for her sins of exploitation and injustice with her own people.
Finally, he shared God's vision of coming doom as a consequence of God's people not living within the Law God provided for them - to love God and love Neighbor as self.
It was for their greed and lust for power that Israel and Judah were to pay the price.
Amos did not mince words, even called them derogatory names - Cows of Bashan - and quite clearly laid out what God was displeased about -
their exploitation and oppression of the poor and keeping them down for their own benefit (4:1-3)
personal gain on the backs of the poor, ignoring the needs of the poor they exploited (5:10-13)
daring to worship and sacrifice as if they could be pleasing to God, while doing injustice
(5:21-27)
those with opulent wealth who live lives of luxury while others in the nation suffer (6:4-7)
those who set the system to benefit the wealthy at the expense of the poor, in an attempt to
"own" them, and cheating those who have no power for personal again (8:4-7)
Things would change. They would be conquered, all of them and sent into exile, which meant that they would lose everything. The nation had collectively sinned. The priests, the false prophets, the king, the wealthy who controlled the wealth and power had all hurt those most vulnerable, and they would have to pay the price for it.
We can believe that we are the wealthiest and most powerful nation on earth, and that because of our "exceptionalism" we are entitled to gain more off the backs of other nations and those who live within our own nation. We can be the most ruthless in the world, but claim to be "Christian" and therefore that we are blessed because of our worship and praise. We can mistreat the most vulnerable here and abroad for our own gain. If we do, we are NOT living what God wills.
How we treat others is ALL about our relationship with God. Our worship and praise, even tithes (sacrifices) are meaningless if we ignore the needs of the most vulnerable or exploit others for our own gain at their expense. God is the God of ALL nations and peoples. God will use as God's right hand, whatever and whomever GOD chooses to bring the people of God into the Love of God and Neighbor that God wills. It is not about purity and holiness, worship, praise or tithes. It is clearly about how we treat others who God loves.
Read Amos. Look at our nation and its practices through military might and economic influence. This is America's Prophet, here and now.
Pastor Jamie
next week: The Prophet - Jesus
Amos offered angry words because God was angry.
Amos offered a warning to ALL the nations around Israel and Judah, including God's people in that kingdom, because God is the God of ALL nations and peoples, and God expected them ALL to act differently than they were in the world - THIS PART of God's Kingdom. God warned the nations through Amos, and the threat of Assyria was looming to be the hand of God in teaching the nations, including God's chosen and delivered people, the consequences of mistreating each other.
It was a time of relative prosperity, peace and military might with Israel and Judah. The people were gaining in affluence and quite content. But how they got that and what they did with it were not pleasing to God. Amos had been kicked out of the royal sanctuary at Bethel because of his conflict with the priest Amaziah and others who did not tell what God wanted, but rather taught that prosperity and strength was a sign of God's favor.
He was forced to give a harsh word in a pleasant climate to people who had benefitted from corruption and had gotten their power and wealth on the backs of other nations and those within their own nation (the real reason for their prosperity and power). They were ruthless and oppressive toward others, and that did not please God.
And so, he started with oracles against Israel's neighbors and addressed their abuses of other nations around them.
Then he turned on Israel for her sins of exploitation and injustice with her own people.
Finally, he shared God's vision of coming doom as a consequence of God's people not living within the Law God provided for them - to love God and love Neighbor as self.
It was for their greed and lust for power that Israel and Judah were to pay the price.
Amos did not mince words, even called them derogatory names - Cows of Bashan - and quite clearly laid out what God was displeased about -
their exploitation and oppression of the poor and keeping them down for their own benefit (4:1-3)
personal gain on the backs of the poor, ignoring the needs of the poor they exploited (5:10-13)
daring to worship and sacrifice as if they could be pleasing to God, while doing injustice
(5:21-27)
those with opulent wealth who live lives of luxury while others in the nation suffer (6:4-7)
those who set the system to benefit the wealthy at the expense of the poor, in an attempt to
"own" them, and cheating those who have no power for personal again (8:4-7)
Things would change. They would be conquered, all of them and sent into exile, which meant that they would lose everything. The nation had collectively sinned. The priests, the false prophets, the king, the wealthy who controlled the wealth and power had all hurt those most vulnerable, and they would have to pay the price for it.
We can believe that we are the wealthiest and most powerful nation on earth, and that because of our "exceptionalism" we are entitled to gain more off the backs of other nations and those who live within our own nation. We can be the most ruthless in the world, but claim to be "Christian" and therefore that we are blessed because of our worship and praise. We can mistreat the most vulnerable here and abroad for our own gain. If we do, we are NOT living what God wills.
How we treat others is ALL about our relationship with God. Our worship and praise, even tithes (sacrifices) are meaningless if we ignore the needs of the most vulnerable or exploit others for our own gain at their expense. God is the God of ALL nations and peoples. God will use as God's right hand, whatever and whomever GOD chooses to bring the people of God into the Love of God and Neighbor that God wills. It is not about purity and holiness, worship, praise or tithes. It is clearly about how we treat others who God loves.
Read Amos. Look at our nation and its practices through military might and economic influence. This is America's Prophet, here and now.
Pastor Jamie
next week: The Prophet - Jesus
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