Current Events

We live in a day of amazing confusion. But what makes the confusion especially disorienting is that those who are creating it don’t act bewildered or perplexed. Instead, when we point out what seems obvious, they tell us with a straight face that we are confused, that these issues are more complex than we could understand, that the problem is with us.

This Thanksgiving season we face several harsh realities—the ongoing election debacle, our biased media, civil unrest, indefinite restrictions as a result of COVID-19—I could go on and on.

As Americans, we are blessed to live in a nation where we choose our own leaders and where we have freedom of speech in the process of doing so.

Anyone who tells you that they have local church ministry during Covid-19 figured out is either delusional or far wiser than I am. Because after thirty-four years of pastoring, I am finding this season the most challenging—by far. I have never seen anything like it. The health, political, and social challenges are real.

Let me go on record: I am not a fan of quarantine! I have Zoomed, FaceTimed, and Skyped until I have grown to detest the very words. It is just not the same hugging a television, a computer screen, or an IPhone as it is being close to a person you care very much about.

Discerning Christians are aware that a revolution against God, godliness, and biblical teaching has been underway for the past few decades. We are currently seeing a rage in our society that resembles the description of Psalm 2 and will likely continue fomenting until our national election. Between the COVID-19 crisis and the anger in the streets, we need biblical Christians to discern the times and deploy with the gospel message.

Times of crisis are the most difficult times to lead. The leader faces all of the same pressures and difficulties that everyone else does. On top of that, he carries the weight of the organization and the people within it upon his shoulders.

These are unusual days for everyone and unique days to serve in a church. Over the last few weeks I have spent a great deal of time talking and praying with pastors who are doing their best, under God, to lead their churches through this crisis time. While these faithful pastors are working to help God’s people, we should also be thinking about how God’s people can help God’s pastors. Remember, we are all in this together!

For most of us, the last few months have been drastically different, and for some, even difficult. The COVID-19 virus quickly turned our world upside-down.

For us here in Vancouver, the day began with beautiful sunshine which always lifts our spirits. But with nowhere to go for many people; i.e. no work, no school, no shopping outside of government permitted essentials, even the sunshine has limited effect.

Trouble has a way of interrupting our otherwise great lives. How irritating, how unfair when we were busy getting our lives just how we wanted them for trouble to show up on our doorstep!

These next few weeks are going to hold changes for all of us as our communities work through the challenges posed by COVID-19. In the midst of these uncharted times, we who know Christ, can still proactively practice faith. And even when our world is turned upside down, we can trust that God is in control and that He is working.

The Declaration of Independence was a statement against all odds. To some, it could have been called, The Declaration of Insanity. How could thirteen fledgling colonies win a war against the mother country?

If there is any group of people who should believe in the dignity of every human because they are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), it is Christians. Indeed, Bible-believing Christians believe that regardless of any physical, national, or social differences, all people are created equal at birth and should be treated with dignity and respect (Romans 10:12).

The Judeo-Christian roots of our nation are showing up these days in places many of us have never even noticed, but simply assumed as normal.

The results of an election can reveal the character and heart of a people. And this most recent election, at least in the state of California, didn’t reveal a heart for God or loyalty to Christian values.

As Christians living in 2018, it sure seems that things are being turned upside down. What I mean by that is the things that used to be looked upon as right and normal are now looked upon as being wrong, out of step, and not at all normal.

I hope that by now you have seen California’s AB 2943 on the news or in your social media streams. This broad-sweeping piece of legislation is a threat to religious liberty and freedom of speech across the state and, by setting a precedent, across the country.

This week I have the privilege of joining other pastors and Christian leaders in Washington D.C. for the Capitol Connection meeting. Our goal is not to lobby, but to be a witness for Christ and an encouragement to those in leadership.

Tax returns can become very complicated very quickly. A small mistake can easily lead to a lengthy extended audit that becomes a paperwork nightmare for your ministry. If you are not confident about doing your church’s taxes correctly, you should certainly consider hiring a professional tax preparer to ensure your return is done accurately.