This video puts the words behind Trip Lee's summary of the book of Phillipians from the 13 Letters project.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Should tax dollars be used to help the poor?
There is much political debate over whether American tax dollars should be used to bring aid to the poor. Some believe that this is completely the governments responsibility. Others think that the government should not be involved at all.
What do you think?
I think that we should consider how God felt these things should be handled in the nation of Israel. Looking at the Old Testament law can give us some insight into God's dealing with a nation. A few of the many verses to consider:
I have heard many refer to Matthew 26 where Jesus quotes the OT and says the poor will always be with you. But few go back and look at what was being said. Deuteronomy 15 does say that the poor will always be with so "open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land". This is about generousity, but not about government involvement.
Exodus 23:11 talks about the Sabbath year. Every seventh year, the farmer is to not harvest his own land so that the poor may eat from it. That would mean that about 14% of the food from their field would be designated by law to the poor with no strings attached.
Leviticus 19:9,10 tells the farmer to not go around and pick up all of the leftover harvest, but to "Leave them for the poor and the alien". Again governmental law to leave some extra for the poor. Lev. 23:22 repeats this again in case they missed it.
Leviticus 25 talks about the year of Jubilee (which the Israelites never actually practiced). A time of land being returned to original owners. A time of resting from work. In this chapter, the Israelites are told that they are to care for the poor and not lend them money with interest. So much for all of the banks and payday loan places that exploit the poor.
Deuteronomy 24 talks about paying the worker who is poor daily because he needs it. It also talks about paying him a fair wage. So much for those who are against a minimum wage.
And then there is the tithe. This is the tax of the day for the Israelites. There were three tithes. Two to be paid yearly and on to be paid every three years. Basically a 23% tax when you average it out. One tithe was general. One tithe went to the feasts, celebrations, etc. The other tithe which was given every third year was for the Levites and the poor - orphan, widow, alien. So in Israel, 3.33% of all that people earned was set aside for assistance to the poor among them. This is talked about it Deuteronomy 14 and 26.
Does this mean that the US should set aside tax money to care for the poor? Not necessarily, but I think that we should consider our responsibility as a society to those who are less fortunate.
What do you think?
What do you think?
I think that we should consider how God felt these things should be handled in the nation of Israel. Looking at the Old Testament law can give us some insight into God's dealing with a nation. A few of the many verses to consider:
I have heard many refer to Matthew 26 where Jesus quotes the OT and says the poor will always be with you. But few go back and look at what was being said. Deuteronomy 15 does say that the poor will always be with so "open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land". This is about generousity, but not about government involvement.
Exodus 23:11 talks about the Sabbath year. Every seventh year, the farmer is to not harvest his own land so that the poor may eat from it. That would mean that about 14% of the food from their field would be designated by law to the poor with no strings attached.
Leviticus 19:9,10 tells the farmer to not go around and pick up all of the leftover harvest, but to "Leave them for the poor and the alien". Again governmental law to leave some extra for the poor. Lev. 23:22 repeats this again in case they missed it.
Leviticus 25 talks about the year of Jubilee (which the Israelites never actually practiced). A time of land being returned to original owners. A time of resting from work. In this chapter, the Israelites are told that they are to care for the poor and not lend them money with interest. So much for all of the banks and payday loan places that exploit the poor.
Deuteronomy 24 talks about paying the worker who is poor daily because he needs it. It also talks about paying him a fair wage. So much for those who are against a minimum wage.
And then there is the tithe. This is the tax of the day for the Israelites. There were three tithes. Two to be paid yearly and on to be paid every three years. Basically a 23% tax when you average it out. One tithe was general. One tithe went to the feasts, celebrations, etc. The other tithe which was given every third year was for the Levites and the poor - orphan, widow, alien. So in Israel, 3.33% of all that people earned was set aside for assistance to the poor among them. This is talked about it Deuteronomy 14 and 26.
Does this mean that the US should set aside tax money to care for the poor? Not necessarily, but I think that we should consider our responsibility as a society to those who are less fortunate.
What do you think?
Monday, October 12, 2009
ABC 7 News Chicago Features Friday Night Lights
This news story was featured several months ago. It reminds us of the need for the church to continue to be creative in promoting a culture of peace.
I thank God for my good friend Chris Butler and the leadership that he is offering to promote peace in our city.
What do you think the church's role should be in promoting peace?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Are you worn out?
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31
He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Hurting for our youth
Last week, I found myself heartbroken once again by the violence that has affected our young people. I began to cry as I watched video online of the incident in Roseland that ended with a young life taken. I thought of my friends who work at the Agape Center who watched this unfold in their parking lot.
Much is being spoken and written about youth violence because this video brought to light things that are happening day in and day out in many communities. I can't say that what I saw on the video was something that I haven't seen in front of my own house on occasion. Mobs of people fighting. Boards. Bats.
The Chicago Tribune published an article today titled "Fenger kids tell why they fight". It gives a bit of insight into the challenges that many urban teenagers face daily in their pursuit of an education and a better life. Some of them are honor students like Derrion Albert.
Dennis Byrne points to all male high schools with all male teachers as a solution. I think this has some validity, but the problem is more complex than one solution can offer.
Youth violence has many causes: male aggression, youthful indiscretion, rebellion, hopelessness, racial neglect by society, poverty, etc. But I believe that one of the core issues is a breakdown of the family. We live in a culture that does so many things to discourage strong family relationships. As a result, we are reaping what we have sown.
What do you believe is the answer to the violence of our youth?
What can be done to strengthen the role of the family in society?
Much is being spoken and written about youth violence because this video brought to light things that are happening day in and day out in many communities. I can't say that what I saw on the video was something that I haven't seen in front of my own house on occasion. Mobs of people fighting. Boards. Bats.
The Chicago Tribune published an article today titled "Fenger kids tell why they fight". It gives a bit of insight into the challenges that many urban teenagers face daily in their pursuit of an education and a better life. Some of them are honor students like Derrion Albert.
Dennis Byrne points to all male high schools with all male teachers as a solution. I think this has some validity, but the problem is more complex than one solution can offer.
Youth violence has many causes: male aggression, youthful indiscretion, rebellion, hopelessness, racial neglect by society, poverty, etc. But I believe that one of the core issues is a breakdown of the family. We live in a culture that does so many things to discourage strong family relationships. As a result, we are reaping what we have sown.
What do you believe is the answer to the violence of our youth?
What can be done to strengthen the role of the family in society?
Monday, September 28, 2009
Developing leaders
Lois Lebar states that in the typical church "We train our church people to be professional listeners rather than leaders".
Obviously training leaders will require instruction, but to truly develop people you will need to allow them a great deal of time to talk. People need to know that they can have a say in God's work through His church. They will not develop as leaders until they know that they are being heard. They will just be good listeners.
How much do you get to say at your church? How much of the time do you just sit and listen? Do you feel that you are developing as a spiritual leader?
Obviously training leaders will require instruction, but to truly develop people you will need to allow them a great deal of time to talk. People need to know that they can have a say in God's work through His church. They will not develop as leaders until they know that they are being heard. They will just be good listeners.
How much do you get to say at your church? How much of the time do you just sit and listen? Do you feel that you are developing as a spiritual leader?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
The Cosby Show
This month marks the 25th anniversary of the launching of "The Cosby Show". I have always believed that this show was one of the more important avenues of changing generational attitudes and stereotypes about race. My generation and those after us who grew up on "The Cosby Show" filter many of our thoughts about race through that show. This show positively defined the African-American family in ways that had never been done to that extent before and I would argue that have never happened since.
One of my favorite commentators in the Chicago Tribune, Clarence Page, wrote an interesting piece today about how The Cosby Show in many ways opened the door to the possibility of Obama becoming president. I think this is so very true.
In many ways, Bill was a key catalyst in making Barack safe for white America.
I see The Cosby Show as a "game changer" in American race relations.
Do think the Cosby Show played as significant role as I have suggested?
What are some other "game changers" in American race relations?
One of my favorite commentators in the Chicago Tribune, Clarence Page, wrote an interesting piece today about how The Cosby Show in many ways opened the door to the possibility of Obama becoming president. I think this is so very true.
In many ways, Bill was a key catalyst in making Barack safe for white America.
I see The Cosby Show as a "game changer" in American race relations.
Do think the Cosby Show played as significant role as I have suggested?
What are some other "game changers" in American race relations?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
New High School
I am excited about the new high school that has been built just a few blocks from our home. Nice buildings and facilities don't make a good school, but it doesn't hurt either. $100 million dollars spent.
WATCH THIS
I hope that this will help inspire students that they do have opportunities.
Do you think that the new Westinghouse High School will become one of the premier schools academically in the city of Chicago?
WATCH THIS
I hope that this will help inspire students that they do have opportunities.
Do you think that the new Westinghouse High School will become one of the premier schools academically in the city of Chicago?
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Is right doctrine an end?
"Those in the knowledge camp put the emphasis on getting our doctrine in line. Right belief is seen as the means to life...But notice this- the Pharisees knew more about the Bible than most of us every will, and it hardened their hearts. Knowledge just isn't all it's cracked up to be. If you are familiar with the biblical narrative, you will remember that there were two special trees in Eden- the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. We got the wrong tree. We got knowledge, ad it hasn't done us much good."
I will admit that I easily fall into the "knowledge camp". I am a strong believer in sound doctrine.
But I have often seen those with great head knowledge, who live dull lives that lack transformation. They seem to be lacking an abundant life. It seems quite obvious that right doctrine, although important, is not the end. Life transformation and passionately pursuing God and His glory is what it is about.
May we not stop at sound doctrine!
Thoughts or reactions?
I will admit that I easily fall into the "knowledge camp". I am a strong believer in sound doctrine.
But I have often seen those with great head knowledge, who live dull lives that lack transformation. They seem to be lacking an abundant life. It seems quite obvious that right doctrine, although important, is not the end. Life transformation and passionately pursuing God and His glory is what it is about.
May we not stop at sound doctrine!
Thoughts or reactions?
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