World Impact Ministries / Peter Youngren

Former Chairman of the US Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan, acknowledged in his October congressional hearing that he didn’t have the answers or explanations for the current global financial crisis. That was a startling statement from the man many consider the world’s top financial advisor, and a striking illustration of the limitations of human wisdom [1 Corinthians 1:17-25].

The last few weeks have brought to light the limited abilities and powers of politicians; no government seems to have fully anticipated the financial turmoil. For years the markets have been given a free hand, resulting in common sense being thrown out the window in the name of greed. Politicians passed laws that enabled and at times drove lenders to give money to people, who really had no business to get into debt. Banks took the cues and drove up the debts to unimaginable proportions.

If you checked Focus on the Family’s website a few weeks ago you would have found a video with a call for prayer. This was a prayer request that a torrential rain storm would drown out Democratic presidential nominee, Barack Obama, at his rally at Invesco Field in Denver. Once the media got a hold of this, pressure mounted, and Focus on the Family apologetically withdrew the video. Ok, so we all make mistakes. I suppose even those who believe that such a prayer would be God’s will realize how ridiculous this looked. The person who produced the video stated that he believed God would show His divine disfavor towards Obama, by a torrential downpour beginning the very minute the program started. Of course, this would only happen if born-again believers prayed hard enough.

The most famous dissident of the Soviet era, Nobel Prize winner Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, passed away last week at the age of ninety. To my way of thinking, he was a giant, not because I agree with everything he said or wrote, but because he exhibited a rare quality. Solzhenitsyn believed in something beyond his own personal wellbeing and convenience, which is probably a common human trait, but here is what stands out: he dared to give voice to what he believed, no matter what the consequences.  Now granted, most of us live in societies where we can believe and say whatever we desire and there are no negative repercussions. We can think, say and write whatever we want about political and religious leaders; our television networks produce comedy shows that mock anyone who is in the public’s eye; we can picket, demonstrate and shout obscenities without fear of any real consequence. Sure, someone may be detained for a couple of hours but no one is going to jail long-term and certainly no one is going to be shot in a back alley for voicing an opinion.

Most gospel believers were appalled when the news media ran clips recorded at a Sunday morning service in September 2001 when the Rev. Jeremiah Wright declared, “God Damn America.“ Reactions to the pastor’s outburst ranged from amazement to outrage. Rev. Wright is the retired pastor of the South Chicago church where Presidential nominee, Barack Obama worshipped for more than 20 years.

I must admit I am biased, not for Obama, Clinton or McCain, but I do tend to view things from the perspective of the gospel. World events, elections, no matter what is going on, I ask myself: is this a positive or a negative for the Gospel? Initial excitement for a political candidate can quickly change to disappointment. I remember in 1976 when, then candidate, Jimmy Carter announced he was born again. It had been unthinkable for a politician to admit such a thing, so naturally I felt incredible joy. In retrospect our opinions differ on the effectiveness of the Carter presidency. Whenever we deal with humans we are bound to, at some point, be disappointed.

I have traveled to Africa for more than 25 years, and there is no country I have visited more than Kenya. To me Kenya has always represented Africa’s best hope for democracy and peaceful interracial relationships. This is why it is so shocking to hear the devastating news over the past weeks. Kenya has always struck me as a country of optimism, but obviously that good feeling has taken a hit after the December 27th election.

Almost all Christian publications carry frequent articles about Israel and ours is no exception. Topics typically range from political support for the nation of Israel in its current military struggle, to encouraging Christian tourists to visit, to articles that promise blessings to those who bless the Jews.

This week marks the 40th anniversary of the Israeli - Arab war that dramatically changed the map of the Middle East, initially tripling the land governed by the nation of Israel. The conflict in 1967 was preceded by months of escalation of tension culminating on June 5th by the Israeli Air Force destroying 400 aircraft of Syria, Jordan and Egypt; most of them on the tarmac. Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula after four days of battle, and when Jordan and Syria joined Egypt, Israel counter attacked. By June 7th Israeli troops had captured Jerusalem’s old city and had taken control of the entire West Bank. By June 10th both Jordan and Egypt had accepted a cease-fire, while Israeli forces had also captured the Golan Heights. Syria accepted a cease-fire by June 10th.  The war left 679 dead Israelis and an estimated 21,000 dead among the Arab nations. Thousands of others were injured.

A survey was made of over 4000 laymen in 114 evangelical churches across the U.S. They were asked, “Do you feel the preaching on Sunday relates to what’s going on in your life?“ Over 83% saw virtually no connection between what they heard on Sunday morning and what they faced on Monday morning. I find this an amazing statistic considering the first century ekklesia was extremely relevant to every aspect of a person’s life.

As almost everyone knows who watches the news, the Discovery channel just aired a so-called documentary, “The Lost Tomb of Jesus”, produced by Hollywood filmmaker James Cameron of “Titanic” fame. This is just the latest in a series of attacks on the authenticity of the Gospels and Christian belief concerning Jesus. The story line of the film is that Jesus’ family tomb has been found near Jerusalem, that the ossuary (casket) held the bones of Jesus, Mary Magdalene and their supposed son, Judah, as well as others from Jesus’ “family”. My friend Dr. Eddie Hyatt made some interesting statements in his newsletter this week. Let me summarize his thoughts and then add a few of my own…

I saw a catchy slogan the other day outside of a Church which read:
“When you were born, your mother brought you to church…When you were married, your wife brought you to church… When you die, your friends will bring you to church… Why not try coming to church on your own sometime?”  I think that many pastors must feel that these types of phrases bring people in off the streets. Indeed “the Church” has become a pretty interesting place nowadays – you never know quite what you’re going to get dependant on where you are from week to week and from place to place.

How will America, Canada or any nation experience spiritual transformation? Is moral legislation the answer? What about more Christian politicians? Popular columnist and news commentator, Cal Thomas, who has been a Christian right political activist since Ronald Regan was first elected president, used to think so. Back then the idea was (and still is with many) that if only enough “real” Christians were elected in all levels of government we’d have honesty, integrity, moral laws and godly judges. America [or Canada or whatever nation would follow this path] would then be a truly Christian nation. Cal Thomas now sees things differently; Christian politicians and morality will not change America, but a grassroots spiritual awakening.

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
HEBREWS 1:1, 2
Once again Christians are becoming very upset about whether or not the word “Christmas” is used as opposed to “X-mas”. Petitions are already being circulated about nativity scenes in various key places around the cities of the world. It’s almost easy to get lost in the battle for the name “Christmas” rather than focus on what Christmas truly is.

As if a military coup was not enough, Thailand is once again in the news, this time in regards to Bangkok’s new four billion dollar Suvarnabhumi international airport. According to the London Times, the airport has been haunted by ghosts, spirits and mystical deaths. The official opening, scheduled for today September 28th, has already been postponed a number of times, most recently because of sightings of ghosts. A number of employees claim to have seen the spirit in the form of an old man. During the nine weeks leading up to the official opening, 99 Buddhist monks had been praying for the spirit visitations to cease. The exorcism reportedly ended with 1000 employees present and the spirit taking embodiment in one of the people present. With this the Buddhist monks claim that the matter should be over, at least for now.

There is a great dialogue that can be found in John 18 (verses 33 to 38) between Jesus and Pontius Pilate. In my mind it shows a stark contrast in priorities between a politician and a believer. Pilate was an extremely good politician who had managed to survive as Governor in one of the most unruly provinces in the Roman Empire. The first thing that Pilate asks is “are you a king?” That’s what a politician is worried about – political opposition. Who’s in office right now? Who has the title of President, Prime Minister or King? Because that person must have “the power”?!