Al Mohler wrote an important piece this morning on the British pastor arrested for saying homosexuality is a sin. This may be a harbinger of things to come on both sides of the Atlantic. His conclusion:
We are witnessing the constriction of Christian speech and the criminalizing of Christian ministry. The Bible clearly condemns homosexual behaviors, and the Christian church has been clear about this teaching for twenty centuries. But now, the statement that homosexuality is a sin can land a preacher in jail.
We will soon learn which nations truly believe in religious liberty and freedom of speech. Cases like this are inevitable when the logic of hate speech and special rights for “sexual minorities” prevails.
What is the right response to all this? Fear? No. Anger? No. Political and legal recourse? Perhaps. But most importantly, we must be a people of prayer and steadfast faith. I cannot help but think of Hebrews 12:3-4, “For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin.”
If you haven’t seen this yet, here’s a promo video for our Spring Concert on Friday, May 14. A new local band Iam Sailboat will open up the night with a worship set and a few of their own songs. Then, Page CXVI will take the stage. Page CXVI has gotten a lot of well-deserved attention in the past week with the release of their second album. We’re privileged to be hosting them live on May 14, starting with a free BBQ at 6 pm. Hope you can join us.
The Great Commission Resurgence Task Force released their Final Report today with some sweeping recommendations for the Southern Baptist Convention. This report will no doubt receive a lot of attention and debate over the next month, culminating with a convention-wide vote in Orlando in June. This is an historical moment. Here’s the release from chairman Ronnie Floyd:
As promised, we are releasing today the Final Report of the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force. It is called, “Penetrating the Lostness: Embracing a Vision for a Great Commission Resurgence Among Southern Baptists.” You can access the report on our website www.pray4gcr.com. There are three types of media located there:
At last, the article I’ve been waiting all week to read. Life and Land blog responds to this week’s reports that Noah’s Ark has been discovered on Mount Ararat. Once again, Bill Crouse and Gordon Franz offer a good dose of common sense and caution.
Their conclusion: “At this point we are skeptical of the claims but would rejoice in the end if they proved to be true…For the person in the pew, we caution you to not get too excited about something that is at best, unsubstantiated; and at worst, a fraud perpetrated by the Kurdish guide.”
This week, you can download for free the entire Hymns I album by the band Page CXVI (‘one-sixteen’). Songs include:
Come Thou Fount
In Christ Alone
My Jesus I Love Thee
When I Survey The Wonderful Cross
Nothing But the Blood
Solid Rock
Joy
Their brand new Hymns II album is also on sale now through their website. The first album was good, but I think I like the second album even better. “How Great Thou Art” has long been one of my favorite songs, and their arrangement beautifully complements the lyrics. Other songs on the second album include:
Praise to the Lord
Jesus I Am Resting, Resting
Rock of Ages
Abide With Me
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Doxology
We’re very privileged to have this band playing at our Spring Concert in just a couple weeks, on May 14! If you’re in the Yucca Valley or Palm Springs area, we invite you to join us for a great night of music and worship.
Pinch Of Clay 