March 10, 2021
Leadership Notes
{A "Waldorf and Statler" Production}
2021 ushered in a new direction in our national mood. We welcomed civil discourse, even with those with whom we disagree. Course comments and judgmental putdowns were to be a thing of the past. Imagine my surprise when someone on the national stage referred to a couple of people with whom he/she disagreed as Neanderthals.
Now, please understand. I wasn't surprised because it ended a few glorious weeks of the new ethic. I was surprised because, as someone whose genetic code contains a higher-than-average percentage of Neanderthal DNA, I felt a tad offended by the accusation. Like, what's wrong with Neanderthals? They're my peeps. They're part of who I am. C'mon, man…
There are some big church pastors - while I won't name names, let's just call them Sandy Tanley and Wick Rarren - who have said the pandemic has revealed that too many churches have made worship their primary thing. I just finished shut-in communion today, and remembered where Jesus said, "As often as you gather together, do this in remembrance of me." Everything a church does flows from corporate worship. I sometimes think people over-think pandemics.
"More and more states are opening. Soon, Covid-19 will no longer dominate our lives." {Dr. David Samadi} We had over 80 in worship Sunday. Even more reason to have two Easter services…to accommodate more worshipers!
Timely Observation:
"I look forward to watching a billionaire question two millionaires on how
hard it's been leaving billionaires, to continue being millionaires. Thoughts
and prayers to Harry and Meghan in this difficult time, as they adapt to
new staff and a new mansion."
- Craig Stone
Oh, the mundane pursuits of an overly indulged, narcissistic culture.
Timelier Observation:
Justification is salvation from God, brought about by God to
bring us to God for the glory of God.
Timeliest Observation:
"I am simultaneously sinful and justified, as I am simultaneously at peace
with God because of Christ's imputed righteousness, but at war with myself
because of Christ's imparted righteousness…I trust and obey Christ
{however feebly}, and I know that I will continue trusting and obeying
until that day I die…not because I have appropriated Christ, but
because he has appropriated me."
- erin@erinxnin
Finally, Scariest Fact of the Day:
The COVID package costs every single American $5,750 and then gives
some people $1,400 {if you're a federal employee, you can receive $1,400
a week in paid time off for 15 weeks if you decide to stay at home and
virtually school your child}. An example of the wretchedness of runaway
government spending is that just five cents of every dollar in education
funding will be spent within this year. Everything else is pushed off into the
future. We're being grifted with money that our grandchildren's
grandchildren will be paying off. Inexorable, man, inexorable.
Wrapping up on a positive note, Mr. T says, "Now I don't know about you, but I know I need God every day! I don't even want to think about where I would be without God in my life!"
Finally, your Spurgeon Moment:
Defend the Bible? I'd sooner defend a lion! Turn it loose,
and it will defend itself.
With Much Love and Affection,
Richard
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