Chuck Colson knows what Illinois Governor is going through

Click here for his commentary on the Illinois mess and his own experience of humiliation and shame. Colson is a 21st century apostle Paul, the last one you would expect would be converted and the one whose conversion is so transformative for the church.

Today’s Quote 12/13/08

“I hate to meet a man whom I have met ten years ago and find that he is at precisely the same point, neither moderated nor quickened nor experienced but simply stiffened.”

-Oswald Chambers

Sophie Can Walk- Tongue-in-cheek-funny

This is a video where a guy expects his new born to be able to walk out of the hospital. Kids ought to be able to do that, right? Makes me think of what churches expect new Christians should be able to do, mainly, act like old Christians. A couple of moments of blue language – I think you can take it. After all, you aren’t a baby.

 

Thanks to Noel Heikkinen

Here we go again – charities get suckered by easy money

The news is all about the hedge fund that was a ponzi scheme. And, of course, charities are among the suckered. Been there, done that. I was close to the New Era ponzi scheme, close in that some of my friends were immersed in it and wanted me to be immersed in it, too. There was some ridiculous rate of return offered if you would allow New Era to keep your money for six months or so. The rich were suckered like you wouldn’t believe. Easy money. And Christian colleges were suckered – easy money. And churches were suckered – easy money. Easy money – all in the name of Jesus. The problem is that it was a “Christian” who was running New Era and unwitting Christians who were his henchmen. All looking for easy money. It is stunning how many nonprofits were decimated when New Era crumbled in on itself. It was embarrassing to me how many Christian nonprofits never did due diligence and showed themselves willing to bite. I took some heat when I did not encourage the church I served to participate. But I didn’t think easy money should be at the center of the church’s mission. Tithing should be. This is the biblically appointed means for church life and ministry.

Since New Era there have been other ponzi schemes with nonprofits front and center. The first challenge to Pentecost was money in the Book of Acts and the second challenge, too. It still hasn’t changed.