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2003/08/19, 12:59 PM
A Pastor With Guts .
This Pastor has guts!
Thought you might enjoy this interesting prayer given in Kansas at the opening session of their Senate. It seems prayer still upsets some people. When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but this is what they heard:
"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, "Woe to those who call evil good", but that is exactly what we have done.
We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values.
We confess that we have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it Pluralism.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent to direct us to the center of Your will and to openly ask these things in the name of Your Son, the living Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!"
The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out during the prayer in protest. In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church, where Rev. Wright is pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those calls responding negatively. The church is now receiving international requests for copies of this prayer from India, Africa, and Korea. Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program, "The Rest of the Story", and received a larger response to this program than any other he has ever aired.
With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called "one nation under God". If possible, please pass this prayer on to your friends.
"If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything."
Think about this: If you forward this prayer to everyone on your email list, in less than 30 days it would be heard by the world!
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"Get everthing you want--just make a little change now"
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2003/08/21, 04:23 PM
Amen to that!!! I love it.
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~Victoria~
...There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.--Beverly Sills
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2003/08/25, 11:09 AM
I agree with azredhead57. I love that prayer.. Sends a straight down to earth message.
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2003/08/25, 11:38 AM
The combination of religion and politics....the #1 reason I can't find a church I can stand to attend.
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OSU Law Rugby....specializing in personal injury and pain & suffering.
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2003/09/24, 10:54 PM
It's about time somebody was willing to stand up for GOD; HE stood up for us. I hope others follow the lead, myself included
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2003/09/24, 11:34 PM
Couldn't have said it any better myself, Amen!
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2003/09/25, 04:16 PM
I was glad to see so many in support of the pastor's prayer here on this site. God is in EVERYTHING....even politics.
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2003/10/20, 01:14 AM
Ya know I attend Lincoln Christian College and I really believe this prayer. What I really do want to know is do those of you who responed really believe it or just agree with it. Sorry Sorry I am not one of those picky Christians. It is just anytime when people call on God or hear something really moving then they will respond. Why not make a statement by yourself???? <><
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2003/10/20, 08:37 AM
lexballer13; believe it or just agree with it!?Us christians can be the most judgemental, and hypocritical sometimes.
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:Quoting from lexballer13:
It is just anytime when people call on God or hear something really moving then they will respond. Why not make a statement by yourself????
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If you haven't read "Footprints in the Sand"; give it a shot...Life is like that...
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Everybody is at different levels in thier faith journey!
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2003/10/20, 07:06 PM
You know I already apologized for being judgemental. And yes I have read "Footprints in the Sand". It was supposed to be simple question that was to make "US" Christians think about. It is kind of like the quote that is in songs and heard many other places especially after 9-11, "God Bless America" Why should God bless America? What have we done do deserve his free gift of grace? God will bless America when America blesses God. And yes we can bless Him! I also realize that everyone is at different levels in their walk with God, but should that determine what we just agree with or with what we truly believe in our hear? Oh and fryer if you haven't read "The Ragamuffin Gospel" by Brendan Manning you should give it a shot...God is like that...<><
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2003/10/21, 10:16 AM
lexballer13; I apologize if I offended you in any way. My faith has been tested as of late, and I took your simple question personally.
I am thankful that our God is a forgiving God!
One would think that he would get tired of carrying us all the time. "Footprints In The Sand should be re-written, and titled "Buttprints In The Sand..(You know, I got tired of carrying you, and had to throw you off my shoulders.)
Haven't read "The Ragamuffin Gospel", but I will definately give it a read.
Peace be with you lexballer..
fryer
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2003/10/21, 12:22 PM
I think that is is AWESOME to see so many here open to profess faith in Jesus. Whether or not someone elses prayer is used or not does not matter to the LORD. But being in a board system where Christians will come and talk, to me, is wonderful.
To Bhardy: Truth is there is A moral law giver. Otherwise each individual decides what is right for him. Society is built on Moral laws, But who's? Mine? Yours? Someone elses? The fact of the matter is, we couldn't have moral's outside of a MORAL lawgiver. God set from the foundations of the earth in each person's heart the Truth. When we sift for meaning and morals outside of God, we can come up with all sorts of reasoning. Which allows for Hitlers, Stalins and societies that devalue human dignity all because we seperate politics and ethics and religion. My 2 cents.
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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
-Philippians 4:13
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2003/10/21, 03:13 PM
Just to clear something up; Christianity is not a religion or a belief, it is a fatih relationship! Thanks fryer I need to apologize to. I mean if Christians are arguing then what kind of example are we setting? In Christ <><
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2003/10/21, 04:08 PM
lexballer-no need to apologize...But thanks.
bhardy-Argue, debate, discuss; we are human, we will inevitably share our opinions, and beliefs. I am glad the feathers were ruffled a little; I have a new book I can read, and once again the love of Christ has shown through with words of forgiveness from someone I have never met.
Peace
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2003/10/21, 09:12 PM
bhardy.... you talk alot but say nothing. your words are that of a scholar and you speak with an elegant prose but you seem to express that there is no answer, no "true" answer. Jesus Christ is the one true answer and He wholeheartedly gave His life for you as well. Through out the course of time, man kind has always needed some thing to beleive in and you have distinguished yourself well by choosing to beleive in nothing or is it every thing that you beleive?
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2003/10/21, 09:22 PM
bhardy.... christianity cannot be defined as a religion, it does not fit the most crucial criteria, traditions! It is the only belief that does not require you to perform some sort of physical action to reep a reward. Christianity is simply driven by faith.." the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen..". Here you dont have to perform, the only requirement is to believe in Gods Son, Jesus Christ and His ACTION on the cross. Its truely the easiest way, yet some of us cloud our minds with such deep thinking that we fail to see simplicity of it ALL!
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2003/10/21, 09:31 PM
Yeah, Bhardy, however, Christanity differs from EVERY Other religion, Hindi, Zoasterianism, Jainism. Islam, you name it...ALL depend on what I (underscore the "I") can do to live a moral life. However Christianity is the ONLY religion based on what God did for me. Namely Christ on the cross. There is nothing good I can do on my own. But what Christ did for me. He gives me the strength to live a moral life, Now, I turn away and follow my own path, however, I still know that I have done wrong in His eyes. You know If you believe in a higher power, wouldn't you also believe that the higher power wants you to know HIM, wants to tell you about Himself? Wants you to seek Him out? If all religion points to the same God then you are a Hindu, However you have to believe then in both a Personal and Non-Personal God all in one. A contriction that cannot sustain itself due to LAWS of Non-contrrdiction. Therefore, Any moral lawgiver would have only one true way to follow. Hence, John 14:6-7, Jesus said, I AM the way, I AM the Truth, I AM the life, No one can know the Father but through me. " Bhardy---I mean no harm, just a man studying to be a preacher and enjoy your input. You sound like a good debater.
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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
-Philippians 4:13
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2003/10/21, 09:36 PM
Also in response to: Don’t forget that no matter what religion you choose to follow, it all points back to the same place the creator of the universe.
I would answer : All religion is basically the same, the all believe in love and goodness. The only differ on matters of Sin. Heaven. Hell. God. Creation, and Salvation. --
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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
-Philippians 4:13
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2003/10/22, 10:17 AM
Bhardy: Sure I understand you point, We however differ on where love and goodness comes from. I believe that love and goodness directly stem from God inside the Christian religion, that good will directly comes from our creator, which lies in every persons heart. Athiesim will try and say that love and goodness are hardwired into man's being.Chemically and biologically; which cannot be true. This comes from the sheer fact that you would genetically pass along these traits, which cannot be true because over and over you see man not loving or doing good time after time. A high moral law giver must exist inwhich transends time and culture. BUT, with that in mind, if every religion WERE then true (that is seeking the same God ultimately), then christianity would be false. Christianity cannot be false (In my opinion) because it is based on God loving us inspite our lack of love and goodness exhibited. Aside from that, it is the only religion that fully explains creation and is backed up with man;s heart being ultimately evil and nothing but salvation from Jesus can bring a person to a right relationship with God. Does this make sense? Sometimes I tend to not fully explain myself well. I know what I'm trying to say but it doesn't come across sometimes.
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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
-Philippians 4:13
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2003/10/22, 10:19 AM
P.S. I am not calling you an athiest, I am just pointing out a belief system that trys to explain love and goodnes outside of religion.-drew
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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
-Philippians 4:13
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2003/10/22, 11:23 AM
bhardy: I appreciate you giving the perspective of someone who can step back and look at religion in a more objective sense, like myself. I would have jumped in with you much earlier, but experience has shown me that there is nothing more futile than debating relion or the concept of belief. You make good points, but in the end you are debating against the basic viewpoint of, "I'm right, everyone else is wrong," and there's no getting around that. I've studied the historical origins of religion, and that seems to be something that people are not willing to consider. I myself am a Christian, albeit a liberal one, and can accept why followers of other faiths believe what they do. There are dozens of figures throughout history who were purported to do the exact same things that Jesus did at much earlier times, and most stories in the Old Testament are strikingly similar to those told by earlier societies. Anyway, my point is that this is a futile argument; faith is not based in rationality, and the best thing we can do is accept each other for both our similarities and our differences. False prophets come in many different shapes and forms. whew...I need to go work out.
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OSU Law Rugby....specializing in personal injury and pain & suffering.
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2003/10/22, 03:17 PM
hmmm. But that is not Christianity. Jesus IS God. God the Father, God teh Son and God the Holy Spirit. That's the Mystery. Infact Gen 1:26 God said, "Let US create man in OUR image." And all throughout the OT any reference to "The Angel of the LORD" is ALWAYS attributed to Jesus as God. You get this because the Jewish language had a word for Jehovah and a seperate word for Angel. However, in the Jewish mind they could nto grasp a Tri-theistic Godhead. Hence they knew the Angel of the Lord as God's right hand. And throughout scripture in the OT you see them ALSO bowing down and worshiping the Angel of the LORD. Even then they knew the ANGEL of the LORD to be in essence God. Which is why when Jesus taught, The Father and I are one." The Jews got mad, It was a reference to Him Being present at creation, which is why love and Goodness can only stem from God. If God was single (being no Jesus or Holy Spirit) Who would God be loving? And Why would He share a Love He was never able share with Himself? That is why I believe in the Trinity as the only Possible solution to religion as well as the only way for humanity to understand love in the First cause. We were loved first by a God who loved His Essence in Plural. RAVI ZACHARIAS is a great Apologetic teacher www.RZIM.com He debates athiests, Hindus, Muslims as well as Skeptics and Secular Humanists.
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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
-Philippians 4:13
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2003/10/22, 03:26 PM
Not to mention, every other reference to angels in the bible, when perople fell to worship, the angel ALWAYS scolded the person. But the Angel of the LORD (Jesus) Accepted worship as God, but in the OT and while on Earth. No other religion claims God came to earth to die for the sins of man, no other religion claims God could ever come to Earth. Zoastrianism calimed about 3-400 years before then that God came, however, it never recieved a large following and isn't nearly documented like Jesus's life. In the Writings of Josepheus, Tacitus and Pliny the Younger. All of which were no friend of Jesus. Along with the Babylonian Talmud which mentions Jesus as a sorcerer because he did unexplainable things. All Written down by the enemies of Jesus. Muslims, never claim in the Qu'ran that Mohammud is anything but a messenger. The Vishnu of the Hundi religion Both have Braman as a personal and Non personal god. Dualist claim that God is both Good and Evil at the same time. I could go on and On....
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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
-Philippians 4:13
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2003/10/22, 05:30 PM
Just one more question. I know drew has been doing a lot of the talking and a wonderful job at that, but why don't you think this can be resolved hardy? The reason why many of the people left was not because they had a distate for prayer nor because of their own values, perhaps conviction the Holy Spirit laid on them. Drew, man, you are going to be a great minister someday. By the way how old are you?
Surrendered,
baller <><
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2003/10/23, 09:44 AM
Well I am 30. And I really appreciate you bhardy. Most people don't like to debate, they assume argument. I love to talk with people about their beliefs and stiil beileve that 2 opinions should never come to blows. I do believe though, given time and study you'd find that my argument isn't really as circular as you might think right now. I find that, certianly every religion is based on weighty stuff. Anyone that can debase ANY religion is being foolish. I think RAVI Zacharias said it best when he said, "Any credible religion has basic facts and truths that cannot be dismissed. Anyone who thinks that they can walk in and say, Islam, Hindu, Jainism is false due to this or that, does not have all the facts.(Paraphrasing)" With that said, Ravi is a staunch Christian, he does explain why christianity has More evidence to support it than any other religion. The difficult trick is to get past the....I'm right your wrong--just because. I love to talk about God, but really, it does and alway will (until the end of the world) depend on Faith, plain and simple. Scripture says, I in Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Thanks for the talk guys and hope we can talk more in the future.
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I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
-Philippians 4:13
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2005/05/04, 02:36 PM
Wow!! People have opions on this one. I love the fact it was brought up and the reason behind it. I believe in God the Father and His son Jesus Christ who came to earth, lived a perfect human life and died for world being a "second Adam" if you will to restore what was lost.
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2005/05/11, 11:40 PM
glad so many of you enjoyed this post:)
============I am by no means a true christian, but I do like to listen to paul harvey.
Quoting from lexballer13:
Ya know I attend Lincoln Christian College and I really believe this prayer. What I really do want to know is do those of you who responed really believe it or just agree with it. Sorry Sorry I am not one of those picky Christians. It is just anytime when people call on God or hear something really moving then they will respond. Why not make a statement by yourself???? <><
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"Get everthing you want--just make a little change now"
"The thing you have to realize is that you have to work for it,"
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2005/05/11, 11:48 PM
Message deleted by moderator due to unsuitable content for this board.
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2005/05/20, 07:50 AM
amen brother, and definately a good word
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