The issue may seem far removed from us, particularly since most Protestants do adhere to the same understanding of birth control as do Roman Catholics. Nevertheless, it is concerning that the government would mandate that a religious organization make a decision that is directly contradictory to its conscience: the alternative being either a significant fine or ceasing to exist. It seems unwise, even devastating, to think that the Salvation Army and Catholic Charities among hundreds of other organizations and institutions would no longer be a presence in some of the most needy and neglected places of our nation.

The response to this issue has been predictable: some defending the government’s inclusive policy; others condemning the government’s abuse of power. Most religious organizations have reacted with concern primarily along the lines of constitutional religious liberty.

I am convinced that the president’s initiative comes from his desire to help people. I applaud him for this effort. I worry, however, that eroding our religious liberty—either to freely pursue our religious beliefs or to ignore religion altogether—will have profound effects on our nation and our world. I am not looking for the creation of a theocracy: this would be a profound mistake. I am looking for a government that recognizes the good that religious institutions perform for people in need and to do as little as possible to prevent them for carrying out tasks that would go undone without them. So, to demand that a religious organization choose between going against conscience and ceasing to exist doesn’t seem like a wise decision from the perspective of the government much less the institution.

The White House has offered an alternative to the original plan, but it doesn’t seem to address the core issue of practicing what one believes. We will see how things come out in the days ahead. In the meantime, we need to pray for a resolution that will allow for ministries to continue with a clear conscience. We also need to pray that God will give us grace to address this and other similar issues in Christ’s spirit of grace and truth—standing tall and strong for what we believe is right and doing so in the most loving and humble way possible.

If you would like to read more on this particular issue, check out Asbury Seminary President Timothy Tennant’s blog: http://timothytennent.com/2012/02/13/pragmatism-vs-principle-contraception-and-the-1st-amendment/.

Memorial Service Bulletin

Service Audio Part 1 & Part 2

Bonnie MacBeth Biography

Every year this weekend provides us the opportunity to remember that God loves the whole world—something we as human beings are prone to forget.

Even when we work hard to keep from falling into self-centeredness, we still do. Even when we make every attempt to take our eyes off ourselves, we still do. Our penchant for self-absorption is why these weekends are so important. The point is not to ignore ourselves but keep our lives in perspective. We are part of something far bigger than us. We are loved by God…and so is every person in all the world.

I am convinced that the moment we forget or ignore the greater world that God creates and loves, the moment we believe that we are disconnected from all other people, the moment we feel dispassionate and unconcerned about the burdens and needs, not to mention the spiritual well-being of the whole world, we are no longer living with the mind of Christ who loved and cared for the world so much that He gave His life.

February 12, 2012 (8:20; 9:40; 11:00)

February 5, 2012 (8:20; 9:40; 11:00)

January 29, 2012 (8:20; 9:40; 11:00)

January 22, 2012

January 15, 2012 (8:20; 9:40;11:00)

January 8, 2012

Funeral for Allen Smith

January 1, 2012

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“How Do We Get Ready for Christ?” – February 5, 2012, Pastor Wes Oden

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The Super Bowl is one of the most watched events of the year. The Super Bowl has the most spectacular array of entertainment. The Super Bowl is an excuse for more food to be consumed than any other event of its kind. You probably aren’t surprised by any of this. You may, however, be surprised to know that the Super Bowl is the largest sex-trafficking event in the United States.

According to an article in the Sacramento Bee and other online sites, while football fans pour into Indiana this week for the game, traffickers in the sex trade are gearing up for their most profitable weekend of the year. Some reports estimate that 10,000 prostitutes were brought to Miami for the 2010 Super Bowl! One former sex slave says that there are 100,000 American kids being trafficked!

I’ve talked with some people in the church recently about the problem of sex trafficking at the Super Bowl and their reaction was the same as mine when I was presented with this information: I had no idea! We’re just thinking about the game, but for hundreds of women and children, this weekend is one more horrific event in their nightmarish life.

The good news is that a number of groups are doing something about it. 220 hotels within a 50 mile radius of the Indianapolis stadium have been contacted, asking what they are doing to educate their staff and hand delivering anti-trafficking materials to hotel management. Companies in the travel and tourism sector have also been contacted so that they might help identify and stop this heinous practice. The Indiana state legislature and Governor Daniels have enacted tough legislation with a two-fold purpose: to discourage traffickers from being present and to severely punish those who do attend.

The action being taken at the Super Bowl is to be lauded. Unfortunately, the evil of human trafficking continues year round. If we care about human life, this is an issue that ought to shake us to our Christian core.

What can we do? We must pray—for this weekend and throughout the year. We must pray for those who are called to be on the front lines of this battle against the evil one and his minions at this event and every day of the year. We must educate ourselves to the need through which we might ask God to show how we can be involved as His representatives to vulnerable people He loves with all of His being. World Hope International (email address) and Hope61 (subsidiary of One Mission Society) are two of the many organizations working in this vast sea of need. We can give—of our time, energy and resources.

Enjoy the game. Ask God to do a miracle for those who cannot.

I have to admit that I’ve had my doubts about Tim Tebow. I must confess right up front that I am not a big fan of Florida sports teams. I grew up in Big Ten country and for a number of years, schools from Florida have been very successful against schools from the Midwest. Since Tim Tebow attended the University of Florida, he was not my favorite collegiate athlete.

In addition, I tend to be uncomfortable with the precarious mix of sports and religion. I’m not a big fan of the guy in the stands with the huge John 3:16 sign—primarily because I think people tend to react negatively rather than positively to it. I’m not a big fan of athletes declaring after games that God helped them win or even that God gave them strength to be able to win. I honestly don’t think God is interested in who wins the Super Bowl, the BCS championship or the World Series.

Recently, Rick Reilly began an article on ESPN.com about Tim Tebow: I’ve come to believe in Tim Tebow, but not for what he does on a football field, which is still three parts Dr. Jekyll and two parts Mr. Hyde. No, I’ve come to believe in Tim Tebow for what he does off a football field, which is represent the best parts of us, the parts I want to be and so rarely am. The rest of the article describes the selflessness of Tim Tebow.

In a world in which athletes are prima donnas, Tim Tebow is a selfless breath of fresh air. He is generous with his money, his time and his life. He is very competitive, but it seems clear that he is more interested in helping people in need than in winning championships. He works hard and has taken a beating—on the field and off—yet, instead of circling the wagons, he sticks to his routine of hosting people in need at every game, paying all of their expenses while they are there and spending a lot of time with them before they return to their home (all expenses paid by Tim Tebow).

Tim Tebow is a self-declared evangelical Christian. I am convinced that he is—not because he believes the right things or because he says the right things, but because he exudes the selfless and sacrificial love of Jesus to people who are vulnerable and needy. I wonder, were I in his position would I give my time and money for others?

He said to them, “Merry Christmas! What do you want for Christmas?”

“We’re not Christians,” they said. “We don’t believe in Christmas.”

“I know,” said the missionary, “but what do you want for Christmas?” They finally mentioned some wonderful German pastries they were fond of, and Oswald Golter scoured the city until he found a bakery that made those pastries. He cashed in his ticket home, bought baskets and baskets of the pastries, took them to the refugees, and wished them a merry Christmas.

When he later told the story, a student said, “But sir, why did you do that for them? They weren’t Christians. They don’t even believe in Jesus.”

“I know,” he replied, “but I do!”

Epiphany, January 6, celebrates the coming of the Magi to Jesus. This event reveals that Christ comes not for a select group of people but for all people. Therefore, since Christ comes for all, we are continually challenged to think of ways in which we might share Christ with all people everywhere—not because they are Christians—but because we are.

“The Circles of Our Faith” January 22, 2012, Pastor Wes Oden

“Does God Judge Me or Forgive Me?” January 18, 2012, Pastor Wes Oden

“God Doesn’t Show Favoritism” January 8, 2012, Pastor Todd Leach

“What Do You Want Jesus to Do for You in 2012?” January 1, 2012, Pastor Wes Oden

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