Right Hand of Fellowship

Going Bald

Gary the Hitchhiker

I don't think I've ever hitchhiked. But I did give two hitchhiking deadheads (devoted fans of Grateful Dead) a ride from the middle of Pennsylvania to Flint. It happened that they were going to Saginaw. And about two months later, without sticking my thumb up, I got a ride from somebody who picked me up when my car broke down, again in central Pennsylvania. In both instances I was a little hesitant, since you don't really know who you'll be riding with. Regardless, I wouldn't recommend too much hitchhiking.

Now, in light of the dangers and the scriptural injunction in Hebrews 13 (Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.) I must admit that I have difficulty knowing where to draw the line when it comes to situations where somebody needs help and there's an element of danger involved. Some of you may be aware of an incident recently where I felt like I was about to die as a result of trying to show hospitality to someone I knew to be a risk. Part of that goes with the territory of urban ministry. Nonetheless, I have considered the ramifications of getting a CCW. Thus far I haven't decided that's the best thing to do. I currently take delight in the what Psalm 37:39 says: The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

Now, in all seriousness, I know there are some very serious problems with regard to the Saudi justice system. Most notably, it is a capital offense to convert from Islam to Christianity. Though it appears that this is not always enforced, it is still difficult to be a Christian in Saudi Arabia, and many other Islamic countries. We must remember to pray for and support our brothers and sisters in those lands.

Unique Talents

Culturally Relevant Ministry

In thinking about the whole issue of cultural relevance, I decided to draw a cartoon that's been in my head for awhile, seeking to show a comic side to some of the limits of cultural relevance. I have good friends on both sides of the issue when it comes to the merits of getting a tattoo if you are a Christian. I do not think that getting tattoos and the like is inherently wrong. However, I do believe that the motives behind getting a tattoo, or drinking a beer for that matter, are very important. In thinking these things through scripturally and prayerfully, I have found the following resources helpful in giving guidance. The first is an article in the Christian Research Journal that deals directly with tattoos (http://journal.equip.org/issues/under-the-needle-tattoos). The second is a talk by D.A. Carson, research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and organizer of The Gospel Coalition. The talk by Carson was given at the 2009 Gospel Coalition Conference:http://s3.amazonaws.com/tgc-video/2009-conference/plenary/Carson_session_10.mp3.

The Dangers of Glee Club

Rototiller Regret