Columns

Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” He never said, “Get in bed with them.” I understand the provocative nature of what I just said, but the fact is, it’s the truth. It is not only possible, but very important that we come to accept, understand and properly apply this commandment.

I know what it is like to live in poverty. I know what it is like to have nothing, but I was not taught to despise or resent everybody outside my meager environment. My mother had enough wisdom to teach me godly principles.

We all face pressure, seemingly insurmountable problems and frequent pain during our life’s journey. Job made this statement everyone can likely affirm: “Man’s days are short and full of trouble.”

The Bible declares, “In the last days perilous times will come.

Every belief system will ultimately bear fruit—and the fruit will be consistent with the root from which it comes.

For many months I have been expressing deep concern for the spiritual condition of both the church and our nation. I believe with all my heart we are headed in the wrong direction. The only hope for a return to sanity, stability and security is for the church to awaken and truly pierce the darkness with God’s love and God’s truth. There is no other way to see the tide turned.

We are called and challenged to pray. The apostle Paul refers to “praying without ceasing.” This means a life of fellowship and continual communication with a personal heavenly Father. Both the Old and New Testament teach that we can have such a meaningful relationship with God that we are able to hear Him as though it was a conversation.

To those who care,

I have written many important columns, but never one more important than this one. As always, I am referring to issues of life and death, but this time it also includes the life, or death, of freedom we just celebrated on July 4^th.

One of the most meaningful documents ever conceived by mortal men was signed 234 years ago this weekend. When 56 brave men placed their lives and signatures on the Declaration of Independence, freedom and all of its blessings were bestowed upon America. For centuries, this Declaration has given hope to everyone on this planet who ever hoped to see possibilities that can only be offered by true freedom.

This weekend is Father’s Day when hopefully earned appreciation is expressed for meaningful and positive contributions on the part of dads. I don’t think anyone questions the fact that missing fathers is the major reason for many of society’s failures. You don’t have to examine the inner city or areas of poverty without readily noticing the absence of men in their rightful place within the family unit. This is one reason I have such great appreciation for pastors and church leaders like my good friend Dr.