In 2009, then KBC President John Mark Toby appointed a committee similar to the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force that had been appointed that summer by the Southern Baptist Convention.  The goal was to look at ways that Kentucky Baptists could enhance the way in which the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was shared in Kentucky, in our nation, and around the world.  To that end, the Committee prayerfully met, studied, and came forward with four proposals that will be presented to the Kentucky Baptist Convention annual meeting in November.  I will include the text of each proposal, and then add my own thoughts on each one.  You can download a copy of the FULL REPORT here:  http://www.kybaptist.org/web/doc/KyGC-report.pdf.  

PROPOSAL 1:  

"Initiate a 3-year emphasis called “More for Christ,” an intentional time of repentance, renewal, and redirection for the future. Kentucky Baptists responded to the “Find It Here” campaign in record numbers and with great enthusiasm and excitement. Our prayer is that we might respond in the same way to a call to personal and corporate commitment to Christ and to the Great Commission.  More for Christ means:

I hope this becomes a regular feature...the funnier side of church....enjoy!

DISCLAIMER:  The opinions below are merely that of the pastor, and do NOT in any way, reflect an official position statement by the church.  Please keep comments (as they have been already on here) polite and respectful.  And oh yeah, have fun! :)

Lately, there has been a lot said about the potential of a mosque being built just a couple of blocks away from Ground Zero, in New York City, the site of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that brought down the twin towers of the World Trade Center.  Over the past several weeks, there has been a vigorous discussion about whether or not this is a good ideal.  New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has said " If we say that a mosque or a community center should not be built near the perimeter of the World Trade Center site, we would compromise our commitment to fighting terror with freedom."*  

First off, let me be clear.  According to the laws of the United States, the mosque has a constitutional right to build wherever it wants.  Baptists' spiritual ancestors were persecuted for their faith, facing torture, death, and political and physical separation from their loved ones.  Baptists have always treasured the right of religious freedom, and in order for our own freedom to prosper in this area, we must tolerate those of other faiths as well. This is central to the United States Constitution.  

However, just because a law is LEGAL, does not mean that it is something that is RIGHT.  One can argue that gambling is legal, but from a moral standpoint, it is questionable.  One can argue that abortion is legal, but who among us can truly defend the right of someone to murder another human being?  In this case, while building a mosque may be legal--it shows great insensitivity on the part of some in the Muslium community.  How does it advance the cause of the Islamic faith to essentially thumb your nose at a city that still bears the scars of that tragic day?  If those behind the planning of this combination mosque and community center truly cared about their community, perhaps their interests would be better served by feeding the poor, by providing school supplies for needy children, etc.  

Some would say that I am upholding a double standard--but I don't see it that way at all.  While they have every right to build it, assuring that they comply with all laws regarding its construction, why are they being given preferential treatment?  The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church was the only place of worship that was completely destroyed when the Twin Towers fell on it.  Thankfully, no one was inside the building at the time, and ever since the attacks, the tiny church has been trying to rebuild, only to run into zoning and permit issues with the same city that claims to be religiously tolerant.  The Port Authority of New York claims that negotiations have stalled, and says " The church continues to have the right to rebuild at their original site, and we will pay fair market value for the underground space beneath that building."  The archdioecese, however, sayos that the church has complied with all conditions and had an agreement with then Governor George Pataki in 2004.  Governor Pataki agrees the church should be rebuilt.

So, one has to ask the question...why is the city saying the mosque has the right to be built, while denying a congregation that was already in exsistence the right to rebuild?  In America, it is either all or nothing.  If the mosque is to be built, than the Greek Orthodox Church must move forward as well.  In summary, to allow a mosque to be built may be legal, but it doesn't always make it right.  The Apostle Paul, speaking of his own walk, said that even if something was legal, and it looked bad--you probably shouldn't do it because it sends the wrong message.  Perhaps if the mosque relocated away from the Ground Zero neighborhood, there would be less uprorar.  Religious freedom should always be respected in America, but her leaders (regardless of what faith) should think how their actions impact their message!  

*http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/08/mayor-bloomberg-defends-mosque.html#ixzz0y62bs5HW

At Greenview, we have a LOT of people who do great things on behalf of the ministry here.  These are not superheroes of the faith.  They are your average people, just like you and me, who open themselves up to allow God to work through them.  That's really the key to getting involved and carrying out your faith every day....simply opening yourself up to God and saying, "let me use the gifts that YOU have given me for your glory."  

I'm reminded of the tale below that I would like to share with you today.  As you read it--always remember that YOU are very valuable to God.  He has and does want your best interests at heart.  He has distinct plans for your life, and part of that process involves letting God use YOU in a way that can help strengthen the kingdom of God in this world! You'd be surprised what God can do in your life if you'll just give him a chance!  In the meantime, think about this little story, and think about how often people in churches and in life miss out on wonderful opportunities to serve God!  Are you one of those people missing out--run back to Him today! :)

"This is a little story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody.

There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.

Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.

Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job.

Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it.

It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done."

--Anonymous, via Brain Candy @ http://www.corsinet.com/braincandy/hlife.html