Forgiven Christians (Ephesians 2:8-9)

In light of the current scandal with abuse in the Catholic Church, Joe determined to add this page in order to give an opinion on current events that challenge us as believers.

Whether it involves religious matters, earthquakes, or crimes against children, it benefits us to look at the world around us with a Christian perspective.

The following are opinions only. Each of us should pray about how we perceive the world around us in light of God's Word.

A NOTE FROM JOE.

Dear friends,

Please understand that these are my opinions only, and the level of passion for one subject or another varies from individual to individual, depending on their experience and perspective regarding the topic.

I will only be addressing news events that I have prayed over, and feel a need to discuss. We live in a fallen world and I would spend a lifetime commenting on the world events. Topics will be dealt with in a general manner, using specific examples only as a means of reference.

Again, these are my opinions only, and I fully respect your right to disagree. If there is anything in particular you would like to address, contact me via e-mail at  joe@forgivenchristians.org

God Bless,

 Joe

THE ABUSE IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.

By now you've visited this website and know that I have my roots in the Catholic Church. I am deeply troubled by the child abuse scandals running rampant throughout the world, most recently in Germany and Ireland.

There is no defense for those priests who have committed atrocities against children, nor for anyone else. Whether the Catholic Churchhas handled this tragedy "correctly" is a matter of opinion we can address later.

On the one hand, we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The Bible is clear that people in authority in the Church should be held to a high standard of righteous living. On the other hand, Jesus' sacrifice at the Cross was inclusive to all who would turn to Him in repentance and accept Him as their Lord and Savior. While I believe the priests involved in the crimes should accept the consequences of their sin, I also believe we as Christians should reach out in prayer and have a heart of mercy and forgiveness. There is too much hate in the world to foster more.

Additionally, I know personally many Catholic priests who are truly men of God and shepherd their congregations with a truly Christian love. We ought to resist the temptation to throw a blanket over the entire Catholic Church due to the crimes of a minority and the mismanagement of the situation by its leaders.

We need to pray for those involved in this scandal, that their faith be not shaken, but that they, victim and perpetrator alike, turn to Jesus for healing.

Joe

04/18/10

EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES - MAKES YOU WONDER...

I'm not one to spend a lot of time thinking about the Second Coming, as I figure I'll more likely die physically before it comes to pass. On the other hand, we've had significant earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, China, and Mexico. We are all aware of the massive volcanoe in Iceland.

Rather than speculating on the end of the world, I think this is a good wake-up call to all of us that we should be ready for the Lord's return at any time, and take a good look at our lives and see if, in our heart of hearts, we are ready to welcome Him whenever and however we will be reunited with Him.

We can also see these events as inspiration to evangelize to our unsaved family and friends. Once Jesus comes, the time to share the Gospel will be past. Live well in the hope of His return.

Joe