Perhaps one of my favorite stories in Acts is of when Paul and Silas visit Athens and the home of the Olympics. Surrounded by their art, there architecture, culture, and the people who were in desperate need to seek a god to which was unknown to them; Paul brings a message of truth, of love, of acceptance, and makes an unknown god become a known God.

Even today his opening statement to the philosophers and teachers seems to reach through the fabric of time and speak to the people of Calgary and even the world as we know it.

“People of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed your many objects of worship, I found also an alter with this inscription, ‘To An Unknown God’.” - Acts 17:22-23

This coming Friday September 19th, 2008 through Sunday September 21st, 2008 the Body, Soul, and Spirit Expo will be coming to Calgary. As I picture the many people walking up and down the rows of different objects of worship and “temples to unknown gods” I cannot help but sense the calling of Jesus to follow in his footsteps as Paul did and live out the gospel message in the midst of these people.

That is why I would like to invite you to join us as we ‘Relax, Sit, & Pray’ with those who will be at the Body, Soul, and Spirit Expo that weekend. Come out with us as together we can Encounter, Experience, and find Expressions of Jesus in the midst of those who are seeking him most. Together we can bring the Way, the Truth, the Life, and a Light into a place where there once was darkness!!

For more information please email erik@ecfcommunity.org.

“What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” - Acts 17:23

For several years I have watched as the Body, Soul, Spirit Expo has rolled through Calgary and I have always wondered, "Why is it that we never see any followers of Jesus down there?" Yes, I know it is predominantly a New Age Festival and is filled with dark elements but shouldn't that be an even deeper call to take the light of Jesus too!?

I suppose I am venting my frustrations over the lack of support we have received from churches and local organizations that speak of "blessing" but fail to act on called beliefs. This morning was perhaps a final straw in the midst of madness.

Having delivered Bibles and Christian literature into the dangers of Communist Countries and national challenges; the Canadian Bible Society withdrew their commitment to supply us with materials in which to share with the many seekers who may be found down at the Body, Soul, and Spirit Expo. Their reasoning??? Quote: "We have taken a look at the events Website and have decided not to have our organization represented in this way."

I'm sorry, but to hear a Christian organization make the statement that they do not want the gospel to be represented in Body, Soul, and Spirit came as a bit of a shock and choked me to tears to think of the loss this would create!

This is not the only let down we have faced over the past few weeks and I apologize if this comes off as ranting but I must share my great appreciation to both McKenzie Towne Church and Canyon Creek Christian Fellowship for their prayers, support, and partnership in taking the gospel to those who "Really Do Want To See It!!!"

http://iamjustwondering.net/2008/09/28/top-sins-according-to-gandhi

My Friend Steve just posted these and I had to share them also. Mohandas Gandhi, considered these traits to be the most spiritually perilous to humanity…

Wealth without Work
Pleasure without Conscience
Science without Humanity
Knowledge without Character
Politics without Principle
Commerce without Morality
Worship without Sacrifice

Posted in Christianity, Faith, God, Jesus, Life, Philosophy, Spirituality   Tagged: Gandhi   

http://iamjustwondering.net/2008/09/30/gary-collins-on-fundamentali

Several months ago my pastor and friend Norm forwarded me a copy of Gary Collins newsletter which had an interesting comment regarding Emergent - Missional Churches and the tensions between Theological Liberalism and Fundamental Calvinism.
What do you think?
I have followed the emergent-emerging-missional church movement since its appearance only a few years ago. Initially its roots were evangelical [...]