Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays Rant

The views expressed herein are the author's own. Please do not hold said content against his employer, wife, kids, extended family, friends, or past acquaintances.

Merry Christmas, Season's Greetings, Happy Holidays...people are offended by the well-wishing of this time of year. Is anyone else sick of the debate?
Should we really care about how people greet us in December?

People are offended by "Merry Christmas" because they are not Christian. Christians are up in arms when they hear "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings," believing that others are trying to take a Christ (that they don't believe in) out of Christmas! Really?!
As Christians, why should we expect people who do not share our faith to greet us in the way we desire?
As non-Christians, why should we expect people to not greet others according to their beliefs?

What annoys me about this whole offensive debate (because I am offended by everyone being offended!) are Christians going overboard and being un-Christian over the whole issue. Christ has called us to love, respect, speak the truth in love, and give an answer for the hope in us. Christians are called to share Christ, not force our culture to call itself Christian by demanding the world say "Merry Christmas." I am offended by Christians demanding to be greeted in their way of worship. Come on! Let's extend a little grace and not be offended by something so inconsequential. I am sure that God is not nearly as offended by people not saying "Merry Christmas" as by Christians who unlovingly demand others to conform to their desires for particular personal greetings. Are we so naive as to believe that the world is really going to be a better place if everyone just says, "Merry Christmas?" Wouldn't it be better for more believers in Christ to live like Christ and seek to share His message of love and hope? Does forcing the "Merry Christmas" issue really show people who Christ is and what He has done to save or does it drive unbelievers away from a fanatical, ungracious expression of Christianity?

On the other side of the issue, why are non-Christians so offended by someone saying "Merry Christmas?" I am totally open to some responses here but I've got to say that I have never felt intimidated, offended, or overly perturbed by others insisting on saying "Happy Holidays," "Season's Greetings," or even "Happy Hanuka" to me. Is it really a big deal? Can't we all just get along in the way we salute each other?

I'd say the bottom line of the issue is the very 'intolerance' that we are not supposed to tolerate in our mosaic Canadian and North American culture.
Seriously Christians, we need to relax and just live in obedience to God's commands and not make a commandment out of 'Thou shalt say, "Merry Christmas."'
Non-Christians, please be patient with me if I greet you with a "Merry Christmas." I'd be happy for you to let me know that you do not worship Christ and hear about what this season means to you.

May the best of the season be to each of you! 

Ward Ministry Update

Very excited to share this update! Students very graciously shared their hearts and appreciation for our ministry with us and we would like to pass on the blessing to all of you who pray and give financially to help us do what we do.

There will be more student comments posted over the next few weeks in regards to WOLBI staff, Discipleship, Chapels, and Life-Change at www.wolbilife.blogspot.com

Gratefully,

Christmas 2010 for Web

WOLBI's Got Talent!

We had a great time last Tuesday night here at WOLBI sharing skits, songs, music, and even stand-up comedy. For a complete report see the WOLBRANOS blog post by the same name.
I sometimes miss the good ol' days of zany skits so I dug into the old Impact repertoire and gathered a posse.
A special thanks to the guys who gave 15 minutes of their time before the event to learn the skit :)
I thought I'd post here for the sake of the memories that may be lingering for the Old Impact Crew and those who remember those days.

One thing I realized is that skits like that hurt more now than I ever remember them hurting before! Despite the aches and pains of the aftermath it is always worth it to make people laugh.

Enjoy!

Ward Ministry Update

Our latest prayer letter. Apologies to all of you on our mailing list that did not receive it. This one just went out in email form and posted here online. Lord willing, a full mailer will go out early December. Thanks to so many of you for praying!!
Please let me know if you would like to be on the email or snail-mail mailing lists.

Ward Prayer Letter Fall 2010 for Web

Thanks for taking a look!

Movember!

Even with limited TV exposure I was amazed at so many commercials proclaiming the approach of Movember. What in the world is that about? My curiosity finally got the best of me. It wasn't hard to find out that Moustaches + November = Movember. The growing starts after a clean shave November 1 and is a constant talking point throughout the month to raise support and awareness about issues in Men's health.

"Did you know?
- In 2010 tragically more than 4,400 men will die as a direct result of prostate cancer." 

Some of the guys at the Bible Institute have joined in as well forming the Wolbranos (not to be confused with the Wolbranos Blog) group. Would you consider donating to prostate cancer research?

Check out my MoSpace for more information or to donate.

So it begins...

From Jon in Real Life

Open Air Week Student Response

After a great but intense Open Air Week on the streets of Toronto and Hamilton sharing our faith, sleeping on the floor of a church, and showering at a local swimming facility it is good to take time to reflect on what God has done despite the discomforts.
In Director's Chapel a couple weeks ago, WOLBI students shared what the week meant to them.

"I really realized there is no 'Plan B.' If we don't tell people about the gospel, who will? On the first day I got to lead two people to Christ. I was just obeying what Christ wants me to do. Whether people get saved or not, I need to just be obedient."

From Drop Box

"I was talking to someone about the gospel and they had to take a call. I walked away discouraged. A few minutes later I got a tap on the shoulder. The guy I was talking to asked, "Hey, can you finish what you were saying?" I finished sharing that Jesus died and rose again to pay for our sins and he wanted to accept Jesus' payment for his sins!"

From Drop Box

"God showed me how everyone is lost [without His truth] and that I need to share God's message of love every chance I get."

"I realized we don't have the power to save people. Only God can save people and He is a God who saves!"

From Drop Box

Some students experienced real persecution for their faith being told to "shut up," "go away," being yelled at, intimidated, spit at, cursed at, and even verbally wished dead. Regarding a particularly discouraging day, one student remarked, "They're not rejecting you but what God is saying to them. We can't make people listen."

Another student summed it up for all of us when they said, "The whole week was an amazing experience."
We praise God for using us to share His Word and teaching us so many lessons in the process. Ministering to others impacts our lives far more than our lives impacts those we minister to!

Do you want to grow in your faith and relationship with Christ? Start sharing your faith and serving Him!

If you are interested in joining us for next year's incredible Open Air Ministry Week, talk to Admissions to reserve your space in the WOLBI class of 2011-2012!!

Cultural Contradiction Rant

Open Air Week with WOLBI is always a bit of a culture shock. Each year we pack up the entire student body and some of our staff and head to the streets of Toronto and Hamilton for a week to talk to people about faith and life. Often we have great opportunities to share our faith and once again our students did an incredible job initiating conversations and boldly sharing God's truth. I am always amazed as I leave the Christian "Bubble" where I work and live for this extended period of time. One of the things that struck me this year as I wandered the streets watching out for students was a very obvious contradiction in our North American culture.

As I was walking down past crowds of people waiting for buses, I saw two guys talking. Something caught my eye and as I focused on the distraction, I discovered a pair of gloves decorated in spiderweb with a very prominent spider on the top of each hand. "That's interesting," I thought to myself, "Never seen anything like that..." In the seconds it took to discover all this I realized that the guys were looking at me with a weirded-out-are-you-some-kind-of-creeper type of glare. Somewhat offended by their expression of offense I probably blushed slightly as I quickened my pace to get away.

A constant media barrage communicates messages of, "Be your own person," and, "Stand up and stand out." There is nothing wrong with being a unique individual but c'mon, if you are trying to stand out, don't be surprised if you stand out! I personally like wearing a hat that is unique or different but I understand that when I do, people will notice, look (sometimes stare), and even comment. If you are seeking to 'stand out' then please be prepared for the attention you receive.

Rhyme Thru the Old Testament

I recently posted a rhyme I created for the books of the Old Testament. I teach Bible Survey at the Word of Life Bible Institute and love creating/using various media that grab attention and help people remember the Bible.

You can check it out at http://wardlysbiblesurvey.blogspot.com/?zx=c90b080d45ed5241

Real Christian Living

Why is Christianity so derided and disrespected? Many people look at Christianity and only see hypocrisy and inconsistency. Many professing believers in Jesus Christ are sad, angry, arrogant, hypocritical, inconsistent people without comfort, peace, or joy. This just should not be!
The apostle Peter writes in his second epistle, chapter one, verse three, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" The Bible says that we should have everything we need to live the lives that God promised us. Lives of comfort (not 'comfortable-ness' but the comfort of hope - 1 Thess. 4:18), peace (Phil. 4:7), and joy (John 10:10). Second Timothy 3:16-17, our theme verse for WOLBI this year, tells us God gave us all of His Word that we might become mature in our faith. What is the problem? There's really no excuse for us as believers in Jesus not to be living the message He taught, right?

Easier said than done but there is hope.

The problem is that we are, "Educated beyond our obedience." As James relates in his epistle, we are deceived because we are hearing the Word of God but not doing the Word of God.

Around Word of Life we use what some have called the triangle model to help us put God's Word into practice in our lives and ministry. If you are interested in growing in your faith, then this is for you!

Do you want to become a BIBLICAL PERSON?

Pick an area of life that needs a 'biblical' tune-up. For instance, how to handle money, our choices of entertainment, being a godly parent, husband, wife, leader, or child. The Bible is full of principles and wisdom on every area of life.

The example students came up with today are extreme 

but help make the points obvious and are in blue below.

Then we have to start with BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES.

Ask, "What does the Bible say about the topic in question?"

Biblical Principles are true for all people in all places at all times because they come from the Word of the Almighty, Changeless, Creator God - the Bible. God created life and knows how it is best to be lived.

"Thou shalt not kill" Ex. 20:13

From biblical principles we develop a BIBLICAL PHILOSOPHY.

Answer, "If the Bible says ____ about this issue, then I should _____."

Biblical Philosophy is not usually hard for us to understand because it tells us what we SHOULD do about God's Word. Most of us already know what we should do, it is a matter of doing it.

I should not murder (Ex. 20:13) or even hate (Matt. 5:21-22)

After the biblical philosophy is established we are motivated to do it by understanding the BIBLICAL PURPOSE behind what we should do.

Ask, "Why should I do _____?"

It is important to realize that the Principles, Philosophy, and Purpose of biblical truth do not change because they are all rooted in God's revelation to us in His Word.

I should not murder or hate because:

People are created in God's Image (Gen. 1:26-27)

God loves everyone (John 3:16)

I am commanded to love even my enemies (Matt. 5:44)

there are consequences for you and others (obviously!)

From here we develop a BIBLICAL PROGRAM to help us accomplish what God wants us to do.

Ask, "Now, What should I do _____?"

Our Biblical Program is our way of applying God's Word in a personal, practical, and specific way.

I will not murder or hate by:

doing loving things for and praying everyday for people who hurt me

meeting with someone I trust each week to keep me accountable for my thoughts and emotions

Not having access to guns -Extreme suggestion but gets the point across and truly Canadian :).

From blog

This material is condensed from a much larger and dynamic conference called Source One developed by Mike Calhoun and Ric Garland of Word of Life Local Church Ministries. In Canada, Barry Speck is the Local Church Ministries Director available for presenting this material.

The Tyranny of the Urgent vs. The Necessity of the Moment

Ever find yourself in the midst of a snaking line of people reaching beyond sight in each direction? Security tape, ever intrusive airport security guards, slow-as-snail checkpoints, the discomfort of body odour that you know is not yours, people packed elbow to elbow, and the sudden overwhelming realization -- I have to go! Now! Nature is calling and there's no chance for leaving a message.
Usually I can "hold it" and I hate stopping for anything whether driving, working, or whatever I am focused on the task at hand. "Just get through security and I'll have lots of time to go on the other side," I tried to convince myself as I began to break out in a cold sweat. I hate losing my place in line...I found myself ignoring my bodies warning sights of discomfort (which normally is not a problem) until they reached a borderline explosive pain from my bladder to my kidneys. After an embarrassing exchange with a very helpful and graciously understanding security guard, I was relieved and back in line. However, upon examining the line, I found that I had lost more spaces "holding it" than if I had gone before the line at the first bodily warning message.
I learned some important lessons (at least upon reflection - whether I learned enough to change my future behaviour is yet to be determined). First, always listen to your body before it's too late. This should be obvious but I can be pretty "thick" sometimes (my wife would be happy to verify if there's any doubt). I am not as young as I used to be and cannot do what I used to do - a painful lesson that sooner learned will save the body and mind even though it leaves a scar on the pride. The second lesson contrasts the message of the "Tyranny of the Urgent" (an article assigned our student leaders for a class I teach tomorrow) which teaches that the immediate is not always the priority and can steal time and effectiveness. I learned that sometimes I need to listen to the moment. Take time for the urgent or it will grow to the unbearable. Sometimes as I rush through life micro-managing each moment into a sense-dulling frenzy of apparent accomplishment I need to attend to the here and now. I need to lay aside my single focus for a potentially more important moment at hand. Take some time to reflect, seek balance, live prepared for every moment, and by all means go when you've got to go!