"A
Word"
From Your Shepherd
Dr.
Leland (Gus) O. Flaherty
Past
"Words"
E-mail
Pastor Gus
|
August
2008
The
Apostle Paul, in writing to the Ephesians, tells them that one major
goal in their lives as Followers of Jesus is to reach unity in the faith
with other believers, and to become mature, attaining to the whole measure
of the fullness of Christ. When that happens (when you have become mature)
you won't be like an infant tossed back and forth like a cork in the
waves of the sea and you won't be blown here and there by every new
idea, doctrine, or philosophy that comes down the pike.
I have often wondered what Jesus might
say if He had the opportunity to talk to some of the influential people
in the United States who are espousing philosophies that are different
from His message of the Kingdom of God. I thought it might be an interesting
sermon series to develop. So, throughout the month of August, I'm going
to embark on a sermon series, "What Would Jesus Say To …?"
The 4 individuals I have selected to have a sit-down, face to face conversation
with Jesus are:
Richard Dawkins - the atheist evolutionist
who truly believes the "odds" of God existing are too huge
for it to be true. He is an avowed Darwinian Natural Selection advocate.
What do you think Jesus would say to him if they were to have a conversation?
The second dialogue I plan to eavesdrop
on is a conversation between Jesus and Oprah. Lately Oprah has really
been pushing the book by Eckhart Tolle, called, A New Earth. Statements
used to describe this seductive book include - "It is a spiritual
classic. A number one New York Times bestseller. An international phenomenon."
We would be wise to compare its teachings with the teachings of scripture
and find out what Jesus would say to Oprah who wholeheartedly endorses
the book.
The third conversation I'd like to hear
is one between Jesus and the leader of the Islamic Center of America
(the huge Masque on Ford Road in Dearborn), Imam Sayad Hassan Qazwini.
Muslims have a great respect for Jesus. But they only reverence Him
as a prophet, not the incarnate Son of God. What do you think Jesus
would want to say to Mr. Qazwini?
The final conversation we will "overhear"
is between Jesus and Donald Trump. Scripture says you can't serve two
masters - God and money. You invariably will end up being devoted to
one or the other. I fear Mr. Trump has chosen the wrong master. It would
be interesting to hear what Jesus would have to say to "The Donald".
I trust you have been having a blessed
summer. I look forward to being with you all beginning in August (after
Glenda and I return from our trip to Prince Edward Island).
Blessings to you -
Pastor Gus Flaherty
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