Three Heroes of 2008

As the year ends, I'd like to present three heros of 2008:

JIM GARLOW: Lead Pastor of Skyline Church in San Diego, Jim was a key leader in the Prop 8 battle. He endured a lot of abuse for his role, and deserves our thanks. His church's website is http://www.skylinechurch.org/.

FATHER ZAKARIA BOTROS: An unlikley 75 year old Coptic Egyptian priest, Father Zakaria hosts a 90 minute broadcast seen all over the Muslim world called Truth Talk in which he challenges Islam. He also answers questions about Christianity and takes on Islam in online chat (sometimes as many as 3,000 log on to ask questions and to listen it). Google his name for more (he jokingly calls that search engine "St. Google.")

WALT HARRIS: A Detroit firefighter, Walt died this year while battling an arson fire in that troubled city. Walt was also a minister of the gospel who used firefighting to pay the bills and showed the love of Jesus by his life. He was often asked to pray before meals at the station, and to pray for their safety. For more on Walt, check out this story.

New Website is Live!

The renewed www.templecitybaptist.org is now live--check it out! Special thanks go out to Joanie Rardin and Raoul Pasqual.

Really, go and have a good look! It will keep you occupied happily for a long time.

A good church website is a great "marketing" tool. Share it with your friends.

-Pastor Glenn

Why Rick Warren Should Pray at the Inaugeral

1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.

(1 Timothy 2:1-7)

Personally, I am puzzled at theological conservatives who are objecting to Rick Warren's acceptance of the invitation to pray at President-Elect Obama's inaugeral a month hence. The objection is usually based on Obama's pro-choice views on abortion. Neither Rick Warren or this writer share Obama's abortion views, but in Scripture (see above) we are enjoined to pray for our leaders. Recall that when Paul penned these words, Nero was probably ruling Rome.

We are under Biblical obligation to pray for our leaders. I am glad that Rick will be there. I will be praying for President Obama as well, and urge you to do the same. Lord knows he needs it.

Update: December 14, 2008

A few items:

1. Our worship leaders did a fantastic job this morning with the "The Last Noel." Tip o' the hat to Worship Pastor Matt Cooper et al. for a job well done.
2. I've not been blogging much because (a) I'm busy with Christmas and end of year responsibilities and (b) all my "spare time" online has been devoted to a total makeover of our church website. That (cross your fingers) should go live in our current URL location (www.templecitybaptist.org) either Wednesday or Thursday. There's only one way to describe the new site: WAY COOL. Have a look at the site as it is now and say Bye. Then check back at the end of the week. (I'll send out notification when we're live.)
3. Hey, watch out for a neat surprise next Sunday. (I'll leave it at that.)

Blessings,

Pastor Glenn

First Temple-Era Tunnel Unearthed In Jerusalem's City Of David

From Travel Video TV:

Dec 04, 08 2:51 pm

A remarkable discovery has been made this month in Israel, as archaeologists have uncovered a three millennia-old water tunnel during excavations at the City of David in Jerusalem. The water tunnel is believed to be the "tsinnor" mentioned in the Old Testament's account of King David's conquest of Jerusalem, approximately 3,000 years ago.

The tunnel, composed of stones and bedrock, was discovered under a large stone structure. The find also included complete oil lamps believed to indicate the tunnel's last use as a hidden escape passage and are characteristic of the end of the First Temple period."The discovery of the tunnel in the City of David will add some additional excitement to an already extraordinary year for archaeological discoveries in Israel," says Arie Sommer, Commissioner of Tourism, North and South America. "And with Israel celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, travelers will have even more reason to visit these historic artifacts in Jerusalem."The excavations were conducted for the fourth year by Dr. Eilat Mazar on behalf of the Shalem Center and the IR David Foundation and under the academic auspice of the Institute of Archaeology of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.For more details of the excavations, visit http://www.cityofdavid.org.il/