Mailbag: How to deal with X-Wife or X-Husband & Children Betwixt

When I give advice in areas like these I always like to start with my disclaimer...

I'm a pastor- not a psychologist so my answer will be derived from my experiences as a follower of Christ and from my understanding of the Scripture. I'm also only 30 so if you want sage advice you'll probably be disappointed. I'm just figuring out life along with most of the rest of the people on this planet. Also, this advice is not valid in the state of Oregon. Why? I dunno... I got carried away writing my disclaimer. "Ahem..." The topic at hand:

I grew up in a home where my mom and dad were great examples of a great husband and wife. However, in spite of my parent's picture-perfect marriage, I've noticed a few things about X's while simply  existing on this planet for the last 30 years:

Mailbag: Why is stuff repeated in Matthew and Mark?

Not only are Matthew and Mark similar, but they're telling the same story. In fact, all of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) are essentially the same story told from multiple perspectives. The goal of the Bible isn't to provide a textbook for humanity so that we can behave. The point of the Bible is, instead, to tell the story of how God lovingly and graciously interacts with humanity.

Cinco de Mayo and Hard Rock Music

Ecclesiastes 4.1
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens" 

'Tis the season for churros, tacos and habaneros! This is the time of year when every Gringo this side of the border is celebrating everything Mexicana! I need an antacid tablet just thinking about it. Not because of the food but instead because of a sour memory associated with this holiday.

Mailbag: I would like to know if you think there is credible evidence that we are living in the last days before the return of Christ.

First, I don't hold a very popular view of the end times (eschatology) as compared to mainstream Christianity. Very little of the Bible is about communicating to us in code the timing of certain end time events. It seems from the airtime that churches and movie theater's give it, that people like to talk about the end times. As onlookers gawk at a terrible car accident many are fascinated with the destruction of the world as we know it.

God's plan is focused on reconciliation not destruction- on repairing things, not breaking them.

How We Decided to Adopt - Part 2 - Adoption Resources Links

(Go to: How We Decided to Adopt - Part 1)

I arrived home from Catalyst Conference at about 2AM. Christa woke up to greet me and we started talking about the conference. After a a long pause - the kind that might mean she's asleep, or just thinking - I said, "I think God wants us to adopt a child!". She said, "Yeah, I was thinking the same thing! Wait... you're talking about those organizations that ask you donate $40/month to help feed a hungry child in some foreign country right?"

Coastal is going to try out Mobile YouVersion Events during the teaching tomorrow!

Don't miss the McDonald's Relay for Life Fund Raiser

Today, 9AMto4PM @ McDonalds in Roseland
Join us for live music, a visit from Ronald McDonald, free fingerprinting and ID Photo courtesy of Sebastian Police Department. 15% of Sales will be donated to RTF teams. We need volunteers to man the booths, clean tables etc. Please contact Lesley McCarty at 772-480-3002 or email lterry777@yahoo.com