Wake Up Call: Teen Statistics - YouTube

This is a powerful video about the pain and suffering that many teens face today.  A few things, I am always curious where they got their statistics.  Oftentimes you can find statistics to say anything you want.  That is not to discredit this video.  I just am curious.  I wish when you are having statistics thrown at you they would also say the source.  Besides that, I find the last line of this video very, very interesting.  The video is not necessarily a wake up call for teens but for someone else in their lives.  I won't give it away.  Just watch.  Why do you think the video ends like that?

What Rick Perry Actually Said in His Strong Ad

Bad Lip Reading: Rick Perry's "Strong" ad - watch more funny videos

How Evangelicals Are Learning to Be Pro-Palestine, Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace, Pro-Justice and Always Pro-Jesus | Munther Isaac

Here is a great article (Click HERE) on how evangelicals are starting to realize that they can be pro-Israel and pro-Palestine at the same time. There is even a conference featuring John Ortburg and Lynn Hybels among others who are discovering that there are a lot of Christians in Palestine who need our help and voice to stand for peace and justice in that region. Good stuff to think about. Christ at the Checkpoint Conference

Jesus Creed » Newt Gingrich and the Palestinians

Scot McKnight does an excellent critique on Newt Gingrich's poor word choice of calling the Palestinians an "invented people" HERE. Truth is, if there ever were an "invented people" it would be Americans. Many of our ancestors forcefully took this land from the natives and claim it as their own. The choice of words that Newt used are very troubling especially if he becomes the next President. A position as dogmatic as his could lead to disastrous consequences. We should continue to be a strong ally to Israel but we should also strive for peace in that entire region which would include moving toward statehood for Palestine and building bridges to those areas that have overthrown their dictators. We really do have a huge opportunity for good in that area if we move cautiously, compassionately and generously. We stand on the crossroads of what could be the most amazing time in history when we build bridges with countries that have historically been our enemies lead by dictators, or we say and do things that could quite honestly lead to another historic, deadly war that will only polarize the West from the Middle East.

2011′s Worst New Christmas Song

I do have to admit that every time we get close to the Christmas season I cringe when anyone remotely suggests that there is a "war" on Christmas.  Of course these same people have no problem going on the offensive against Halloween.  I spent two years of my college life down in the Bible Belt at Liberty University and in that time I was just shocked at how worked up people got over Halloween. But that is another story. When well-meaning Christians want to take this defensive position that the consumer culture is declaring war on their sacred holiday, then make cheesy videos like this, the only thing it accomplishes is that it makes all of us who claim to be Christ-followers look ridiculous.

The month of December is meaningful to Christians because of their belief in Jesus.  But it is also meaningful to Jews as they celebrate Hanukkah.  And, all of us, regardless of religious background, celebrate the New Year.  So I get that saying "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings" makes sense in a setting that serves a diverse amount of people from various cultural and religious backgrounds.

Besides, Jesus gave us the Great Commission.  The task to spread God's love to others.  When we take this defensive position against the secular culture demanding that they say "Merry Christmas" we just look like a bunch of condescending, judgmental people.  Who cares about the actual person behind the counter, making a lot less money than most shoppers, working crazy hours throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas.  Besides, when you watch this video the hypocrisy of what the song says Christmas is all about contrasted with the images of consumerism, materialism and greed is really quite shocking.  You can also click HERE for a good critique of this video.  Every day of a Christian's life ought to be filled with the significance of Jesus's birth, death and resurrection.  If we live that out correctly, we will attract more people to the true message of Christ.  If we judge complete strangers because they didn't say "Merry Christmas" then we just act like the Pharisees.  So to my Christian family I say with deep meaning and passion, "Merry Christmas".  To all my other friends, "Happy Holidays".  Let us approach all people with humility, love and grace.

Vic Mignogna : Vader Did You Know?

An absolute classic! This is for all of you who are tired of listening to "Mary Did You Know?" whenever it is Christmas time but you don't mind seeing Star Wars for the millionth time. This is great!

The Disappearance of the Compassionate Conservatives | Jim Wallis

Jim Wallis writes a sobering critique of our latest candidates vying for the Presidency at this link: The Disappearance Compassionate Conservatives. It is a tough read.  My hope is that Christians of all political leanings will realize that just because someone claims to be a person of faith does not mean that they will act like one in their political and personal lives.  It is much more important to study their track record instead of accepting their words.  So many will say anything to get the votes they need.  Christians have been fooled so many times in the past by the slick words of politicians.  The kingdom of God will not advance through man-made government.  It will only grow when we trust the Holy Spirit do lead us.  May God save America.