Looking in and Past the Borders

Moore to the Point – What about Social Security?

stuartborders — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:24:30 +0000

Dr. Moore has begun addressing a Christian ethics question a month on his blog. Readers are asked to submit questions and then he selects one. He then posts the question and asks his readers to respond first. Then he responds with his opinion. This month is a great one for those of us holding ministerial positions who have been licensed and/or ordained. The IRS has provided a way for a person to “opt out” of Social Security as a “conscientious objector”. This means that if I feel like contributing to SS violates my religious beliefs than I can choose not to pay in. Of course, I then also forfeit my rights to any payment from SS later.

Dr. Moore provides a great response to this question. I would encourage all who have the option to read it. It has a lot of biblical truth in it, as well as just some practical wisdom. If you are not someone who qualifies this, I would still encourage you to read it. It will give you a great framework on how to consider ethical issues as a believer in Christ Jesus.

Click here to Read Dr. Moore’s Post.

Adopting for Life

stuartborders — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:41:09 +0000

As this blog is new, you might not know about my great love for orphans and my advocacy for our care of them. If it were up to me, Jenny and I would probably have 10 kids. Luckily she keeps my massive optimism grounded. Seriously though, the Lord has torn my heart apart in the past year as He has shown me about my own adoption into His family. It has radically transformed how I understand Him and myself. It also makes me cry about every time I see an adoption story video or think to long about it. I hope to write a series on here on the Gospel and Adoption. I haven’t quite put all of my thoughts together on it yet, so for now I will just share random adoption news here. I hope you enjoy and benefit greatly. It’s my prayer that God will open your eyes and heart to the adoption we have all already experienced.

In a little over a week, Jenny and I will attend the “Adopting for Life” conference at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. It’s just up the road so there is no way we could pass it up. I would implore you to consider it as well. It is sure to be a high quality conference with extrodinary speakers. Worship is led by Andrew Peterson, which is sure to be awesome. All of the major adoption agencies and resources will be there as well. It is sure to be a time to get any information on adoption, no matter where you are on your journey. If you have any questions about it, please let me know. Check out this videos about it.

Social Media and the Church

stuartborders — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:44:57 +0000

I found a post on a blog that I read regularly that had these videos attached to it. It really got me thinking as to what role does the social media play in the church and what are the best ways to leverage it. It is obvious to me that our church, while not in a huge metropolis, is still plugged into several of the social media sites. I remember a year or two ago talking with our college pastor and he commented to me that his email was much easier to manage because he primarily used Facebook to communicate to this students. Even if he sent an email to them, instead of responding to the email they would respond via Facebook message. We have set up numerous websites for different events or happenings and several Facebook groups and fan pages.

I just wonder based on the information in these videos, what’s next?

For the Fans of Lost

stuartborders — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 16:08:11 +0000

This video is a side-by-side comparison of the plane ride in the first episode versus the ride in this season’s premiere. (HT: Denny Burk)

The Big Red Tractor

stuartborders — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:17:33 +0000

This video can be a tremendous challenge and inspiration to any believer who loves the church. Sometimes simple illustrations or stories can carry powerful meanings. I think it’s easy for me to both keep pushing the tractor and many times complain and critique it.

Check this video out and see where you think you are in the village.