Most Americans likely have heard some of Senator Ted Cruz’s speech at Liberty University. In the speech he announced that he was a candidate for the presidency of the United States.
I stumbled on an answer today. I found Benjamin L. Cory who described himself as a former fundie. He speculated as to what Jesus would say if he were asked to speak to Liberty University. This was my introduction to Cory and his thinking. I offer the link to you as a gift.
Benjamin Cory’s bio states that he is a writer, speaker, an avid “tattoo collector” and occasional pot-stirrer. It says that he grew up in conservative evangelicalism, danced with fundamentalism, and found his home in Anabaptism. Read more.
We are moving toward Palm Sunday, the day we recall the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. Crowds shouted hosannas. Today I feel a hosanna in my heart for the growing numbers who espouse the way of the beatitudes and confront the powers in ways that a traditional Anabaptist might not.
This past Sunday morning we had a guest speaker. Co-pastor, Madaline Maldondo spoke powerfully Her message was spoken from her heart, giving fact, praise and confession. I invite you to listen to the service and her sermon by clicking here. (The sermon begins approximately 42 minutes into the service.)
Mahatma Ghandi was a non-Christian, but he grasped the power of the beatitudes and non-violence, and is a model for cross-bearing and death to free his people from domination by the British. You should be able to link to his life and words by clicking here.
During this lent season, my call is for all Christians to be devoted to the ways of Jesus, not for a mere forty days of minor self denial, but for life long care for others.
This site constantly keeps me informed, thinking and growing. I am introduced to people like Benjamin Cory and Madeline Maldonado. It must be rewarding for you to see the ministry work happening in the Southeast Conference. There was a feature article in Naples Daily News about Cape Christian in Cape Coral, and it is good to hear about the Maldonados’ work in the Ft Myers area. Her story was amazing. I also get Proclamation via e-mail! And there I even found my Pastor Roy Terry in a picture with CIW, and he has been active in Eclesia for a long time. I think God uses us all at different times and different places, often unknown to us… Blessings as you continue your ministry work.