Bryan's Blog

Two Assignments in Perilous Times

2012-05-15T22:36:00.001-04:00

2 Timothy 3:3 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

We live in the perilous times that Paul indicated "will come." Perilous is defined as: Hard to bear, troublesome, dangerous, harsh, fierce, savage. The biblical Greek word carries the idea of “reducing strength”

We don’t need anything that reduces our strength. We need God, people, and principles that help increase strength in every area of life. Compromise and bad behavior within relationships, family, or personal character all contribute to "perilous times."

The Apostle Paul offered insight for "increasing strength." Philippians 2:15, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

As believers in Christ, we find two assignments from this text:

1) Hold forth the word of life: We have the opportunity to engage a culture full of negative, hateful words, with a "word of life" through Christ.

2) Shine as lights: Our world and society needs to see shining examples of God's love and life. Dark places need light.

Why I Do Not Support Same-Sex Marriage

2012-05-14T22:15:00.000-04:00

My opposition to gay marriage is not personal, but natural, anatomical, and biblical

by Bryan Hudson

Vice President Biden and President Obama affirmed their support of same-sex marriage. Mr. Obama shared his reasons in an interview with Robin Roberts of ABC.

With this decision and announcement the President has thrown his weight behind something that true believers will never support, as a matter of principle. President Obama's decision has created a firestorm of response from both sides of the issue. Many commended the president for coming out in support of homosexual marriage, and have already insisted that he do much more to make gay/same-sex marriage the same as marriage. He took the wrong decision, in my view.

The only thing positive about his announcement is that the president indicated he would not take or encourage federal action on gay marriage. (We'll see) He says that each state must decide on whether or not to permit gay marriage. Here is an action item: If you believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, then help your state hold to that standard. It's not a matter of presidential politics. In my view, there are more important matters facing our nation than what the president said about gay marriage. I believe unrepentant sins committed by believers and apathy in the church are greater threats to the nation than homosexuals.

Mr. Obama says his reasons for the decision are "personal." He states that he has friends, associates and members of his administration in "committed monogamous" relationships, who seem to be happy and stable. Therefore, by his reasoning, if people are together, committed and happy, they should be afforded the distinction of "married" if they want it. The President argues marriage is a matter of "fairness" and "equality." He is wrong. Marriage cannot be adapted to include same-sex unions. Constitutional equality for all citizens is not at question.

The president offered no biblical, moral or historical perspective on marriage, only a "personal" view. Not only is this not a justification to change the definition of marriage, it is an argument that is not sustainable when applied to many other contexts in nature and life. This "relational" justification for gay marriage is likely more a matter of not wanting to displease gay friends (and financial supporters!), than holding to a well established principle in society.

I have friends who deeply love and respect me. However, if (more likely "when") I do or say something wrong, I expect my friends to correct me and hold me to a standard—not change the standard to keep my friendship.

Franklin Graham said that the president "shook his fist at God" with this decision. I found Rev. Graham's statement unhelpful for two reasons: 1) It sounded like hyperbole: God cannot be threatened or harmed in any way, by anyone. 2) This statement was likely a politically motivated statement designed to put President Obama in a worse light than his political opponent, Gov. Romney. I believe adherence to Mormonism, which is an unbiblical cult, that has no relationship to historic Christianity, is also a "sin" and in the spirit of anti-Christ. If we could classify sins as "bad" and "worse" (which is difficult, if not impossible to do), then "being" a Mormon is worse than "saying" you support same-sex marriage. If fact, both the president and his presumptive GOP opponent have deficiencies in one are more areas.

[FYI – Mormons believe: God is an exalted man of flesh and blood; Faithful Mormons become gods; Book of Mormon and Bible are equal in authority; Garden of Eden was in Missouri; Jesus was conceived normally; et. al. All beliefs are easy to research]

Too many politically motivated Christians, especially many who are loyal to Republican Party, Tea Party, Anti-Obama "Prophetic/Conspiracy" groups, or politically conservative partisans (as opposed to theologically conservative believers, which I am), use issues like elections, homosexuality and abortion as political wedges to drive people towards their own political positions, and as a means to garner support and raise a lot of money. In my interactions with some of these believers, there seems to be little concern with actually helping homosexual persons find new life in Christ, or with really ending abortion by helping people avoid illicit sex, or counseling women against abortion, and actively supporting adoption efforts. Too many folks only talk about who to vote for (or not vote for), as if voting on a single issue has a transformative effect on society–which is clearly a false notion. In fact, I've not heard people talk about what they would do with homosexuals and women who get abortions if they actually succeed at making their "sins" illegal crimes. Will they promote executing gays and women who abort or put them in prison? As I said, too many people use these issues only as political fodder, bait, and wedges to drive other agendas.

Others decry the president's statement as the end of America, and an indication of impending judgment from God. All this, as if slavery, the Civil War, legal abortion since 1973, and all the sins committed every hour of every day in the USA were not worse than the president's announcement about gay marriage. America, and the whole world has been under judgment since Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden. We seem to forget such truths as: 1 John 5:19, "We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one."

One national minister reasoned that voting is the same as making a "covenant," while counseling his followers on how to vote. This too-easy confluence of biblical principles with partisan politics is very troubling and likely error. Poltitians in both parties routinely pander to preachers and churches who seem to be supportive. Each side believes that something beneficial may be gained in the alliance. I doubt that these arrangements have great value to the kingdom of God.

I love America as much as the next citizen, but let's be clear: We are not the Apple of God's eye--only Israel (And no, America is not Israel!). We are not exempt from 1 John 5:19. We are a Christian nation, and yet look at all the sin and foolishness we allow. Therefore, we do not have the luxury of transferring all our sense of guilt and outrage FOR OUR FAILURES onto President Obama or "liberals." We don't have any "saviors" in the GOP either.

Let me state what should be obvious: Homosexuality and gay marriage are sinful (and not the only sins!) because it is contrary to nature, human anatomy, and inconsistent with God's plan for humanity. Science makes it clear that men cannot procreate with men or engage in sexual intercourse. Women cannot procreate with women or engage in sexual intercourse. Sexual organs have purpose. Non-sexual organs have purpose.

The result of marriage is a man and woman who become joined together as "husband and wife." Wife-wife or husband-husband is not the result of a marriage.

My opposition to same-sex marriage is not personal, but natural, anatomical, and biblical. Neither, president Obama nor state law can change the definition of marriage. We can only affirm it.

What I also find disappointing is a self-serving posture in the homosexual community that seems only willing to consider marriage, family and what is best for children, from a selfish, gay perspective. To be sure, this is not unlike any other selfish behavior on our part that seeks to justify one's actions, and demand that others change, rather than change oneself. It is also disappointing that the usual response to honest disagreement with gay marriage is intimidation or accusations of intolerance, hatred, or of being "homophobic."

None of us should have the luxury of changing principles to fit our choices and actions. We were all made in God's image. However, God is not made in our image. God does not follow us, we must follow him. We don't get to change anything about God or His holy Word.

Since neither the President, nor political parties can, or should, provide spiritual leadership for people in our nation, it continues to be our responsibility to speak the truth in love, serve all people and hold up principles and standards, such as marriage, that are bigger than our selfish interests.

2 Cor. 13:8, "...For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth."

Your Unique and Attractive Light

2012-05-02T07:56:00.001-04:00

Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising.

This scripture describes the benefits of God’s people rising, shining, and allowing the light and glory of God to shine on us. When we arise and shine, people in darkness, people in trouble, and people who lack direction, will come to our light, and to the brightness of our rising. Note the word “brightness.”

In our world, people are attracted to "stars," or people with celebrity status. Why is this? One reason is that celebrities possess abilities or a status that people admire and wish for themselves. As with many things in our popular culture, following celebrities represents only a pale counterfeit of something genuine. In reality, it is "darkness" and "deep darkness" driving many of the "stars."

God is light. Everything and everyone close to God reflects the brightness of His light. Isaiah said that "the Lord" will "arise" over us! He said that his "glory" will be seen over us!

When we avoid complacency and compromise to fully trust Christ, we will clearly see "our" light. More importantly, others will be drawn to the "brightness" of our rising and emergence.

You don't need to try to find significance in the shadow of others, God provides a unique and attractive light for you.

Now go, "Arise and shine!"

A Reflection on “Kingdom Parenting”

2012-04-16T21:06:00.004-04:00

Joshua 24:15, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Deuteronomy 31:12, “Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and the stranger that is within your gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law.”

Ephesians 6:4, Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up by training and instructing them about the Lord.

Family is one of the cornerstones of society and of the Kingdom of God. God is clearly a family God, as demonstrated from the first family in the Garden of Eden, to the church as the Body of Christ and through our relationship with God as “Father,” and with one another as “brothers and sisters.” In Galatians 6:10, the Apostle Paul called believers a “household of faith.”

Marriage is modeled on the relationship of Christ and His church. Mutual care, responsibility, accountability and instruction, all motivated by love, are guiding principles in family and marriage. Parenting is the means by which children, and children of God, are developed and nurtured to maturity.

Along with Kingdom truth and activities related to our spiritual connection and community, comes the mandate to be "the light of the world” and “a city set on a hill." God destined us, as His church, not to be placed out of sight, but in full view of the world. We are intended by God to show the world the definitive example of family.

Through our best examples of Christian family, to our imperfections and crises in life and family, we reach for God's best and hold up a standard higher than ourselves. This is in contrast to a society where the answer to sin and failure is to lower standards and revise definitions of family and right living. We hold forth the “Word of Life” and “shine as lights” in the midst of a “crooked and perverse” generation. (Phil 2:15)

Weekend for Winners "Kingdom Parenting" (April 21-22, 2012) is an exploration of life-changing, family-enriching and parent-developmental principles. Weekend for Winners is not only a weekend for parents with children, but for believers who carry the heart of Jesus to our communities of neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and churches. Today parenting is both primary and secondary. Primary parenting is represented by ideal two-parent households and single biological parents of children. Secondary parenting involves grandparents, other adult family members, and foster parents taking responsibility to nurture and train children.

Secondary parenting, on another level, may also include mentors, pastors, coaches, teachers, community workers, and those who feel the responsibility to step in and provide parental-style oversight for times and seasons. This may include caring for “the stranger that is within your gates.”

No one can fully replace the essential and ideal role of a child’s parents, but we cannot be content to allow the absence of parenting to condemn a boy or girl to a life "at risk."

Kingdom-minded men, women and believers can serve in an intercessory role. Our presence and the power of Christ can help save a child from failure and mediocrity.

Psalms 68:6, God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

~ Rev. Bryan Hudson, Th.B, B.S., M.S.

www.NewCovenant.org

"Weekend For Winners 2012" Video Promo and Interview with Dave Burrows

2012-04-12T23:15:00.002-04:00

New Covenant Church and Pastor Bryan & Patricia Hudson invite you to join us April 21-22 for a life-changing, family-uplifting, and community-empowering weekend!

Facebook Event Page | https://www.facebook.com/events/363382023694397/
New Covenant Church http://www.newcovenant.org/NCC/WFW2012.html
Video produced by Vision Communications: www.visioncomsolutions.com

Jesus Rose...You Can Rise Too!

2012-04-07T08:06:00.001-04:00

Romans 6:3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a source of tremendous hope for "newness" in life!

One of the requirements for newness is "death" or separation from the old way. We tend to only view death as the end of life. Death is a separation, whether from physical life, or from spiritual life.

For example, Ephesians 2:1 reads, "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins." Before I received Jesus as Savior, I was "dead" even while living physically. I was separated from God because of my sin nature. I was a "dead man walking."

Through the new birth and identification with Jesus, I entered into, or was baptized into, His death. Jesus experienced the ultimate separation (death) by allowing Himself to be separated from His Father for the purpose of becoming a sin offering for us. This is why He is called the "Lamb of God."

The amazing and miraculous thing is this: Jesus was also the priest, so He offered himself up as a sacrifice! As He said in John 10:18, "No one takes [my life] from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again."

Jesus laid down His own life and had the power to take it back! He did this for you and me, so that we could be "raised" to "walk in the newness of life!"

Jesus has the power of life and newness, and He offers that same power to you!

"Weekend For Winners 2012" Video Promo #1

2012-04-05T21:58:00.002-04:00

Raising Our Faith Level Through Prayer & Fasting

2012-04-03T01:14:00.001-04:00

Matthew 17:18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

"Fasting confirms our utter dependence upon God by finding in Him a source of sustenance beyond food." (Dallas Willard)

Jesus' disciples could not help a child that was brought to them. They BELIEVED that they could help the child, but were unable to do so. They asked Jesus, “Why could we not cast it out?” Jesus said, "Because of your unbelief."

Wait a minute! If the disciples did not believe, why did they try to cast out the demon?

Unbelief is not only a lack of belief or faith, it is also a lack of preparation.

Prayer & fasting helps "this kind" to "go out." I don't think the text necessarily means "this kind" of demon (even though some Bible versions indicate this). I think Jesus is talking about "this kind" power and presence of God going forth from (or out of) those who prepare themselves to minister to people. The real subject of this text is not demons, but faith in God.

Regardless of your interpretation, it is clear that prayer and fasting help us go to a higher level of functioning by faith. Part of that higher level comes from not placing our usual emphasis on food and things natural/earthly. Faith is more than believing. Faith is acting on the Word of God.

Prayer is our most important spiritual activity, and fasting enhances that activity.

April 1 is the Day the Lord has Made!

2012-04-01T11:22:00.001-04:00

Psalm 118:24, This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!

April 1 is typically regarded as "April Fool's Day." I don't know, and you probably don't know, how it started, but it's one of those "days" we could do without.

This year, April 1 happens to be traditional recognition of "Palm Sunday," or the Sunday before Christ's resurrection. It is fitting that someone as significant as our Lord Jesus Christ would overshadow the otherwise foolish designation of April 1st.

From henceforth, we should always regard April 1 as "the day for Lord has made!"

Walk Through Your Open Door

2012-03-23T06:23:00.003-04:00

Rev. 3:8 "...See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut..."

At the beginning of 2012, at New Covenant Church we took the theme "A Year of Opportunities and Poured Out Blessings."

Jesus is responsible for our opportunities and blessings because He gave His life to make it happen. God removed the barriers to our success.

And now He tells us, "I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut." An open-door is an invitation to enter new opportunity, "old" obedience, and a higher level of living. Within the entrance are new challenges, fresh resources, and a chance to renew commitments.

Through that open door we also find answers to prayer and the fruit of promises made.

Regardless of the present difficulty you may face, which may be severe, lift up your head and be encouraged! Know that God has great things in store for you!

Go through that open door!

Getting into the Zone of Blessing

2012-03-16T07:47:00.000-04:00

Today, my daily Bible reading reminded me of the power of simple obedience. Following God's instructions is the best prescription for any and every situation.

Obedience to God establishes a "zone" of protection, provision, and productivity around us.

Deuteronomy 28:1 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: 3 “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. 4 “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. 5 “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. 6 “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. 7 “The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. 8 “The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

The High Price of Holding a Grudge

2012-03-09T06:31:00.001-05:00

Mark 11:22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”

Having faith in God is a great power as well as a great privilege. Faith in God allows us to participate in the great deeds that God wants to work in us and among us.

However, all of this power, privilege, and great deeds will be hindered by a spirit of unforgiveness and offense. If you want your faith to work, be sure to clear your heart of grudges. God holds us accountable to be sincere and honest in His presence. God hears our "murmuring" and sees our insincerity.

I remember the words of a friend after listening to my complaints about people and circumstances. He said, "Get your heart right with God!"

Need Wisdom? Number Your Days.

2012-03-07T07:12:00.007-05:00

Psalms 90:12 (NKJV) So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalms 90:12 (NLT) Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.

God is an eternal God— “From everlasting to everlasting." (Psa. 90:2) He has no limitations in knowledge, in power, or in presence. He does not live in “time.” However, we have a limited amount of time on this earth to prepare ourselves for victorious, purposeful living in this present age, and to get in position to enter the age to come when Jesus returns

Numbering our days or “making the most of our time” brings greater focus. Using time well also brings wisdom. Time is holy because God ordained it. The gift of time is God’s canvas.

Think about the difference between these two statements:
1. "One of these days I’m going to reach out to youth in my neighborhood."
2. "Seven days from now I’m going to reach out to youth in my neighborhood."

Which statement would call you to prayer, action, or place a demand on wisdom and focus?

Here's one definition of wisdom: "...Wisdom, among other things, is the ability to devise perfect ends and to achieve those ends by the most perfect means. It sees the end from the beginning, so there can be no need to guess or conjecture. Wisdom sees everything in focus, each in proper relation to all, and is thus able to work toward predestined goals with flawless precision."

When we “number our days”, we recognize that time is a small slice between the eternities. It is our opportunity to change, to grow, to help others know Jesus. We don’t have forever to get important things done. We should not be in the habit of putting things off until another time, for "another time" may never come.

Jesus said, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work." (John 9:4)

When Jesus turned 30 years old, he had only 3 1/2 years to do Father's work before being offered up. What if you had only 3 ½ years? What would you do differently? How would you re-prioritize your life?

Wisdom comes when we live on purpose and number our days. God's wisdom helps us make better decisions and choices.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.
Ephesians 5:15-17, See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

We need to rescue time from the idle and evil uses of this world. It seems that failing to “number our days” and foolishness living go hand-in-hand. Redeeming the time (or "Making the most of opportunity") and numbering days is a mark of wisdom and understanding the will of the Lord.

Luke 9:51, Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.

Like Jesus, "set your face." Live on purpose, everyday.

Click here to listen to message, "Wisdom for Temporary Times"

Stop the Violence Indianapolis Introduction

2012-03-03T15:17:00.001-05:00

Video we produced for our friend and man of God, Anthony Beverly, of Stop The Violence Indianapolis (http://StopTheViolenceIndianapolis.com) I encourage you to pray for and support his work!

Some Great Advice

2012-02-28T08:09:00.000-05:00

Mark 6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

This morning I thought about some of the advice I have received over the years. We all enjoy great tips and insights that are simple, but profound.

One great bit of advice I received came in a ministers' conference meeting. The speaker set up what he wanted to say by promising to share a secret with us. Then he gave us the secret:

"Get some rest and you will hear from God."

Rest does wonders for your spirit, soul, and body. Whether that rest is nightly, or weekly personal Sabbath day, or a vacation where you actually "vacate."

Even Jesus saw the need to pull his disciples aside for some rest and quiet. He still sees that need in us.

There is also the daily principle of "resting in the Lord." (Heb. 4:3) This is where we trust God to empower us moment by moment. I once heard a person define this type of rest as, "Using the power of another."

The "Strong Man"

2012-02-22T07:03:00.002-05:00

Luke 11:20 But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. 22 But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils.

The context of this statement is Jesus commenting on what leads to a defeated, divided house. The religious leaders criticized Jesus for having a demon and being inauthentic BECAUSE he cast out demons. Jesus responded that it is impossible for a "house" to function when divided against itself. He then gave the illustration recorded in verses 21-22.

Many interpret the "strong man" as only a demonic or evil presence. I think that the strong man is the dominant power in one's "house" or life. This may be a positive or negative power.

If the objective is to overcome a house, or person, one must first get past the strong man who protects it. When there is a evil or demonic power "guarding" it, we should overcome that evil power in Jesus' name. On the other hand, if you are the "strong man" guarding your home, don't allow yourself to be bound, leading to defeat and division in your house or life.

Jesus' point was that strong forces can only be overcome by stronger forces.

Overcome in Christ's name when you need to. And don't be overcome when you are called upon to take a stand.

African American Males in Authentic Context

2012-02-21T16:48:00.029-05:00

[Note: This piece was written to provide my philosophical reason for declining to participate in a research project on "at-risk" African American males. This post is provided in the spirit of "food for thought.")

As it concerns African-Americans, and African-American males in particular (of which I am one), there are a lot of assumptions and stereotypes that shape the public's perceptions of black males. These assumptions about the group usually garner more interest and attention than learning about the individuals, apart from group identity.

Black males seem to be taken more as a monolith than most other ethnic groups of people. Not even the 44th President of the United States is beyond inclusion in these perceptions––and not all the perceptions are negative. There seems to be more of a willingness to review statistical studies on negative trends regarding black males, than to focus on individuals whose experiences are usually at odds with the statistics.

As Christians, we deal with individuals in a manner consistent with the theology of personal redemption. When we draw conclusions about an ethnic group, such as African American males, we tread on the shaky ground of group identity and stereotypical viewpoints such as, "Black males are _____________"

There seems to be an ethos in American culture that is comfortable with classifying people groups, more than getting to know individuals. This ethos is also sometimes reflected in the church.

I remember being one of a relatively few number of African Americans present at a Promise Keepers event, where the emphasis was racial reconciliation. The white guys were told that they needed to apologize to the black guys as representative of historic sins and mistreatment. While they got the historical part right, the solution was wrongheaded. A bunch of white guys in my section of a football stadium, whom I did not know, descended on me because I was black to offer their apologies, to ask my forgiveness and to get a “redemptive” hug. Of course I complied, even against my sense of reason and decorum. If I had refused, that would have put them (and myself!) in an awkward situation. So I became the object of their catharsis. In that moment, I did not want to be there. I did not need to be there. I was not interested in being the “BLACK GUY” who assuaged the guilt or filled the needs of white folk. (This same principle would apply regardless of race and ethnicity). I don't want my race to be a reason for my presence or utility. This was not the first occasion of an experience such as this. Many black folks are very familiar with this scenario.

This end of the spectrum can be described as, "I-need-you-because-you-are-black.”

That said, I’ve had many other experiences where relations with whites and others were normal, authentic, and where my race was not a factor. There are minorities who are comfortable being ethnically identified and are pleased to fulfill their role in representing diversity, but this should not be assumed of all minorities. Many of us hardly think of ourselves as “minorities,” which is only a status related to population, location, or a state of mind.

The other end of this spectrum is best described as follows:

The liberal notion that more government programs can solve racial problems is simplistic—precisely because it focuses solely on the economic dimension. And the conservative idea that what is needed is a change in the moral behavior of poor black urban dwellers (especially poor black men, who, they say, should stay married, support their children, and stop committing so much crime) highlights immoral actions while ignoring public responsibility for the immoral circumstances that haunt our fellow citizens. The common denominator of these views of race is that each still sees black people as “problem people,” in the words of Dorothy I. Height, president of the National Council of Negro Women, rather than as fellow American citizens with problems. Her words echo the poignant “un-asked question” of W. E. B. Du Bois, who, in The Souls of Black Folk (1903), wrote:

They approach me in a half-hesitant sort of way, eye me curiously or compassionately, and then instead of saying directly, "How does it feel to be a problem?" They say, "I know an excellent colored man in my town.…" Do not these Southern outrages make your blood boil? At these I smile, or am interested, or reduce the boiling to a simmer, as the occasion may require. To the real question, How does it feel to be a problem? I answer seldom a word.

Nearly a century later, we confine discussions about race in America to the “problems” black people pose for whites rather than consider what this way of viewing black people reveals about us as a nation. This paralyzing framework encourages liberals to relieve their guilty consciences by supporting public funds directed at “the problems”; but at the same time, reluctant to exercise principled criticism of black people, liberals deny them the freedom to err. Similarly, conservatives blame the “problems” on black people themselves—and thereby render black social misery invisible or unworthy of public attention. Hence, for liberals, black people are to be “included” and “integrated” into “our” society and culture, while for conservatives they are to be “well behaved” and “worthy of acceptance” by “our” way of life. Both fail to see that the presence and predicaments of black people are neither additions to nor defections from American life, but rather constitutive elements of that life.

To engage in a serious discussion of race in America, we must begin not with the problems of black people but with the flaws of American society—flaws rooted in historic inequalities and longstanding cultural stereotypes. How we set up the terms for discussing racial issues shapes our perception and response to these issues. As long as black people are viewed as a “them,” the burden falls on blacks to do all the “cultural” and “moral” work necessary for healthy race relations. The implication is that only certain Americans can define what it means to be American—and the rest must simply “fit in."

(From Race Matters by Dr. Cornell West, Page 2)

This end of the spectrum can be described as "What's-wrong-with-black-people?”

African Americans as “problem people" is a long standing perception. It is a stereotype reinforced in the echo chambers of the news media, public service organizations, politics, and among some Christian organizations.

It is true that a great number of black males struggle in one way or another, but their spiritual struggles owe nothing to their blackness or maleness. These males who struggle drive downward the averages of statistical studies representing all black men. There are men who struggle in less statistically significant, but more impactful, ways. For example, the systemic greed of some white men on Wall Street resulted in the 2008 collapse of our national, and world, economy. However, we do not assign this behavior to white males using the same standard of concern applied to black males. We rightly reflect on the great work of white men in America and in the church.

The error in this approach of reasoning is that we ignore the individual work and accomplishments of motivated, hard-working, successful, and high achieving African American males, who have emerged from the same circumstances, schools, and neighborhoods as their struggling counterparts. Statistics and metrics cannot define individual success. This data can only marginalize and diminish members of a group whose statistics may lag behind others.

I see the motivation and the “success-against-all-odds” demonstrated by black males all the time! Why do we not focus on these successful black males? Why are they not celebrated? It seems to me that one would learn more talking to African Americans who have succeeded. We are more focused mainly on negative factors related to race and ethnicity, and especially of black males. Much of the focus on the struggles of black males, rather than the successes, provides a basis for funding studies and programs. (Read the thought provoking article, "Who Gets the Money?"). We already know the negative forces and factors that adversely affect "at risk" people––and they are not all black folks or poor folks in urban settings.

The best solution is to serve everyone, all the time! We should work hardest where we live and are vested. We must love and serve our “neighbors” as Jesus instructed us. We are our “brothers’ keeper.”

When race and ethnicity issues need to be addressed, let the elders and leaders in a given culture lead the way. Everyone else should follow and support. This is the reality in almost every other culture from Native American, to Jewish American, to Latino American. Should a study of African Americans or black males be conducted without the blessing and guidance of people within the community, especially the elders? A published study that reports on the nature and character of a people needs the moral authority afforded by engagement with stakeholders, participants, and their cultural fathers/mothers.

If one wanted to understand the effects of space travel on the human body, the people who can best provide an accurate perspective are those who have traveled into space, and those responsible for space travel. No amount of research by an urban dweller, such as myself, could rival the insights and conclusions of space travelers reporting on space travelers.

It seems that divine justice requires an approach to interpersonal and intercultural understanding that places a premium on learning about individuals, not groups, and that insists on authentic contexts.

Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.

~ Rev. Bryan Hudson. Th.B., B.S., M.S.

Living on Purpose

2012-02-21T07:20:00.001-05:00

Ephesians 5:17(Message), "Don't live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants."

People are motivated by a lot of conditions, forces, and philosophies. We are all driven by something.

Like a hot air balloon, too many people can only find direction by riding the current "hottest" thing or going where ever the winds of society take them. Even the great Boeing 747 airplane cannot take off or turn quickly.

Living on purpose looks less like a hot air balloon or a huge jet liner, and more like a F22 Raptor fighter jet. F22 pilots live on purpose, flying in a machine that can go anywhere at supersonic speed, perform any maneuver or challenge any opponent.

Living on purpose gives meaning to your life.
Living on purpose simplifies your life.
Living on purpose focuses your life

Don't be carried away by the conditions, forces, and philosophies of this world. Daily decide to follow Christ and follow your own heart. LIVE ON PURPOSE!

John 15:16 (NKJV), You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

1 Peter 4:10-11, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God... If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ...”

The Best Freedom

2012-02-14T05:56:00.003-05:00

Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

There are two very powerful forces at work in this world and in your life. The first force or "bad law" is what the Apostle Paul called the "law of sin and death."

Like gravity, the law of sin and death, introduced into the earth by Adam, affects everyone. This is a law, or principle, that no one can escape or overcome in one's own strength. Even "nice" people have sinned and experienced a spiritual death.

The second powerful force or "good law" at work in the earth is what the Apostle Paul called "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ." This force, power, or principle is something that God had to introduce into the earth through Jesus Christ to counteract the law of sin and death.

As the wording suggests, this law is all about life. It's all about Jesus Christ. It's all about freedom. It is a kind of freedom for a person's spirit, soul and body are that can come no other way.

Read Roman's Chapter eight to learn more.

Who Receives Your Finest?

2012-02-07T09:57:00.001-05:00

Leviticus 2:1 When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, their offering is to be of the finest flour.
v. 4 If you bring a grain offering baked in an oven, it is to consist of the finest flour:
v. 5 If your grain offering is prepared on a griddle, it is to be made of the finest flour mixed with oil, and without yeast.

Leviticus 3:1 If your offering is a fellowship offering…you are to present before the LORD an animal without defect.

Exodus 25:2, Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.

2 Corinthians 9:7, So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

People are often misinformed about offerings and sacrifices. An offering is not a "leftover" or whatever you may have on hand at the time of giving. A sacrifice is not forcing yourself to give something that you would not otherwise give.

An offering to the Lord is a pre-planned participation in His plan and purpose. The idea is to bring God your "finest" or best. A sacrifice is a substantial offering of something personally important made willingly and joyfully.

People who love the Lord in "deed and truth" always strive to honor Him with the best of their time, treasure and talents. How can we do anything less for our Father, Creator, Savior, and Giver of life?

Participation with God's purposes brings tremendous blessing and inward satisfaction!

The Problem with "Nice" People

2012-02-02T07:54:00.001-05:00

Matthew 21:28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ 29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. 30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” “The first,” they answered.

The moral to this story is a lesson for us to remember: Always end up at the right place.

The world, and the church, is full of people who make promises and commitments, but who end up doing nothing. Like the second son in this story, "nice" people often want to outwardly impress, yet their words and commitments are empty. Like the first son, it is better for people to be honest, and then willing to change when God brings conviction.

We have enough "nice" people who do nothing. I'd rather deal with an honest "hard-headed" person who does not deceive himself, changes his heart, and ends up at the right place.

Your "Set Time" of Opportunity Has Come!

2012-01-31T07:15:00.001-05:00

Psalm 102:13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion; For the time to favor her, Yes, the set time, has come.

The Vines Expository Dictionary defines "mercy" in this way: "Mercy is the outward manifestation of compassion; it assumes need on the part of him who receives it, and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it."

God's mercy is not only for people who make mistakes. Mercy is for people who want to help and serve others. The biblical Hebrew and Greek words for "time" carry the idea of "opportunity" or a "set time." (As in Ephesians 5:16)

According to Vines, mercy works in two directions. 1) God comes to the aid of people in need. 2) God provides resources for people who show mercy and want to help others.

Through mercy what begins as trouble or difficulty becomes the "set time" for God and merciful people to bring help and new opportunities!

This is what Joseph experienced after being sold into slavery, or jailed after being falsely accused. (Gen. 39:20-23) Through God's mercy, his "set time" transformed his trouble and made him the Prime Minister of Egypt and put him in position to provide mercy, and provision, for his whole family when famine came.

This is what Jesus did for us when we were lost and in sin: Ephesians 2:4-5 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

In the midst of your trouble, choices, or willingness to help others, God's mercy will provide a "set time" of favor and opportunity. Expect it!

Pastor Bryan Hudson
New Covenant Church
www.NewCovenant.org

Audio & Video for Message: "Mercy: Your Partner in Opportunity"

2012-01-30T10:15:00.002-05:00

Built to Win!

2012-01-25T07:13:00.001-05:00

Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

There are two types of rocks: 1. There are small man-made rocks, like Peter (whose name meant "small rock"). 2. And there are big God-made rocks like Jesus and the firm foundation He laid.

We all need people in our lives who love us and are reliable. However, we cannot build on people alone. Jesus loved Peter, warts and all, but he was too small of a rock to build upon. Jesus spoke of another rock on which He would build. He called it "This rock."

"This rock"is the "big rock" of knowledge and relationship with God through Christ. when you build your life, your ministry, and your career on Christ and Kingdom principles, your success will never be overcome by the forces of evil or darkness.

You are built to win!

Be Still. Stop all the Noise. Give God Praise Now!

2012-01-24T07:16:00.001-05:00

Psalm 46:9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. 10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

David understood God in many profound ways. He wrote Psalms, or songs, that expressed God's nature, works, and power.

When God stops war, especially wars in your life, as He did for David, God breaks the ability of your enemy. Notice the wording, "He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two." We know from Jesus' and Paul's teachings that our enemies are not people, but unseen forces from the natural to the demonic. God gives us victory and assurance of peace!

Then He says, "Be still, and know that I am God." One interpretation of this phrase states, "I am your leader. Stop all this noise."

After God has shown Himself faithful in your life; after He has broken the forces that tried to break you; it's time to "stop the noise" of complaining, making excuses and allowing other voices to influence you more than God!

Be still. Stop all the noise. Give God praise now!