taken from womenoffaith.com All Rights Reserved.
Below is the link to the sermon I preached entitled Jeremiah’s Call Is Our Call Too based on Jeremiah 1:4-10.
[audio http://k003.kiwi6.com/hotlink/e9ic8x6nfa/20130721-110916.mp3|titles=Jeremiah’s Call Is Our Call Too|loop=no|animation=no]
(Recorded by Voice Record Pro by Bej Bej Apps for iOS)
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
Humbled. Exalted. (Photo credit: Fr. Stephen, MSC)
Below is the link to the sermon I preached entitled Humility Under Pressure” based on Luke 18:9-14.
http://k002.kiwi6.com/hotlink/2b7wcc7952/20130714-110857.mp3%20
(Recorded by Voice Record Pro by Bej Bej Apps for iOS)
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
It’s been a while since I have written on of these particular posts, not for the lack of material, rather I like to at least try to give Christianity a fresh perspective. However, this particular story needed to be shared.
The Christian Post recently reported that mega church minister, Bishop, I.V. Hilliard, of the New Light Christian Center in Houston Texas, made an interesting proposition to his congregation. According to the article, the church’s “Aviation Department” (yes, you read that correctly… aviation department) declared that the pastor’s helicopter (yes, you read that correctly… pastor’s helicopter) needed new blades. Click here to read the appeal letter.
This event is the same song but different verse of the prosperity gospel; this gospel promotes a tit for tat relationship with God. Since God wants you to be blessed and rich and prosperous, then giving to God will active that Divine power within your life. This issue here is not only is Bishop Hilliard requesting money from the congregation for new helicopter blades, Bishop Hilliard says that you will have divine favor in 52 days or 52 weeks if you donate $52. My initial reaction was “why not $40, that at least is a Biblical number?” Also, that’s quite a lengthy time frame you are giving me aren’t you?– either a little over seven weeks or an entire calendar year… The problem with this mentality is that you will then start to look for it even if it is nowhere to be found.
It’s like having a pain in your leg and thinking that you have a serious medical condition because one article on WebMD or some forum post confirmed your suspicion. When we do that we often disregard the mountain of other articles that state that your leg pain is merely a muscle pull. We want it to be one way so badly we are willing to disregard everything else. After those seven weeks are up and there still is no brand new Cadillac with a sun roof, XM Radio and a V-8, then we are going to use the remaining time of our year to make the puzzle piece fit. This is not what God called the church to do; God does not call the church to try to solve the puzzle of whether or not something is a blessing because the church bought new helicopter blades.
What about that single parent who is faithful to their God and needs a car for work or school as the Bishop is touting but can’t fork over $52? Are they just up a creek? Do they not reap the rewards of God’s blessing under this theological framework?
This type of theological frame work is predicated on the notion that God only does for you when you do for God. Last time I checked, that is nowhere to be found in the Bible. Giving to God does not mean that one will receive back from God. Giving in all of its many forms is about one’s response to God. God has gifted humanity with many different things and how are understanding of God and our relationship God dictates our type of giving. The thought is that people should give 10 percent of income or goods, but study after study show that this is not the case for much of the Christian populace.
Is this the reason so many people have joined the Christian faith over the centuries? Is a relationship with God and with Christ merely about a new car and a financial stability? If this is the case then I believe we have missed the point of the gospel. The gospel compels followers of Christ to be selfless and to give up our possessions that can rust and break down. The gospel is centered on the notion of the other, the lonely, the downtrodden, the outcast; they are the ones we are called to serve. Our faith should not be dictated on giving just because we want something. Our giving should be a expression of our faith in thanksgiving for what God has done for us. God does not care how big or how small it might be.
Bishop Hilliard did release a statement in response to the uproar; he mentions a few scriptures here and there but the one that he discarded was the one where Christ said one cannot serve God and money.
I’m not a minister of a mega church but I would hope that if I were I would not have a helicopter but rather use the money to feed the homeless or dig wells in Africa or something else more useful. This type of theology is appealing to some but some see the plight of the world, the hungry, the struggling, the hurting and believe a helicopter for a minister is a waste of money. If the minister has nicer suits and transportation that most of his/her congregation then is there disconnect between the printed words of Christ and the real world.
If Christianity is about giving to get… then it is doomed to fail.
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
taken from http://www.jamyesack.com (All Rights Reserved)
Below is the link to the sermon I preached entitled “Stuck In The Middle” based on John 18:33-7 and Revelation 1:4b-7.
[audio http://k002.kiwi6.com/hotlink/13a5updhv0/stuck_in_the_middle.mp3|titles=Stuck In The Middle]
(Recorded by Voice Record Pro by Bej Bej Apps for iOS)
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
Corcovado jesus (Photo credit: @Doug88888)
Below is the link to the sermon I preached entitled “Here Is My Servant” based on Isaiah 42:1-9.
Sermon Link
(Recorded by Voice Record Pro by Bej Bej Apps for iOS)
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
Boy Scouts of America Celebrates 100 Years (Photo credit: Daniel M. Reck)
Once again the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) are back in the news– nothing new really just the same debate on whether to include openly homosexual members and/or leaders into the organization. Recently the BSA voted to include homosexual children as scouts. The this change however did not apply to openly gay leaders. The BSA vote stated that those adults would not be allowed to serve, lead, camp and mold young minds.
As one can imagine this has been a hot bed for debate and even after this particular vote, it will not end there. Some groups are threatening to remove support of the BSA if the decision is not reversed before the January 1, 2014 effective date.
The organizer of the biggest groups against the change, OnMyHonor.Net, decided to post a response to the vote. Part of the statement reads:
The Boy Scouts of America has a logo that bears the phrase ‘Timeless Values.’ Today, the BSA can no longer use this phrase in good faith. It has demonstrated by its actions that the organization’s values are not timeless, and instead they are governed by changing tides of polls, politics and public opinion.
The saddest part of today’s decision is what the organization is teaching our children and young people in the program.
The BSA is teaching our kids that when your values become unpopular, just change them.
The BSA is teaching our kids that when your convictions are challenged, just cave to peer pressure.
The BSA is teaching our kids that public opinion polls are more important than principles.
Today, the BSA is teaching our kids that you should not stand up for what is right instead you should stand up for what is popular.
So OnMyHonor.Net, the Scouts are the sole arbiter of morality? Did the Scouts have these same conversations regarding segregation? For much of the South, de-segregating was “unpopular” and many people’s “convictions were challenged.” Were the Scouts wrong to allow multiple races to learn the important skills of Scouting together? Didn’t public opinion polls say it was wrong while many people stood by their “principles?” When did inclusion become something contrary to a “timeless value?” The BSA is not teaching children that their convictions are incorrect, they are teaching them that to be an honorable person means that you will have to handle situations with differing groups of people. The world outside of the BSA’s doors is not one of merit badges, campfires and helping people across the street. The world is complex and difficult at times and yes there are people who look, think, act and belive differently than you do.
How is this a bad thing?
The Scouts’ change I believe was for the better; yes it was outside influences that were motivating these changes, but sometimes we need a kick in the pants from someone else to make us get up and do something.
For the BSA’s first attempt is decent but nowhere near where it needs to be. The current rule change will effectively still support the current standard of opposition to homosexuals in the BSA. The BSA will tell youths who are struggling with identity or those wrestling with the feelings of homosexuality that you belong in the BSA; you belong– to learn skills for life and build character…. Until you are too old to be a scout then we want nothing to do with you. Once you age out of Scouts as an open homosexual male you will have no place among the leadership of BSA no matter your interest, skill set or passion. Why would anyone want to be apart of a group that will not recognize them when they are adults? Does the leadership of the BSA believe that Jamborees and camp outs will miraculously make them straight? I doubt it.
So BSA do the right thing and include both leaders and potential scouts. Do not let the fear of public opinion or losing members (who might start an alternative Scouting program or withdraw support like the Southern Baptist Convention) stand in the way for doing what is correct, moral and right. In doing so you will be able to share your message if duty, honor, respect, and character segment of the population that has been largely marginalized.
More good will come from this than harm. I promise… Scouts honor.
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
Scout Oath (or Promise)
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly,
courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty,
brave, clean, and reverent.
Below is the link to the sermon I preached entitled “You Will See Great Things” based on John 1:43-51.
Sermon Link
(Recorded by Voice Record Pro by Bej Bej Apps for iOS)
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
Now that I am a Chaplain in Beaumont, I thought I wouldn’t be preaching as much, but I was wrong. I have been asked by a Disciples of Christ congregation in Beaumont (Northwood Christian) to fill their pulpit for the month of June. I was honored that they asked and happy to do it.
Below is the link to the sermon I preached entitled “Doctor, Doctor.”
Sermon Link
(Recorded by Voice Record Pro by Bej Bej Apps for iOS)
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
As a minister, a question I am often asked is “Why isn’t the Bible easier to read?” It would be nice if the canon of Scripture were in a way that was a easier to digest or even understand. The Bible contains the faith stories of a time gone by. The Church uses these texts as guides as how to live a faithful life. Through the stories of the prophets, the ministry of Jesus and even the letters of the early church we can learn how God moved and impacted the lives of the faithful.
However the Bible is not just filled with slogans and saying applicable for T-shirts, church mottoes and bumper stickers; some of the messages or even commands make us scratch our heads and ask “how in the world did that make it in to a book of holy scripture?”; “Did God really intend for that to be the standard of holiness?”
Today I am announcing my intention to start a new series.
Over the course of the next few weeks (maybe longer), I will explore some of the harsh messages found in the Bible. I am not saying that I will figure them all out but I will try to engage in a dialogue with the text.
Here is where you come in. What are some of the messages or stories in the Bible that you find harsh?
Fill out the form below and submit them to me. You never know yours might be chosen!
In Christ,
Rev. Evan
An open letter to Victoria’s Secret regarding their choice to make an underwear line aimed at young teenagers. (Read about it here)
Dear Victoria’s Secret,
I am a father of a three year old girl. She loves princesses, Dora the Explorer, Doc McStuffins and drawing pictures for people. Her favorite foods are peanut butter and jelly, cheese and pistachios.
Even though she is only three, as a parent I have had those thoughts of my daughter growing up and not being the little girl she is now. It is true what they say about kids, they grow up fast. No matter how hard I try I know that she will not be the little ball of energy she is now; one day she will be a rebellious teenager that will more than likely think her dad is a total goof ball and would want to distance herself from my embarrassing presence.
I know that this is far down the line and I try to spend as much time as I can with her making memories of this special time.
But as I read an article today posted on The Black Sphere, it really got me thinking that maybe the culture that we currently find ourselves in is not helping the cause.
Recently I read an article that Victoria’s Secret is launching a line of underwear and bras aimed at middle school aged children. The line will be called “Bright Young Things” and will feature ” lace black cheeksters with the word “Wild” emblazoned on them, green and white polka-dot hipsters screen printed with “Feeling Lucky?” and a lace trim thong with the words, “Call me” on the front.”
As a dad, this makes me sick.
I believe that this sends the wrong message to not only my daughter but to all young girls.
I don’t want my daughter to ever think that her self-worth and acceptance by others is based on the choice of her undergarments. I don’t want my daughter to ever think that to be popular or even attractive she has to have emblazon words on her bottom.
I want my daughter (and every girl) to be faced with tough decisions in her formative years of adolescence. Decisions like should I be a doctor or a lawyer? Should I take calculus as a junior or a senior? Do I want to go to Texas A&M or University of Texas or some Ivy League School? Should I raise awareness for slave trafficking or lack of water in developing nations? There are many, many more questions that all young women should be asking themselves… not will a boy (or girl) like me if I wear a “call me” thong?
I want my daughter to know that she is perfect the way she is; I want my daughter to know that no matter what underwear she is wearing it does not define her.
I believe that this new line “Bright Young Things” thwarts the efforts of empowering young women in this country. “Bright Young Things” gives off the message that women are sex objects. This new line promotes it at a dangerously young age.
I implore you to reconsider your decision to start this line.
By doing so you will put young girl’s self-esteem, self-worth and pride above profits.
Sincerely,
Rev. Evan Dolive
Houston, TX
PLEASE REVIEW THE COMMENT POLICY
Please stay positive with your comments. If your comment is rude, it gets deleted. If it is critical, please make it constructive.
Rev. Dr. Evan M. Dolive 