I’m sure everyone has read and or heard about the gunman who shot up a congressional town hall meeting in Arizona. There has been much debate as to whether the hostile political climate in D.C. and in the media contributed to this terrible act. It’s hard to say if People like Rush Limbaugh, Glen Beck, The Tea Party ,Sarah Palin and others’ we’re right and you’re evil mentality incited this crazed gunman. However, the mean-spirited atmosphere certainly doesn’t help to create harmony. Rush Limbaugh stated that comments by political pundits don’t cause people to go out and commit violence. The question I have is how can he or anyone else really know what goes on in the mind of a demented soul? The lack of civility on so-called news shows and in D.C. certainly doesn’t contribute to a spirit of unity.

The Bible talks about the dangers of the tongue. It can build or it can destroy. The political trash talking is not building but destroying.  Please be careful what you say, there is power in the tongue.

Dr. 3

St. James Podcast for Sunday, January 9, 2011
Speaker: Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III
Title: Second Chances
Scripture: 2 Samuel 14:21

This past Sunday we had a great experience. Not only did we celebrate the breakthroughs that we are trusting God will make happen in 2011 but I also issued a challenge. Sometimes our faith journey can become dull and predictable. That’s why I challenged all St. James members to breakthrough the norm and make a commitment to a new level of discipleship.

Covenant discipleship means being in worship every week, participating in a bible study (here at St. James, HOP, Sunday School,or elsewhere), active participation in a ministry here at St. James, and tithing. We had over 100 people accept this challenge and my hope is everyone will breakthrough to the next level of service.

Dr. 3

St. James Podcast for Sunday, January 2, 2011
Speaker: Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III
Title: Breakthrough
Scripture: Acts 12:5-11