Fill… Spill… Thrill…

Bishop Dave deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

Let justice roll down the mighty waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream. (Amos 5:24)

In today’s society, it is nearly impossible to escape the daily noise of politics, public policy and partisan bickering. Cable news channels and news radio have capitalized greatly over our desire to argue about who is right and who is wrong.

This environment makes it difficult for the church to even broach issues of public policy without risking offense to someone. Some… including one well-compensated TV personality… even question whether the church has a role to play in advocating for fairness and justice in our society.

I have heard from some of you with questions about our church’s approach to public policy advocacy. How do we respond to all of this?

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Bishop David deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“But we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” (1 Corinthians 1:23)

Do we ever truly understand the wonder and power of Jesus’ Cross?

That question, while it may seem insulting to some, lies at the very heart of our life with God. The Cross of Christ stands stating both the problem and solution for all of history.

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Bishop Dave deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

Jesus said to them: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (John 20:21)

The 10 o’clock news just about did me in last night. With machine gun precision, the newscaster’s rapid fire litany of tragedy spewed forth unrelentingly:

• a 15-year-old boy standing at a bus stop killed by a drive-by shooting
• a 21-year-old man who was run over by unwanted visitors at a party, senselessly died
• a 54-year old real estate mogul was sentenced after his fifth D.U.I.
• a seven-year-old girl was molested at the shopping mall … and on and on.

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