The current civil war in Syria has left thousands of people dead and hundreds of thousands fleeing to neighboring countries as refugees. After a year of unrest in Mali, following an attempted military coup, the French military decided earlier this month to intervene. The Mali conflict spilled over to neighboring Algeria, where as many as 40 foreign nationals (including a reported 7 Americans) are being held hostage. Here in the United States unrest such as what we’ve seen recently in Syria and Mali raises the questions of if, when, and how we should get involved? These questions also apply, on a smaller scale, to conflicts we encounter every day. LinC talks about what Christians can, should, and should not do when we encounter conflicts between persons or groups. Key Scriptures: 1 Kings 3:16-28; Luke 10:25-37; John 8:1-11. Next Sunday is the final Sunday before Lent. The forty-day season of preparation leading up to Holy Week and Easter begins on Ash Wednesday, February 13. Traditionally Lent has been a season when people have fasted and made sacrifices. So Christian cultures have also made a tradition of having big parties before the beginning of the fast, such as Mardi Gras festivals. While these celebrations sometimes become occasion for excess and debauchery, the idea of sacred festivals and parties dates back to the ancient Israelites. Next Sunday, before Lent begins, we’ll look at ways that we can have fun and enjoy our faith and our relationship with God.
