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Sadly, not a great country, in my view Darryl.

Like our spiritual forefather Adam, our obsession with individual rights and self determination has poisoned the soul of this country. We are a fallen nation. We are the self absorbed, irresponsible teenagers of the world's stage.

Canada, had the unique opportunity given it's relative youth, isolation and Christian beginnings to provide the world with a true expression of Christian culture. Instead, we have listened to the serpent. We are a lazy, self indulgent people who dishonestly speak the language of community, while really serving our own immediate temporal interests. We are compassionate and fraternal with ourselves and others to be sure, but only if it serves our own self interest. We have abandoned our commitment to serving God and others for truth's sake and the well being of others irrespective of the consequences.

All our real heros are old and dying. Any real man who reads this knows I speak truthfully.

We neither look to defend the interests of truth militarily, when neccessary. No we are to pristine and moral for that. (Canada speak for got no balls, don't give a shit) Nor do we honestly service the poor and unfortunate of our planet, though we ridiculously claim to be concerned and caring.

Christian pacifism, is meant to be heroic not flaccid or afraid. We can choose pacificism and in so doing honour our Lord and the ways of non-violence. We are not allowed to choose the ways of non-confrontation. Truth and justice are earned, not assumed.

In Canada, sadly, we our neither the soldier or the martyr for God's kingdom. We have become a smug, self important people lacking in true courage and character.

Hopefully, in time, a more righteous society may evolve here or somewhere else. Someplace true. Someplace of Jesus. Someplace where people think in terms of responsibilities and God's grace. Not of individual rights and desires.

I will celebrate life today. I will celebrate the God who gave it to me. I will celbrate all the wonderful people and places he has given me to enjoy and care for. I will remind myself to look to serve today, in some way, big or small.

What I will not do is participate in the ridiculous hypocracy of celebrating this supposed "great" nation. I would be too embarrassed.

Paul, what our country needs to see is our God at work.

Sadly, what you say about our country applies equally to the church in most places in Canada.

The church has become irrevelant as the world looks to it but what does it see? Where is God at work in our churches?

Now that we are in the summer most of them shut down. They have the Sunday services but that's it. Everything takes a break until September.
What's up with that?

We can lament the state of our nation all we want but what are you and I doing as followers of Christ in trying to make a difference.

Where are the churches that are truly sold out for Jesus Christ. Where are the Christians that are truly sold out for Jesus Christ as they set about to impact the world for Him?

The church has become so saturated with the things of this world. There's no power in that.

Where is the church that is making a huge impact in the community in which it finds itself.

Personally, that's what I'm looking for in the city I have come to love, Toronto.

Where is the downtown church that is on fire for God and that God is using powerfully, transforming lives.

I ask the question a lot but nobody seems to be able to point me to one. Why is that?

You're Catholic right Paul? Where is the Catholic church in Toronto that is making a huge impact for Christ? Do you know of any?

When we reconcile as a people, becoming one people, under one God, as one church, having the faith and courage to live out what we say we believe, trusting in the end in only His wisdom and grace, the impact will be huge.

I'm in, lets do it.

Dear George

I have always found you to be honest and sincere in your love for Jesus and I know, throught the Spirit, that you are of the kingdom.

Please go to the nearest Catholic church and sit silently before Christ in the "blessed sacrament" or before the Father at the tabernacle. Wherever you are most comfortable.

As flawed and as failed as it's people may be, ask our God if in fact this is his one true church. Wait in silent prayer and simply adore him. The Spirit will tell you all you need to know.

His grace and peace to you always.

I appreciate the advice Paul but God has me in another church. In a church where we are seeing God at work transforming lives bringing more and more people into the kingdom.

Its an awesome thing to be a part of and we are expectant of great things in the future. A foundation is being built that I believe is going to permeate our community and the Greater Toronto area. I believe with all my heart that God is doing something new and I am so grateful to be a part of it. If we boast we boast in the Lord because its all about Him and what He is doing. We really don't have a clue where its all going we just know we have to be in His will and do it His way and leave the results up to Him. Its nothing complicated just a lot to do with obedience.

My hope and prayer personally is to see a church plant in downtown Toronto at some point down the road. I don't know if that's in God's plans but I sure am hoping so as the need is so incredibly great. Our city is going down fast. The changes in just the last 10 years or so have been incredible. The enemy is at work big time and the Church doesn't seem to be pushing back much IMO.

I respect a lot of what you say Paul, actually as I read your comments I don't see you as a Catholic, you sound more evangelical.

I've met some Charismatic Catholics lately who love the Lord, have a great relationship with Him. That's always the difference isn't it, those who are good at being religious and those that have the relationship. That goes for all who claim to be Christian, be they Catholic or Prostestant. IMO
Jesus said in John 15:4" Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Absolutely true George, the relationship is everything. Once it becomes personal, once it becomes love, we see the best of ourselves come forward.

Where there is love, there is hope.

May God continue to bless you in all that you do. Your friend in Christ,

Paul