Tim Hardaway and Gays

Former Indiana Pacer guard Tim Hardaway said on a radio show February 14th that he would not want a gay player on his team. "You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known," Hardaway said. "I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people. I am homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States."

The reaction to Tim Hardaway was unbelievable. Many well-know and respected people jumped on the band wagon against Hardaway. His former coach, Pat Riley, told a Miami radio station on Thursday, February 15 that "[Hardaway's attitude] would not be tolerated in our organization," the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported.

Let me say that I can understand their concern over the choice of words. He could have talked about how that it was a sin or that he could not relate, or that it was wrong. But hate - that word brings about a mass response on any issue.

What saddens me is that being pro-gay is a sacred cow in our society. We are to be tolerant of others no matter what they do or what they believe. Hardaway had to apologize. He lost endorsements. He was removed from NBA All-Star activities. Harsh? I don't know. But what I do know is God hates sin - homosexuality, lying, adultery, idolatry, and etc.! He loves all of us, but do not mistake God's love and forget about His justice. He hates sin so much that Jesus had to die to satisfy His justice. We all sin. Jesus died for all. But all will not be saved. Read your Bibles - those of faith, those who strive to be like Jesus, those forgiven and those who love - they are saved. Homophobic - not me, but let us all repent of our sins.

Sid

Attention To Detail

A friend of mine sent me this email with a very interesting question about a penny. Do not look at a penny. See if you can get it right.

Pick the correct Penny

I cannot believe how many people did not choose the correct one! Take a look, and see if you can choose the right penny. No cheating; do not look at a real penny first- I know you've seen a real one! See if you can pick the correct one here. Click on the line below to take the test. Click on the common cents below then return to this email for some thoughts.

Common Cents

I wonder how much I miss by not taking the time to really look and ponder the world that I am in. God has given us so much. Do we really pay attention? Take time to look at your love ones. Take time to see God’s wonderful creation from the snowflake to the blade of grass. May God forgive us for not seeing the simple things that are really unbelievable. Take the time!

Sid

S . . . . Bowl Parties

If you have not heard the National Football League contacted and in some cases prohibited churches from having Super Bowl parties. It seems churches are running afoul of the NFL's broadcast copyrights, including the following limitations:

• No unauthorized use of the copyrighted terms (i.e., "Super Bowl") in promotions.
• No charging admission to watch the Super Bowl™.
• No public showings of the big game on TVs larger than 55 inches.
• An exception is made for sports bars and other places that regularly show sporting events.
So what's a church to do? Violate the law? Or maybe a better question is can the NFL regulate or even make this rule? I have written a letter to the NFL asking about the regulations and why sports bars can be an exception. And where is the 55” restriction coming from?
I may be out of line (I can be at times), but if you do not charge, do not use their copyrighted name (even sports bars do this), why can’t the game be viewed by projection in greater dimensions than 55”?
I loved the game, but I hope that the NFL is not promoting an anti-church mentality and become the No Faith League. I will let you know how the NFL responds to my letter.

Sid