What were the "Top Ten" events that impacted the church the most in 2007?

Christianity Today asks an interesting question. What events had the greatest impact upon the church in 2007? I'll have to be honest and say that I was disappointed with the absence of a major event for the church, and our culture in 2006 and 2007. Their question is referencing "impact" upon the church; whether for the good, the bad or the challenging, impact is impact and under those terms my vote goes to the continuing saga involving the Ted Haggard episode in Colorado Spring.

Having the director of the NEA (National Evangelical Association), and one of the nation's largest churches, exposed in a sinful tryst (late 2006) is huge story. It remained a huge story for the Haggard's and for the church at large in early 2007. I'm wondering how it remained off of the Christianity Today list, maybe simple calendar logistics. I hope we are not too self-righteous to admit that sin happens, and God still loves in the midst of it.

Haggard's story should be treated like David's weakness in sexual sin. God made sure of David's embarrassing story appearance in His Word, and his full redemption, restoration in the end. How can we as a church forget - or worse yet, ignore - an example of what makes us dependent upon a great Savior? There are millions of hurting hearts wanting to know if God still loves - even after a fall into sinful events. Here we are with the answer, and it doesn't find "the list" at the end of 2007.

What sets Christianity apart from other religions is the absolute 'death hold' of sin in our lives, and the amazing grace and mercy of a loving, all powerful and faithful Father God.

Sure the stories surrounding missions, politics and death of religious, media teachers and leaders are big news for 2007...but not as big as a glimpse of what we are capable of without Jesus leading our lives as our daily redeemer and savior. If we forget to 'remember' this event (and its news early in 2007), we ignore the lesson of Father God in the midst of our ragamuffin status. No person is above sin's grasp - there is none righteous, none but the One.

We learn most of our lessons by experience. Traveling from glory to glory, after we embrace our desperate need of a power outside of ourselves in a faith that sees without fleshly eyes. By leaving the Haggard story off of the list, we have left others out in the cold grasp of condemnation and judgment. Our purpose is to gather them into the warmth of God's forgiveness, grace and mercy.

Christianity Today provides a great column, but they ignored (maybe forgot, or calendar logistics) an example of why everyone needs forgiveness, love, mercy and grace...and why it is Jesus who offers such for the church and for the world. The church should be bold enough to continue to list the Haggard story as a member of the "2007 Top Ten", inviting all to His throne of forgiveness and grace.

Just my simple thoughts, have a Merry Christmas, and a Blessed 2008, from the Staff of the "Eric Hogue Show".