American's love conspiracies. It has been nearly 50 years since President Kennedy was killed and yet following dozens of books, the Warren Commission, and no hard evidence to the contrary, people still think there was something else going on. Was it the Mafia? A retaliation for the Cuban missile crisis? Did we really land on the moon in 1969 or was it done in a Hollywood studio just to satisfy our people? Hmm makes you wonder? Did aliens really land in Roswell New Mexico in 1947 and the government covered it up. I have to admit there are times when I think some people are from another planet. Marilyn Monroe - suicide - or a plot by Bobby Kennedy to cover up some indiscretions? I even read last week that there was a "convention" held to determine whether or not the Trade Centers were hit by airplanes or whether it was a secret plot by our government!! You have to be kidding!

In Christian circles we are not without our own conspiracies. It began in the first century when Jesus rose from the grave on the third day. Tell the people those frail women followers overwhelmed the Roman guards, rolled away this three ton stone and stole his body. For the first 20 years of my ministry, there was a persistent conspiracy that Madelyn Murray O'Hair, an avowed atheist had a petition before the FCC to get Christian broadcasting off the air. Despite repeated denials that such a desire ever existed, the occasional petition surfaced. Hoe about Proctor and Gamble’s logo of a crescent moon and stars developed in the 1800’s. Definitely stands forhe occult?? I guess brushing with Crest can bring out the demons in mass. And don’t even get started on the Illuminati!!

There is one conspiracy that is not founded in rumors, speculations, or shrouded with secret passwords. It is established by the truth of God's Word. The essence of this conspiracy is that God is passionately in love with you. "and so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. " (1 John 4: 16) This conspiracy of love knows no sounds. In fact "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. " (Romans 5:8) This love that God has for us draws us to Him "God's kindness leads you toward repentance." (Rom. 2:4). This conspiracy of love reaches out to all people everywhere being very patience while waiting for them to accept His gracious offer of love and forgiveness. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. " (11 Peter 3:9).

Conspiracies die if not passed on. In order to keep them alive people have to keep telling the story. In a negative way, that is why some of those stories refuse to go away. But in a positive sense, what if we have a story worth telling others? What if it is a story that can change lives and destinies? What if it is a story that doesn't produce doubts but hope? What if it is a story bound in truth not speculation? God asks us to pass on this conspiracy of love to those around us. He asks us to tell his story of love and forgiveness for all who will come. Let's keep the story alive. You are loved.