Does the "evangelical Church" make a noticeable difference in the fabric of our society?
Dr Bradford Wilcox, Professor of Sociology at the University of Virginia seems to think so.
Read all about it:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/008/26.44.html
"Purpose-Driven" or "Activity-Driven"?
I've been a Christian since I was 6 years old. I just turned 43 a couple of weeks ago. I have seen just about everything that can be seen in a local congregation, I do believe. I've been blest and privileged to be part of very small congregations (numbering less than 40 people) and very large congregations that numbered in the thousands (usually more than 8,000).
But numbers aren't everything, are they?
Of course not. We look at the New Testament Church, and read about it's empowering in the Book of Acts (following the Resurrection and Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ), and we see a wonderful church, often separated by localities...and folk who are just as human as we are, some twenty-one centuries later.
I do have a few questions though....
1) Can we equate "activity" with "spiritual growth"?
This particularly concerns me, because so many congregations measure their "spiritual life" by how many activities they are sponsoring--and how exhausted their membership can be with participating in all of those "activities."
I contend we are called "human beings" not "human doings." We see the pattern of the New Church (which was by no means flawless, but nevertheless accomplished the mission of glorifying God) as one of evangelism, fellowship, community, and discipleship. The "witnessing" aspect of the New Testament Church was to the "wonderful works of God" (Acts 1, 2, 3, 4ff) in the life of this newly empowered community of believers. We do see "works"--but those works flowed out of the community, not in spite of it. We are called to be the "community of God"--reflecting the community of the Holy Trinity, even though imperfectly.
In my secular employment, my supervisor has a certain amount of goals that are set before me to attain. Yet, in my progress along the pathway of accomplishment, this same supervisor cares about me as a person. My health (physical, spiritual, and mental) are always considered. My successes are applauded, and my failures are never final.
Why can't the local church be the same way?
If we carefully read the Scriptures, we will discover that God is a "relational" God. He is not just a propositional Deity, unconcerned about His creation.
If we want to emulate Jesus Christ in the local church, then we all need to discover our "relational" purposes---not just our propositional theories.
Sound doctrine and biblical theological positions are important. We must, as A W Tozer (and many others before and after him) once said, "We must think rightly about God our Father."
And if we are to think "rightly" about what the Church should look like, we must think relationally, not just propositionally.
And when we think "relationally" we then discover our purpose. The Westminster Catechism states, "The chief purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
We best glorify Him in relationship with His, and in relationship with other Christians. These relationships are edifying in the "being"--not just the doing.
I have a friend--I consider him a friend--and the only time I hear from this friend is when he needs me to "do something." I rarely ever hear from him otherwise. I'm profoundly saddened by this. But that's the way it seems to be. Of course my perceptions could be wrong.
Unfortunately, from my perspective "our friendship" is strictly "activity-driven." I have no usefulness to this brother, other than the fact that I can "do something." It seems as though once my "utilitarian value" has been exhausted, that I am a throw-away.
That's not the way Christ has designed our "community" to be lived out.
2) How do we become a "community of saints" instead of a "collection of individuals"?
Again, I have to appeal to the New Testament models of the what "community" looks like. We see an intensity of fellowship and "togetherness" in the newly empowered Church (Acts 2, 3, 4). These believers could face anything because they faced these situations together.
Fast-forward some twenty-one centuries later.
How do we become this "community"?
I believe it is done slowly, methodically, and carefully. We come to a place of trust and confidence, first in God Himself, and then in each other, where we feel a sense of belonging and caring. Knowing that we have something important to contribute to this body of believers we call "our church."
Lanny Wolfe, a great songwriter from the 1970s/80s penned some powerful words that have profoundly shaped my view of the "community of saints." Here's what he said:
"When a brother meets sorrow
We all feel his grief.
And when he's passed through the valley
We all feel relieved.
Together in sunshine,
Together in rain.
Together in victory,
Through His precious name."
And yes, we are together in victory. A victory is shallow if it is not "shared."
So what do you think?
But numbers aren't everything, are they?
Of course not. We look at the New Testament Church, and read about it's empowering in the Book of Acts (following the Resurrection and Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ), and we see a wonderful church, often separated by localities...and folk who are just as human as we are, some twenty-one centuries later.
I do have a few questions though....
1) Can we equate "activity" with "spiritual growth"?
This particularly concerns me, because so many congregations measure their "spiritual life" by how many activities they are sponsoring--and how exhausted their membership can be with participating in all of those "activities."
I contend we are called "human beings" not "human doings." We see the pattern of the New Church (which was by no means flawless, but nevertheless accomplished the mission of glorifying God) as one of evangelism, fellowship, community, and discipleship. The "witnessing" aspect of the New Testament Church was to the "wonderful works of God" (Acts 1, 2, 3, 4ff) in the life of this newly empowered community of believers. We do see "works"--but those works flowed out of the community, not in spite of it. We are called to be the "community of God"--reflecting the community of the Holy Trinity, even though imperfectly.
In my secular employment, my supervisor has a certain amount of goals that are set before me to attain. Yet, in my progress along the pathway of accomplishment, this same supervisor cares about me as a person. My health (physical, spiritual, and mental) are always considered. My successes are applauded, and my failures are never final.
Why can't the local church be the same way?
If we carefully read the Scriptures, we will discover that God is a "relational" God. He is not just a propositional Deity, unconcerned about His creation.
If we want to emulate Jesus Christ in the local church, then we all need to discover our "relational" purposes---not just our propositional theories.
Sound doctrine and biblical theological positions are important. We must, as A W Tozer (and many others before and after him) once said, "We must think rightly about God our Father."
And if we are to think "rightly" about what the Church should look like, we must think relationally, not just propositionally.
And when we think "relationally" we then discover our purpose. The Westminster Catechism states, "The chief purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."
We best glorify Him in relationship with His, and in relationship with other Christians. These relationships are edifying in the "being"--not just the doing.
I have a friend--I consider him a friend--and the only time I hear from this friend is when he needs me to "do something." I rarely ever hear from him otherwise. I'm profoundly saddened by this. But that's the way it seems to be. Of course my perceptions could be wrong.
Unfortunately, from my perspective "our friendship" is strictly "activity-driven." I have no usefulness to this brother, other than the fact that I can "do something." It seems as though once my "utilitarian value" has been exhausted, that I am a throw-away.
That's not the way Christ has designed our "community" to be lived out.
2) How do we become a "community of saints" instead of a "collection of individuals"?
Again, I have to appeal to the New Testament models of the what "community" looks like. We see an intensity of fellowship and "togetherness" in the newly empowered Church (Acts 2, 3, 4). These believers could face anything because they faced these situations together.
Fast-forward some twenty-one centuries later.
How do we become this "community"?
I believe it is done slowly, methodically, and carefully. We come to a place of trust and confidence, first in God Himself, and then in each other, where we feel a sense of belonging and caring. Knowing that we have something important to contribute to this body of believers we call "our church."
Lanny Wolfe, a great songwriter from the 1970s/80s penned some powerful words that have profoundly shaped my view of the "community of saints." Here's what he said:
"When a brother meets sorrow
We all feel his grief.
And when he's passed through the valley
We all feel relieved.
Together in sunshine,
Together in rain.
Together in victory,
Through His precious name."
And yes, we are together in victory. A victory is shallow if it is not "shared."
So what do you think?
Pope John Paul II...Pray for him.
As a non-Catholic, I have always admired the vigor and stamina of Karol Wotyla (John Paul II). This son of Poland has revolutionized, in many ways, the (then) rather stagnant face of the Roman Catholic Church during his pontificate which began in the late 1970s.
Known for his sharp intellect, wonderful sense of humor, linguistic abilities, Pope John Paul II is loved by the millions, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Few religious leaders, with the exception of Dr Billy Graham, has earned the respect and admiration as has the current Bishop of Rome.
I remember reading Crossing the Threshold of Hope (one of his many encyclicals) several years ago, and being absolutely amazed at the clarity and discernment this wonderful Christian possesses in light of contemporary culture.
Dr Billy Graham once labeled the Pontiff as the "greatest pope of my lifetime"--and he has seen many of them, I'm sure.
I remember seeing Pope John Paul II twice during his pontificate.
The first in 1989 when I was privileged to be in Rome (actually Vatican City) and he was doing some type of blessing on the crowd (can't remember the exact event...I was on vacation in Europe, and spent the day at the Vatican).
The second time was in 1993 during World Youth Day in Denver, and along with multiplied thousands of others, I lined the streets along the "parade route" where the Pontiff would be traveling.
It was a special time...and one that I will cherish for a long time.
Even though I have some strenuous disagreements with the denomination that he leads, I have much, much respect for this tender servant of the Lord. A precious Catholic priest once told me, "The Pope is fiercely loyal to Christ. Unfortunately, many Catholics are more loyal to the Pope than they are to Christ....which the Holy Father would not approve of..."
Let's pray for this good, good man.
Known for his sharp intellect, wonderful sense of humor, linguistic abilities, Pope John Paul II is loved by the millions, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. Few religious leaders, with the exception of Dr Billy Graham, has earned the respect and admiration as has the current Bishop of Rome.
I remember reading Crossing the Threshold of Hope (one of his many encyclicals) several years ago, and being absolutely amazed at the clarity and discernment this wonderful Christian possesses in light of contemporary culture.
Dr Billy Graham once labeled the Pontiff as the "greatest pope of my lifetime"--and he has seen many of them, I'm sure.
I remember seeing Pope John Paul II twice during his pontificate.
The first in 1989 when I was privileged to be in Rome (actually Vatican City) and he was doing some type of blessing on the crowd (can't remember the exact event...I was on vacation in Europe, and spent the day at the Vatican).
The second time was in 1993 during World Youth Day in Denver, and along with multiplied thousands of others, I lined the streets along the "parade route" where the Pontiff would be traveling.
It was a special time...and one that I will cherish for a long time.
Even though I have some strenuous disagreements with the denomination that he leads, I have much, much respect for this tender servant of the Lord. A precious Catholic priest once told me, "The Pope is fiercely loyal to Christ. Unfortunately, many Catholics are more loyal to the Pope than they are to Christ....which the Holy Father would not approve of..."
Let's pray for this good, good man.
One man with enormous courage..
http://www.marriageofsamesex.com/
Dr Erwin W Lutzer, Senior Pastor, The Moody Church here in Chicago, has done a marvelous service to this country as well as the rest of the world in his book, The Truth About Same Sex Marriage.
I have included the link above because of the vital importance of this message for our society, both believing and unbelieving alike. The "everyone has the right to marry whomever they choose" crowd hasn't examined all the implications that such "liberties" would force on everyone including themselves.
"Liberties" that are forced are not liberties--they become bondages.
Get a copy of the "Truth about Same Sex Marriage." Read it all the way through and then pass it on.
Dr Erwin W Lutzer, Senior Pastor, The Moody Church here in Chicago, has done a marvelous service to this country as well as the rest of the world in his book, The Truth About Same Sex Marriage.
I have included the link above because of the vital importance of this message for our society, both believing and unbelieving alike. The "everyone has the right to marry whomever they choose" crowd hasn't examined all the implications that such "liberties" would force on everyone including themselves.
"Liberties" that are forced are not liberties--they become bondages.
Get a copy of the "Truth about Same Sex Marriage." Read it all the way through and then pass it on.
Terri is dead...May God have mercy on all of us!
Terri Schiavo died just a few minutes ago according to the news reports.
This nation literally starved this person to death.
This is a national shame....and every single person in this nation bears some of the responsibility.
May God, our All-loving, All-merciful, All-holy, and ALL-Just Heavenly Father have mercy on each of us.
This nation literally starved this person to death.
This is a national shame....and every single person in this nation bears some of the responsibility.
May God, our All-loving, All-merciful, All-holy, and ALL-Just Heavenly Father have mercy on each of us.
When you pray...please remember these people..
Just wanted to ask my "blog readers" to remember these people when you speak to our Father God. These are special people to me....and only a representative sample of God's blessings in my life:
Christian Nass: getting ready to graduate from college, and becoming an Army officer.
Janet Paschal: Battling Breast cancer...and living like a trooper.
David Seleb: My friend here in Chicago..wonderful Christian, wonderful man.
Pastor Al Toledo: My shepherd at Chicago Tabernacle. With a sheep like me, he can certainly use all the prayers you want to offer up.
Thanks for remembering to pray for them.
Christian Nass: getting ready to graduate from college, and becoming an Army officer.
Janet Paschal: Battling Breast cancer...and living like a trooper.
David Seleb: My friend here in Chicago..wonderful Christian, wonderful man.
Pastor Al Toledo: My shepherd at Chicago Tabernacle. With a sheep like me, he can certainly use all the prayers you want to offer up.
Thanks for remembering to pray for them.
When the pain is too much to bear...
Someone I know, a Christian, recently decided to end his own life. I'm profoundly saddened that such a tragedy happened first and foremost, and also grieved that he didn't feel that anyone...not even God...cared about him.
So, what happens when a Christians commits suicide?
What about the ones left behind?
What about the family, friends, coworkers, and others who are left to ask "Why?"
Please let me encourage you...
If you are reading this "blog" and you feel that you have reached the "end" of what ever may be happening in your life, talk to someone.
PLEASE...talk to someone. There isn't anything happening in your life that is worth ending YOUR LIFE--because that really solves nothing...and it creates much, much, much pain and disappointment for so many others.
And, taking your own life grieves, may I even suggest, BREAKS, the heart of God.
You can email me if you want to...I will keep all contacts confidential...and I will pray.
onechicagoman@yahoo.com
God is good! He has created life within you...therefore, Life is good...
Blessings.
Phil Hoover
Chicago
So, what happens when a Christians commits suicide?
What about the ones left behind?
What about the family, friends, coworkers, and others who are left to ask "Why?"
Please let me encourage you...
If you are reading this "blog" and you feel that you have reached the "end" of what ever may be happening in your life, talk to someone.
PLEASE...talk to someone. There isn't anything happening in your life that is worth ending YOUR LIFE--because that really solves nothing...and it creates much, much, much pain and disappointment for so many others.
And, taking your own life grieves, may I even suggest, BREAKS, the heart of God.
You can email me if you want to...I will keep all contacts confidential...and I will pray.
onechicagoman@yahoo.com
God is good! He has created life within you...therefore, Life is good...
Blessings.
Phil Hoover
Chicago
An Update on Janet....
From Janet Paschal's website:
www.janetpaschal.com
Her husband John writes about a recent chemotherapy treatment that Janet endured:
Pressing on.....Yesterday was a good day for Janet. She was physically, emotionally, and spiritually charged. Words are simply inadequate in describing how proud I am of Janet. Not once, I mean it, not once has she indulged in self pity. In fact just the opposite.
Allow me to relate a recent event. This latest visit, after Janet and her Oncologist finished reviewing the lab work and other information garnered from that mornings work up, Janet headed upstairs to the chemotherapy room. I waited in the checkout line (that is correct...you wait to check in and you wait to check out, with patience not being a virtue but an absolute necessity!) and about 20 minutes later I joined up with Janet in the chemo room.
I entered Janet's little corner of the room just as Angela was inserting the catheter. Janet had tears in her eyes and I could tell she was really fighting the urge to cry. I waited until Angela walked away for a few minutes to re-supply her cart. I then asked Janet if inserting the catheter had hurt. She assured me that was not the case, but that she was crying because the gentleman sitting across from us had gotten ill during his chemo treatment and had vomited. She was crying for him....that my friends is Janet.
*****************************************************************
Please continue praying for this wonderful servant of the Lord.
www.janetpaschal.com
Her husband John writes about a recent chemotherapy treatment that Janet endured:
Pressing on.....Yesterday was a good day for Janet. She was physically, emotionally, and spiritually charged. Words are simply inadequate in describing how proud I am of Janet. Not once, I mean it, not once has she indulged in self pity. In fact just the opposite.
Allow me to relate a recent event. This latest visit, after Janet and her Oncologist finished reviewing the lab work and other information garnered from that mornings work up, Janet headed upstairs to the chemotherapy room. I waited in the checkout line (that is correct...you wait to check in and you wait to check out, with patience not being a virtue but an absolute necessity!) and about 20 minutes later I joined up with Janet in the chemo room.
I entered Janet's little corner of the room just as Angela was inserting the catheter. Janet had tears in her eyes and I could tell she was really fighting the urge to cry. I waited until Angela walked away for a few minutes to re-supply her cart. I then asked Janet if inserting the catheter had hurt. She assured me that was not the case, but that she was crying because the gentleman sitting across from us had gotten ill during his chemo treatment and had vomited. She was crying for him....that my friends is Janet.
*****************************************************************
Please continue praying for this wonderful servant of the Lord.
People dear to my heart...(link)
http://www.windwardworship.com/
Pastor Gary Langley was my youth leader in Huntsville, Alabama thirty years ago. He is now the Senior Pastor of Windward Worship Center in Kaneohe, Hawaii, where he has served for almost 23 years in various capacities, before becoming the Senior Pastor.
He is quite a character. Great sense of humor, good music, good speaker, and a very loving, and gracious man (most of the time).
Visit the link site, and tell him that Phil Hoover says "howdy."
Pastor Gary Langley was my youth leader in Huntsville, Alabama thirty years ago. He is now the Senior Pastor of Windward Worship Center in Kaneohe, Hawaii, where he has served for almost 23 years in various capacities, before becoming the Senior Pastor.
He is quite a character. Great sense of humor, good music, good speaker, and a very loving, and gracious man (most of the time).
Visit the link site, and tell him that Phil Hoover says "howdy."
Please read this....(link)
http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=35925
Terri Schiavo's life is now in the hands of the legislature...and the Lord.
Please pray for her.
Terri Schiavo's life is now in the hands of the legislature...and the Lord.
Please pray for her.
The Power of the Gospel....
Just what do we proclaim when we say we are "sharing the Gospel..."?
Are we simply spewing a set of ideas, systematized centuries ago, and deep down inside wonder if all "this stuff" is really true? Does it really "live up to its' claims"?
Are we living out the Gospel of Christ in lives that have been radically transformed by His grace, rescued from the cesspools of sin by His love, and raised from the tombs that have imprisoned us by His power?
Just what is so "good" about this "Good News" that we call the "gospel"?
Does it make us love our neighbors?
Our enemies?
Does this "gospel" free us from our tendencies toward selfish ambitions, self-centeredness and "me-istic" conceit?
Just what does the "Gospel" do for us any way?
What do you think?
I'm listening....
Are we simply spewing a set of ideas, systematized centuries ago, and deep down inside wonder if all "this stuff" is really true? Does it really "live up to its' claims"?
Are we living out the Gospel of Christ in lives that have been radically transformed by His grace, rescued from the cesspools of sin by His love, and raised from the tombs that have imprisoned us by His power?
Just what is so "good" about this "Good News" that we call the "gospel"?
Does it make us love our neighbors?
Our enemies?
Does this "gospel" free us from our tendencies toward selfish ambitions, self-centeredness and "me-istic" conceit?
Just what does the "Gospel" do for us any way?
What do you think?
I'm listening....
"No Strings Attached..."
Well, everyone gets a bit "suspicious" when we hear these three words, don't we? "NO STRINGS ATTACHED..."
Yeah, right. Uh huh..."whatever you say..."
At least that's what most of us think anyway.
I've recently challenged people in my sphere of friendship and influence to live out their "care" with "no strings attached."
Let me explain what I mean:
As Christians, we are called to be the Body of Christ, the family of God....At least that is the meaning of two-thirds of the New Testament that we all claim to read...and believe.
We are told to have the "same care one for another" and to love one another fervently. Every Epistolary writer (James, Peter, Paul, John, Jude--as all the others) in the Scriptures gives us the picture of what the Family of God should look like.
It is to be one of rebuke and correction. And we all need that from time to time.
It is to be one of instruction in righteousness. And we all need that on a regular basis.
It is to be one of "great grace" (Acts 4:33). And we must have His grace to fill everything we do and want to accomplish.
But most of all, the "family of God" are to be people of love and care. That love and care is to be without strings....in other words, LOVE each other when you need something, and LOVE each other when you don't need anything.
Don't love someone simply for what they can do for you. After all, that's not love...not sure what to call it...but "love" ain't on the list...!
I know someone that will call me regularly when they need me to help them with something. And I know I can count on that person to contact me during those times.
But sadly, I never hear from them any other time.
No calls to say, "Hey Phil, just wanted to check in on you brother, and let you know how special you are..."
No calls to say, "Hey Phil, I missed you at ____________ the other day."
Sorta utilitarian at best, I guess.
But is that the message we want to send a "watching world"?
Is it really?
You decide...and let me know.
Yeah, right. Uh huh..."whatever you say..."
At least that's what most of us think anyway.
I've recently challenged people in my sphere of friendship and influence to live out their "care" with "no strings attached."
Let me explain what I mean:
As Christians, we are called to be the Body of Christ, the family of God....At least that is the meaning of two-thirds of the New Testament that we all claim to read...and believe.
We are told to have the "same care one for another" and to love one another fervently. Every Epistolary writer (James, Peter, Paul, John, Jude--as all the others) in the Scriptures gives us the picture of what the Family of God should look like.
It is to be one of rebuke and correction. And we all need that from time to time.
It is to be one of instruction in righteousness. And we all need that on a regular basis.
It is to be one of "great grace" (Acts 4:33). And we must have His grace to fill everything we do and want to accomplish.
But most of all, the "family of God" are to be people of love and care. That love and care is to be without strings....in other words, LOVE each other when you need something, and LOVE each other when you don't need anything.
Don't love someone simply for what they can do for you. After all, that's not love...not sure what to call it...but "love" ain't on the list...!
I know someone that will call me regularly when they need me to help them with something. And I know I can count on that person to contact me during those times.
But sadly, I never hear from them any other time.
No calls to say, "Hey Phil, just wanted to check in on you brother, and let you know how special you are..."
No calls to say, "Hey Phil, I missed you at ____________ the other day."
Sorta utilitarian at best, I guess.
But is that the message we want to send a "watching world"?
Is it really?
You decide...and let me know.
My heart's cry....
From the Eighth century, we get this wonderful hymn of Christendom:
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me,
save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought,
by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee
and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father,
I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling,
and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity,
Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter,
Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward,
O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance,
now and always:
Thou and Thou only,
first in my heart,
High King of heaven,
my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys,
O bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart,
whatever befall,
Still be my Vision,
O Ruler of all.
*************************************
What greater request and prayer can we make, except to ask the Lord to "be our vision..."
May I always see through His eyes. May I always cry out to Him, "Be Thou my vision...O Lord of my heart..."
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me,
save that Thou art
Thou my best Thought,
by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping,
Thy presence my light.
Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee
and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father,
I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling,
and I with Thee one.
Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity,
Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter,
Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward,
O Power of my power.
Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance,
now and always:
Thou and Thou only,
first in my heart,
High King of heaven,
my Treasure Thou art.
High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys,
O bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart,
whatever befall,
Still be my Vision,
O Ruler of all.
*************************************
What greater request and prayer can we make, except to ask the Lord to "be our vision..."
May I always see through His eyes. May I always cry out to Him, "Be Thou my vision...O Lord of my heart..."
Important Questions....
How can we encourage each other?
How can I encourage you to draw closer to Jesus our Lord?
What can I do to help you deepen your relationship to Christ and toHis children?
Do we "really" need each other?
Anybody want to take a stab at these questions?
How can I encourage you to draw closer to Jesus our Lord?
What can I do to help you deepen your relationship to Christ and toHis children?
Do we "really" need each other?
Anybody want to take a stab at these questions?
MEN (of all ages) Pay attention! Women can look too!
One of my colleagues, Larry, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He is only two years old than me (that would be an early forty-something). He has three small boys, and is just a bit concerned about this latest "drama" in his life and that of his family.
I'm beginning to get a little concerned myself...and so is my physician.
Here's a website you might want to check out.
http://www.prostate-cancer-institute.com
Cancer in any form is nothing to play around with...and I'm beginning to get "more than concerned" about my own physical well being.
I'm not gonna stay young forever....
Keep Larry in your prayers....
I'm beginning to get a little concerned myself...and so is my physician.
Here's a website you might want to check out.
http://www.prostate-cancer-institute.com
Cancer in any form is nothing to play around with...and I'm beginning to get "more than concerned" about my own physical well being.
I'm not gonna stay young forever....
Keep Larry in your prayers....
What a gracious couple! What a gorgeous woman!
I have ALWAYS admired Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr--even when I was a "wee child" and the 5th Dimension was the "hottest thing going..."
But I particularly loved MARILYN McCOO! And I still do.
I had the wonderful privilege of meeting these two last weekend here in Chicago during a discussion group/book signing at Border's Bookstore on N Michigan Avenue. Their new book, "Up, Up and Away" celebrate their faith, their lives, their careers, and their almost 36 years of marriage.
Here's a link to their website:
www.marilynmccoo.com
What a wonderful testimony of the faithfulness of God in their lives--and the more so even before they completely committed their lives to Him. Their witness for the transforming power of Jesus Christ is amazing, and refreshing.
Check them out. Read the book...and give one to somebody.
But I particularly loved MARILYN McCOO! And I still do.
I had the wonderful privilege of meeting these two last weekend here in Chicago during a discussion group/book signing at Border's Bookstore on N Michigan Avenue. Their new book, "Up, Up and Away" celebrate their faith, their lives, their careers, and their almost 36 years of marriage.
Here's a link to their website:
www.marilynmccoo.com
What a wonderful testimony of the faithfulness of God in their lives--and the more so even before they completely committed their lives to Him. Their witness for the transforming power of Jesus Christ is amazing, and refreshing.
Check them out. Read the book...and give one to somebody.
So someone in Southern California has some SENSE
Dr Phil McGraw is a transplant to the Los Angeles area. He is one of the leading voices championing "common sense" and particularly where families are concerned.
Please check out his website:
www.drphil.com
Use the resources, watch the show, and get on with living.
Please check out his website:
www.drphil.com
Use the resources, watch the show, and get on with living.
So, what if we spent those $$$ elsewhere?
The Catholic League has become very vocal in their critique of Hollywood-endorsed morality. And for the most part, rightly so. Yet, I wonder how many of those small green slips of paper with badly drawn pics of dead presidents would float California way if all the "Catholics" decided to not patronize the "Hollywood industry"--at the theatre, in their homes, in their social gatherings, and anywhere else?
Read it for yourself....
http://www.catholicleague.org/05press_releases/quarter%201/050223_Hollywoodmindset.htm
I grew up fairly legalistic, where morality was concerned. I never attended movies, because the church denomination of which I was a part at the time said it was "immoral." But at the same time, most of the adherents would have questionable things in their homes on the "boob tube."
If we want to really send a message to "Southern California morality-makers" then we need to stop patronizing their wares...period. No rented videos of objectionable material. No movie attendance, stop buying those products that actively sponsor such materials....
But alas, most of us Christians are afraid to "put our money where our mouths are..."
We'd rather "curse the darkness" instead of "lighting the candle."
After all, it takes less effort...and provides instant gratification...
Complaining that is....
Read it for yourself....
http://www.catholicleague.org/05press_releases/quarter%201/050223_Hollywoodmindset.htm
I grew up fairly legalistic, where morality was concerned. I never attended movies, because the church denomination of which I was a part at the time said it was "immoral." But at the same time, most of the adherents would have questionable things in their homes on the "boob tube."
If we want to really send a message to "Southern California morality-makers" then we need to stop patronizing their wares...period. No rented videos of objectionable material. No movie attendance, stop buying those products that actively sponsor such materials....
But alas, most of us Christians are afraid to "put our money where our mouths are..."
We'd rather "curse the darkness" instead of "lighting the candle."
After all, it takes less effort...and provides instant gratification...
Complaining that is....
The Philly 5..Is this "Justice" in America?
Read it for yourself:
**************************
Case Dismissed for Philly 5, But Battle Has Just BegunPro-Family Leader Demands Apology; Christian Group Pursues Legal Redress
By Allie Martin and Jenni Parker
February 22, 2005
(AgapePress) - The American Family Association of Pennsylvania is demanding that a judge apologize to members of a Christian group who were arrested during an outreach to homosexuals for comparing the street ministers to Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan. Meanwhile, though acquitted, the Christian activists may be heading back into court.
Last week, Judge Pamela Dembe of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas dropped all charges against adult defendants belonging to the Christian group Repent America, who were arrested last fall for witnessing during a homosexual pride event in Philadelphia. The charges against the remaining member of the "Philly 5," a 17-year-old girl, were also dropped.
Eleven Christians were initially arrested, a group that ranged from 17 to 72 years of age. They were taken into custody and held in jail for 21 hours, simply for ministering at a city-funded, public homosexual event called "OutFest" in October 2004. They were charged with three felonies and five misdemeanors and faced a potential sentence of up to 47 years in prison and $90,000 in fines each.
Some of the charges were dropped without a hearing, but four of the adult Repent America members that had been arrested -- Michael Marcavage, Mark Diener, Dennis Green, and James Cruse -- were bound over for trial by District Court Judge William Austin Meehan. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Lauren Murch faced a separate trial.
Justice Served with an Unflattering Comparison
According to WorldNetDaily reports, when Judge Dembe reviewed the evidence -- much of it provided by Repent America, since the group had videotaped the events leading up to the arrests -- she found no basis for the allegations against the remaining defendants and dismissed the charges. Dembe is also the judge who, last month, removed the bail requirement that the defendants keep at least 100 feet away from any homosexual gathering.
After hearing arguments and reviewing the videotape of the arrests, the Common Pleas judge noted that America is one of the few countries in the world "that protects unpopular speech." She said this means "Nazis can March in Skokie, Illinois" and "the Ku Klux Klan can march where they wish to" since, in the U.S., "we cannot stifle speech because we don't want to hear it, or we don't want to hear it now."
But while Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania, is glad justice was served, she feels the remarks the judge made in dismissing the charges should have been withheld. She says the Repent America members did not deserve to be compared with fascists and white supremacists, especially after all they had been through.
"For 18 weeks their life has been in an upheaval," Gramley says, "and then the judge who dismisses the charges makes these statements. It's just outrageous as far as I'm concerned, and I would encourage folks to contact her and let her know that her comments were not appreciated."
Gramley feels Dembe's framing comments put the defendants on a par with hate-filled groups and characterized the Christian activists unfairly. "We're very pleased that the judge handed down the decision that she did," the pro-family spokeswoman says, "but we just wish she had not used the words Nazis and KKK in the statement that she made, equating Repent America with those types of hate organizations."
When Love of God and Neighbor Becomes a Hate Crime
Repent America founder Michael Marcavage would say that, far from being a hate group, his group is offering a loving response to sins that are destroying the social fabric of America. He feels the ministry has a calling and a responsibility to confront abortion, homosexuality, and other sins, and in describing its mission, he says, "If we love God, we will obey His commandments; and if we love our neighbors, we will go to them with the Word of God, so that they may be saved."
But after coming through his arrest and the ordeal of being tried in court for ministering at OutFest, Marcavage notes that the price of godly obedience is becoming increasingly steep in an increasingly faith-hostile America. "Christianity is being criminalized," he says. "The attack against Christians by government officials has never been so extreme. Not only are they removing symbols of Christianity from the public square, but they are now removing the Christians themselves."
Marcavage says what he finds most disturbing about this case, aside from "the arrests, imprisonment, and malicious prosecution," is the use of Pennsylvania hate crime law, which has added sexual orientation as a protected category. "Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham knew exactly what she was doing when she targeted us with the hate law due to our biblical opposition to homosexual behavior," the Repent America spokesman says. He notes that Abraham sits on the National Executive Committee of the Anti-Defamation League, whose members he calls "the architects of the hate crimes legislation."
Brian Fahling, senior trial attorney for the American Family Association Center for Law & Policy, has worked on behalf of the Philadelphia Christian group in the federal courts. In a statement responding to this latest ruling, he commented that the AFA Law Center is pleased for its clients as well as relieved that "justice has finally been done in the criminal system, and though it is apparently slow and rusty, the system still works."
But according to Fahling, Judge Dembe's decision to dismiss the charges ends only the first chapter in the ongoing saga of the Philadelphia 11. The group's legal representatives will be pursuing federal legal action against the arresting officers and the City of Philadelphia, and they are calling for a Department of Justice investigation into the corruption and abuse of power they allege took place in the so-called City of Brotherly Love.
© 2005 AgapePress all rights reserved.
**************************
Case Dismissed for Philly 5, But Battle Has Just BegunPro-Family Leader Demands Apology; Christian Group Pursues Legal Redress
By Allie Martin and Jenni Parker
February 22, 2005
(AgapePress) - The American Family Association of Pennsylvania is demanding that a judge apologize to members of a Christian group who were arrested during an outreach to homosexuals for comparing the street ministers to Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan. Meanwhile, though acquitted, the Christian activists may be heading back into court.
Last week, Judge Pamela Dembe of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas dropped all charges against adult defendants belonging to the Christian group Repent America, who were arrested last fall for witnessing during a homosexual pride event in Philadelphia. The charges against the remaining member of the "Philly 5," a 17-year-old girl, were also dropped.
Eleven Christians were initially arrested, a group that ranged from 17 to 72 years of age. They were taken into custody and held in jail for 21 hours, simply for ministering at a city-funded, public homosexual event called "OutFest" in October 2004. They were charged with three felonies and five misdemeanors and faced a potential sentence of up to 47 years in prison and $90,000 in fines each.
Some of the charges were dropped without a hearing, but four of the adult Repent America members that had been arrested -- Michael Marcavage, Mark Diener, Dennis Green, and James Cruse -- were bound over for trial by District Court Judge William Austin Meehan. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Lauren Murch faced a separate trial.
Justice Served with an Unflattering Comparison
According to WorldNetDaily reports, when Judge Dembe reviewed the evidence -- much of it provided by Repent America, since the group had videotaped the events leading up to the arrests -- she found no basis for the allegations against the remaining defendants and dismissed the charges. Dembe is also the judge who, last month, removed the bail requirement that the defendants keep at least 100 feet away from any homosexual gathering.
After hearing arguments and reviewing the videotape of the arrests, the Common Pleas judge noted that America is one of the few countries in the world "that protects unpopular speech." She said this means "Nazis can March in Skokie, Illinois" and "the Ku Klux Klan can march where they wish to" since, in the U.S., "we cannot stifle speech because we don't want to hear it, or we don't want to hear it now."
But while Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania, is glad justice was served, she feels the remarks the judge made in dismissing the charges should have been withheld. She says the Repent America members did not deserve to be compared with fascists and white supremacists, especially after all they had been through.
"For 18 weeks their life has been in an upheaval," Gramley says, "and then the judge who dismisses the charges makes these statements. It's just outrageous as far as I'm concerned, and I would encourage folks to contact her and let her know that her comments were not appreciated."
Gramley feels Dembe's framing comments put the defendants on a par with hate-filled groups and characterized the Christian activists unfairly. "We're very pleased that the judge handed down the decision that she did," the pro-family spokeswoman says, "but we just wish she had not used the words Nazis and KKK in the statement that she made, equating Repent America with those types of hate organizations."
When Love of God and Neighbor Becomes a Hate Crime
Repent America founder Michael Marcavage would say that, far from being a hate group, his group is offering a loving response to sins that are destroying the social fabric of America. He feels the ministry has a calling and a responsibility to confront abortion, homosexuality, and other sins, and in describing its mission, he says, "If we love God, we will obey His commandments; and if we love our neighbors, we will go to them with the Word of God, so that they may be saved."
But after coming through his arrest and the ordeal of being tried in court for ministering at OutFest, Marcavage notes that the price of godly obedience is becoming increasingly steep in an increasingly faith-hostile America. "Christianity is being criminalized," he says. "The attack against Christians by government officials has never been so extreme. Not only are they removing symbols of Christianity from the public square, but they are now removing the Christians themselves."
Marcavage says what he finds most disturbing about this case, aside from "the arrests, imprisonment, and malicious prosecution," is the use of Pennsylvania hate crime law, which has added sexual orientation as a protected category. "Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham knew exactly what she was doing when she targeted us with the hate law due to our biblical opposition to homosexual behavior," the Repent America spokesman says. He notes that Abraham sits on the National Executive Committee of the Anti-Defamation League, whose members he calls "the architects of the hate crimes legislation."
Brian Fahling, senior trial attorney for the American Family Association Center for Law & Policy, has worked on behalf of the Philadelphia Christian group in the federal courts. In a statement responding to this latest ruling, he commented that the AFA Law Center is pleased for its clients as well as relieved that "justice has finally been done in the criminal system, and though it is apparently slow and rusty, the system still works."
But according to Fahling, Judge Dembe's decision to dismiss the charges ends only the first chapter in the ongoing saga of the Philadelphia 11. The group's legal representatives will be pursuing federal legal action against the arresting officers and the City of Philadelphia, and they are calling for a Department of Justice investigation into the corruption and abuse of power they allege took place in the so-called City of Brotherly Love.
© 2005 AgapePress all rights reserved.
Is it LOVE or is it LUST? You decide...
I wrote this for a men's group back in early January 2005. Tell me what you think:
____________________________
Someone recently mentioned "loving rather than lusting..." and I found the statement to be immensely "loaded." There is just SO much there to consider.
Let's talk about a couple of items:
LOVE says, " I want what is in YOUR best interest...not what will harm you, injure you, or bring disgrace to you."
LUST says, "I want what I want, when I want it. My immediates needs and desires are paramount, and gratifying my desires is supreme....regardless of what you or anyone else thinks."
LOVE says, "You are one who bears the image of God, and I am compromising my love for GOD if I 'have my way' with you. God's image in you is holy. I will not touch it."
LUST says, "Your body, your sexuality, and your person brings me great pleasure (in that order), and once I'm gratified (not satisfied), then you hold little, if any value to me."
LOVE says, "Christ has made a way for me to be holy, to live holy, and to respond to every desire in a way worthy of being called 'Christian'"
LUST says, "Live, let live...and my contentment and desires are first and foremost. Regardless of who is destroyed in the process...after all, it's 'all about me.'"
LOVE says, "God is holy. He expects and requires me to live holy. No exceptions."
*****************************
So what say ye?
____________________________
Someone recently mentioned "loving rather than lusting..." and I found the statement to be immensely "loaded." There is just SO much there to consider.
Let's talk about a couple of items:
LOVE says, " I want what is in YOUR best interest...not what will harm you, injure you, or bring disgrace to you."
LUST says, "I want what I want, when I want it. My immediates needs and desires are paramount, and gratifying my desires is supreme....regardless of what you or anyone else thinks."
LOVE says, "You are one who bears the image of God, and I am compromising my love for GOD if I 'have my way' with you. God's image in you is holy. I will not touch it."
LUST says, "Your body, your sexuality, and your person brings me great pleasure (in that order), and once I'm gratified (not satisfied), then you hold little, if any value to me."
LOVE says, "Christ has made a way for me to be holy, to live holy, and to respond to every desire in a way worthy of being called 'Christian'"
LUST says, "Live, let live...and my contentment and desires are first and foremost. Regardless of who is destroyed in the process...after all, it's 'all about me.'"
LOVE says, "God is holy. He expects and requires me to live holy. No exceptions."
*****************************
So what say ye?
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