Weekly ReCap – 02-29-2008 - Children

Children are a blessing!

Sorry for the half done Bible Challenge email update this morning. Had my son, Luke, on my lap wanting to know what I was doing (how awesome!), and my wife was having contractions! They’ve slowed down at this point though, so we haven't gotten to meet our next child just yet!

“Has not the LORD made [the husband and wife] one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring.” (Malachi 2:15a)

“[Jesus] said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these’. . . And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:14b, 16)

• FREE Easter School Lesson for Download!
  You can download an easy-to-use lesson for your children, Sunday school class, or public school classroom.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• To Be, or not to Be - Futility of Human Thinking
  Two news stories caught my attention today and remind me of the futility of human thinking apart from God.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Lent Readings - Fourth Sunday March 2, 2008
  . . . Live as children of light. . . Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Free Breakfast for Any and All Coaches! March Madness!
  Free Coaches Breakfast for ALL COACHES of ANY SPORT or athletic staff! You do not have to be attending the tournament!
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Bible Challenge 2007 - Week 48
  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
  Read more. . .
  

Reading:
- “Planned Parenthood Web Site Promotes Porn to Teens” by Penny Star, CNSNews.com, 2/26/2008

** Sign the Petition to Stop Funding Planned Parenthood with Public Tax Dollars!! **

- “Where Do We Find Our Values?” by Thomas D. Segel, The Conservative Voice, 2/25/2008
- “Bishop stands firm on ‘no-go’ areas claims” by Maria Mackay, Christian Today, 2/25/2008
- “Study: 3 in 4 U.S. mosques preach anti-West extremism: Secret survey exposes widespread radicalism” WorldNetDaily Exclusive, 2/23/2008
- “Dollar Falls to Record Against Euro on Fed Rate-Cut Speculation” by Kim-Mai Cutler and Kosuke Goto, Bloomberg.com, 2/27/2008


Grateful for:
- Everything!
- My strong and faithful wife.
- The uncompromising faith of our brothers and sisters living under persecution. Pray for Chaplain Adesola in Nigeria, he is working in a ministry to serve widows that have no other means of support, but there are forces driving them out of their offices! Pray for him to remain strong in the Lord.






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All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

Bible Challenge 2007 - Week 48

Week 48

“. . . for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. . .

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. . .

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?

. . . Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 3:23-24; 5:8; 6:1-2; 12:1-2)

Sunday 1 Corinthians 13-16
Monday 2 Corinthians 1-3
Tuesday 2 Corinthians 4-6
Wednesday 2 Corinthians 7-9
Thursday 2 Corinthians 10-13
Friday Galatians 1-3
Saturday Galatians 4-6

“Wake up, believers, from your lowly condition! Throw away your laziness, sluggishness, coldness, or whatever is interfering with your pure love for Christ. Make Him the Source, the Center, and the One who encompasses every delight of your soul. Refuse to be satisfied any longer with your meager accomplishments. Aspire to a higher, a nobler, and a fuller life.”
(“Streams in the Desert” by L. B. Cowman, March 2008)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

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Free Breakfast for Any and All Coaches! March Madness!

Special Ministry Service Announcement from the Greater Peoria Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes! Pass this one along!!

2nd Annual FCA COACHES BREAKFAST

Free Coaches Breakfast for ALL COACHES of ANY SPORT or athletic staff! You do not have to be attending the tournament!

Hosted by: Greater Peoria Area FCA

Please join us for our Annual Coaches Breakfast at the Boys State Basketball Tournament

Date:
- Saturday, March 8th (Class 1A & 2A)
- Saturday, March 15th (Class 3A & 4A)

Location: Hotel Pere Marquette, Cheminee Room
501 Main Street, Peoria, IL, 61602
Downtown Peoria (walking distance to Civic Center)

Time: 9:30AM – 10:30AM (Doors open @ 9:00AM)

We invite you, your immediate family, and any athletic staff from your district to join us. Come and hear our featured speaker, Roger Lipe, author of “Heart of a Champion” and “Transforming Lives in Sport”. Roger serves as the FCA Region Director for Southern Illinois and is the Sports Chaplain for SIU’s football team. Also, enjoy a FREE breakfast buffet with other coaches and their families from the sports community in Illinois.

We ask that you would kindly RSVP to the Greater Peoria Area Office. Please respond to FCA by phone @ (309)682-7322 or email: ehynekATfca.org. Let us know which breakfast you can attend and the number attending. Please respond as soon as possible as there is limited seating. After the max is reached, you will be put on a waiting list.

We Look Forward to Seeing You There!

Visit us on the web @ http://www.peoriafca.org

Cole Espenschied
Area Representative
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Greater Peoria Area
4100 N. Brandywine, Suite 210Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 222-0374 Cell
http://www.peoriafca.org






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Lent Readings - Fourth Sunday March 2, 2008

Lent Readings – Year A, from The online Revised Common Lectionary

Fourth Sunday in Lent (March 2, 2008)

1 Samuel 16:1-13

Psalm 23

Ephesians 5:8-14

John 9:1-41


Lent

Lent is generally a forty day devotional season of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter.

“Originating in the fourth century of the church, the season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter. . . Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance.” (Bratcher)

The term lent in Middle Ages English meant spring. (Wiki) It is derived from the Latin quadragesima, meaning the fortieth, as in the fortieth day before Easter. (Mershman)


Works Cited:

Bratcher, Dennis. “The Season of Lent” The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute. 2007
(http://www.cresourcei.org/cylent.html)

The online Revised Common Lectionary. The online Revised Common Lectionary is a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, a division of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library.
(http://divinity.lib.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/)

Mershman, Francis. “Quadragesima” New Advent – Catholic Encyclopedia. 1911
(http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12589a.htm)

Wiki. “Lent” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent)






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All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

To Be, or not to Be – Futility of Human Thinking

Two news stories caught my attention today and remind me of the futility of human thinking apart from God.

First, a family told by doctors to abort their baby because it would be born deaf and blind defy the doctors and now have a healthy baby boy! Praise God!

“‘I feel incredibly guilty thinking that I could have killed him, and then I find myself wondering how many other babies are killed who would have turned out to be completely healthy,’ said Becky Kramer, 23.” (1)

Second, a British artist commits suicide after aborting her twins.

The note left states in part, “‘I told everyone I didn't want to do it, even at the hospital. I was frightened, now it is to late. I died when my babies died. I want to be with my babies: they need me, no one else does.’” (2)

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.” (Ephesians 4:17-32)

I would like to clarify something about my position on abortion. I think it is a horrid practice; it is infanticide; it is murder!

But, it is not a condemnation of those that have had one or are considering it. For “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering.” (Romans 8:1-4) And that message is from Paul, a man who, before being saved by Jesus Christ, was a direct accessory to murder and persecution!

Jesus is the hope! He can save you, cleanse you, and give you eternal life! Contact me if you want to learn more. {Click to contact Chaplain Mick}

“‘Please, come talk to us. We have doctors in town who will give you and your child free medical care. We have families who will adopt your baby. We have those who will help pay for your baby. We have places for you to stay where loving women will help care for your child. Please allow your baby to live. Come talk to us.’ (These are the words of those whom the media loves to call “abortion protestors.”)” (Daubenmire)

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. . . Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:17-32)

The time is now to demand that your taxdollars never be given to organizations that promote abortion!
Click here http://grassfire.org/121/petition.asp?PID=15535915&NID=1

Please! I beg you! Take 2 minutes to sign this petition to De-Fund Planned Parenthood!


Works Cited:

1. “Baby Doctors Said Would Be Deaf, Blind Born Healthy” Fox News, 2/25/2008

2. “U.K. Artist Kills Herself After Aborting Twins” Fox News, 2/24/2008

Daubenmire, Coach Dave. “Without Natural Affection” NewsWithViews.com, 2/14/2008







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All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

FREE Easter School Lesson for Download!

A Special Offer from Gateways to Better Education:


You can download an easy-to-use lesson for your children, Sunday school class, or public school classroom. It is designed like pages from a textbook. It paraphrases the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus as told by Luke. It highlights phrases commonly used in the English language, and it shows the story's relevance to history, art, music, and language arts.

It includes valuable tips on how to teach about religion objectively when using it in a public school setting. It also includes a "For Parents and Educators" information page that will help alleviate concerns some parents or administrators may have about the appropriateness of this lesson.

CLICK HERE to download the FREE lesson.

We are able to offer practical tools like the downloadable Easter lesson because of the financial support from people like you. You can make a secure, online gift to Gateways today so we can create more materials to help parents and educators move from fear to freedom.

CLICK HERE to make a secure, online donation.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours for Keeping the Faith in Public Schools,
Eric Buehrer
Gateways to Better Education






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Weekly ReCap – 02-22-2008 – Happy Birthday George Washington

George Washington – a real role model.

“From his earliest childhood, through his youth, military career, political career and retirement, Washington was a model of Christian virtues -- strength and humility, servanthood and leadership, principles and forgiveness.” (Lillback)

“I now make it my earnest prayer, that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in his holy protection, that he would incline the hearts of the Citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to Government, to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow Citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field, and finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all, to do Justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that Charity, humility and pacific temper of mind, which were the Characteristicks of the Divine Author of our blessed Religion [Jesus Christ], and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy Nation.”
– George Washington, Prayer to the States, Head Quarters, Newburgh, June 8, 1783.
“George Washington’s Sacred Fire” Peter A. Lillback et. al. 2006

George Washington
Man of Character; Man of Honor; Man of America; Man of God

• China: Women Arrested for Christmas Cards
  Two women arrested after they were found distributing Christmas cards.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Lent Readings - Third Sunday Feb. 24, 2008
  God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• 2nd Annual FCA Coaches Breakfast
  Please join us for our Annual Coaches Breakfast at the Boys State Basketball Tournament, Free.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Bible Challenge 2007 - Week 47
  Six Weeks to Go! Let’s continue the journey and follow Apollos’ model: learned with a thorough knowledge of scripture, sharing and defending the faith with fervor and vigor!
  Read more. . .
  

Reading:
- “Heritage Foundation: It’s ‘Washington’s Birthday’” by Matthew Spalding, Fox News, 2/15/2008
- “Nurse says Obama supports infanticide” Catholic News Agency, 2/16/2008
- “Emergency treatment for a sick society” by Pat Boone, World Net Daily, 2/16/2008
- “Illinois Primary Report: Little Faith or Big Hope?” by Fran Eaton, Illinois Family Institute, 2/19/2008


Grateful for:
- Winter. I’m just as tired of the cold as everybody else by now, but, Oh, the anticipation of spring! How much greater is the life of spring after the sleep of winter? Thank God for the seasons that make life not only possible, but beautiful!
- My boss.

Works Cited:

Lillback, Peter A.
(1) “George Washington – Model of Christian virtue” OneNewsNow.com, 2/18/2008
(2) “George Washington’s Sacred Fire” Peter A. Lillback et. al. 2006







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Bible Challenge 2007 - Week 47

Week 47

We are told that Apollos “vigorously refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.” (Acts 18:24-28)

I want to take a minute to praise and encourage you for making it through this far in our Bible Challenge! We have 6 weeks to go!

Studying the Word of God, what a privilege and honor. Let’s continue the journey and follow Apollos’ model: learned with a thorough knowledge of scripture, sharing and defending the faith with fervor and vigor!

Sunday Romans 7-9
Monday Romans 10-12
Tuesday Romans 13-16
Wednesday 1 Corinthians 1-3
Thursday 1 Corinthians 4-6
Friday 1 Corinthians 7-9
Saturday 1 Corinthians 10-12

“So what is it about the Bible that causes people to give their lives for it, causes oppressors to try to destroy it, and so infuriates the cultural elite today? Clearly, the Bible is unique. Over the centuries many great books have been written, including those by Aristotle, Plato, Shakespeare, Cervantes, and on and on; they have had an influence, of course. But no book has ever caused the controversy aroused by the Bible or invited such severe resistance or inspired its followers to such extraordinary actions.

The reason is what the Bible claims for itself. Although it is in many respects a book like many others, a collection of ancient writings that includes a variety of genres from historical narrative to introspective philosophy, it is much more; it purports to be the Word of God itself. Through this book God speaks, giving us an understanding of reality that transcends anything that can be envisioned by the human mind alone.”
(“The Faith: What Christians Believe, Why They Believe It, and Why It Matters” by Charles W. Colson, Harold Fickett)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

{ Bible Challenge Home } { Past Weeks } { Project Home }






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All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

2nd Annual FCA COACHES BREAKFAST

Special Ministry Service Announcement from the Greater Peoria Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes!

2nd Annual FCA COACHES BREAKFAST

Hosted by: Greater Peoria Area FCA

Please join us for our Annual Coaches Breakfast at the Boys State Basketball Tournament

Date:
- Saturday, March 8th (Class 1A & 2A)
- Saturday, March 15th (Class 3A & 4A)

Location: Hotel Pere Marquette, Cheminee Room
501 Main Street, Peoria, IL, 61602
Downtown Peoria (walking distance to Civic Center)

Time: 9:30AM – 10:30AM (Doors open @ 9:00AM)

We invite you, your immediate family, and any athletic staff from your district to join us. Come and hear our featured speaker, Roger Lipe, author of “Heart of a Champion” and “Transforming Lives in Sport”. Roger serves as the FCA Region Director for Southern Illinois and is the Sports Chaplain for SIU’s football team. Also, enjoy a FREE breakfast buffet with other coaches and their families from the sports community in Illinois.

We ask that you would kindly RSVP to the Greater Peoria Area Office. Please respond to FCA by phone @ (309)682-7322 or email: ehynekATfca.org. Let us know which breakfast you can attend and the number attending. Please respond as soon as possible as there is limited seating. After the max is reached, you will be put on a waiting list.

We Look Forward to Seeing You There!

Visit us on the web @ http://www.peoriafca.org

Cole Espenschied
Area Representative
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Greater Peoria Area
4100 N. Brandywine, Suite 210Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 222-0374 Cell
http://www.peoriafca.org






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All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

Lent Readings - Third Sunday Feb. 24, 2008

Lent Readings – Year A, from The online Revised Common Lectionary

Third Sunday in Lent (February 24, 2008)

Exodus 17:1-7

Psalm 95

Romans 5:1-11

John 4:5-42


Lent

Lent is generally a forty day devotional season of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter.

“Originating in the fourth century of the church, the season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter. . . Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance.” (Bratcher)

The term lent in Middle Ages English meant spring. (Wiki) It is derived from the Latin quadragesima, meaning the fortieth, as in the fortieth day before Easter. (Mershman)


Works Cited:

Bratcher, Dennis. “The Season of Lent” The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute. 2007
(http://www.cresourcei.org/cylent.html)

The online Revised Common Lectionary. The online Revised Common Lectionary is a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, a division of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library.
(http://divinity.lib.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/)

Mershman, Francis. “Quadragesima” New Advent – Catholic Encyclopedia. 1911
(http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12589a.htm)

Wiki. “Lent” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent)






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All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

China: Women Arrested for Christmas Cards

Two women arrested after they were found distributing Christmas cards.

A message from VOM-USA News and Prayer Update:

Women Detained and Treated Indecently by Police – China Aid Association
On February 2, two Christian women, Meng Xiu Lan and Zhou Cheng Xiu, were detained by police in Jun Tun County, Yunan Province, after they were found distributing Christmas cards. According to China Aid Association (CAA), the two women, aged 55 and 53 respectively, were "threatened, mocked, stripped and frisked violently." CAA added, "Police then handcuffed the two women and escorted them back to their homes. After searching the homes, police illegally confiscated CDs, handouts, Bibles, song books and calendars, without proper documentation." Pray the Lord comforts and encourages these women after this difficult experience. Ask God to use their testimony to draw nonbelievers, including their persecutors, into fellowship with Him. Isaiah 53:4-5

4 Surely he took up our infirmities
and carried our sorrows,
yet we considered him stricken by God,
smitten by him, and afflicted.

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.






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All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

Weekly ReCap – 02-15-2008 – Love Our Children

Love our Children!

As our Heavenly Father loves our children and us, let us love our children, let us love what is good, and let us love God.

“But know this: difficult times will come in the last days. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, . . . unloving, . . . without love for what is good, . . . lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to the form of religion but denying its power. Avoid these people!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 HCSB)

• Free Code Blue Rally in Peoria, April 6th
  Join me April 6th for a Worldview Weekend Code Blue Rally in Peoria! Register today!
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Deadly Winter Storms - Churches Vital Afterwards!
  Like Noah dutifully building the ark, we need to be prepared for disaster before it strikes even if it never happens.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Lent Readings - Second Sunday - Feb. 17, 2008
  "It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith."
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Your Taxes Bought 264,943 Abortions Last Year!
  Urgent! Your action is needed! Please read this post and I beg you to sign the petition to De-Fund Planned Parenthood today!
  Do your part, Read and sign. . .
  
  
• Bible Challenge 2007 - Week 46
  The Church is alive and the Holy Spirit is within us, let’s continue to devote ourselves to the apostles’ teaching, to God’s Holy Word, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.
  Read more. . .
  

Reading:

- “It is one thing for a young girl to be caught in the trap of an unexpected pregnancy. Like an animal with its foot caught in a trap the urge to chew off one’s own foot seems like a viable solution. That’s where many of the young girls find themselves. They will do anything to get out of the ‘pregnancy trap’. . . The Women’s Liberation movement in America has taken from our young mothers their natural affection for their babies. Those who kill their children have been stripped of their ‘natural affection.’ [2 Timothy 3:3 KJV]”
“Without Natural Affection” by Coach Dave Daubenmire, NewsWithViews.com, Feb. 14, 2008

- “Anglican Archbishop Supports Sharia Law in U.K.” by Father Jonathan Morris, Fox News.
- “Bush Justice Department: What Constitution?” by Larry Pratt, The Conservative Voice.
- “Obama office adores psychotic Marxist thug” by Matt Bramanti, LoneStarTimes.com.

Grateful for:
- A child’s innocent smile.
- “Hoops” with Luke.
- A child’s prayers. Luke’s “Thank you Jesus God”!
- Our Heavenly Father that feels the same about His children, you and me!






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All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

Bible Challenge 2007 - Week 46

Week 46

“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

The Church is alive and the Holy Spirit is within us, let’s continue to devote ourselves to the apostles’ teaching, to God’s Holy Word, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.

Sunday Acts 13-15
Monday Acts 16-18
Tuesday Acts 19-21
Wednesday Acts 22-24
Thursday Acts 25-28
Friday Romans 1-3
Saturday Romans 4-6

“How familiar are you with the content of Scripture? The Bible contains all of the words of God that we need in order to know about salvation from sin and godly living. For the eternal joy of your children, turn off the television and start reading.” (“The Cable Every Home Needs” by Jim Elliff & Steve Burchett, Christian Worldview Network)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

{ Bible Challenge Home } { Past Weeks } { Project Home }






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All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

Your Taxes Bought 264,943 Abortions Last Year!

That's right, Millions of Tax Dollars pay for Abortion, Illegal Medical Practices, and Black Market Baby Parts!

They boast of being the world's largest provider of abortions-performing a record 264,943 during the fiscal year 2006-2007. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is considered a"non-profit" organization that annually siphons more than a quarter-billion dollars in U.S. taxpayer money...

Considered a non-profit, it nevertheless makes huge profits-building a surplus of more than $350 million while operating under their own set of rules, unaccountable to the rules and regulations governing other non-profits...

But that's only the tip of the iceberg.
Sens. Brownback and Vitterare calling for the suspension of federal funding of abortion following a complaint in a Kansas district court accused PPFA of performing illegal late-term abortions, falsifying documents and failure to comply with medical reporting requirements.

And that's not all.
Knowledge that PPFA has also been involved in a complicated baby body parts scandal--selling intact body parts, tissues, organs and the remains of aborted infants to researchers has also cometo light...

And the most heinous part of all?
Your tax dollars are helping to fund and even expand this kind of barbaric and grotesque genocide!

The time is now to demand that your taxdollars never be given to organizations that promote abortion! Click here http://grassfire.org/121/petition.asp?PID=15535915&NID=1

Please! I beg you! Take 2 minutes to sign this petition to De-Fund Planned Parenthood!


“I live every day as a pro-life supporter. I was adopted at 5 months old, and I look at adoption as God's very hand saving me from abandonment or worse, abortion. Pro-life is more than simply opposing abortion, it is a respect for the sanctity of all life, at all stages.”
- “What Pro-Life Means to Me: March for Life 2008” by Brittny Woods. Firesociety.com

We, Christ’s Church, need to be informing and educating young men and women that life begins at conception and we need to condemn any public leader that would by their words or votes support the culture of death! Why is the culture beating us at the grassroots effort to reach hearts and minds?

Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow
(Isaiah 1:17)

“But the ultimate stated goal of the U.S. Constitution is ‘to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.’ [Posterity = unborn offspring] When it comes to the blessings of liberty, the Constitution places our posterity on an equal level with ourselves. Now, human life is the prerequisite for the enjoyment of all liberty, which makes the protection of human life a prerequisite for achieving the ultimate goal of the Constitution. Since it places our posterity on an equal level with ourselves, this implies an equal obligation on our part to respect the life of our posterity.”
- Alan Keyes, ‘Abortion rights’ and the moral threat to freedom.






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Lent Readings - Second Sunday - Feb. 17, 2008

Lent Readings – Year A, from The online Revised Common Lectionary

Second Sunday in Lent (February 17, 2008)

Genesis 12:1-4a

Psalm 121

Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

John 3:1-17 or Matthew 17:1-9


Lent

Lent is generally a forty day devotional season of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter.

“Originating in the fourth century of the church, the season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter. . . Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance.” (Bratcher)

The term lent in Middle Ages English meant spring. (Wiki) It is derived from the Latin quadragesima, meaning the fortieth, as in the fortieth day before Easter. (Mershman)


Works Cited:

Bratcher, Dennis. “The Season of Lent” The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute. 2007
(http://www.cresourcei.org/cylent.html)

The online Revised Common Lectionary. The online Revised Common Lectionary is a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, a division of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library.
(http://divinity.lib.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/)

Mershman, Francis. “Quadragesima” New Advent – Catholic Encyclopedia. 1911
(http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12589a.htm)

Wiki. “Lent” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent)







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All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

Deadly Winter Storms – Churches Vital Afterwards!

Our families and church bodies need to be prepared!

Like Noah dutifully building the ark, we need to be prepared for disaster before it strikes even if it never happens.

When is the time to make a plan? As the earth shakes, as the wind blows, as the water rises? No! The time to plan for disaster is now, before it strikes.

DiRT coming fall 2008!

“LAFAYETTE, Tenn. - On the way to this storm-ravaged community, a billboard bubbling with fresh paste rises over a rural road with a message from the Gospel of Matthew: ‘Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.’ In Macon County and other predominantly Christian areas where tornadoes laid a deadly path, churches — and individuals' faith — are playing a vital role in the aftermath.”
(“Churches Vital after Deadly Storms”, by Ryan Lenz, Associated Press Writer, Christianpost.com, Mon. Feb. 11, 2008.)





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Free Code Blue Rally in Peoria, April 6th

Join me April 6th for a Worldview Weekend Code Blue Rally in Peoria! Register today!

Worldview Weekend Code Blue Rally

Peoria, Illinois Code Blue Rally

Date: Sunday Night, April 6, 2008

Time: 5:30 p.m to 9:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Location: Peoria Christian School, 3506 N. California Ave., Peoria, IL 61603

Important Notice:
The Code Blue Rally is free but you must register online and print out your tickets so we can be sure NOT to over-fill the building. Please DO NOT register other people, other than immediate family members, as this has created confusion at past conferences.

- Click for Code Blue Rally details http://www.codebluerally.com/

- Click for Peoria event details http://www.worldviewweekend.com/upcoming.php#peoriailcodebluerally

Code Blue Rally Topics Include:

The importance and practical benefits of a Biblical worldview; the emergent church in their own words; Confronting spiritual confusion; the uniqueness of Jesus Christ in a world of religions; How we know the Bible is true; How we know Jesus Christ rose from the dead; How we know Jesus Christ was God in human form; Going to college without going astray; doctrine is not boring but a strong mooring; exposing the popular lies of today's pop-culture world, Why are so many students leaving the church and not returning?; Understanding the dangers of today's prevailing postmodern worldview; How to use the moral law to evangelize like Jesus did; Training the heart and mind of a child to follow Christ; Testing our worldview against the Bible; The difference between true and false converts, Building a Biblical worldview verse by verse and more.






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Weekly ReCap – 02-11-2008 – Repentant Fasting

Are you fasting for Lent?

Consider this from the Ash Wednesday Scripture reading in Isaiah 58:1-12 :

. . . Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD ?

Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?

Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.

I think, this year, instead of giving something up, I’m going to be prayerful and listen to the Spirit’s guidance to find ways to serve. If you have special fasting plans for the lent season, click the comment button at the end of this post and leave us a message.

• America's Moral Challenge
  Watch more. . .
  
  
• Lent Readings - First Sunday - Feb. 10, 2008
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Bible Challenge 2007 - Week 45
  If giving our children a biblical worldview is the why of family driven faith, giving them biblical instruction is the what.
  Read more. . .
  

Reading:
- “Berkeley vs. America, Again” by Michelle Malkin, Family Security Matters
- “Berkeley: City of Imbeciles” by Jason Rantz, Family Security Matters
- “Economic Warning Signs” by Kerby Anderson
- “Christianity & Islam: Two Worldviews and Why They Matter” by S. Michael Craven


Grateful for:
- I can’t even begin to count all of the things I am grateful for after our move this weekend! Thank you everyone! And thank you God!
- Fathers. My father, my wife’s father and step-father, and surrogate fathers and grandfathers. We wouldn’t be without fathers, and we wouldn’t be at all without our Heavenly Father. (and what shoes to fill as I am early in my fatherhood role! See this weeks Bible Challenge reading plan.)





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Bible Challenge 2007 - Week 45

Week 45

“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’” Jesus (Luke 18:16)

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.” (John 1:12-13)

Sunday John 13-15
Monday John 16-18
Tuesday John 19-21
Wednesday Acts 1-3
Thursday Acts 4-6
Friday Acts 7-9
Saturday Acts 10-12

“If giving our children a biblical worldview is the why of family driven faith, giving them biblical instruction is the what. Our worldview shapes the way we think, but learning and memorizing the Scriptures determine what we think. For example, a child with a biblical worldview may understand the inherent dignity of his parents as human beings created in the image of God, but a child with biblical instruction also knows that the God who created his parents says, “Honor your mother and father.” It is not an either/or proposition but a both/and mandate. We must give our children a biblical worldview, and we must instruct them in the Word of God.” (“It’s Up to Parents to Teach God’s Word” by Voddie T. Baucham, Jr. The Family Room )

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

{ Bible Challenge Home } { Past Weeks } { Project Home }





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Lent Readings - First Sunday - Feb. 10, 2008

Lent Readings – Year A, from The online Revised Common Lectionary

First Sunday in Lent (February 10, 2008)

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7

Psalm 32

Romans 5:12-19

Matthew 4:1-11


Lent

Lent is generally a forty day devotional season of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter.

“Originating in the fourth century of the church, the season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter. . . Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance.” (Bratcher)

The term lent in Middle Ages English meant spring. (Wiki) It is derived from the Latin quadragesima, meaning the fortieth, as in the fortieth day before Easter. (Mershman)


Works Cited:

Bratcher, Dennis. “The Season of Lent” The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute. 2007
(http://www.cresourcei.org/cylent.html)

The online Revised Common Lectionary. The online Revised Common Lectionary is a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, a division of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library.
(http://divinity.lib.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/)

Mershman, Francis. “Quadragesima” New Advent – Catholic Encyclopedia. 1911
(http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12589a.htm)

Wiki. “Lent” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent)





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All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

America's Moral Challenge

We Need Alan Keyes for President 2008!







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All Scripture links by BibleGateway.com Unless otherwise noted.

Weekly ReCap – 02-01-2008 – Lent

Lent

Lent is generally a forty day devotional season of fasting and prayer in preparation for Easter.

“Originating in the fourth century of the church, the season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter. . . Christians today use this period of time for introspection, self examination, and repentance.” (Bratcher)

The term lent in Middle Ages English meant spring. (Wiki) It is derived from the Latin quadragesima, meaning the fortieth, as in the fortieth day before Easter. (Mershman)

I will post a weekly Lent reading plan to help in our devotional time for “introspection, self examination, and repentance.”

• Prayer for Peoria
  A Prayer for Peoria’s 40 Days of Prayer - 2008
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Lent Reading - Ash Wednesday - Feb. 6, 2008
  "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions."
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Bible Challenge 2007 - Week 44
  “Go into all the world and preach to the whole creation."
  Read more. . .
  

Reading:
- “The dilemma that confronts Alan Keyes’ supporters” by Duane Gross, America’s Revival
- “It’s Up to Parents to Teach Children God’s Word” by Voddie T. Baucham, Jr. The Family Room
- “Real Solutions to Teen Pregnancy” by Rebecca Hagelin, The Heritage Foundation.
- “How to Set Goals for Your Marriage” by LeAnne Benfield Martin, Crosswalk.com

Grateful for:
- Humility and lessons in humility. They can be hard to swallow.
- Snow. We often won’t slow ourselves down when needed, but what we fail to do personally, the snow can force us to do. Not to mention snow’s beauty and ecological necessity, and the spiritual bonding of neighbors out helping each other shovel.


Works Cited:

Bratcher, Dennis. “The Season of Lent” The Voice, CRI/Voice, Institute. 2007(http://www.cresourcei.org/cylent.html)

The online Revised Common Lectionary. The online Revised Common Lectionary is a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, a division of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library.(http://divinity.lib.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/)

Mershman, Francis. “Quadragesima” New Advent – Catholic Encyclopedia. 1911(http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12589a.htm)

Wiki. “Lent” From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lent)





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Bible Challenge 2007 - Week 44

Week 44

“Go into all the world and preach to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” Jesus, Mark 16:15-16

Sunday Luke 16-18
Monday Luke 19-21
Tuesday Luke 22-24
Wednesday John 1-3
Thursday John 4-6
Friday John 7-9
Saturday John 10-12

“It is true that our salvation can never be earned. But too many have mistakenly assumed that because grace is free, no exertion is required of us to live the Christian life. This is simply untrue. We are called to participate with all our hearts in the purposes of God for us and the world.” (“A Little Guide to Christian Spirituality” by Glen G. Scorgie)

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

{ Bible Challenge Home } { Past Weeks } { Project Home }





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