Child Protective Services Selling Children

We Cannot Trust the Parents from parentalrights.org

News clip of an investigation into Child Protective Services breaking up families in order to "sell" children to recieve more federal funds!

Ok, if this doesn't highlight and explain the dangers of big government and government social programs, nothing will!



Be Informed! Take a Stand!

• Threat to Parental Rights - The State to Make Decisions for Us?
  “Few dispute the vital role of parents in raising the next generation, but, regrettably, few recognize that the fundamental role of parents is under direct attack."
  Read more. . .
  
  
• California Homeschool Banning
  “It’s an attempt to cut-off escape routes to families fleeing the public education system,” Carlson said. “This had nothing to do with the quality of home-schooling. Home-school graduates tend to score higher on aptitude tests than products of public education. Students schooled at home frequently attend the best Ivy League colleges and universities.”
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Early Childhood Development - In the Family!
  Why do daycare lobbyists and "early learning" advocates insist that institutionalized environments (i.e. artificial environments) are better than the nurturing family environment for early childhood development? That is a question raised by recent research in which the results “suggest that something other than the welfare of children may be driving the current pre-K craze.” (WCF)
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Importance of Families
  Families were instrumental in the rebuilding of the nation of Israel, and it is my belief that families are the key social unit to any nation or culture. If you want to improve a neighborhood, city, state, or nation then start with strengthening the families within their borders.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Be a Blessing to Your Children
  I can proudly say that my parents were and are a blessing to me. And this gives me something to strive for as a parent responsible for the next generation. Am I a blessing to my children?
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Education - The Hope or Downfall of Our Nation
  At a Boulder, Colorado high school assembly this year, students were told, “‘I am going to encourage you to have sex and encourage you to use drugs appropriately. . .'" Mind pollution of the American children with government endorsement and at the expense of their parents, plain and simple. Anyone that expresses that kind of filth to a minor without parental consent should be in jail!
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Tyranny and Rebellion
  . . . tyranny that sneaks up and has you submitting before you even know it. They are some form of atheistic or humanistic socialism or communism (or some new globalistic representation of the old philosophies, the Brave New World). When the education enforcement officers knock on your door and say "we are here to take your children", will you render unto Caesar?
  Read more. . .
  

GOD SAVE AMERICA!

If this video does not awaken you then Samuel Adams' words hold true for you:

"If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen."





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ParentingChild WelfareFamily

Constitution Party Presidential Nomination Acceptance Speech

Dr. Chuck Baldwin's acceptance speech as the Constitution Party Presidential Candidate

This is about a 30 minute speech, but I cannot stress enough how important it is for every voting American to watch. Dr. Baldwin and the Constitution Party have a real message of CHANGE. Please watch, pray, and consider supporting real change in America.

Click Here to watch now: Dr. Chuck Baldwin's acceptance speech as the Constitution Party Presidential Candidate






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2008 Presidential RacePresidential RaceConstitution Party

Amazon Kindle Update: A Revolution in Reading!

Amazon Kindle Update: A Revolution in Reading!

I am excited about this technology and thought I would share, although it's still a little out of my price range, but could you imagine having your entire library in the palm of your hand! And let it be known, that buying from the Amazon store and links on the website and emails helps support the Romans 15:4 Project. I appreciate your support! Thank you!
- Mick Dobra, Founder and Chaplain

The future of reading may be here! Order this for the reading enthusiast in your family today!

Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device

Three years ago, we set out to design and build an entirely new class of device—a convenient, portable reading device with the ability to wirelessly download books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers. The result is Amazon Kindle.

- The Amazon Kindle Team







Learn more about the Amazon Kindle {just click!}

Thank you. Buying from the Amazon store and links helps fund the Romans 15:4 Project. I appreciate your support! Thank you and God bless you.
- Chaplain Mick Dobra





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Book Review: An Agenda for Change

An Agenda for Change: A Global Call for Spiritual and Social Transformation by Joel Edwards

Required reading for all clergy, deacons, small group leaders, serious disciples, and any member of the body of Christ that sees the Church as the light of the world! This would be a great resource for leader or elder boards, staff teams, mission and vision teams.

Joel Edwards opens a solid conversation about the credibility of the name Evangelical and the need for community as well as individual transformation.

Discipleship is the key! As Joel notes, "so much of our contemporary approach to discipleship locks us into personal piety issues. . . The truth is that biblical discipleship is inherently transformational, in any culture and at any time."

He does a great job of generalizing evangelical groups (left - right - center), and how they need each other to properly function (one body many parts?). But I have one caution, I agree that the Church should model a better way in society, leading to community transformation, but Joel seems to imply using politics and government to achieve this end in some cases. I think this is very dangerous whether on the right or left!

So, with that caution, this is a great book.

An Agenda for Change: A Global Call for Spiritual and Social Transformation by Joel Edwards, Zondervan, 2008





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Weekly ReCap – 04-25-2008 – Spring

Spring Highlights the Wonders of Creation!

And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said:
“Why do you confuse the issue?
Why do you talk without knowing what you're talking about?
Pull yourself together, Job!
Up on your feet! Stand tall!
I have some questions for you,
and I want some straight answers.
Where were you when I created the earth?
Tell me, since you know so much!
Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that!
Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?
How was its foundation poured,
and who set the cornerstone,
While the morning stars sang in chorus
and all the angels shouted praise?”
(Job 38 The Message)

I can’t wait to get out this weekend with my son and play with some bugs and marvel at the complexity and beauty of creation working in perfect compliance of the natural laws established by the Designer.

• Free Resource: "Promoting Tolerance" Lesson
  Tolerance, in and of itself, is not a virtue. . . True tolerance is the outgrowth of moral character qualities such as kindness, patience, courtesy, humility, love, self-control, and courage. FREE student handout you can discuss with your children, the students in a church youth group, and in a public school classroom setting.
  Learn more. . .
  
  
• National Day of Prayer - May 1st
  If you have not been to a National Day of Prayer event I would encourage you to attend. It is powerful way for our community to worship, honor, and petition God! Great music, great fellowship, and great prayer!
  Get details. . .
  
  
• Conversations at the Southside Mission
  When culture changes as rapidly as ours, often it is our young who are pushed to the fringes of society. . . Conversations on the Fringe will be partnering with the Southside Mission this spring by leading classes for parents in Peoria’s urban setting. We want to invite you and your spouse to join us . . .
  Get details. . .
  
  
• A Prayer for America
  A prayer for the Constitution Party of Illinois delegates, the Constitution Party Convention, and America.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• China Human Rights Update
  Forty-six Christians Arrested, Two Remain in Detention - China Aid Association
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 4
  Let’s soak up God’s Word as if we were soil and God’s Word were the life giving rain! Pour your rain on us today Lord Jesus!
  Read more. . .
  

Reading:

Inspiration

- Video: “In You Alone”
“Tribute to the military-especially my sons. Encouraging them to rely on the Lord.”

- “I Choose God – Go Ahead and Shoot” by Stacy Harp, Persecutionblog.com
“Mary was only seventeen when Muslim fanatics raided her village in Lebanon. Mary and her parents were confronted with a grueling choice: ‘Become a Muslim, or you will be shot.’”


Church

- “What evidence is there that the Bible is in fact God’s Word?” by Adrian Rogers, Christianity.com
“I want to give you five reasons to affirm the Bible is the Word of God. . . It’s so majestically deep that scholars could swim and never touch the bottom. Yet so wonderfully shallow that a little child could come and get a drink of water without fear of drowning. That is God’s precious, holy Word. The Word of God. Know it. Believe it. It is True.”

- “Fossil Clock: Just how old are the rocks” Answers with Ken Ham, Answers In Genesis
“. . . most people assume that it takes millions of years for sediment—like sand or mud—to harden into rock. But given the right ingredients, this can actually happen quickly. . . Take a look at the picture of the mechanism of a clock encased in solid rock, along with sea shells.”


Culture

- “When Muslims Embrace Christianity in the U.K.” by Ethan Cole, Christian Post, 4/22/2008
“Muslims converting to Christianity is a thorny issue almost anywhere in the world, but recently U.K. media attention has focused in on the persecution of former Muslims not in foreign land but in its own backyard.”


Politics

- “Massachusetts suffering fallout from universal healthcare program” by Jim Brown, OneNewsNow.com, 4/16/2008
“A leading healthcare reform expert says she's not surprised that the new universal healthcare program in Massachusetts brokered by former Governor Mitt Romney and Senator Ted Kennedy is running several hundred million dollars over budget.”

- “A More Compatible Match” Constitution Party press release, 4/20/2008
“‘Alan Keyes’s break with the GOP is a real shot in the arm for Americans who’ve come to the conclusion the Republicans can no longer be considered the party of conservatives’, Clymer added.”


Grateful for:

- Poop filled diapers. Yes, you heard that right! Because if they didn’t get filled up, then something would be seriously wrong! I am grateful for my children’s health, poop filled diapers and all!

- Flowers, and flowering trees. Even though the old sinuses don’t agree, they are still beautiful, a wonder of creation!






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Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 4

Week 4

Let’s desire to be “good soil!" (Matthew 13)

Let’s soak up God’s Word as if we were soil and God’s Word were the life giving rain! Producing an abundant crop out of our gratitude to the life giver! For “the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:23)

Pour your rain on us today Lord Jesus!

Monday --- Matthew 16
Tuesday --- Matthew 17
Wednesday --- Matthew 18
Thursday --- Matthew 19
Friday --- Matthew 20

“Would you give the world to know the Bible? By that I mean, would you be willing to give up something in exchange for knowing God’s Word? This is what the Apostle Paul meant in Romans 12 when he wrote, ‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind’ (v. 2). How do you renew your mind? By studying the Word of God. . .

First, listen to God and treasure His instructions ([Proverbs] 2:1). . .

Second, pray for insight and understanding (v. 3). . .

Third, seek it as though you were searching for lost money or hidden treasure (v. 4). . .

Fourth, apply what you learn in the Bible.”

(“Bible Study: Give It All You’ve Got” by Greg Laurie, Christianity.com)


“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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China Human Rights Update

China Update from Voice of the Martyrs VOM-USA News and Prayer Update, April 22, 2008 :

Forty-six Christians Arrested, Two Remain in Detention - China Aid Association

China Aid Association (CAA) reports that the Chinese Communist government recently launched a strategic campaign against house churches in Xinjiang Autonomous Region. As a result of this campaign, on April 13, 46 Christians were arrested by Public Security Bureau (PSB) officials during a Bible class and worship service in Kashi City, Xinjiang Province. CAA reported, "Forty-six house church Christians were holding Bible class and worship in the home of Mr. Ding Zhichun when PSB officials intruded into Ding's home and arrested all of them. Forty-four Christians were released after the trial day, following a 50 Yuan deposit to the PSB, by the family members." CAA added, "The Christians were mandated to confess their illegal Sunday worship activities and study the government's handbook on Religious Policy. They were also required to return and recite the policy to officials within one week." The Voice of the Martyrs supports and stands with Christians in China and encourages you to pray for believers who are living under immense pressure. Ask God to encourage and minister to the two Christians still being held by the police. Pray their testimony will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with Christ. Psalm 91





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ChinaHuman Rights

A Prayer for America

A prayer for the Constitution Party of Illinois delegates, the Constitution Party Convention, and America:

“if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

We come in Your name, Lord Jesus. We humble ourselves leaning not on our own strength, but seeking Your face and Your strength. We confess we are sinners and pray you will hear our cries in heaven, thank you for forgiving us our sins through our Savior Jesus Christ, and we pray you will heal our land.

Lord I pray you will watch over our delegates; Give them wisdom; Protect them in their affairs and travels.

Lord I pray your Spirit will be present at the convention; That you would raise up leaders to guide our nation.

Lord I pray that you would move 'We the People' of this land to choose our leaders wisely.

Heavenly Father, I pray that Your Kingdom would shine in our land. Lord, I ask for your blessings and saving grace on America. All for Your glory Heavenly Father!

Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
let those who love Your salvation
continually say, "God is great!"
America is afflicted and needy;
hurry to us, God.
You are our help and our deliverer;
LORD, do not delay. (Psalm 70:4-5, HCSB amended)

In Jesus Christ's name I pray - Amen.


Click this banner for a live feed from the Convention!






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Alan KeyesPresidential Race

Conversations at the Southside Mission

A message from Conversations on the Fringe

Subject: Conversations at the Southside Mission

When culture changes as rapidly as ours, often it is our young who are pushed to the fringes of society. We see this happening in our schools, churches, communities and neighborhoods. Many youth workers have expressed a need to acquire better training for them and their adult leader! s who work on the fringes with kids who may be marginalized, cast out, ignored, or face other behavioral challenges. Walking alongside youth struggling with these complex issues is a messy vocation and takes not only courage, but resources.

Conversations on the Fringe strives to provide such resources as training seminars, literature, and a link to mental health professionals, as well as successful and practical ideas– giving a better understanding of the challenges troubled children and adolescents face in the hopes of ultimately leading them into healthy relationships with God and others. Conversations on the Fringe will be partnering with the Southside Mission this spring by leading classes for parents in Peoria’s urban setting. We want to invite you and your spouse to join us on the following dates:

April 17th – Dinner Kick-Off
April 24th – Systemic Abandonment/Divorce
May 1st – Mental Illness/Anxiety
May 8th – Depression/Suicide/Grief
May 15th – Sexual Abuse/Pornography
May 22nd – Addiction
May 29th – Listening Skills/Mentoring

Southside Mission
1127 S. Laramie St. Peoria, Il. 61605
(309) 676-4604






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National Day of Prayer - May 1st

National Day of Prayer (www.ndptf.org)

In the Peoria Area:

Peoria has a strong faith community. If you have not been to a National Day of Prayer event I would encourage you to attend. It is powerful way for our community to worship, honor, and petition God! Great music, great fellowship, and great prayer!

Location: Peoria County Courthouse Courtyard
324 Main St
Peoria, IL 61602

Start Date & Time: 05/01/2008 11:45 AM
End Date & Time: 05/01/2008 01:00 PM

Additional Information: Peoria Christian School will be providing music with their band.

Coordinator: Rodney Drury
(309) 361-4052
rdrury@PeoriaPrayerCenter.org

More local events: http://www.wcicfm.org/news.php?&ID1=172






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Free Resource: "Promoting Tolerance"

"Promoting Tolerance: How to Make a Change" from Gateways to Better Education

A Message from Gateways to Better Education:


You CAN Counter the Confusion this Week

This Friday, April 25th, gay activists are pushing for students to participate in what they are calling the "Day of Silence." They want students to not speak at school but instead, with a written card, draw attention to so-called tolerance of the gay agenda for schools.

It will be easy for students--even Christian students--to get confused over the word tolerance.

You can help your children and other students

Tolerance, in and of itself, is not a virtue. If a student tolerates drinking and driving, his tolerance is not virtuous. Tolerance is neutral. Tolerance derives its value from what it is the student tolerates, and the manner in which the student expresses his tolerance and intolerance. This involves character.

When a student uses a racial slur, his problem is not a lack of tolerance, but a lack of kindness and a problem with pride (the root of belief in racial superiority). When a student makes fun of a classmate's point of view during a class discussion, his problem isn't a lack of tolerance, but a lack of courtesy. When one student spits on another student because he thinks his schoolmate is gay, tolerance isn't the issue so much as is self-control.

True tolerance is the outgrowth of moral character qualities such as kindness, patience, courtesy, humility, love, self-control, and courage. Proper intolerance should also be expressed through these qualities.

Students need to be taught that tolerance arises from character. If they don't understand this, they will think they are being tolerant when they are actually only expressing indifference ("whatever"), or apathy ("who cares?"), or even recklessness ("why not?"). Improperly taught, "tolerance education" can lead to disarming students of their proper convictions.

Gateways offers you a FREE student handout you can discuss with your children, the students in a church youth group, and in a public school classroom setting. This handout explains a better way to define tolerance--a way that helps students maintain their families' moral and faith-based values.

CLICK HERE to download your FREE copy. Make as many copies as you want to use in your church or classroom.

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







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Weekly ReCap – 04-18-2008 – Government Set Salaries?

“You can’t legislate morality.” Really?

It is the often used criticism against the conservative right, especially concerning abortion, “you can’t legislate morality.” As if murder weren’t already against the law!

So, let’s turn the table. Obama has come out with a plan to “legislate” or “regulate” the paychecks of CEOs. Now I agree on the one hand that there are some who are out of control, but reform should be an individual change of heart, shouldn’t it? If they are not breaking any law to obtain obscene paychecks, shouldn’t they be persuaded to do the right thing from their own consciences? I mean really, we can’t legislate morality, can we???

It would seem that socialism is being thrust on the American people under the disguise of Compassion. Compassion for the have nots (most statistically have three tvs and two cars!). It is a false compassion, a compulsory or forced compassion that eliminates the individual duty to love our neighbors, and allows political elites a great deal of power over “We the People.”

So which is the greater moral imperative? Life vs. Murder or Socialism vs. Greed?

I feel that if we start by setting the example of the infinite value and worth of life as the image bearers of God, then there will be a change of heart in all of us to love and serve our neighbors as infinitely valuable. If we continue to describe life as simply a “mass of tissue” to be discarded at will, then what inherent value does our suffering neighbor have? Why should we care? If they aren’t worthy to live, then put them out of our misery. Hitler’s great race anyone? (please note the sarcasm here)

Rob Schenck observed of Clinton and Obama during the CNN Compassion Forum, “‘They have a stratified philosophy of the value of human life,’ he continues, describing that philosophy as one that believes ‘there are some humans who are more valuable than others; there are humans who are not really human persons. . .’ He also maintains that both Clinton and Obama have ‘no real moral philosophy’ or any room for Christians who believe that ‘all human life is of equal value in the eyes of God.’” (“Obama, Clinton accused of holding a ‘Dred Scott’ view on abortion” by Jim Brown, OneNewsNow.com, 4/14/2008

• Video: Unconditional Love
  There is no greater unconditional love than that of God our Father and His Son, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ! Watch this inspiring video of an earthly fathers unconditional love.
  Watch. . .
  
  
• Movie: "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" Opens 4-18-2008
  In a controversial new satirical documentary, author, former presidential speechwriter, economist, lawyer and actor Ben Stein travels the world, looking to some of the best scientific minds of our generation for the answer to the biggest question facing all Americans today. . .
  Learn more. . .
  
  
• Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 3
  ‘I think that is at the heart of the problem of the church – we replaced truth with therapy,’ he said. . .
  Read more. . .
  

Reading:

Inspiration
- “God Ruled Her Heart” by Stacy L. Harp, Persecutionblog.com, 4/14/2008
“. . . This helped me to understand, if the Communists are so diligent about keeping an eye on me, would not God and his angels do so with even more diligence?”

- “Crash survivor: God ‘still has work for us to do’” by Jim Kavanagh, CNN, 4/16/2008
“‘We couldn't believe that our family of four could all escape a plane that was crashed and on fire, but by God's mercy, we did. . . I think the Lord has a plan for us, otherwise we wouldn't have survived. . . He still has work for us to do. . . We know that the safest place in the world to work is where the Lord wants you to work’”


Church
- “Could the apostasy be upon us?” By Steve Gallagher, OneNewsNow.com, 4/11/2008


Culture
- “A Better Tomorrow for Today’s Children” by Regis Nicoll, Crosswalk.com, 4/9/2008
“Children in non-traditional homes have significantly less parental supervision and involvement. . . If you desire a brighter future for the next generation consider mentoring a young person. . .”

- “New Mexico commission orders $6000 fine for Christian beliefs” by Jeff Johnson, OneNewsNow.com, 4/11/2008

- “My journey through Egypt: A glimpse into the life of non-Muslims under Islamic oppression” by Jesse Petrilla, Family Security Matters, 4/12/2008
“I saw brutal intimidation and oppression, and a life dictated by Islamic law that many Americans don’t realize but are slowly beginning to see.”

- “Christian educator blames post-modern mindset in plot to kill teacher”, by Pete Chagnon, OneNewsNow.com, 4/8/2008
“Recently a group of 8- to 10-year-old students in Waycross, Georgia, was caught conspiring to attack their teacher. . . ‘We're now seeing the children of parents who have bought into that deceptive lie that there is no right and there is no wrong.’”


Politics
- “Alan Keyes to announce break with GOP in Hazleton, PA” Alan Keyes for President, alankeyes.com, 4/13/2008
“Regarding his potential third-party candidacy for president in the fall, Keyes said, ‘I believe people deserve a choice. They certainly deserve a conservative choice — something neither John McCain, Hillary Clinton, nor Barack Obama can offer voters. All they can offer is empty promises based on liberal track records.’”

- “A small-town Pennsylvanian’s view of arrogance” by Joanie Fischer, RenewAmerica.us, 4/13/2008
“I resent the fact that Barack Obama sees my faith, my belief in my right to keep and bear arms, and my negative opinion of those who have illegally invaded my country, as abnormal behavior. . . Senator Obama, your brand of arrogance is a threat to every American, and every freedom-loving person on this planet.”

- “Obama denounces big corporate pay packages” by Caren Bohan, Reuters, 4/11/2008
“‘In all due respect, if the government starts deciding what salaries of businessmen and women are, I think that's something that certainly flies in the face with my philosophy about the role of government in America,’ [McCain] said.”


Grateful for:
- Parks. I couldn’t imagine not having a place to walk to with the kids that has grass and swings and slides.





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Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 3

Week 3

We are building on a solid foundation!

Our commitment to reading, hearing, and acting on the Word of God “is like a sensible man who built his house on the rock.” And when the culture hounds us to change and conform, our faith won’t “collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-27)

Praise God! Keep up the good work.

Monday --- Matthew 11
Tuesday --- Matthew 12
Wednesday --- Matthew 13
Thursday --- Matthew 14
Friday --- Matthew 15

“Colson believes the root of the church’s problem is that Christians don’t know what they believe in.

‘I think that is at the heart of the problem of the church – we replaced truth with therapy,’ he said.

‘Most people are basically ignorant,’ he said referring to believers’ lack of knowledge on their own religion. . .

Knowing what Christianity is and its belief is important as Christians are confronted by social challenges such as genetic engineering, Islamic fascism, and a more aggressive atheism.

Colson said that he begins each morning with a New York Times newspaper on one side and the Bible other the other side so that as a Christian he could ‘look at everything in life through a Biblical prism.’

‘We have to always compare what the Bible says and what culture says,’ he advised.”

(“Chuck Colson Diagnoses ‘Heart’ of Church Problem” by Michelle A. Vu, Christian Post)

Resource: “The Faith: Given Once, For All: What Christians Believe, Why They Believe It, and Why It Matters” by Charles 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)





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Movie: "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" Opens This Friday

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

Opens in Theaters on April 18

Are we still free to disagree about the meaning of life? Or has the whole issue already been decided...while most of us weren't looking?

In a controversial new satirical documentary, author, former presidential speechwriter, economist, lawyer and actor Ben Stein travels the world, looking to some of the best scientific minds of our generation for the answer to the biggest question facing all Americans today:

For details click: Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

{ PluggedInOnline Review here }






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Video: Unconditional Love

My Redeemer Lives - Team Hoyt

There is no greater unconditional love than that of God our Father and His Son, our Redeemer, Jesus Christ!

Think your life is hard? Watch this. . .






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Weekly ReCap – 04-11-2008 – Truth

What is truth.

Is God real and personal, or is god just a name for the cosmic consciousness? What do you believe?

“. . . those who believe Scripture are routinely accused of arrogance. Jesus said God’s word is truth (John 17:17). It’s not arrogance to believe what the Bible teaches. It’s the opposite. Arrogance is when we try to tailor truth to our preferences.”
(“The Grace and Truth Paradox” by Randy Alcorn. Emphasis added)

What is true? Many New Agers would argue that there is no truth, that truth is what we make it. So, is the statement, “there is no truth”, true????????

If you have any questions about God or faith please click here and ask me! No condemnation, no judgment. Let’s just talk about it. I’ve been there. I used to buy into some of the New Age religion before I met the one and only true and living God, Jesus Christ. I can remember vividly talking about it in my parent’s back yard. What do you believe?

Is God approachable by anyone? Yes, let’s hear what Paul has to say about it:

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:12-17 emphasis added) Amen!

• Oprah, A New Age Cult Prophet?
  Be careful of cleverly invented stories! Here is a video exposing the teachings of Oprah's New Age church.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Video: What's in the water? Purity matters!
  Do you want the water bottle that everybody else is drinking out of, or the "pure" bottle that hasn't been touched by another? Yeah, purity matters!
  Watch now. . .
  
  
• Old Lies, New Age - Oprah, Eve, and Satan
  Nothing new about the New Age – Post Modern Cosmic Humanist lies. . .They are the same lies told at the earliest days of man. Let’s review the story of Eve and the serpent in the Garden of Eden.
  Read more. . .
  
  
• Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 2
  It is incumbent upon the Christian to seize upon the discernment that God has provided for in His precious truth!
  Read more. . .

“The apostles gave up everything to tell of what they had seen. Think about how your life would change if you saw someone raise from the dead today! They knew it was true. They saw with their own eyes. So, they spent time in chains, tortured, and in prison, and most of them were gruesomely killed because they would not, could not deny that they had seen Jesus after His death, even to save their own lives. Think hard about what you would give your life for. Would you allow yourself to become poor, to be imprisoned? Would you willingly endure torture and death for a lie? No, and neither did the apostles!”
(“Without A Doubt, He lives!”)

Without A Doubt, Jesus Lives!

Reading:

Inspiration
- “Marines Bring Smiles to Iraqi Children” by Cpl. Erik Villagran, Family Security Matters, 4/8/2008
- “Navy SEAL to Get Medal of Honor” AP, FoxNews.com, 4/8/2008


Church
- “Learn Biblical Latin by reading the Vulgate”


Culture
- “Women in Islam: Suffering the Barbary of an Ideology” by Frank Salvato, Family Security Matters, 4/4/2008
- “Reaction to Obama – babies are God’s gift, not a ‘punishment’” by Rusty Pugh and Jody Brown, OneNewsNow.com, 4/4/2008
- “China, Olympics, and Human Rights” by J.R. Miller, More Than Cake, 4/4/2008


Politics
- “Obama: The pied piper of ‘change’” by Pat Boone, WorldNetDaily, 4/5/2008


Grateful for:
- My wife. She is so awesome and knows me so well. I’d be a lesser person without her. Her influence can be seen in today’s reflection above!
- God’s unlimited patience!






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Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 2

Week 2

A prayer for the use of Holy Scripture:

O Gracious God and most merciful Father, who has granted us the rich and precious jewel of Your holy word, assist us with Your Spirit, that it may be written in our hearts to our everlasting comfort, to reform us, to renew us according to Your own Image, to build us up, and to instruct us into the perfect building of Christlikeness, sanctifying and increasing in us all heavenly virtues. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
(adapted from the “1599 Geneva Bible” Tolle Lege Press, 2006-2007)


Monday --- Matthew 6
Tuesday --- Matthew 7
Wednesday --- Matthew 8
Thursday --- Matthew 9
Friday --- Matthew 10

“Unfortunately, discernment is an area where most Christians stumble. They exhibit little ability to measure the things they are taught against the infallible standard of God’s Word, and they unwittingly engage in all kinds of unbiblical decision-making and behavior. In short, they are not armed to take a decidedly biblical stand against the onslaught of unbiblical thinking and attitudes that face them throughout their day. . .

Discernment - the ability to think biblically about all areas of life - is indispensable to an uncompromising life. It is incumbent upon the Christian to seize upon the discernment that God has provided for in His precious truth! Without it, Christians are at risk of being ‘tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine’ (Ephesians 4:14).”
(“The Vital Importance of Biblical Discernment” by John MacArthur, Christianity.com)

“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 Weekly Readings } { Romans 15:4 Project Home }




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Old Lies, New Age – Oprah, Eve, and Satan [update]

Nothing new about the New Age – Post Modern Cosmic Humanist lies. . .

They are the same lies told at the earliest days of man. Let’s review the story of Eve and the serpent in the Garden of Eden.


The Lies

First: deny the truth claims of God.

“You will not surely die,” – Satan (Genesis 3:4)

“There couldn’t possibly be just one way [to heaven]” – Oprah Winfrey

Second: promise greater knowledge.

“your eyes will be opened” – Satan (Genesis 3:4)

“I was able to open my mind” – Oprah Winfrey

Third: stroke the pride and offer god-likeness.

“you will be like God” – Satan (Genesis 3:4)

“we are the light, we are the consciousness” – Tolle
“God is the essence of all consciousness” – Oprah Winfrey
i.e., we can ascend or evolve to become one with the universal consciousness or god mind. We can become god!

Old lies in a new age. Learn more: csteeleonline.com

For those of you that love Oprah: I agree, she does a lot of good deeds and shows a lot of love, but Jesus didn't say the devil would come in wolf's clothing, he said the devil would come in sheep's clothing, disguised as an angel of light! And that's not to say the Oprah herself is the devil, but that she may just be one of the deceived. Pray for her! (Matthew 7:15, 2 Corinthians 11:14)

The Truth

“Jesus prayed, ‘Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth’ (John 17:17). . .

We are to walk in the truth (3 John 1:3), love the truth, and believe the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10, 12). All truth has a center of gravity: Jesus Christ, who declared, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life’ (John 14:6). He didn’t say He would show the truth or teach the truth or model the truth. He is the truth. Truth personified. He’s the source of truth, and the reference point for evaluating all truth-claims. . .

You and I can discover truth, but we cannot create it.”
- “The Grace and Truth Paradox: Responding with Christlike Balance” by Randy Alcorn

The Challenge

Dear friends, I feel it is important to urge you to contend for the faith “that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord. . .

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.

Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude)

Amen!

See also: "Oprah, a New Age Cult Prophet?"






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oprah

Video: What's in the water? Purity matters!

This is awesome!

Do you want the water bottle that everybody else is drinking out of, or the "pure" bottle that hasn't been touched by another?



Yeah! Purity does matter!





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Oprah, A New Age Cult Prophet?

Oprah Exposed: Over 2 Million Have Joined Oprah's Church Online!

"We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. . .

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. . .

Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (2 Peter 1:16, 3:14-18)

2 Peter is a short letter, only 3 chapters, I would highly recommend reading it right now! { Click here to read 2 Peter now }




See also: "Old Lies, New Age - Oprah, Eve, and Satan"

"Oprah says she’s a Christian—arguing that she can reconcile “her” Christianity with what they’re teaching. If she’s a Christian, she’s an ignorant one, because Christianity is incompatible with New Age thought. . .

The New Age Movement is intellectually and spiritually bankrupt. But, it is making Tolle and Williamson—and especially Oprah—a whole bunch of money."
Read more: What's Bothering Oprah, Eckhart Tolle and Today’s New Age Thinkers by Frank Pastore, crosswalk.com, 3/28/2008









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oprahoprah video

Weekly ReCap – 04-04-2008 – Brotherly Love

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.” Romans 12:10

Wow! Our family has received more love than I can fathom recently. We’ve had a tough pregnancy, and things are still rough, but the love keeps coming.

There are too many people to thank and I’ll do it personally, but I wanted to share because, as we learned about Maundy or Holy Thursday, Jesus said:

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13)

There is no doubt, as evidenced by the outpouring of love, that the Holy Spirit is alive in our local church, my wife’s MOPS and MOMS groups, and our families. Praise God!

Less writing this week and more reading, I hope you are moved.

• $1.07 Billion in Income!
  $1.07 Billion in Income! Yet they received $305.3 Million in U.S. Taxpayer funding!
  Read more and Take Action today!
  
  
• Inspiring Video: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
  This is one of my favorite songs. A great new version of an old classic hymn! Inspiring music video.
  Watch now. . .
  
  
• Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 1
  I pray we come to know our Savior more fully, to learn to walk in His ways and introduce Him to a world that doesn’t know Him or has turned away from Him.
  Read more. . .

Reading:

Inspiration
- “Born Without Limbs, Refusing Limitations: Using His Voice, Preacher Nick Vujicic Inspires People Around the World” by Bob Brown, ABC News, 3/27/2008


Church
- “Should the Church and its Ministers be Controversial?” by Bill Ellis, ASSIST News Service, 2007
- “We belong in the lowest places” by Matt Friedeman, OneNewsNow.com, 4/2/2008


Culture
- “The Glorification of Sluts” by Coach Dave Daubenmire, 2/15/2007
- “The Death of Shame” by Coach Dave Daubenmire, 3/27/2008
- “High School Graduation Rates Plummet Below 50 Percent in Some U.S. Cities” AP, FoxNews.com, 4/1/2008


Politics
- “Voting ‘no’ on Hillary, Obama and McCain: Is this the year for 3rd party candidate?” WorldNetDaily, 3/24/2008
- “Two McCain Moments, Rarely Mentioned” by Elisabeth Bumiller, The New York Times, 3/24/2008


Grateful for:
- Love. The Love of God who sent His Son Jesus. The Love of His saints. The Love of family. Unending love, Amazing Grace!






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Bible Challenge 2008 - Week 1

Week 1

To the Bible Challenge participants,

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1:3-5)

Amen!

I pray we come to know our Savior more fully, to learn to walk in His ways and introduce Him to a world that doesn’t know Him or has turned away from Him.

Let the challenge begin!

Monday --- Matthew 1
Tuesday --- Matthew 2
Wednesday --- Matthew 3
Thursday --- Matthew 4
Friday --- Matthew 5

“A knowledge of the real Jesus is essential, not just for Christians but for wider society, because his influence is so wide. The reality of an individual who has set the western calendar, permeated human thought and history for over two thousand years, and influenced the culture of the dominant nations for a millennium demands to be taken seriously. The huge questions about just who Jesus is are more than mere theological musings.

And getting Jesus right is also vital because those who claim to follow him do so much in his name. When they get his identity wrong, we see the cruelty of the Crusades, the Inquisitions and entrenched political conservatism. When they get it right, they are inspired to lead sociopolitical campaigns, battle slavery, and establish humanitarian services. This Jesus turns out to be far more at home in the issues affecting communities than he is in ivory towers or church politics.”
(“An Agenda for Change: A Global Call For Spiritual and Social Transformation” by Joel Edwards)

“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 } { Romans 15:4 Project Home }




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Inspiring Video: Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

This is one of my favorite songs (versions of the classic hymn)!

Buy the soundtrack, Amazing Grace: Music Inspired by the Motion Picture
Or the movie, Amazing Grace today!



If so moved, please click here and help De-fund Planned Parenthood Now!






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$1.07 Billion in Income!

Yet they received $305.3 million in U.S. Taxpayer funding. . .

A message from Grassfire.org:

My stomach turned when I read that Planned Parenthood--the nation's largest abortion business pulled in a staggering $1.017 billion in income for the first time in its history!

According to LifeNews.com, Planned Parenthood's web site boasted their achievement, saying it "highlights our advancement in providing and protecting trusted health care services and medically accurate sexuality education."

In addition to record-setting profit, the report also noted a marked increase in the number of abortions--an increase of nearly 25,000.

No doubt, the more than $300 million received from taxpayers helped bolster their profits and solidify their position as the number one abortion business in the world.

++ De-fund Planned Parenthood Now

Taxpayers shouldn't have to support an entity whose sole purpose is to destroy human life. That's why Grassfire supports legislation aimed at de-funding Planned Parenthood.

Just yesterday, Ron De Jong spoke with the communications director for Rep. Mike Pence (R-Ind.), who will be proposing an amendment to the appropriations bill that funds the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services to prohibit federal funding forPlanned Parenthood.

The date for the amendment hasn't yet been set, but we can't afford to sit back and wait, either.

I want to present the congressman with 100,000 petitions in support of his amendment as soon as possible.

Right now we have 76,348 signers.

Over the next 30 days, I want to reach and hopefully surpass our goal. Help me get the word out about Planned Parenthood's bloodlust and how we are helping advance their cause--a cause that is devastating our nation.

Sign and Forward this message to 20-30 Pro-Life friends. Encourage them, challenge them, and lead them to stand for the unborn by adding their name to our petition by clicking:

http://www.grassfire.net/r.asp?u=5734&PID=15535915

With your help, we can demonstrate to Congressman Pence how important his amendment is to Pro-Life taxpayers and the unborn in our nation. Thank you for taking action with Grassfire!

Grassfire.org Alliance





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tax abuse