|
Connecting man to man to God! Week of December 16, 2007 Issue 186
“The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14
CONSIDER “The Holy Spirit loves so to arrange men’s circumstances that they are brought within the sphere of God’s influence.” Maurice Wood
COLORADO GUNMAN CAME FROM CHRISTIAN FAMILY Matthew Murray, 24, has been identified as the gunman who killed two staff members and wounded two others at a Youth With a Mission facility in Denver before killing two and wounding three others Dec. 9 at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. The local coroner's office also said Dec. 11 that Murray died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside New Life Church, an update to previous reports that he had been killed by a security guard.... Read this in full at http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27009
Also see news coverage at http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2007/12/wednesdays_new.html
SOUL SEARCHING AFTER MASS MURDER by Mark Galli While we ponder the families, schools, volunteer organizations, and other institutions that shape individuals to do what they do, we should also think about the larger social structure in which these institutions exist. While we wish to unlock the key to the mystery of Matthew Murray (and we should never deny his own responsibility for his actions) we should also try to understand the system -- the principalities and powers, as the apostle Paul calls them -- that helped create an order that made it relatively easy for Murray to commit murder. We should think, then, about advanced democratic capitalism.... Read this in full at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/decemberweb-only/150-43.0.html
THE BIBLE BY THE KIDS' BOOKS: LITERAL OR SYMBOLIC? Christmas is peak season for sales of children's Bible storybooks. The lavishly illustrated collections vary from literal booklets that don't hesitate to lay down the line against sin, to imaginative variations such as one where a butterfly hovers by Christ at the Crucifixion. Each collection reflects the spiritual outlook of the parents and grandparents who do the writing -- and the shopping.... Read this in full at http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2007-12-10-kids-bible-stories_N.htm
WEBSITE LAUNCHED TO COMPARE KORAN AND BIBLE In a move believed to be the first of its kind, Dutch broadcasting companies Radio Netherlands Worldwide and IKON in Hilversum have launched the integral texts of the Bible and the Koran alongside each other on one website. The site appears in Dutch, English, and Arabic at the same time. The objective of the site is to build a bridge between Muslims and Christians. The website makes it possible for anyone to access the two books anonymously. A universal search function makes it possible to search the texts using any word and to compare them. The site shows the frequency of the word in each of the books and also displays all relevant parts of the text. A word such as 'virgin,' for example, appears 16 times in the Bible compared to twice in the Koran. To help visitors in their search through the voluminous books, the site contains a selection of eighteen similar stories, in both the Koran and the Bible....
Also see UNDERSTANDING THE KORAN by: Mateen Elass
HEISMAN WINNER TEBOW HAS PRIORITIES IN ORDER Football rates a mere 4th on his list of priorities behind God, family, and academics. Even so, in New York City Dec. 8, Tim Tebow became the first college sophomore to win the famed Heisman Trophy in the 70-plus years of the award.
The University of Florida quarterback was a finalist along with Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan, and Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel. The trophy is one of the most prestigious individual awards in all of sports.
"I'd just like to first start off by thanking my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who gave me the ability to play football and gave me a great family and a support group and great coaches and everything around me," a breathless Tebow said at the ceremony, moments after the award was announced. Going on to thank teammates, high school coaches, his parents and siblings, Tebow repeated thanks to Jesus Christ and drew laughter when pledging his love for his chosen school for the third time.
"I love the University of Florida, I love being a Gator. I love Gator Nation," Tebow said. A graduate of Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Tebow helped Florida win a national title last season as the Gators' backup. He is the first major college player to run for at least 20 touchdowns and throw 20 TD passes in the same season. This year's 22 rushing TDs are tied for the FBS record (formerly Division 1-A) for rushing TDs in a season by a quarterback.... Read more at http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27001
LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE) AIDS And The Pastor's Wife (Newsweek) Kay Warren has for 32 years played the role of nurturer, best friend, and helpmeet. But for the past year Kay has been on the lecture circuit herself, preaching that Christians ought to apply themselves to the problem of AIDS, even though it raises uncomfortable questions about sex. Her memoir, author of Dangerous Surrender, just came out, and now Kay Warren has emerged at the center of things. Asked if she's comfortable in this new role -- with the hustle and bustle and aides and assistants, her office resembles a senator's -- she starts to cry. "I didn't see it coming," she says, sitting in a conference room in her suite of offices not far from Saddleback. "I never, ever saw it coming…. Read this in full at http://www.newsweek.com/id/72052
Also see her TV interviews http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=3977736&page=1 (ABC News) http://tinyurl.com/2jnlue (FOX News)
THE HIPPER-THAN-THOU PASTOR (TIME) Rob Bell, 37, tinkers marvelously. At 28, he founded a megachurch that threw out the conventional sermon-and-worship service and instantly drew thousands of attendees. He has sold hundreds of thousands of books with titles like Velvet Elvis and Sex God that find the sacred in the profane. And he has created a form of video message he calls Nooma (phonetic Greek for spirit or breath) that may make him to YouTube what Billy Graham was to the arena.... Read this in full at http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1692051,00.html
VERSE TO PONDER “When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Galatians 4:4-5
CONSIDER “Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around." Henry David Thoreau
CHRISTIANITY IN IRELAND 'DISAPPEARING FROM GENERAL KNOWLEDGE' Levels of religious knowledge throughout Ireland are decreasing significantly and in Northern Ireland are even lower than in the Republic, according to a new poll. Believed to be the first ever conducted on the subject in Northern Ireland, the poll is the follow-up to a religious knowledge survey conducted in the Republic of Ireland on behalf of The Iona Institute and the Evangelical Alliance Ireland (EAI) which was released in April. This found low levels of basic religious knowledge in the population, especially among young people.... Read this in full at http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/6451
PRAYING THE NAMES OF GOD “When you pray to Yahweh (yah-WEH, translated 'LORD' in many Bibles), this Christmas season, remember that he is the same God who draws near to save you from sin's tyranny just as he saved his people from their bondage in Egypt." Ann Spangler, Immanuel
THE INVASION OF GOD by Charles Colson "Christmas controversies have become as seasonal as candy canes and eggnog. Last year's flap over Wal-Mart forbidding its employees to wish customers 'Merry Christmas' reveals how absurd the battles have become. Christian legal societies stay busy each holiday season, holding the line. But in focusing on the public battles, we may miss a less visible danger in our own ranks. Christmas is about much more than a child's birth -- even the Savior's birth. It's about the Incarnation: God himself, Creator of heaven and earth, the ultimate reality, becoming flesh. This is a staggering thought".... Read this in full at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/december/19.72.html
OUR LORD'S VIRGIN BIRTH Why it matters that "a real son of a real mother" did not have a human father.
Christmas has come again with its testimony to the Incarnation and atoning work of Christ without which there is no gospel, faith, nor church. All who claim the name of Christian will be turning afresh in public and private to the ancient and well-loved records: "Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise ..."; "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus." All will be pondering afresh the tremendous reality and meaning of the incarnation of the Son of God. May we not make it our business to see that the records and the reality are in fact more intimately and irrevocably related than some ecclesiasts today assume? May we not ask ourselves whether we can really have the one without the other, whether we shall not necessarily lose the one if we deny the other, whether the substance of the Christmas gospel and the purity of the Christmas faith are not an issue in this whole matter? May we not make it our concern to commit ourselves afresh to the reality and wholeness of the Christmas gospel as the very carols sung from our own lips attest it, and with this gospel humbly accept the holy miracle of the birth of Jesus which in the wisdom and power of God is so apt to denote the significance of his saving action as the incarnate Mediator, the first-begotten of the new creation and family of God?.... Read this in full at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/decemberweb-only/150-42.0.html
HOUSE APPROVES CHRISTMAS RESOLUTION; 9 OPPOSED The US House of Representatives approved a resolution Dec. 11 acknowledging the significance of Christmas and Christianity. The roll call was 372-9 for passage. The resolution's sponsor expressed astonishment over the "no" votes. Rep. Steve King, R.-Iowa, said he could not understand how members of Congress could vote against the measure after the House approved without opposition similar resolutions honoring observances of Islam and Hinduism.
Among its resolutions, King's measure recognized Christianity as "one of the great religions of the world," expressed support for Christians in this country and other countries, acknowledged the "international religious and historical significance of Christmas and the Christian faith" and renounced persecution against Christians in this country and around the world.
Ten representatives voted "present," and 40 did not vote on King's resolution.
The House had voted 376-0 for an Oct. 2 measure that expressed some of the same sentiments toward Muslims that King's resolution did toward Christians. It also recognized Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. That roll call included 42 members voting "present" and 14 not voting.
On Oct. 29, representatives voted 358-0 for a resolution that honored Diwali, the Indian festival of lights that is celebrated by Hindus, as well as Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains. The roll call showed eight members voting "present" and 66 not voting.
"I would like to know how they could vote 'yes' on Islam, 'yes' on the Indian religions, and 'no' on Christianity when the foundation of this nation and our American culture is Christianity.... I think there's an assault on Christianity," King told Fox News, according to a release from his office.
Of the 9 representatives, all Democrats, who voted against the Christmas resolution, 7 supported both the Ramadan and Diwali measures. Those 7 were Reps. Gary Ackerman and Yvette Clarke, both of New York; Diana DeGette of Colorado; Jim McDermott of Washington; Bobby Scott of Virginia; and Pete Stark and Lynn Woolsey, both of California. Rep. Alcee Hastings of Florida did not vote on the Diwali resolution, and Rep. Barbara Lee failed to record a vote on the Ramadan measure.
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS...LEGALLY SPEAKING Whereas, on or about the night prior to Christmas, there did occur at a certain improved piece of real property (hereinafter "the House") a general lack of stirring by all creatures therein, including, but not limited to a mouse.
A variety of foot apparel, e.g., stockings, socks, etc., had been affixed by and around the chimney in said House in the hope and/or belief that St. Nick a/k/a/ St. Nicholas a/k/a/ Santa Claus (hereinafter "Claus") would arrive at sometime thereafter. The minor residents, i.e., the children, of the aforementioned House were located in their individual beds and were engaged in nocturnal hallucinations, i.e., dreams, wherein vision of confectionery treats, including, but not limited to, candies, nuts and/or sugar plums, did dance, cavort, and otherwise appear in said dreams.
Whereupon the party of the first part (sometimes hereinafter referred to as ("I"), being the joint-owner in fee simple of the House with the party of the second part (hereinafter "Mamma"), and said Mamma had retired for a sustained period of sleep. (At such time, the parties were clad in various forms of headgear, e.g., kerchief and cap.
Suddenly, and without prior notice or warning, there did occur upon the unimproved real property adjacent and appurtenant to said House, i.e., the lawn, a certain disruption of unknown nature, cause, and/or circumstance. The party of the first part did immediately rush to a window in the House to investigate the cause of such disturbance.
At that time, the party of the first part did observe, with some degree of wonder and/or disbelief, a miniature sleigh (hereinafter "the Vehicle") being pulled and/or drawn very rapidly through the air by approximately eight (8) reindeer. The driver of the Vehicle appeared to be and in fact was, the previously referenced Claus.
Said Claus was providing specific direction, instruction, and guidance to the approximately eight (8) reindeer and specifically identified the animal co-conspirators by name: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen (hereinafter "the Deer"). (Upon information and belief, it is further asserted that an additional co-conspirator named "Rudolph" may have been involved.)
The party of the first part witnessed Claus, the Vehicle, and the Deer intentionally and willfully trespass upon the roofs of several residences located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the House, and noted that the Vehicle was heavily laden with packages, toys, and other items of unknown origin or nature. Suddenly, without prior invitation or permission, either express or implied, the Vehicle arrived at the House, and Claus entered said House via the chimney.
Said Claus was clad in a red fur suit, which was partially covered with residue from the chimney, and he carried a large sack containing a portion of the aforementioned packages, toys, and other unknown items. He was smoking what appeared to be tobacco in a small pipe in blatant violation of local ordinances and health regulations.
Claus did not speak, but immediately began to fill the stockings of the minor children, which hung adjacent to the chimney, with toys and other small gifts. (Said items did not, however, constitute "gifts" to said minor pursuant to the applicable provisions of the U.S. Tax Code.)
Upon completion of such task, Claus touched the side of his nose and flew, rose and/or ascended up the chimney of the House to the roof where the Vehicle and Deer waited and/or served as "lookouts." Claus immediately departed for an unknown destination.
However, prior to the departure of the Vehicle, Deer, and Claus from said House, the party of the first part did hear Claus state and/or exclaim: "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!" Or words to that effect.
Also see other “Parodies of 'The Night Before Christmas'” http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/historical/a/twas_the_night.htm
FORGET THE GIFT CARDS, GIVE CASH Analysts say retailers will earn more than $26 billion from gift cards this holiday season, with about 1/3 coming from cash left behind by customers who don't redeem their credits. All the more reason, says commentator Ron Lieber, to spare your loved ones the hassle.... http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/12/10/lieber_commentary/
16 SECRETS THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY DOESN'T WANT YOU TO KNOW One of the true issues behind obesity is the fact that many chains obfuscate the fat and calorie counts of their menu items, and fight any attempt to shed light on what, exactly, is going on between their buns and inside their taco shells. But Men’s Health magazine discovered just how hard the industry works at keeping its dietary secrets. Through scientific testing, consultations with nutrition experts, and good old-fashioned snooping, it uncovered some of the secrets these mega-restaurateurs have been keeping. See for yourself…. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22220895/
MERRIAM-WEBSTER'S WORD OF '07: 'W00T' "w00t," a hybrid of letters and numbers used by gamers as an exclamation of happiness or triumph, topped all other terms in Merriam-Webster's online poll for the word that best sums up 2007. Merriam-Webster's president, John Morse, says "w00t" is an ideal choice because it blends whimsy and new technology.... http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5imcJd2ELqieBlFxBLhBnP5k4juaAD8TFGLM00
Oxford Word of the Year: Locavore http://blog.oup.com/2007/11/locavore/
CONSIDER “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." John Shedd
VERSE TO PONDER “Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
THIS WEEK'S HYMN: NOW HAIL WE OUR REDEEMER Words: Ambrose of Milan (340-397) Music: 1524
Now hail we our Redeemer, Eternal Son of God, Born in the flesh to save us, And cleanse us in His blood. The Morning Star ascendeth, Light to the world He lendeth, Our Guide in grief and gloom.
A man, of God begotten, Brought in the age of grace; Lo, all the earth is radiant With light, and hope, and peace. Our prison He demolished, Death’s power He abolished, And opened Heaven’s gate.
O Jesus, grant us mercy, And grace on us bestow, To walk by Thine own guidance, Thy saving truth to know. For Thee our hearts are yearning, From worldly pleasures turning Unto Thy righteousness.
Into Thy hand the Father Gave all, that we might be In bonds of faith united, And dedicate to Thee, A people through Thy merit Entitled to inherit Thy realm eternally. >from CyberHymnal at http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/n/o/w/nowhailw.htm
ON PRAYER “The prayer that sparks revival begins long before the countryside seems to awaken from its slumber in sin. It starts when men fall on their knees and cry out to God. That's where true intimacy with God takes place and we begin the journey of being transformed into the image of Christ. And as men are transformed, the course of a nation can be changed.” Wellington Boone, pastor, speaker and author
PRAY FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS TODAY http://christiansincrisis.net/
DAILY BLESSING PACT Use the following list as your daily prayer guide. Think of a brother or situation that applies and lift them up in prayer.
I am agreeing in prayer with you for God’s blessings to overtake you!
PERSONAL Marital harmony Family unity Children saved Faithful pastor Spirit-filled church Real friendships Relatives redeemed Educational benefits Recreational time Fulfilling career Favor with God and man Be in God’s will
FINANCIAL Better Jobs Raises or bonuses Benefits Sales & commissions Business Growth Settlements Estates & inheritances Investment increase Rebates & returns Checks in the mail Gifts & surprises Money to be found Bills decrease while blessings increase
"And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God" (Deut. 28:2).
[As you travel on business or vacation, let me know if you'd like the church guys to pray for your safety and spiritual effectiveness. I'll add your name to the list for the time you'll be away.]
CLASSIFIEDS Are you looking for something or do you have something to sell? Let me know and I'll put it in this newsletter.
MAKE MONEY MEET PEOPLE! Meet Thousands of Business People Online FREE! Business Networking & Advertising Service Entrepreneurs and Home Business Owners advertise your Company, Product, or Service as a part of DirectMatches' online business networking service where business people are matched with other business people to do BUSINESS! It's the MySpace for business people! To register for a free business profile, visit: http://www.directmatches.com/goglobal
SHARE YOUR FAVORITE WEBSITES Tell us what sites you find enjoyable and why.
Advent Conspiracy http://www.adventconspiracy.org/
BuyNothingChristmas.org http://buynothingchristmas.org/
TIME: 50 Top 10 Lists of 2007 http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/top10/0,30576,1686204,00.html
CNN: The Year in Headlines http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/11/28/yir.top.stories/
All links to websites are provided as a service, and do not imply endorsement by our church.
(BTW: whenever the URLs in this newsletter are too long to turn into links on your e-mail program, just copy the entire URL (two lines or more) and paste it into a temporary email message. Then delete the return in the middle of it and copy it again. Then paste it into your web browser and hit enter.)
Did you hear about the dyslexic, agnostic, insomniac who stayed up all night trying to decide if there really is a Dog? Min. Frank Coleman, Editor
Thanks for welcoming CONNECTIONS into your in-box!
We offer a variety of activities for men to interact with other men on our journey of faith in Christ together. Large group, small group, and one-to-one events encourage relationship building and spiritual strengthening that result in maximizing the potential we all have in Christ. Contact Min. Frank Coleman, 773-410-1483, [email protected] if you'd like to participate in a men's discipleship program.
Quick Links... · Start Your Domain Name Search Here · Visit my blog - comment & share your thoughts · Become a Leisure Travel Consultant
email: [email protected] phone: 1-773-410-1483
To subscribe to CONNECTIONS, <Click Here> To unsubscribe, send a message to [email protected] with "unsubscribe MSM" in the subject line.
|