Connecting man to man to God
For week of June 15, 2008
Issue 212


"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19


CONSIDER
“Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand, instead of a million count half a dozen, and keep your account on your thumb-nail.” Henry David Thoreau


DR. KWAME BEDIAKO: IN MEMORY
Dr. Kwame Bediako recently passed away. Kwame was a most remarkable senior African leader. He had a surpassing level of scholarship (two doctorates -- one in English and one in French), he had a range of knowledge of the history of the church in Africa (and Europe), and he had a most profound understanding of the relationship between the gospel and African culture. He also had a huge passion to bring African Christians together to affirm their Christian identity in authentic ways that would overcome some of the worst legacies of the colonial era. And yet he wore all this learning with such a light touch. His twinkling eyes and sparkling humor and laughter were a constant tonic.... Read this in full and see a brief video at
http://zondervan.typepad.com/zondervan/2008/06/kwame-bediako.html


RAZOR WIRE, IRON BARS & FREEDOM IN CHRIST
The gates shut as the volunteers walk past the rows of razor wire and an unsettling feeling of the macabre life envelops the group. Before they enter a tier of jail cells, the group pauses to pray for the grim-faced mugshots posted on the wall.

"I'm not an animal just because I'm locked up," an inmate later tells a volunteer. He'll spend the rest of his life behind bars until his execution day at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola.

"Seeing these young men on death row locked up ... it's heartbreaking," said John Elliott, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Natchitoches, La. Even so, he said, "I'm glad I got be a part of this ... and share [the gospel]."

More than 155 Louisiana Baptist volunteers prepared food, led revival services and participated in one-on-one evangelism in cells and dorms of prisoners during the annual Angola Revival.

The May 15-16 outreach began with a service in the prison's rodeo arena. The Real Encounter team, an extreme sports ministry based in Missouri, showcased their skills before giving a Gospel message and extending an invitation to turn to Christ.... Read this in full at
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=28157


ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNEARTH 'WORLD'S FIRST CHURCH'
Archaeologists unearthed in Jordan what they believe to be the world’s first church. "We have uncovered what we believe to be the first church in the world, dating from AD33 to 70," said Abdul Qader al-Hussan, the head of Jordan's Rihab Center for Archaeological Studies, to The Jordan Times. He added that the discovery was “amazing.”

The nearly 2,000-year-old church was discovered underneath Saint George Church in Rihab, Mafraq, in northern Jordan near the Syrian border. St. George dates back to AD230, and is considered the oldest “proper” church in the world.... Read this in full at
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080610/32762_Archaeologists_Unearth_%27World%27s_First_Church%27.htm


BELIEF IN GOD
“The very strength and facility of the pessimists' case at once poses us a problem. If the universe is so bad, or even half so bad, how on earth did human beings ever come to attribute it to the activity of a wise and good Creator? Men are fools, perhaps; but hardly so foolish as that. The direct inference from black to white, from evil flower to virtuous root, from senseless work to a workman infinitely wise, staggers belief. The spectacle of the universe as revealed by experience can never have been the ground of religion: it must have always been something in spite of which religion, acquired from a different source, was held.” C. S. Lewis (1898-1963), The Problem of Pain [1944]


THE TRUTH BEHIND FAKE GODS
by Jason Lawrenz
"Do not make idols" is a really hard commandment to follow. I'm a movie guy, and one of my all-time favorites is Raiders of the Lost Ark. The boulder scene, the fistfight around the Nazi bomber, the car chase where Indy climbs underneath a moving truck. ... I could go on and on. But there is an early scene in Raiders that seems weird every time I watch it.... Read this in full at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2008/002/25.15.html


LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)
“You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether a man is wise by his questions.” Naguib Mahfouz


VERSE TO PONDER
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32


CONSIDER
“Life is short, and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us. Oh, be swift to love, make haste to be kind!” Henri Amiel


PEACE, SECURITY
A submarine being tested had to be submerged for several hours. Upon returning to harbor, the captain was asked, "How did that terrible storm last night affect you?" Surprised, the captain exclaimed, "Storm? We didn't even know there was one!" Their submarine had been so far beneath the surface that it had reached what sailors refer to as "the cushion of the sea" -- a depth in the ocean where the waters below are never stirred despite any commotion on the surface.

David Jeremiah says, "In our fast-paced world, it is a challenge to slow down and remember God is in control. We are a society of 'do-everything,' 'go-everywhere,' 'get-it-done' people who mistakenly believe we can handle everything if we just keep going. In reality, we need to become so submerged in God's peace that no matter what's happening in our lives, we are able to remain as calm as 'the cushion of the sea.'

"If you feel overwhelmed, bogged down, or burnt out, add one more activity to your daily schedule: Spend time with Almighty God. It is the only way to reach the depth needed to find true calm in the midst of any storm."
Turning Point Daily Devotional, 4-1-08


CHURCHES UNHAPPY OVER FATHER FIGURES
It is normally the emotive issue of abortion or the complexities of hybrid embryos that have raised the greatest passions in the debate over the Human Fertilization and Embryology Bill. But the Church of England has reserved its greatest ire for the decision of MPs to allow single women and lesbian couples to seek IVF treatment without having to consider the need for a father for their children.

Its verdict is stark. "This vote sends a signal that fathers don't matter," it said. "The Church holds that a child's right not to be deliberately deprived of having a father is greater than any 'right' to a child through IVF. "We are extremely disappointed that the important role of fathers was not recognized in the bill, and that we now have a situation where the perceived 'right' to have a child trumps the right for a child to be given the best possible start in life." Read this in full at
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/7413874.stm


ARE YOU WILLING TO LISTEN?
“A child frequently needs for a parent to set aside the temptation to instruct or give advice in favor of simply sharing in the moment at hand: a moment that offers a reason to cheer, to laugh, to cry -- and always to listen. Your child will see these reactions as tangible expressions that she can count on you to understand the circumstances she is dealing with. Sometimes the words kids really need to hear are those they say to a parent willing to listen.” David Staal, Words Kids Need to Hear To Help Them Be Who God Made Them to Be


HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
Some people are neither committed to proper people skills nor share the same relationship ideals that normal people do. You'll have to deal with these people, and you probably won't be able to "change" them. So don't be shocked when you meet a difficult person, and don't fall victim to their negativism.... Read this in full at
http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0%2C1703%2CA%25253D150696%252526M%25253D200809%2C00.html


DECLINING INFLUENCE OF THE CHURCH
In Faith & Family Values magazine, Ed Stetzer writes, "We live in a world that is losing respect for Christianity. People don't like Christians all that much, but they do like Jesus -- at least the Jesus they have created in their own image.

"LifeWay Research discovered some sobering facts during two surveys conducted in 2007 of 1,402 people who had not attended a religious service at a church, synagogue, or mosque in the past six months. The following statements were agreed to 'somewhat or strongly':

*62% -- 'The God of the Bible is no different from the gods or spiritual beings depicted by world religions such as Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.'
*86% -- 'I believe I can have a good relationship with God without being involved in a church.'
*79% -- 'I think Christianity today is more about organized religion than about loving God and loving people.'

"Perhaps the most sobering statistic is that 44% of people agreed (somewhat or strongly) with the statement, 'Christians get on my nerves.' I spoke with a CNN reporter who indicated that even he was 'startled' by the number. Few would be willing to say, 'Jews/Muslims/Buddhists’ get on my nerves.'"
http://faithandfamily.com/magazine/


TOO MUCH FAITH IN FAITH
by Alan Jacobs
"If there is one agreed-upon point in the current war of words about religion, it is that religion is a very powerful force...I have my doubts, and they begin with personal experience. I am by most measures a pretty deeply committed Christian. Yet when I ask myself how much of what I do and think is driven by my religious beliefs, the honest answer is 'not so much.' The books I read, the food I eat, the music I listen to, my hobbies and interests, the thoughts that occupy my mind throughout the greater part of every day -- these are, if truth be told, far less indebted to my Christianity than to my status as a middle-aged, middle-class American man...Though it may seem ironic for a Christian to be saying this, it's time to talk less about the power of religion and remember instead the dark forces in all human lives that religious language is too often used to hide.... Read this in full at
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121271181887250603.html


HUNGRY FOR GOD
Spiritual formation is not new but it has been rediscovered, and it is attracting evangelicals.... Read this in full at
http://www.christianity.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=5772&srcid=1520


FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT REINTRODUCED
U.S. Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga., has introduced a constitutional amendment to protect marriage from redefinition by state and federal judges. The Marriage Protection Amendment is being offered in response to the recent 4-3 decision by the California Supreme Court to redefine marriage to include unions between homosexuals. The amendment, which has failed twice in the House and twice in the Senate, states: “Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman.”

“Americans have traditionally recognized this definition as being the most beneficial arrangement for the creation of stable family structures and for the upbringing of children,” Broun said. “Americans have repeatedly shown their preference for the traditional definition of one-man, one-woman marriage by passing state and federal laws or by amending state constitutions to preserve the traditional definition. “There simply is no basis for the suggestion that homosexual ‘marriage’ is a right protected by the United States Constitution.”

The amendment has received widespread support from Republicans. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the likely GOP presidential nominee, was one of five Republican senators to oppose the amendment in 2004.


NEW AIRLINE RULES
Attendant: Welcome aboard Ala Carte Air, sir. May I see your ticket?

Passenger: Sure.

Attendant: You're in seat 12B. That will be $5, please!

Passenger: What for?

Attendant: For telling you where to sit.

Passenger: But I already knew where to sit.

Attendant: Nevertheless, we are now charging a seat locator fee of $5. It's the airline's new policy.

Passenger: That's the craziest thing I ever heard. I won't pay it.

Attendant: Sir, do you want a seat on this flight, or not?

Passenger: Yes, yes. All right, I'll pay. But the airline is going to hear about this.

Attendant: Thank you. My goodness, your carry-on bag looks heavy. Would you like me to stow it in the overhead compartment for you?

Passenger: That would be swell, thanks.

Attendant: No problem. Up we go, and done! That will be $10, please.

Passenger: What?

Attendant: The airline now charges a $10 carry-on assistance fee.

Passenger: This is extortion. I won't stand for it.

Attendant: Actually, you're right, you can't stand. You need to sit, and fasten your seat belt. We're about to push back from the gate. But, first I need that $10.

Passenger: No way!

Attendant: Sir, if you don't comply, I will be forced to call the air marshal. And you really don't want me to do that.

Passenger: Why not? Is he going to shoot me?

Attendant: No, but there's a $50 air-marshal hailing fee.

Passenger: Oh, all right, here, take the $10. I can't believe this.

Attendant: Thank you for your cooperation, sir. Is there anything else I can do for you?

Passenger: Yes. It's stuffy in here, and my overhead fan doesn't seem to work. Can you fix it?

Attendant: Your overhead fan is not broken, sir. Just insert two quarters into the overhead coin slot for the first five minutes.

Passenger: The airline is charging me for cabin air?

Attendant: Of course not, sir. Stagnant cabin air is provided free of charge. It's the circulating air that costs 50 cents.

Passenger: I don't have any quarters. Can you make change for a dollar?

Attendant: Certainly, sir! Here you go!

Passenger: But you've given me only three quarters for my dollar.

Attendant: Yes, there's a change making fee of 25 cents.

Passenger: For cryin' out loud. All I have left is a lousy quarter? What the heck can I do with this?

Attendant: Hang onto it. You'll need it later for the lavatory.
http://www.mikeysFunnies.com


THE SCIENCE OF GOOD EATING
You know that eating fruits and vegetables is good for your health. But did you know that certain foods offer specific, proven health benefits? Read this in full at
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/healthyliving/articles/the_science_of_good.html?NLC-WBLTR-CTRL&DET=F3-53008


CONSIDER
“Learn from the mistakes of others. You won't live long enough to make them all yourself.” Unknown


VERSE TO PONDER
"Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” Psalm 90:2-4


THIS WEEK'S HYMN: RISE UP, O MEN OF GOD
Words: William P. Merrill, 1911
Music: William H. Walter, 1872

Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of kings.

Rise up, O men of God!
The kingdom tarries long.
Bring in the day of brotherhood
And end the night of wrong.

Rise up, O men of God!
The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task;
Rise up and make her great!

Lift high the cross of Christ!
Tread where His feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man,
Rise up, O men of God!

>from CyberHymnal at
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/r/i/riseupom.htm


ON PRAYER
How You Can Live the Lord's Prayer
The Lord's Prayer is much more than just a model of how best to pray. It's a statement of how to get to know God's heart. And when you live out those words, God will transform you completely. Here's how you can live the Lord's Prayer:

Our: Realize that the journey to a deeper walk with God can only be fully lived in the company of God's people. Faith is not an individual pursuit; it's meant to be pursued within the context of community. Whenever you abandon the body of Christ, you're abandoning yourself. You can't grow in grace by withdrawing from others. Commit to long-term relationships with people. When you face a difficulty in any of your relationships, don't simply run or battle it out with the other person. Instead, resolve the issue and reconcile. Focus on people over productivity and on relationships over results. Instead of looking at people in terms of what they can do for you, seek to simply get to know them and love them. Don't place people in categories and distinguish between them. Ask God to help you view all people as He sees them -- equally valuable because they're all made in His image -- and to treat everyone with respect and kindness. Remember that you can truly love God if you don't love your brothers and sisters in Christ. Don't let anything divide the unity God wants you to have. Remain committed to each other, living in grace and forgiveness, just as God remains committed to you.

Father: Experience true love and security from your ultimate Father: God. Remember the Gospel's promise of freedom. Don't slip into a lifestyle of worrying about duties, obligations, rules, regulations, expectations, and demands when God wants you live freely. Instead of trying to live faithfully just because you'd feel guilty if you didn't, let your love for God and your gratitude for His grace motivate you to live faithfully. Rather than letting fear guide your decisions, make decisions with the confidence that God will love you no matter what and will always be there to help you.... Read this in full at
http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/11575955/


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.

Book your next vacation with us!
ChristianConnectionTravel.com

Books, Music & More!
ChristianConnectionBooks.com

Get your domain name here!
GoGlobalDomains.com

Let me show you how to earn money as you travel!
FrankColeman.com
It's as easy as 1-2-3


SHARE YOUR FAVORITE WEBSITES
Tell us what sites you find enjoyable and why.

Weird Converter
http://www.weirdconverter.com/

Free College Classes
http://oedb.org/library/features/236-open-courseware-collections

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.)


Each of us is a mixture of dust and deity.
Min. Frank Coleman, Editor
[email protected]


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