Connecting man to man to God
For week of November 2, 2008
Issue 229


“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9


CONSIDER
“The three great apostles of practical atheism that make converts without persecuting, and retain them without preaching, are health, wealth, and power.” Charles Colton


WORLD EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2008
This international Christian gathering just concluded in Pattaya, Thailand. Read coverage about it at
http://www.christianpost.com/weaga08
also see
http://ga08.org/index.htm


DISTURBING STORIES EXPOSE DARK REALITIES OF PERSECUTION
A solemn atmosphere descended upon a room full of culturally diverse evangelical leaders as disturbing accounts of religious persecution poured forth from those living in anti-Christian hotspots. One by one, panelists shared stories of attacks against Christians in their country that included atrocious acts such as beheadings, gang rape, and genocide. Stories were especially poignant because of the speakers’ closeness to the actual persecution, of which some were personally experienced.

The Rev. Godfrey Yogarajah of Sri Lanka, the new director of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Religious Liberty Commission, shared that just a few days prior to his arrival in Thailand for the WEA General Assembly, one of the WEA pastors in his country of Sri Lanka was murdered and the pastor’s body thrown in a river.... Read this in full at
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20081030/disturbing-stories-expose-dark-realities-of-persecution.htm


INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
November 9, 2008
http://www.persecutedchurch.org/
http://members.opendoorsusa.org/site/PageNavigator/IDOP2008


PERSECUTION IS A HOLY WORD
Exaggerating our problems demeans the sacrifice of overseas believers.... Read this article at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/idop/


ZONDERVAN ACQUIRES RELIGIOUS SITE BIBLEGATEWAY.COM
Zondervan is expanding its online reach by acquiring the Web search engine BibleGateway.com from Gospel Communications Inc. in Muskegon. The deal, whose terms were not disclosed, includes the Christian online community at Gospel.com, and some employees involved with the Bible search website will now work for Zondervan. Owned by HarperCollins, Zondervan expects to expand the Bible search site to incorporate more reference materials and study resources.

"Our vision is for BibleGateway.com to be the premier online aggregator of Biblical resources, blending relevant content and community features for anyone searching for information to help them in their spiritual journey, wherever they may be," said Moe Girkins, Zondervan president and CEO. Gospel Communications, a nonprofit organization, started in the mid-1990s with funding from the DeVos family.
http://www.mlive.com/grpress/business/index.ssf/2008/10/zondervan_acquires_religious_s.html
also see “BibleGateway.com and Gospel.com Acquired by Zondervan”
http://tatumweb.com/blog/2008/10/27/gospelcom-2/


DOCUMENTARY FILM CHALLENGES CHRISTIANS TO EXAMINE THEIR FAITH
“We will not comply” is the main phrase that echoes through the “Ordinary Radicals” documentary film trailer. The phrase is the main subject of the film, which looks at those Americans who do not live by the standards portrayed in media, books, film, and other cultures. The documentary asks why Christianity is viewed as homophobic, hypocritical, unforgiving, full of televangelists, anti-Semitic, sexist, divided, and filled with bigotry.

To fight these stereotypes, documentary director Jamie Moffett and friends like author and speaker Shane Claiborne took an 11,000-mile journey to find those who defy these guidelines to exemplify equality in the highest form. They hoped to use this to help the nation see that it may be less divided than it thinks. 

Moffett, who was raised Roman Catholic, left the church earlier in life. While he still has not found his faith he hopes that the inspirational people he meets on the road will help him discover what he does believe. 

“I want to figure out what that something bigger is. I’m looking to other people to help me figure that out. I don’t want to throw out all faith,” Moffett said.... Read this in full at
http://media.www.whitworthian.com/media/storage/paper1220/news/2008/10/28/Scene/Documentary.Film.Challenges.Christians.To.Examine.Their.Faith-3511438.shtml


ANNE RICE: INTERVIEW WITH THE BELIEVER
Bestselling author Anne Rice, who gained fame for her dark, gothic novels -- including 1976's Interview With the Vampire -- discusses her return to faith with a new spiritual memoir Called Out of Darkness.
http://www.christianity.com/Home/Christian%20Living%20Features/11583377/


OLDEST HEBREW WRITING FOUND NEAR JERUSALEM
An Israeli archaeologist digging at a hilltop south of Jerusalem believes a ceramic shard found in the ruins of an ancient town bears the oldest Hebrew inscription ever discovered, a find that could provide an important glimpse into the culture and language of the Holy Land at the time of the Bible. Read about it at
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1225199605535&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull


SADDLEBACK PASTOR DETAILS FAMILY MEMBER'S ORDEAL
Rick Warren reaches out to his flock as daughter-in-law undergoes life-threatening surgeries for brain tumor. Read about it at
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/warren-wrote-jaime-2200475-rick-surgery


NEW ONLINE SUMMARY
A summary of Revival Addresses by 19th century American educator, author, pastor, and world evangelist R. A. Torrey is now online. Whether in Japan, China, Australia, Tasmania, New Zealand, India, England, Scotland, or at home in Chicago, Reuben Archer Torrey preached of God's love. There was/is no greater love than God's provision of a sacrifice for a fallen world -- His own Son. Revival Addresses is a collection of Torrey's sermons, published upon the request of those who had been eternally impacted by his (His) message. Read this summary at
http://www.christianbooksummaries.com/


NEW BOOK EXAMINES WHY SO MANY ARE QUITTING CHURCH
At the last church she attended before dropping out, Julia Duin was not impressed with the service opportunities available to her as a single woman. She could do child-care work, greet people at the door or join the women in the altar guild. However, since her journalism work required frequent travel, Duin sought more flexible commitments. Perhaps she could play harp before services? Fill an occasional teaching role, using her seminary training or material from her books? After several frustrating years, she quit going to church.

Soon she discovered that she wasn't alone, which caused the Washington Times religion-beat specialist to do what reporters tend to do. She started listening, reading and connecting dots. What she found was, as one researcher put it, a "spiritual brain drain" out of churches today.... Read this in full at
http://www.scrippsnews.com/node/36608


LEADERSHIP TIPS (BUSINESS, FAMILY, LIFE)
The Congruent Life
Deere and Co. is a global giant in agriculture, forestry, and construction. Deere’s CEO, Bob Lane, is the mover and shaker behind much of this company’s global expansion. But for all of the airplane miles Lane travels, he is still a very “grounded” individual. His Christian faith is what keeps him grounded. It’s a faith that centers on cultivating the fruits of the Spirit and appreciating the undeserved character of grace. Listen to this interview at
http://gracematters.org/listen.html


VERSE TO PONDER
“This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
John 15:8


CONSIDER
“To forsake Christ for the world is to leave a treasure for a trifle, eternity for a moment, reality for a shadow, all things for nothing.” William Jenkyn


JESUS HAS FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES
by Police Sgt. Simon Templar
I am a police sergeant in the Southeast and have been in law enforcement for more than 25 years. As many police officers do in this part of the country, I also work part-time jobs. One such job that I worked often was at a Latino nightclub where I performed entrance and parking lot security. Oftentimes Hispanic patrons of the club would walk up to me and ask if I spoke Spanish. When they'd find out that I was fluent in their native language, they would ask legal questions.

After working there for some time, I realized that there was more opportunity at this part time job beyond earning extra money. There was the opportunity to rescue lost souls. I began praying before arriving for work at this nightclub for witnessing opportunities, and the Lord sent them by the dozens. Whenever anyone would accept Christ, I would give them a Spanish-language New Testament and encourage them to attend a Christian church with Spanish services. This went on for four years.... Read this in full at
http://newmanmag.com/e-magazine/102908/story2.php


BOOK PROPOSES 'TRIAGE' AMID LUKEWARM CHURCH GIVING
Christians in the United States could engage every "unreached" people group around the world and stop up to two-thirds of child deaths for pennies a day if only they gave, according to a new book.

Because the church is not being mobilized for either, The State of Church Giving Through 2006: Global Triage, MDG 4, and Unreached People Groups says a strategy of global "triage" is needed to focus resources on areas of greatest need.

The 18th edition of the report, from the Christian service and research organization Empty Tomb, explores giving trends as an evidence of church members' commitments to their professed Christian beliefs.

It cites evidence pointing to a tepid US church far too similar to the church in ancient Laodicea, condemned in the third chapter of Revelation for being "lukewarm" as opposed to either "hot" or "cold." The authors say the US church needs to change its self-centered indifference or risk separation from the larger body of Christ and marginalization from the culture.... Read this review in full at
http://www.abpnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3580&Itemid=53


INTRODUCTION TO INTERNET EVANGELISM
The newest “culture” that the church has found itself in is cyberspace. The Internet Evangelism Coalition reflects the desire of Christians to spread the gospel in cyberspace culture as Christians should in any culture. See for yourself at
http://www.webevangelism.com/


WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE YOU?
by David Jeremiah
A GPS makes it possible to always know where you've been, where you are and where you're headed -- sort of the past, present, and future of your life from a visual and geographic perspective. You never have to be lost again.

While a Global Positioning System may have been around for only 30 years or so, there is another GPS system that has been around for thousands of years: the Globally Positioned Spirituality system.

What's a Globally Positioned Spirituality system? I'm glad you asked. Think of all the spiritual "systems" -- religions and worldviews -- in this world. Where do you stand in relation to them all? Feeling confused when it comes to discerning spiritual truth from spiritual error?

What about the looming moral and ethical crises of our day? Can you chart a path through the wilderness of amoral, secular values in our culture? What do you believe, and why, about abortion, euthanasia, same-sex relationships, the role of government in society, capital crimes and punishment, war, human rights, tolerance toward other religions, the right to worship and speak freely and other current hot topics?

And what about your personal spiritual "location" in this world? Where are you headed? What have you learned from the path you've been on? What course corrections do you need to make? What are your goals and dreams, and how do they mesh with God's plans and purposes?.... Read this in full at
http://bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=29236


WHO WAS CHINA'S FIRST OLYMPIC HERO?
David Dykes wrote in his blog that the first Olympic gold medal winner to be born and die in China was actually Eric Liddell, the Scottish runner immortalized in the film Chariots of Fire. We know from the movie he refused to run in the 100-yard dash (his best event) because the qualifying heats were run on Sunday. However, he came from behind in the 400 to win gold and set a new world record. Then David tells the rest of the story:

"After winning the gold medal, Eric Liddell was a celebrity and could have chosen any job he wanted back in Scotland. Instead, he chose to return to China, the land of his birth, and share the good news of God's love with the Chinese people. He spent several years teaching at a college for Chinese students.

"In 1943 when the Japanese occupied China, Liddell was imprisoned in the Weifang Interment Camp. For the next two years he worked in terrible conditions to maintain the morale of the other prisoners.

"Winston Churchill arranged a prisoner exchange with the Japanese, and because Liddell was a famous athlete, he was on the list to be liberated. However, at the last minute, Eric arranged for a pregnant woman to take his place and he chose to remain in the prison camp.

"The prisoners were given enough food and water to barely keep them alive, and on February 21, 1945, malnourished and sick, our Olympic champion died ... and crossed the finish line with his head held back in victory. He captured the real gold!

"In 1991, a memorial plaque was placed at the site of Eric Liddell's death in Weifang. The inscription is taken from a simple verse in Isaiah that says, 'They shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary.'".... Read this blog post in full at
http://fromthepasture.blogspot.com/2008/08/who-was-chinas-first-olympic-hero.html


CONSIDER
“The storms of life no more indicate the absence of God than clouds indicate the absence of the sun.” John Blanchard


VERSE TO PONDER
“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33


THIS WEEK'S HYMN: WHEN THE STORMS OF LIFE SURROUND ME
Words: Richard W. Adams, 2006
Music: John Wyeth, 1813

When the storms of life surround me,
And the world seems dark and cold,
When the rain beats down upon me,
And the lightning stabs my soul,
I cry out to my Savior,
“Lord, help me, lest I die!
Do You care not that the billows
Push my boat toward the shoal?”

When the raging winds and tempest,
And the noxious clouds of sin,
Whirl around me like an army,
And my faith is wearing thin,
In a whispering distant thunder,
Comes a voice like morning calm:
“Fear not, I am with you ever,
Till the world shall see its end.

“I command the winds of heaven,
And the lightning does My will,
I Who walked upon the waters,
And Who bid the storm be still.
I seek not your destruction,
But to strengthen and make pure;
Keep your faith in Me, believing
I My promises fulfill.”

He is greater than the thunder,
He is mightier than the storm;
He extends His hand to lift me,
And protect my soul from harm.
He will see me safe to harbor,
To the haven of my rest,
Sheltered by the Rock of Ages,
Held in His almighty arm.

>from CyberHymnal at
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/e/n/whenstol.htm


ON PRAYER
“He who prays as he ought will endeavor to live as he prays.” John Owen (1616-1683)


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
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It's as easy as 1-2-3!


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

The Four Finger Pianist (inspiring video)
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=3e7e550bb6914619d0e7

Television Conversion Public Service Announcement (hilarious video)
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=7fbb0fad5f8eb0231529

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.)


Why do we play in recitals and recite in plays?
Min. Frank Coleman, Editor
[email protected]


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