'Accelerating Driven Christians in the Racing Capital of the World'
'Indy Timeline' of Upcoming Events
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#Indy #Prayer #UBcafe #Jobs #Bible #CCDA @ICG #Twurch
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DrivenChristians @ICTV
God's Word
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."
Jeremiah 17:9-10
NIV
Saturday's Festival Report from 'Faith, Hope & Love"
[reported by Pastor Merlin Gonzales, FHL Coordinator]The first, annual...
"Faith, Hope & Love Day Festival"Saturday, July 30, 2005
"Today has really been a celebration of what we had accomplished all week long. Families and friends of the local missionaries came to have fun. We had 3 big blow ups, slides, moonwalk and something like a big bouncy thing. We had 10 different carnival kids’ games, music and skits from different churches and lots of food.
I did not know what to expect early in the day. But the Lord has been true to the vision that was given back in February... 'Faith Renewed'.
This has been the message all week long, the renewal of faith of the believers. The Lord showed our community of churches what we can accomplish by working together.
Our neighborhood experienced something new, loving and serving them expecting nothing in return.
Here are a few of the testimonials:- Several churches from different denominations were present and looking forward to join FHL 2006
- One of the attendees said, "It's great to see the connections being made beyond denominational walls."
- Two Christian performers came and blessed us with their talents by giving jokes and by singing.
- We had plenty of volunteers to tear down and wrap up that it only took less than an hour to clean up the entire place.
- One of the volunteers who were counting people said that we had about 300 people who came and went to the festival.
- One volunteer said, “this year is just a glimpse... a step of FAITH on the part of believers that will result in renewed FAITH to others in the Body”
We now have 12 months of preparation and we had sowed the seed that, if the Lord willing, would continue on starting in Indianapolis to the entire nation.
If you were not able to come this entire week, I encourage you to tune in to WHMB Channel 40 for one of their Harvest Show(s). FHL will be included in their nationwide show.
The wrap up meeting will be on Thursday, August 18th at 10:30a at the Vineyard Community Church.... as we look forward into the future toward next year's 'Faith, Hope & Love' week. Come be with us.
Today: The Festival... Noon til 4pm
Friday's Report from 'Faith, Hope & Love' Week
[reported by Pastor Merlin Gonzales, FHL Coordinator] Today, we had 30+ volunteers and we broke out in three groups.
The first group sorted children’s clothes for the Washington township students at North Central Church of Christ.
[Ed.note: Now THIS is what I call real Indy racing!]The second group finished the ramp for a disabled woman, widened the doors in the house and cleaned the entire yard.
The third group (youth) gave away goodies and t-shirts and washed the cars’ windows at Speedway gas station on 82nd and Allisonville Rd.
Here are a few of the testimonials:
- One of the volunteers at the gas station was surprised to hear “God loves you, too” from a driver
- Since FHL volunteers do not receive any donations, a person who received free window cleaning for his car bought several bottles of Gatorade for the volunteers.
- The disabled woman was in tears to see the ramp that was built by the FHL volunteers. She immediately used the ramp.
- Several volunteers came to me and said that FHL gave them opportunity to serve the community.
Tears gushed in my eyes after the worship on Friday morning seeing pastors from different denominations anointing each other in the name of Jesus. It was heaven on earth witnessing the unity of the churches involved.
What I have witnessed this week is far more than what I had expected. I received a hundred fold more than what I gave, exactly what Jesus said some two thousand years ago.
SATURDAY: FHL FESTIVAL AT LNHS NOON TO 4PM
Thursday's Report from 'Faith, Hope & Love' Week
[by Pastor Merlin Gonzales, FHL Coordinator]Today, we had 28 volunteers and we broke out in several groups.
The first group sorted children’s clothes for the Washington township students at North Central Church of Christ.
The second group helped a quadriplegic man clean his entire house and his yard.
The third group helped a person allergic to dust to clean her house.
The fourth group started building a ramp and widened on of the doors for a disabled woman.
The fifth group (youth) gave away bottles of water and washed cars in front of Steak n Shake on 86th and Westfield Blvd.
The sixth group visited residents of Berkshire retirement home.
The seventh group read and gave away books to Nora Elem students
Here are a few of the testimonials:
- One of the volunteers at the car wash was surprised to hear Hallelujah from a driver who at first was reluctant to receive free car wash
- One volunteer was blessed hearing from a person passing by shouted, “God bless you, too!” She said that at times, we need to hear others in public places bless us, too.
- Two volunteers will continue to check up with the families they helped clean the families’ houses.
- “God’s timing is perfect”, said Joel, one of the FHL pastors after giving away countless bottled water within 1.5 hours. He received blessings by giving away cold water.
- One reluctant man who had a conversation with one of the volunteers at the car wash said that the group gave him hope after seeing the unconditional love by the volunteers.
- Several volunteers said that just being with other believers from different churches blessed them because of the love they received from the other volunteers. One volunteer said that this is the best week of his summer.
Outreaches on Friday, the 28th: Meet at the Vineyard, 10am.
SATURDAY: FHL FESTIVAL AT LNHS NOON TO 4PM
God's Word
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15
NIV
Wednesday's Report from 'Faith, Hope & Love' Week
[by Pastor Merlin Gonzales, FHL Coordinator]Our day started with thunderstorms, but with the Lord’s favor, the sun came out around 10:30a and cool breeze.
Today, we had 40 volunteers and we broke out in three groups.
The first group sorted children’s clothes for the 300+ Washington township students at North Central Church of Christ. I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of clothes NCCOC collected. Later on, I found out that what I saw was just about 10% of the entire collection.
The second group also stayed at NCCOC to write notes and prepared goodies for the Fishers and Washington Township firemen. The volunteers prepared 275 packages. They delivered them to the fire stations with some of the volunteers’ children. The children were able to get inside the fire trucks and go around the fire station.
The third group (youth) went in front of Pep Boys at 96th street to give away bottles of water and wash cars. Here are a few of the testimonials:
- The youth were surprised that some people were amazed why they were washing peoples’ cars and afterwards give cold bottled waters and asking for nothing in return.
- More than 300 students will be blessed with the clothes that FHL helped sort
- -The firemen were very grateful of the volunteers who delivered cookies, brownies, etc. to them
- One volunteer said that he is blessed just by watching different people from different churches worshipping and working together.
- One volunteer from a Presbyterian church who is joining FHL for the entire week told me that she called the city of Zionsville inviting the city to also proclaim FHL day. She told me today that they approved it. Now, we have 10 cities proclaiming FHL day on July 30.
Outreaches on Thursday, the 28th... We will meet at Church at the Crossing at 10:00am.
[Stay tuned tomorrow for reports from Thursday's service-projects in the community.]
[For further information on 'Faith, Hope & Love' Week, and this Saturday's festival, visit FHLcommunity.org]
Praise in the Prison
PENDLETON, Ind. -- Gov. Mitch Daniels entered a sweltering prison Tuesday to deliver a message of hope and redemption to murderers, arsonists and drug dealers in a new program that emphasizes religious faith and character training...
[
great article by Robert King, IndyStar.com]
**********************
[Ed.Note: Plan to be with us on August 9th for the
Transform Indiana lunchtime-meeting, continuing the topic of "Breaking Out of the Jail Cycle"... as Christian leaders come together to pray, plan and pursue greater collective impact in our communities.]
Tuesday's Reports from 'Faith, Hope & Love' Week
[This first report is from Pastor Merlin Gonzales, Coordinator]
Today, we had 63 volunteers and we broke out in three groups.
The first group went to Miller’s Merry Manor to serve lunch to the employees. Thanks to Tony Roma’s for providing all the lunches today. Tawana, one of the volunteers played piano while the employees and the residents were eating their lunch. The rest of us spent time with the residents; we sat with them and listened to their stories. I saw some of the volunteers helped feed the elderly who were not able to feed themselves. One volunteer went around massaging the shoulders and feet of the employees and the residents. A volunteer provided manicure to one of the residents.
The second group, went to 86th St and Monon trail to give away bottles of water. They were on both sides of 86th St and some volunteers stayed in the median. It was great to see the youth being passionate in expressing their faith in Christ out in the public places.
The third group went to the Assisted Living at Miller’s. We served floats to the residents and some employees. Tawana played the piano while the volunteers spent time with the residents. Two teenagers performed a sign language dance for all of us.
There were numerous testimonials that it will take several pages to write all of them. Here are a few of them:
- Two volunteers decided to start visiting the elderly twice a month as their personal ministry.
- A couple of volunteers prayed with restless residents who calmed down right after the prayer.
- One volunteer received a ceramic wall décor from a resident. She later told me that this was the first time she’s doing this kind of outreach and was praying to God on the way to the Manor to use her to bless others.
- One pastor said that he was amazed that the cops did stop them from giving away water at the streets.
- Sarah received 24 free cases of water from a Wal-Mart store just by show up at the front of the store.
******************
And here's another report in from Pastor Wallace Smith at the outdoors Nora Elementary reading program...
We counted 35 children (children/parent family units) and gave away about 75 books (several people at the end took more than one book per child and we gave away a few complete sets of multiple books). Many thanks to Suzanne Zybert, the Nora Elementary Principal, who made personal contacts with several families who came by. We also served a girl scout troop of about 8 girls who were meeting at the parking lot to go camping and picked up a few good reads for the trip.
We are looking forward to Thursday night because it should be cooler, plus there is the soccer club that meets at Nora on Thursday nights and serves mostly Hispanic families. We still have around 150 books to give away and if we have extra after Thursday we will bring them to the Festival and/or take them to NCCoC to give to families during Clothing and Crayons for Kids.
***************
Outreaches on Wednesday, the 27th... Meet at North Central Church of Christ at 10:00am
[Stay tuned tomorrow for reports from Wednesday's service-projects in the community.]
[For further information on 'Faith, Hope & Love' Week, and this Saturday's festival, visit FHLcommunity.org]
God's Word
And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
Revelation 5:9
NIV
Monday's Report from "Faith, Hope & Love" week...
[from Merlin Gonzales, FHL coordinator]
All...
Blessings! 2 days down 5 to go.
We had 30 people this morning, great worship and sermon (I gave the sermon-Great Commandment).
We broke up into 5 groups, 1 for picking up trash, 2 for bottled water giveaways and 2 for business services. Our new partner in crime, Maria who read about us on the
Indiana Christian News posted several flyers to businesses and even hung a banner on our van. She is dedicating her whole week in helping us.
We probably gave away 20 cases of water today, hot out there-105 heat index. A volunteer brought several bottled water inside WalMart and a Christian bookstore and offered free water to the cashiers. The employees can’t believe that someone from the outside the store would take time to go inside and give them water.
One group went to a construction site by 96th street to give cold water to the construction workers.
We had some neat testimonies afterwards:
-A delivery man (FedEx or UPS) was praying for cold water and one of our volunteers came and gave him a cold bottled water. He said that it was an answered prayer.
82nd street folks were amazed that we cleaned their businesses asking for nothing in return. I asked one volunteer why he stayed outside picking up trash for straight 3 hours in a 100-degree weather and he said that he would like to serve and give back to God because of some amazing things happening to him and his family lately.
Tomorrow: Our home base is the Vineyard Community Church. We will have 3 outreaches...
[Stay tuned tomorrow for reports from Tuesday's service-projects in the community.]
[For further information on 'Faith, Hope & Love' Week, and this Saturday's festival, visit
FHLcommunity.org]
God's Word
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
NIV
Sunday's Report from 'Faith, Hope & Love' Week
[from Merlin Gonzales, Coordinator]
"I would like to keep you posted. We had a great turn out this afternoon at the Abundant Life Church.
Pete Bosworth of Abundant Life Church started us with prayer and the Abundant Life Worship team led us in worship. Steven Bruce of North Central Church of Christ read the proclamation, I cast the vision and Tim Broyles of Church at the Crossing lead us in ending prayer.
There were more than 120 people who attended the worship and prayer walk. Different cultures, denominations and ages from 2-72 were present. It was a sweltering day and we changed the route. We decided to break up into two groups, one group drove to the Lawrence North High School and silently walked once around the building. Another group drove to the Monon Trail by 86th Street. They walked south on Monon for ½ mile and back to the starting point. We had several people who stayed at the church and prayed while others were out walking. Some people came back to the church after the walk for drinks and to get to know each others.
Tomorrow (Monday), the Home base is at Abundant Life at 10:00a...."
[Stay tuned tomorrow for reports from Monday's service-projects in the community.]
[For further information on 'Faith, Hope & Love' Week, and this Saturday's festival, visit
FHLcommunity.org]
God's Word
The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
Galatians 5:14
NIV
'Faith, Hope & Love' Week Starts TODAY...
'Faith, Hope & Love'... is a week long period starting today,
July 24... helping neighbors in our community, followed by a festival to celebrate this annual event. [
continue -- see how you can get involved]
Week of service will kick off with a prayer walk...
[excerpted from 7/23 IndyStar.com]A coalition of Christian worshippers will kick off a week of neighborly love and community service Sunday with a spirit-building trek through Castleton. The two-mile prayer walk is the opening event for the first Festival of Faith, Hope and Love, a weeklong mission trip into the Nora and Castleton communities, where the participating churches are located. The collaboration along the 82nd/86th Street corridor is meant to show the mission-minded how they can serve locally. [
continued at IndyStar.com]
Neighborhoods & Churches...
Are your neighboring churches working together? [eg., "Faith, Hope & Love" week?]
Governors Prayer Team Launch... TONITE!
Appearing this evening at Brownsburg Christian Church...
Come enjoy this evening, and learn about the newly forming 'Governors Prayer Team'.
[
continued at VisionPrayerProject.com]
God's Word
Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is
full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the
light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it
dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.
Luke 11:34-36
NIV
Biblical Blogging
by Justin Young, Pastor, Chinese Church of IndianapolisIn my last monthly
post on IndyChristian.com, I linked to a number of articles on the benefits of blogging.
But, as with anything, we need to be wise in how we blog. Here are
two articles that I found helpful in developing this idea.
God's Word
But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
NIV
Greg Paul: "God in the Alley"
"This is the 2nd in the Urban Seminar series. This time we will go even further and discover what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are overlooked or unwanted in our society. We will also look at what it means to meet our Saviour in person as we interact with those in prison, or in an Aids hospice, on the streets or in the local crack house.
Greg Paul, the author of God In The Alley will be with us to share some insights from over a decade of being in community with the "least of these" on the streets of Toronto.
You will not be dissappointed."
[
continued]
*******************************
[hat-tip, Geoff Wybrow]
Blogging at the Creation Mega-Conference
It's a great new world we live in now, where anyone can partipate in a terrific conference thousands of miles away. [and not even have to pay the conference cost!]
So thank you, Rod & Pam, for blogging the Creation Mega-Conference taking place this week on the campus of Liberty University. [and which includes Dr. Charles Ware, Pres., Crossroads Bible College].
[
continued at Answers In Genesis]
God's Word
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:4-5
NIV
John Roberts... Bush Nominee for High Court
[
continued at IndyStar.com]
Baptism for children of homosexual couples?
"Is the church wrong to deny the spiritual benefits of baptism to children who never asked to be raised by homosexuals?"
[
continued at World Magazine's Blog]
[Ed.note: Today's post at World Mag Blog is from one of their interns, Zoe Sandvig... daughter of (Pastor) Steve & Christy Sandvig, Christ Community Church, Carmel IN. Zoe is now working on the journalism staff at Prison Fellowship in Washington D.C. Congrats, Zoe, Mom & Dad!]
John Perkins... Times Two
Don't miss your (two) opportunities today, to meet Dr. Perkins, and perhaps get involved in the growing collaborative efforts here in the city to make a difference for Christ... neighborhood by neighborhood.
8am -- at East 91st Street Christian Church. [
details]
12noon -- at InterChurch Center. [
details]
God's Word
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it."
Matthew 16:24-25
NIV
Reporter seeks justice for victims and for God
[Here's a great article by Russ Pulliam, Indianapolis Star]
Russ Pulliam, IndyStarJerry Mitchell breaks the mold. The Mississippi newspaper reporter doesn't fit conventional categories or stereotypes. He's an investigative reporter who's broken big stories on the Ku Klux Klan and corruption in the criminal justice system in Mississippi. [
continued at IndyStar.com]
Getting Ready for November!
In preparation for
our hosting the national conference a series of monthly community forums have been planned on Tuesday mornings. Special guests from around the country will be with us sharing ministry experiences and insights as we gather locally to discuss and share what God is doing in our city.
Please join us for these forums as we work to build relationships and seek a “radical redemption of our communities - taking back our communities” – one person, one family and one neighborhood at a time for Christ!
[Tomorrow... Tuesday, July 19th.... 8am... "Community Faith Forum" being held at East 91st Street Christian Church (
map)... featuring Dr. John Perkins, Founder, CCDA. Everyone welcome.
Click for more meeting details.]
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 40
Day 40: Pray that the team of leaders, pastors, etc will be able to come together for a time of worship and thanksgiving following this event. (Hopefully within three days after the event).
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
Beth Moore urges counter-assault...
[Baptist Press follows up on the Beth Moore event held here at the RCA Dome.]
“
There is a full-scale assault on the American mind,” Moore told the June 3-4 gathering. From the classroom to the living room, this unrestrained attack on religious beliefs and values should prompt Christians to prepare their minds for action, Moore said.I t’s time for Christians to...
[
continued at Baptist Press]
Once Upon A Tech-Support....
Lori Borgman, Columnist, IndyStar"Once upon a time there was a nice lady who was kind to small children, puppies, and on rare occasions, even telemarketers. The lady worked at home on a computer, which meant she did not have an on-site information technology staff, or IT as they are commonly called. The lady would laugh and say,
“No, I don’t have I-T; I only have M-E.”One day, the nice lady, who would never raise an iron skillet in fury toward anyone except for... " [
continued at LoriBorgman.com]
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 39
Day 39: : Pray the wind of God’s spirit will provide for us beautiful weather, a gentle breeze all week, and that teens and young adults will be excited about such an event.
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
God's Word
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or ith the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding? Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales; he weighs the islands as though they were fine dust. Lebanon is not sufficient for altar fires, nor its animals enough for burnt offerings. Before him all the nations are as nothing; they are regarded by him as worthless and less than nothing. To whom, then, will you compare God? What image will you compare him to?
Isaiah 40:12-18
NIV
Faith-based Neighborhood News
Emerson Allen, City of Indianapolis, Faith-based Coordinator"Welcome to the first edition of World-Class Neighborhood E-News, the City of Indianapolis’ official electronic newsletter designed to keep you informed and updated on city services and on-going community-building initiatives." [Mayor Peterson]
"Faith-based News""Faith, Hope & Love"...and much more.
[
continued at Faith-based Neighborhood News]
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 38
Day 38: Pray that the spirit of revival as in the days of old will break out! : That 100,000 souls will be added to the kingdom in God’s timing.
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
God's Word
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
Isaiah 26:3-4
NIV
24x7 Prayer.... Indy...
In support of the "
Faith, Hope & Love" Day/Week (July 24-30) proclaimed here in Indiananpolis by Mayor Peterson... and the mayors from many of the surrounding suburban cities, a number of Christians have started a 24x7 egroup to start organizing 24x7 prayer during the week-long set of neighborhood-focused efforts of faith & service.
If you would be interested in committing a couple of hours to praying (at location, tba) during that special week, you're invited to join the 24x7 prayer team as it organizes for the glory of God and the benefit of our community.
Questions may be directed to FHL Prayer Coordinator,
Mitch Malloy.
[
continue at YahooGroups]
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 37
Day 37: Pray that our families and friends will not be hindered from participating and that we will have ample time to complete the work.
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
God's Word
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:4-5
NIV
IndyStar: 4 teens are dead, we must take action
[excerpted from the Indianapolis Star]Olgen Williams' question should challenge the conscience of everyone who calls this city home.
"Our youths are being slaughtered in the streets of Indianapolis this summer in unacceptable numbers," said Williams, executive director of
Christamore House.
"What are we going to do as a city?"..
[
continued at IndyStar.com]
*****************************************
Olgen WilliamsLast month, Olgen and a number of other special panelists helped launch a concerted effort among Christian pastors, leaders and other individuals to pray together, discuss and find ways that the Christian community could better collaborate for special impact on the problems at hand. [See "
Breaking Out of the Jail Cycle"]
The initiative will continue this month as those gathered at the
Transform Indiana ministry networking meeting (Tues.) July 19th will hear a very special guest in our city that day, Dr. John Perkins, Founder of Christian Community Development Association. This noon-hr meeting is free (
BYOL), and welcomes pastors, leaders and other Christ-followers who are anxious to make a difference in Greater Indianapolis.
Dr. John Perkins*****************************************
[
CCDA's national convention will be coming to Indy in November. Dr. Perkins is here on an advance visit, and will also be speaking at East 91st Christian church (
map) that morning at the "Community Faith Forum". That forum begins at 8am, and is also free to the public.
Click for details.]
President salutes the spirit of sharing
"For 35 years, Vernice Williams has tutored students, served tea and coffee from church kitchens and been everything from ticket taker to board member at Indiana Black Expo.
Today, President Bush will say thanks, giving her a Volunteer Service Award from the White House. She's the first Hoosier to receive the honor.
In fact, she is likely to be one of the first people Bush meets when he arrives today in Indianapolis..."
[
continued at IndyStar.com]
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 36
Day 36: Pray that the men and women in the Castleton/Nora region who are organizing this event will have the ‘the Light of Christ’ to lead them.
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
God's Word
Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 7:21
NIV
Neighborhood by Neighborhood...
By Neil Cox, Editor, IndyChristian.comHow do we see the Great Commission ever getting accomplished, if not neighborhood by neighborhood?
And how ironic is it that evangelicals are in the news these days, lobbying for a fair hearing for judicial nominees... and demanding they at least receive an opportunity for an 'up or down' vote. But will our neighbors get a fair hearing, and an opportunity to make an 'up or down' choice?
[
continued at LovingChange.com]
God's Word
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."
John 17:1-3
NIV
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 35
Day 35: Pray that all culture groups in the Castleton Nora area will feel welcomed and that no one people group will be left out.
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
Rolex or Rolodex?
Which is more valuable to a business or ministry -- a Rolex or a Rolodex?
Here's a reminder that our Rolodex symbol here (always available in our RH margin) represents the growing list of Bible-believing pastors, leaders and other innovative types who are actively collaborating in the Indianapolis area for the sake of the Great Commission and Great Commandment.
It's become so useful as a helpful contact list that we've given it its own domain-name... "
CrossroadsConnection.com".
If you're not listed but would like to be, in order to easily facilitate our goal toward increasingly working together in some practical ways...
contact us.
*****************************************
'Coincidentally'.... here's an article written today by Pastor Bill Bean,
'The Unnecessary Pastor'...
Apostles, Prophets, Etc."Eph 4:11. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. Some say four fold, some say five fold ministry. Personally, I don't think that distinction is very important. I think the main point is that God has gifted the church with individuals rather than programs or systems to accomplish its mission.
God could have given the church the blueprints to the best programs and models but what was given was people, specially gifted, to get the job done. It is an organic solution. Completely flexible and adaptable to any and all situations.
Rigid definitions of these ministry categories isn't... [continued at '
The Unnecessary Pastor']
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 34
Day 34: Pray that we will come to the realization that we are all ministers in God’s kingdom with unique giftings that are meant to be given away.
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
Christians uniquely positioned to offer hope in aftermath of Hurricane Dennis
(CEN, July 11, 2005) – Christian Emergency Network (CEN) Founder and Chairman Mary Marr reminds Christians today, “Even if you are not directly affected by Hurricane Dennis, the best thing you can do to help now is to prayerfully consider assisting Christian organizations, even though public appeals generally overlook Christian organizations such as the Salvation Army and instead refer people to secular relief organizations.” [
continued at ChristianEmergencyNetwork.com]
God's Word
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.
Proverbs 10:19
NIV
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 33
Day 33: Pray that more pastors, teachers, counselors will come together as one body for future events.
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
7/11 -- Praying for our enemies
LaShawn BarberAs befitting of children of God, retreat, and lift up your voices in prayer and supplication not just for the brethren in London. Remember the suffering of the saints worldwide. Ask God to strengthen them at a time when their faith may be weakened the most, for this is the essence of faith: believing in the risen Christ even though we didn’t see him rise, and believing that he, in fact, died to pay the penalty for our disobedience.
God set his law before the people, and they proceeded to break each and every one. But as the men of God prophesied and as he promised, a Savior was sent to bear the sins of the people. So retreat on your lunch hour today or whenever you can, express eternal gratitude for his sacrifice, and remember what the Lord said...
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contined at LaShawnBarber.com]
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 32
Day 32: Pray that the hope and peace of Christ will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
God's Word
Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your
God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
Deuteronomy 8:11-14
NIV
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 31
Day 31: Pray that the Spirit of righteousness will be exemplified in all we do; that our children and loved ones will be safe in the arms of the Father.
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
God's Word
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:8
NIV
CCDA Founder, Dr. John Perkins... coming July 19th
Dr. John Perkins, the founder and president emeritus of
CCDA will be joining us as we enter the last few weeks before the national gathering here in Indy.
John M. Perkins is a sharecropper's son who grew up in Mississippi amidst dire poverty. Perkins fled to California when he was 17 and vowed never to return after his older brother's murder at the hands of a town marshal. However, in 1960, after his conversion to Christianity, he returned to his boyhood home to share the gospel of Christ.
His outspoken nature and support and leadership in civil rights demonstrations resulted in repeated harassment, imprisonment and beatings.
Despite dropping out of school in the third grade, Dr. Perkins has now received recognition for his work with seven honorary doctorates from Wheaton College, Gordon, Huntington, Geneva, Spring Arbor, North Park and Belhaven colleges. He is an international speaker and teacher on racial reconciliation, leadership and community development.
Please join us at
East 91st Street Christian Church (
map) to hear more about the Christian Community Development movement and how Indianapolis is being impacted!
Tuesday morning schedule:
8:00 - Coffee and doughnuts
8:15 - Welcome, Introduction and Prayer
8:20 - CCDA Indy 2005 promotion video
8:30 - Program: Dr. John Perkins
9:30 - Closing Questions
Later, at another location (tba), Dr. Perkins will be speaking on the continuing topic of "Breaking Out of the Jail Cycle" at the noon-time
Transform Indiana ministry networking meeting.
[Stay Tuned for location details.] For further information, visit our
CCDA Blog.
For This The Martyrs Died?
By Ingrid SchlueterOne of the world’s best known evangelical megachurches featured the following promotion on their website this week:
Our dances have become some of the most anticipated of our social events with hundreds of people attending. This Summer's Night dance in our Worship Center promises to be the same. It will begin with a light buffet style dinner followed by dancing to the sounds of our DJ on a huge 3,000 square foot ballroom competition floor. Professional lighting, effects and sound all blend together for a high-quality experience, all at an extremely reasonable price! Whether you bring a special friend, come alone or with a group, make sure you come ready to have fun! Music will consist of a wide variety providing for specific dances and freestyle. And what's a summer night without some beach music and reggae?On June 29, 2005, China Aid reported that the Chinese authorities had begun a brutal crackdown on house churches in a specific region in that country. Hundreds of Christian brothers and sisters in Christ have been held and some brutally beaten and tortured for their faith in the living Christ. These Chinese churches don’t feature 3,000 square foot competition dance floors and dinner dances for the bored Christian singles of the congregation. If they did, the Chinese authorities would never have bothered them. All these Chinese churches have is an undying allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ and a willingness to die for the Savior of their souls. The communist Chinese leaders have never liked competing for loyalty and they view the church of Jesus Christ as a threat to their regime. Today in over 40 countries, confessing Christ as your Savior could cost you everything you have, including your life.
Here in American churches, the party goes on. In many parts of our country, particularly in the Bible belt, it has become... [
continued at Worldview Weekend Network]
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 30
Day 30: Pray for cultural diversity in our ability to tap into the Castleton/Nora area; that the men and women who are hungry to know God’s word and to be discipled will be identified.
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
Today's national cityreaching telecon...
I took some (great, if I say so myself, LOL) notes during today's Mission America national teleconference call among veteran city-reachers around the country.
Got some terrific ideas from some of these vets...
[
continued at CityReaching Blog]
BikeHiker.... on the Tour
If you're smitten by the Tour de France, you'll want to try to stay up with
BikeHiker for sure.
[Great pics & commentary, John!]
Pray The News... London attacks
Chain of terrorist blasts in London...
[
continued at IndyStar.com]
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 29
Day 29: Pray that the faithful will fast and pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; that the heartbeat of the Father for the Hispanic community will surely be understood.
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
Sen. Dan Coats, Keynote Speaker at Indy Prayer Breakfast
The Indianapolis Leadership Prayer Breakfast Committee is pleased to announce this year's keynote speaker will be Senator Dan Coats. This annual city event will take place November 16th at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. Table/ticket sales are still available.
While in Congress, Senator Coats was a member of... [
continue at IndyPrayerBreakfast.com].
This year's city prayer breakfast is specially coordinated with the
CCDA -- Christian Community Development Association's national convention coming to Indianapolis, November 16-20.
[For more information on how you, your business or church can get involved with the CCDA City Host Team, visit... CCDA Indy .org]
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 28
Day 28: Pray that the Psalms of David will be taken into consideration as worship in song transpires.
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
Surprises at the cafe... and elsewhere...
See who showed up unexpectedly in Indy for our CCDA Host Team meeting last Friday morning....
...and who showed up in the wrong (Texas) city.
...and who's showing up soon, in Indy... and where.
[
continued at CCDAblog.com]
Today's Top Stories via ChristianHeadlines.com
- Christian Work Camp Helps Less Fortunate AP
- French Woman Ordains Herself a Priest AP
- United Church of Christ Backs Gay Marriage AP
- Why are religious jokes so funny? BBC
- Air Force coach deals with change like a good Christian Colorado Springs Gazette
- Drooping draws draw ire: Church lobbies the City Council to ban low pants and gold teeth; council members balk at being fashion police Florida Times-Union
- Christian protestors face police ire in Kerala IANS
- Clergy who don't believe in God London Times
- For many doctors, beliefs influence their practices: More than three-fourths believe in God and more than half believe in an afterlife, a survey finds. Results surprise the study's author Los Angeles Times
- Church backs gay marriages: A resolution by the United Church of Christ, which prides itself on its human rights history, isn't binding but is hailed as a first for a major denomination New York Times
- Even Former Skeptics Are Warming Up to the Pope as the Ex-Watchdog Turns Gentle New York Times
- First Gay Couples Apply for Marriage Under New Spanish Law New York Times
- Pastors walk line between God, country Pasadena Star News
- Devoted to God, but Not the Pledge: Beliefs Drive Man's Opposition to Oath In Virginia Schools Washington Post
- Bush Drops a Few Clues About New Justice AP
- Conservative Christians gearing up Denver Post
- Senators Clash on Questioning a Court Nominee New York Times
- Conservative Groups Rally Against Gonzales as Justice New York Times
- Activists Gear Up For Nominee Fight: Many Conservatives Aren't Behind Gonzales for the Supreme Court Washington Post
- Evangelical Groups Plan Aggressive Drive for Nominee: Campaign Seeks Solid Conservative Washington Post
- Liberals gird for Supreme struggle Washington Times
More at Blogs+News=Blews.Network
Top Ten List for a Sucessful Marriage
by Dr. Noah H. Kersey, Christian Psychologist 
# 1. When your partner is talking, stop and listen carefully. [
continue]
God's Word
Do to others as you would have them do to you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even "sinners" love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even "sinners" do that. And if you lend to those from whom you
expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even "sinners" lend to "sinners," expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is
kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
Luke 6:31-36
NIV
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting -- Day 27
Day 27: Pray that we would have kind favor with advertising firms, billboard advertisement, newspapers, radio and television as God leads.
Dear Faith Hope & Love Participants...[
Click for more info re "Faith, Hope & Love"]
God's Word
Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so
that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the
land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers.
Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the
desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in
order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you
would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to
hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you
nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not
live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the
mouth of the LORD. Your clothes did not wear out and your
feet did not swell during these forty years. Know then in
your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the LORD
your God disciplines you. Observe the commands of the LORD
your God, walking in his ways and revering him.
Deuteronomy 8:1-6
NIV
Fourth of July...
Learn about Christianity's overlooked role in the bold venture to gain independence.
[
continued at ChristianityToday.com]
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