Indy Christian .com -- Daily Internet Starting-line: 12/01/2005

God's Word

Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king
who no longer knows how to take warning.

Ecclesiastes 4:13
NIV

Court: Allison diversity program not anti-Christian

A General Motors program that allows Hispanics, blacks or lesbians — but not Christians — to organize in employee groups is not committing religious discrimination, a federal court ruled.

GM’s Affinity Group diversity program does not discriminate against Christians because it treats all religions equally, the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Chicago ruled Thursday.
The court upheld a decision by a federal judge in Indianapolis, where the original lawsuit was filed by John Moranski, a born-again Christian who works at GM’s Allison Transmission plant in Indianapolis...

[continued at IndyStar.com]

The Impact of Christmas Toys?

Ok, how many of you got an iPod or other mp3 player for Christmas? I did. (Yoohooo!)

[hat-tip to our tech-friend, Brian Groce, for generating this entry on my Xmas wish-list.]

We need to hear from you: How does this new 'toy' change anything?

Let us know what you'd now like to see re podcasting at our centralized web-site for 'Driven Christians in the Racing Capital of the World'... IndyChristian.com.

And we'll be 'listening' for YOUR favorite audio/podcasts you'd like to recommend. Leave a comment, or email us.

Here are some immediate favorites of mine...

Al Mohler "Truth on the Line"
ICM Raw
DJ Chaung's Daily Commute
Steve Brown
Mission Network News (along with info re using iPodder to expedite everything)

Suddenly, I can catch up on programs or sermons that I've typically had to forego in the past.

iPodder.org seems to have the best explanations, history, etc. And a directory of great stuff, including audio.weblogs.com.

And of course... we can keep up with the latest podcasting news, at... well... obviously... PodcastingNews.com.

What else might I like to see? [Anyone got any recommendations?]

Daily Indy Christian news from around the city & state.
Interviews? Glenn Barth?
Event-casting?
GodCast.com? Others?

Here are some instructions by Back To The Bible, re Podcasting.

CNN: Religious Podcasting article

Ok, enough. Off to the trail to get some exercise... and free Spanish lessons I downloaded. **wink**

God's Word

Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.

Matthew 13:47-48
NIV

Butler student appears on Coral Ridge Hour

Abby Nye

[To view this clip... click the link... Then select October 16, 2005 broadcast "Slipping Away"... and view the feature "Keeping Your Faith in College". You'll need to select the 56K option.]

Abby Nye is a senior at Butler University and has even written a book about her faith on campus... "Fish Out of Water". Abby is a part of the upcoming "Embracing the Truth" symposium, January 14th.

"First comes... Second comes marriage..."

[continued at American Family Association of Indiana]

Judge Hamilton issues warning to Christians...

And [Judge] Hamilton issued a warning: "If the speaker or those offering prayers seek to evade the injunction through indirect but well understood expressions of specifically Christian beliefs, the audience, the public, and the court will be able to see what is happening. In that unlikely event, the court will be able to take appropriate measures to enforce" the injunction. [Full story at IndyStar.com]

Pastors, Leaders... Coalition for Compassion & Morality

by Dr. A. Charles Ware
President, Crossroads Bible College
Sr. Pastor, Crossroads Bible Church

I am calling a meeting to discuss our next steps in light of the passage of Proposal 622. Media has created the perception that over 80% of the citizens favored this proposal. Opponents were depicted as ignorant, fearful, haters, prejudice and abusive! Proponents are encouraged and are already discussing their next steps.

It is time for the Church to awake to righteousness, for some have not the knowledge of God, to our shame. I have personally repented for the lack of moral resistance! I want to call for a coalition for compassion and morality in the community. Please invite pastors, business owners, etc.

Wednesday, January 4, 2006
12:00 NOON
[Light Luncheon will be served]

Crossroads Bible College
601 North Shortridge Road
317-352-8736 Ext 222
Email: president@crossroads.edu

Please RSVP either by phone or email!
We need a head count for lunch.
[We'll be closed on Jan. 2nd, so call right away.]

AGENDA: Discussion of possible next steps after the passage of Proposal 622.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Because of Christ,
Dr. A. Charles Ware
President, Crossroads Bible College

********************** Related Links *****************

[Read 'The Church Must Awaken!"]

[Listen to 'Is God giving America over to Moral Destruction?']

[Read op-ed from Indiana Family Institute.]

[Read 'First Comes... Second Comes Marriage']

[Read previous '622' articles]

God's Word

For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths.

Proverbs 5:21
NIV

The Book of Daniel.... No, not THAT one...

Group protests NBC's dysfunctional 'Christians'

'Book of Daniel' by homosexual writer features drug-dependent minister... [continued at World Net Daily]

[More detail at American Family Association, and AFA Indiana.]

[Contact information for WTHR-Channel 13, our local NBC affiliate.]

[More Christian Headlines]

Are you wondering when & how the Church should address these sorts of cultural issues? Bible-believing pastors and leaders will be praying together & discussing these very sorts of things at a specially called meeting at Crossroads Bible College... Jan. 4th... at noon. Lunch will be served; so pastors and leaders should RSVP by calling 352-8736 x222.

Internet creates local political movements

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Frustrated by government and empowered by technology, Americans are filling needs and fighting causes through grass-roots organizations they built themselves — some sophisticated, others quaintly ad hoc. This is the era of people-driven politics.

From a homemaker-turned-kingmaker in Pittsburgh to dog owners in New York to a "gym rat" here in southwest Florida, people are using the Internet to do what politicians can't — or won't — do.

This is their story, but it's also an American story because ordinary folks are doing the extraordinary to find people with similar interests, organize them and create causes and connections.

"People are just beginning to realize how much power they have," said Chris Kofinis, a Democratic consultant who specializes in grass-roots organizing via the Internet.

"At a time when we are craving community and meaning in our lives, people are using these technologies to find others with the same..." [continued at PennLive.com]

[hat-tip, Andrew Sears, TechMission.org]

"20 Hours with God" Finishes at State House

Tom Walker here and please allow me to offer greetings from the Indiana National Day of Prayer and now the Governors' Prayer Team in the name of our Lord Christ Jesus. A dear friend who has joined with me in the Governors' Prayer Team as State Prayer Leader for South Carolina, Doug Small (http://www.projectpray.org/) is coming to Indianapolis this Friday.

Doug writes… "20 Hours with God" is one of the Schools of Prayer offered by Doug Small's Alive Ministries: PROJECT PRAY. This school is experiential - believing that prayer is more caught, than taught. A 20 Hours with God event focuses on prayer as personal transformation! Spending time with a holy and loving God should change us. So, for a period of 4-6 hours, kids are challenged to pray, conversationally, with a focus on personal change. With Bibles open, these kids pray - that they will become like Christ.

Times are spent in prayer one for another. The "prayer chair" invites vulnerability and teaches the power of interceding one for another. The prayer experience may involve learning to pray scripture. Teachable moments are dropped into times of prayer - spontaneously.

After a night of sleep, the kids are taken to the streets of a city - in this case, Indianapolis. With prayer assignments in hand, they proceed to fulfill missions of prayer. They pray at places of pain and places of promise. Places that emit rays of darkness and sources of light. They pray at places of power and of weakness, at churches and bars. They invite the kingdom of God to break into a time-space world. They place their feet on the earth, and pray that heaven may descend and be manifest in some form. They pray for people to come to know God's love - and truth. They pray for revival and spiritual renewal in the city. Sometimes, they weep!

Crisscrossing the city, they may meet another team on the same mission, but a different route. They may begin or end at the city center. They may pray at the corners of a downtown region, or the outskirts of the city boundaries. They may circle the city in symbolic action. Wherever they pray, they believe that they leave a deposit while in his presence. That they mark the spot. Angels may visit that place saying, "This is the spot from which the request came! It is here that the most sincere requests we have ever received ascended to the throne, asking for the Father's intervention, requesting his audience and attendance to the affairs of the city!"

We can never fully know the power of prayer. Perhaps, prayer is like a door we both set up, and open from our side, inviting the likes of angels and cherubim - indeed, of God Himself, to break into our city life. We do not want him outside, knocking of a closed door. We, by prayer, want to create multiple portals for his entrance into the life of our city.

20 Hours with God - begins with a heart focused worshipfully on God, with a mind open to transformation into His likeness. It ends with eyes open to the city, with a missional edge, and a reminder that having been with Him, we are to carry the fragrance of His presence into the city, and give the gift of prayer to others.

So many have never experienced prayer as worship, much less, prayer as a mission. Prayer in our culture has become a narrow and selfish thing. We should never stop praying for our needs or the needs of others. And nothing is too small for prayer. Indeed, the spirit of effective prayer is utter dependence upon God. But, prayer that is only about us - is not Kingdom praying. Prayer should begin with God, in his glory and radiance, in his splendor and unutterable glory. And it should end with others and our responsibility to them - especially toward the lost. The heart of prayer is worship, and its edge mission.

In the streets, praying for the city, so many kids in the 20 Hours with God experience will have their first taste of missional prayer. Hopefully, it will change them forever.

Thanks Doug...The Day finishes at the Indiana State House this Saturday at 12:30 pm where the students will be praying for leaders. Thanks to all the staff at the State House for your help.

TCW

Survivor tells of girls' beheadings

A thick scar running from the back of her neck to just under her right eye, the lone survivor of a machete attack in which three Christian girls were beheaded on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has spoken for the first time of her terror. [continued]

[More Christian Headlines]

God's Word

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

James 3:16-18
NIV

Video of Tony Dungy's Remarks

[continued at IndyStar.com]

God's Word

You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

Nehemiah 9:6
NIV

God's Word

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down
with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling
together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will
feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and
the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play
near the hole of the cobra, and the young child put his hand
into the viper's nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on
all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the
knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.

Isaiah 11:6-9
NIV

LAST Monday's Manna With Alice Smith

Welcome to our last Monday's Manna, where each Monday we have studied the Bible in 5-8 minute segments, and close in prayer.

But before we begin, let me remind you to please forward this last Monday's Manna link to as many as 5 of your friends who you feel might benefit from it by clicking on the Email the audio link below as we prepare our hearts for God's habitation and use in this coming year of 2006.

Thank you for joining me in this past year. We hope these past Monday's Morning Manna has been a blessing and encouragement to you.

Click This Link To Play Monday's Manna

Play Audio Message

Or cut and paste this line in your web browser

http://PlayAudio-234.com/play.asp?
m=248881&f=SXMLHE&ps=7&p=1

Blessings in 2006 !

Alice Smith
U.S. PRAYER CENTER
email:usprayercenter@cs.com
voice: 800.569.4825/713.466.4009
webs: www.usprayercenter.org
www.prayerbookstore.com
www.godsize.com

God's Word

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is "The Christ" This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:1-20
NIV

Merry Christmas.... World.

"For unto to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

[continued at Christianity Today]

Christmas... according to...

[continued at LoriBorgman.com]

Embracing the Truth

Mark your calendar for the 10th Annual Embracing the Truth Symposium on Saturday, January 14th.

Registration begins at 8:00 am and the event concludes at 1:30 pm. at Plainfield Christian Church, located at 800 Dan Jones Road in Plainfield, IN, SW of Indianapolis. The symposium provides vital information for Christians living in a secular world.

Special speakers will include...

Lori Borgman

Nancy Fitzgerald

Abby Nye (video clip)

Brian Hudson

Click to download flyer.pdf.

City grieves with Dungy family

"We respect coach Dungy as a coach, but everybody around here loves him as a man," said quarterback Peyton Manning. "He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time."

[continued at IndyStar.com]

[Special Editorial by Indianapolis Star]

God's Word

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:3-4
NIV

At The Crossroads: Dr. Perkins on 'Urban Community'

January 9th -- 13th...

Dr. John Perkins, Founder
Christian Community Development Association (CCDA)

Join Crossroads Bible College for an exciting educational and spiritual opportunity when John M. Perkins, Glen Kehrein and Pastor Erskine Dodson present “Dynamics of the Urban Community”. The seminar investigates urban social issues, inner city social stratification, gangs and violence, drugs, poverty, racism and injustices.

Glen Kehrein

Pastor Erskine Dodson

Call 352-8736 (x234, or 236) for more information about costs & college credit, or other questions.

Dr. Perkins will also be speaking at 6:45pm on Weds., Jan.11th. The venue is Crossroads Bible CHURCH, located at 601 N. Shortridge Rd, Indianapolis. The meeting is free and open to the public. Everyone is warmly invited to come.

God's Word

And say to them, "This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God. My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees."

Ezekiel 37:21-24
NIV

"It Doesn't Take A PhD."

Watch and listen to a passionate expository proclamation of Romans 1:17-32 by Dr. A. Charles Ware. Dr. Ware raises the question, "Is God Giving America over to moral destruction?" There is an urgent appeal for Christians to glorify God and develop hearts of gratitude in hope that God might spare America from judgment. [continued at Crossroads.edu]

Who's Really in Control?

[Referring to Caesar Augustus] This man, this king, this absolute monarch, lifts his little finger in Rome, and fifteen hundred miles away, in an obscure province, a young couple undertakes a hazardous journey, resulting in the birth of a child in a little town that just happens to be the one mentioned in the ancient Hebrew prophecy about the coming of the Messiah. And it is at this birth that the angels sing of glory and peace. Which is the reality, and which the parody?

[read more]

God's Word

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
NIV

Gay rights ordinance 622 passes...

previous photo

[The following excerpts are from the Indianapolis Star]

Council reverses itself with 2 quick votes; foes claim votes were traded in both measures.

The City-County Council approved merging police and banning discrimination against gays Monday, with two Republicans casting key votes on the historic measures that had bitterly divided the council and others. Both measures failed earlier this year, but Council President Steve Talley brought them back at a special meeting after some council members -- including Talley -- changed their minds.

"What the City-County Council did tonight was to give government approval and legal recognition to the homosexual lifestyle, and that's another step toward same-sex marriage."
-- Eric Miller

How They Voted:

For 622:
Democrats: Abduallah, Bowes, Boyd, Brown, Conley, Gibson, Gray, Mahern, Mansfield, Nytes, Oliver, Sanders, Talley.
Republicans: Keller, Langsford.

Against 622:
Democrats: Franklin, Moriarty Adams.
Republicans: Borst, Bradford, Cain, Cockrum, Day, McWhirter, Pfisterer, Plowman, Randolph, Salisbury, Schneider, Speedy.

[continued at IndyStar.com]

[See previous articles re '622']

God's Word

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9
NIV

A mom's voice re '622'...

"Dr. Ware,I heard your message this morning on [WGNR] radio and urge you to take my hopes that this Proposal (622) will be defeated. Thanks for making us aware and for being there this evening to represent those of us who feel strongly about this issue."

Signed, 'Mom of Five Boys'

God's Word

"I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill." I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter;
you will dash them to pieces like pottery."

Psalms 2:6-9
NIV

Pastors... speaking out against Proposal 622

There is now an active list being compiled, of PASTORS who are willing to speak out publically to take a moral stand against city council proposal #622. This community proposal would, if passed, specially create new 'non-discrimination' protection classifications according to 'sexual orientation' and 'gender identity'.

If you are an Indianapolis pastor who opposes such a change to our community's moral climate, please email your name, the church you're associated with, address, best phone# to contact you directly, and any comments you'd like to add.... to...

622@CrossroadsConnection.com

Others everywhere are welcome to email us your contact information as well, so we can stay in touch. But please indicate clearly if you are a PASTOR, and if you live in INDIANAPOLIS.

Remember, many will be gathering at the city/county building on Monday for a prayer vigil regarding this important community situation. Join us. Bring a candle.

Hopefully you've already called your city councillor. If not, please do so. [You can also send a letter to the city council via this link from the American Family Association of Indiana.]

[Also, here's another story-link in the Indianapolis Star.]

[Also... link to story at Focus on the Family.]

And stay in touch for updates here at IndyChristian.com.

'Kids Games' Info Meeting... Jan.12th

What: KidsGames Informational Meeting

Who: ALL Youth Pastors and Sports Ministers from ANY churches interested in collaborating with churches throughout the city of Indianapolis to execute a City-Wide Youth Event June 10-17 for kids ages 6-14.

When: Jan. 12th, 12:30pm

Where: Meeting is at Common Ground Christian Church (lunch included, so RSVP)

For more info: Visit:http://www.mykidsgames.com/ or email kidsgames@cground.org or call 317-713-1171

Hollywood Declares War on Family Values...Again

Hollywood declares war on family values…again
A movie glorifying homosexual “sex” and overtly denigrating Christian values seems to be on its way to Best Picture in Hollywood’s eyes. Brokeback Mountain , a vulgar and violent movie about two homosexual cowboys, which is running on limited screens in liberal cities, won the most Golden Globe nominations Tuesday – seven, including best drama. Last year’s Million Dollar Baby – which glorified a man “helping” a paralyzed woman to commit suicide – won big at the Academy Awards after first winning big at the Golden Globe Awards. It seems that if something is morally wrong, Hollywood usually says that it's right! Read the review by Movieguide.org .

The Church must awaken!

by Dr. A. Charles Ware
President, Crossroads Bible College
Sr. Pastor, Crossroads Bible Church

The City Council will vote on Proposal 622 on Monday, December 19, 2005.

The fundamental/evangelical church must awaken!

There should be a distinction made between civil rights for all persons and civil protection for all behavior. Due to this distinction and the fact that there is no body of evidence to substantiate the alleged broad systematic discrimination against the “gay and lesbian community” I urged that Proposal 622 either be amended by deleting references to “gender identity and sexual orientation” or that you vote against its passage. The definitions in the proposals states, “Gender identity means an individual having or being perceived as having a gender-related self-identity, self-image, appearance, expression or behavior different from those characteristics traditionally associated with the individual’s assigned sex at birth. Sexual orientation means an individual’s actual or perceived identity or practice as a lesbian woman, gay male, bisexual person or heterosexual person.”

This unquestionably parallels Romans 1:18-32 (especially Romans 1:25-27)

Although the proposal exempts religious organizations our voice needs to be heard as a moral conscience within the culture. The statement was made that over 80% of the community approves of this proposal. The truth is that we approve of civil rights for all people but disapprove of elevating immoral behavior to a legally protected minority group!

The following are some of my concerns with the passage of this proposal as it stands.

1. The law will create confusion.

a. What about sexual orientation towards animals?
b. What about sexual orientation towards children? With such a law could a teacher who has sex with a consenting student after work hours off campus be protected due to an “orientation for children?”
c. How will gender specific sport’s, etc. address transsexual individuals?
d. What will be the legal ramifications for an institution that teaches such lifestyles are immoral, then being forced by the law to hire individuals whose lifestyles clearly contradict those beliefs? What about counter suits by employees refusing to share restrooms and/or showers?
e. Does not this law create another minority class that the minority business enterprise must include in federal or tax payer projects that require certain percentage to be given to minority owned business?
f. Employment Law Professional says there is a Minnesota case where a male, after such law passed, came to work dressed as a woman said name was now Carla. He/she reused to go to unisex bathrooms specially built based upon self-identity as a woman. Therefore a female counter sued because of Carla coming into the women bathroom.

2. The law will force otherwise law abiding citizens to choose between obedience to deeply held moral convictions or obedience to the law.

a. Business owners including day cares, etc., that have deeply held character or moral values that consider certain behavior to be morally wrong will be forced to make a difficult decision (either obey the law or violate moral integrity) if Proposal 622 is passed with the inclusion of the gender and sexual orientation clauses.
b. What in the law makes provision for those who work in an environment that in the name of “diversity training” are constantly being enlightened i.e. pressured to accept such behavior as morally acceptable?

What can we do?

1. Pray - I Timothy 2:1-3. (personal prayer, praying in churches, prayer on Monday December 19th before and during the Council meeting.)
2. Repent of our lack of moral impact in the culture.
3. Write, email and/or call your council person and urge that they vote no to Proposal 622. If you do not know your council person go online at IndyGov.org.
4. Regardless of the outcome of vote on December 19, we need to form a biblical multicultural alliance giving moral leadership. I will call for a meeting in January.

“We can never retreat into our sanctuaries and neglect our civic responsibility to help set the moral tone of our culture. Leaving your neighbor in ignorance of his folly is inconsistent with the command to love him, and so political and cultural engagement are required for faithful believers.”
- Charles Colson, Break Point Ministries

God's Word

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7
NIV

Prayer for the city council?

One of our readers writes in today...

"Where are the Bible believing leaders of the church? Where are they?? It is time to stand in the gap."

Another reader writes in today...

"We all want to see God's will accomplished in our city--and I love Indy because it hasn't bowed the knee to so many of the worldly influences that many of our larger cities have. I will do whatever would be pleasing to the Lord. Please let me know how I and my family can make a difference in this issue. We have already contacted our City-Councilman."

This reader went on to suggest several hours of a silent prayer vigil on Monday.

If you're willing to participate, simply email or call 10 more people to join you... and ask them to ask 10 more...

[and stay tuned at IndyChristian.com or their favorite Christian radio station for updates]

God's Word

"The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness."

Jeremiah 23:5-6
NIV

'Human Rights' Bill 622

Food for Thought re 'Human Rights' Ordinance 622
by Neil Cox, IndyChristian

Generally I prefer to speak to positive change... especially within the Church itself... and spend little time with 'issues'... and especially not civil-governance issues. I'd much prefer accentuating and encouraging those who are in the trenches everyday, joyfully serving their Lord and our neighbors, and sharing the gift of eternal life with whomever would like to have it.

Occasionally though, if we really love our neighbors as ourselves, and want the best for them as we want for ourselves -- including a great community to live in -- we have to stop and speak to societal issues... sharing what God clearly says in His scriptures. He loves us and wants the very best for us. So we share His Word not from a platform of personal piety or our perfection in living it out. Often we share it from a platform of personal experience... that 'flying in the face of God' never works out well. And the fact remains, that although the Bible is the world's most used book (despite the claims of SBC Yellow Pages, LOL), way too few have ever read it cover-to-cover... much less studied it over-and-over.

Recently, two pastors stepped to the microphone at the Indianapolis City Council chambers, and advocated on behalf of this bill which extends beyond the constitutionally-protected classifications, and now would specially confer 'non-discrimination status' to others based on sexual-orientation and gender-identity.

I've corresponded with one of those pastors, and... [continued]

Indiana appealing federal prayer ban

Indiana is appealing a federal court ruling barring sectarian prayer, including any invocation of the name of Jesus Christ, in the Indiana House of Representatives. [continued at IndyStar.com]

Gay rights stands a chance this time...

Council President Steve Talley said he would call a special session Monday night so the full council can consider a final vote on the discrimination ban, as well as another controversial measure: police consolidation...

[continued at IndyStar.com]

[Also visit City Councillors page]

"Living in a Prayed-for Community"

It's December and perhaps many of us are building a 'wish-list' for Christmas... or for 2006. Maybe Phil Miglioratti's classic "Living in a Prayed-for Community" deserves another look.

"What Would It Be Like To Live In A Prayed For Community?
*A town where every boy and girl are being prayed for by name.
*A suburb where every household is assigned to someone for daily prayer.
*A neighborhood whose streets have been prayer-walked.
*A community where believers gather in homes to pray for their neighbors .
*A community of congregations who have caught the vision to pray for by name every man and woman, youth, and child...so that...they will be open to and interested in the good news of eternal life in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
* [continued]

God's Word

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

1 Timothy 2:1-4
NIV

Christmas Outreach at D'town Indy on Christmas Day

RECEIVE THROUGH GIVING
Here's an alternative you may want to consider on Christmas Day: Give cookies and/or sandwiches to the homeless in d'town Indy on Christmas Day. Faith, Hope and Love www.fhlcommunity.org is partnering with We All Care Ministry to walk around d'town Indy on Christmas Day to give food to the homeless, to hug them and to tell them, "Jesus loves you and we love you, too". We need only 12 volunteers so please email Merlin Gonzales at mgonzales@fhlcommunity.org by Dec. 20th. However, you can help us also by providing cookies, sandwiches or by monetary donation payable to Faith, Hope and Love, 1919 E. 52nd St. Indianapolis, IN 46205.

Helping the Homeless Get Off the Street...

"Ronald Mitchell warmed his hands over a small barbecue grill where he'd been making two cheese sandwiches, which still sat half-eaten in a fire-blackened skillet. Despite a cold snap that had him huddled in a sleeping bag and blankets, the 50-year-old man said he doesn't like to go to city or charity shelters because... [continued at IndyStar.com]

U. B. Connectin'...

Here's an email excerpt from Linda, a participant in our "City Blogging" workshop at the recent CCDA Indy 2005 conference.

"Hi, Neil. The workshop at the CCDA conference was sooooo motivational. I came home and started..."

After the swelling subsided **smile**, I read the rest of her email and realized it contained an important question we hadn't yet dealt with. So I wrote new section of our U.B.bloggin' curriculum online for our new friends who are publishing... free & easy. Especially this new section helps bloggers like Linda with 'connecting code'. [continued at UBbloggin.com.]

Endearing voters?

The official website of Washington State Democrats sold magnetic car stickers of the Christian fish symbol and cross emblazoned with the word "hypocrite" on a background of hellish flames. [continued at WorldNetDaily]

God's Word

Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be
first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Mark 10:42-45
NIV

If I regard iniquity in my heart...

by Pastor Jim Brown
Horizon Christian Fellowship West

The psalmist, in Psalm 66, makes a statement in verse 18 that we should take note of and hide in our hearts: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me".

This word "regard" means to perceive or discern that that we have iniquity in our hearts. Thus, even the smallest "issue" should be immediatley dealt with...fortunately 1John 1:9 helps us in this regard; to cleanse ourselves we simply need to confess and repent.

Issues that can be kept in our hearts often include rebellion, anger, wrath, bitterness and unforgiveness. These issues are not healthy for our spiritual life and will lead us away from God...because they hinder our prayers.

The opposite is true in the issue of regarding iniquity, as well. When we confess and repent, we have an open unhindered channel to God. The Psalmist makes that implied statement in verse 20 and then tells us that God has also not turned His mercy away.

Does the sin make it so God doesn't want to hear?? No. Rather when we regard iniquity in our hearts, God our "Heavenly Father" treats us like we would our rebellious children and lovingly waits for our return. His mercies are new every morning!

Pray with me that our hearts are right before our great God and King - our loving heavenly Father...

Full-page ad in Indianapolis Star...

"Hate Crime laws say we were more valuable as homosexuals, than as former homosexuals." [See ad... .pdf]
[hat-tip, Micah Clark, AFA of Indiana]

Pastors & leaders... as networkers

"Christian Community Development sees the church must be involved in every aspect of a person’s life. It is important to network with other churches and organizations in communities. In order to accomplish the wholistic aspect of ministry, pastors and leaders must be networkers. Christian Community Development builds coalitions in communities so that they can work together to solve the problems." [excerpted from Theology of Christian Community Development]

Hope to see many of you tomorrow, Tues, Dec.13th at the Transform Indiana ministry network meeting (rotating to the Unleavened Bread Cafe, 30th St x Central Ave, at noon).

God's Word

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.

Proverbs 16:32
NIV

Go to Narnia . . . Go to Jail ! (?)

Inviting a neighbour to go to the cinema In England to watch "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe" will soon be a criminal offence carrying up to seven years in prison.

The British Government is on course to make all C.S.Lewis books and films criminal before Christmas this year.

The Racial and Religious Hatred Bill will provide no consideration of a person's intention when considering whether an offence of religious hatred has been committed. READ MORE

"Thanks, Judge Hamilton"

[Gary Varvel uses 'text' to make his point this time.]

Grateful bell ringer shares her blessings

Maj. Beckie Stearns takes the floor at the Salvation Army's Harbor Light Mission. Small and bouncy, she's a cheerleader with a cause.

"Greet people whether or not they give," she urges the 40 men and some women sitting at tables in a large room. "Say 'Merry Christmas,' 'Have a great day!' 'God bless you!' "

"Help people. Make eye contact!" she adds. "It creates a rapport."

Most of her listeners sit idly. They appear not terribly interested in eye contact or much else this early -- 9:30 a.m. on a freezing cold Thursday, with snow already falling.

But not Dawn L. Chapman.

[continued at IndyStar.com]

Gay rights proposal to include penalties

"Although some Indiana cities have ordinances protecting gays from discrimination, a similar ordinance under debate in Indianapolis features one key difference: sanctions. If a review board determines there has been discrimination, for example, an Indianapolis employer could end up in court, be ordered to pay legal costs and other expenses, or even lose its license under the proposal being considered."

"Ezell Wiggins, the campus minister at Crossroads Bible College, has joined with a group of black pastors who fear the proposal is simply an incremental step in having same-sex marriages approved here, rather than a fight to protect against job and housing discrimination."

[See full story at IndyStar.com.]

Indiana Christian Expo 2006

Cool. Mark your calendar and stay tuned!

Really Big City Planning...

Unity Event Planning Meeting

WHEN: PLEASE JOIN US
Saturday, December 10, 2005
11 AM Lunch provided
11:30 – 1 PM Meeting

WHERE: Crossroads Bible College,
601 N. Shortridge Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46219

WHY: To unite in Indianapolis for the purpose of racial unity, beginning with planning for a Really Big City Festival - proposed September 2006

WHAT: Really Big City (RBC) Festival is a Kingdom United event for young adults and community leaders that involves musical concerts, speakers, open forum and panel discussions and ongoing unity initiatives

WHO: The RBC Leadership Council is made up of a diverse group of Indianapolis leaders representing churches, schools, community organizations, corporations, students/young adults and groups/leaders that work with this demographic
Feel free to invite a friend who shares this vision.

RSVP: To Maurice Woodson
Vice President of Development and Pubic Relations
Phone: 317-352-8736 ext. 215
email: maurice@crossroads.edu

FHL Informational meeting

Some of you have heard of Faith, Hope and Love www.fhlcommunity.org while many are wondering who we are. There is an informational meeting at Church at the Crossing on Thursday Dec 15th from noon to 1:30p. We will be serving lunch ($4 donation) For reservations for our meeting, RSVP Shannon Peikert at speikert@churchatthecrossing.org or call 844-9355 ext 13. Our hope and prayer is that: "One day, One nation will link arms in building communities of Faith, Hope and Love."

How about you?

God's Word

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
NIV

Lawmakers: Same-sex 'marriage' not a civil right

A New Hampshire legislative commission released a report yesterday finding same-sex "marriage" is not a civil rights issue. [continued at World Net Daily]

[More Christian Headlines... at ChristianHeadlines.com]

Washington DC -- Prayer for a Moral Budget?

Many of you heard Sojourner editor Jim Wallis put out the call for folks to go to Washington DC next week, or support a local effort, for a "Prayer Vigil for a Moral Budget". Those of you who might like to connect to do so, are welcome to email me and I'll put you in touch with some others.

Transform Indiana -- a network of networks

Mark your calendars for Dec. 13th, and stay tuned for more details about the upcoming lunch-time ministry-networking meeting at the Unleavened Bread Cafe (30th x Central).

Here's an email-excerpt from Eldon Kibbey, our moderator:

Greetings

Come join us for one of Elease's home-cooked delights, as we review the past year, and plan our activities for 2006. Much is planned in our community next year, and we want to support those efforts that embody the principles of Transform Indiana.

Blessings,
Eldon

'Narnia'' blog-reviews...

Indy blogger Matt Brown gets the Narnia-blogging started at his new blog... "Good Brownie".

[Any other Indianapolis (Christian) bloggers out there? If so, and if we haven't yet acknowledged you and listed you among the "Who's Who of Indy Bloggers" (in our RH navbar), contact us. We also aggregate a number of Christian bloggers in the area, at IndyBloggers.com. It's a great way for anyone to keep up with ALL the blog-posts locally each day.]

Blogging with pics...

I thought I'd blog a few notes (LIVE!) from a presentation at the Unleavened Bread Cafe by a set of Butler students in an honors course called "Grassroots Growth".

But look how much better it turned out when we got the pics included.

[Thanks for the pics, Rachel!]

God's Word

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD - and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

Isaiah 11:1-5
NIV

C.S. Lewis, Superstar

Though this December's release of the film The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe has surely expanded the British author's impact, Christians have been looking to C.S. Lewis for entertainment, apologetics, and spiritual literature for decades. Christianity Today has been writing about Lewis for just as long. Our December cover story tells how this non-evangelical became an evangelical literary staple. But not only did Lewis grace the magazine's cover just four years ago, seven years ago, J.I. Packer, who studied at Oxford while Lewis taught there, explored his surprising appreciation for the Oxford don. There is plenty more for devoted Lewis fans as well as more recent admirers. We've also collected selected articles from our sister publications. For those interested in the movie, see the page from Christianity Today Movies.

[continued at Christianity Today]

New Hope Great Banquet, April 20-23, 2006

The Spring Men's New Hope Great Banquet will be held April 20 - 23, 2006. The New Hope Great Banquet is dedicated to racial reconciliation...see http://www.nhgb.org/ ...and is a great forum to honor our Lord. For more info. on the Great Banquet in general, please see www.lampstand.net.

["Due to our faithful and gracious God and your overwhelming and faithful support we have acquired the property at 1919 East 52nd St! We thank you so much for your generous gifts and constant prayers. As Paul Harvey, says, “ Now for the rest of the story.” We must now complete this project by funding the renovation of this property."]

AFA Alert... Bill 622

Micah Clark, AFA

AFA Alert: On December 13, 2005, the Indianapolis City-County Council is re-considering raising homosexuality and cross-dressing to the status of skin color and religious identity for employment and housing purposes. This legislation will force all companies operating in Marion county, including companies doing business with Marion county, to prove that they are... [continued at AFA Indiana]

God's Word

The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.

Psalms 27:1-3
NIV

Don' just learn it, experience it!

Mark your calendar for yet another gathering of Faith-based leaders in Indy and the Midwest. This FHL www.fhlcommunity.org Interactive event, February 5, 2006 features Daniel Bernard, an author and President/Founder of Samebody Cares, Tampa Bay and mobilized 2,412 volunteers in 11 cities last September.
Here's his bio:

In December of 1978, Daniel accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He went to Kentucky Christian College where he obtained his BA in Bible. He has earned an MA in Missiology from Liberty Theological Seminary. In September 2000, he was given an Honorary Doctorate of Theology from Tabernacle Bible College and Seminary in Tampa, Florida.

Somebody Cares, Tampa Bay was established to unify and mobilize the church across denominational and racial lines utilizing all the key components that are needed to effectively reach and evangelize the Bay area for Christ. It has equipped and supplied the church with resources through many projects and events.

Somebody Cares, under Daniel’s direction, has established seven monthly pastors’ meetings, written and signed the Covenant of Unity, led "The Year of Answered Prayer,” and helped with the Billy Graham Crusade. It has also established an annual Compassion Appreciation Banquet for compassion ministries and became the official outreach center for Operation Blessing trucks of food and has distributed over 10,000,000 lbs. of food this year. Somebody Cares was able to see over 500,000 Books of Hope distributed in the Tampa Bay area. Somebody Cares has also been active in putting on evangelistic concerts, such as Raise the Roof. This evangelistic concert draws 5,000-18,000 annually. Just recently a Back-to-School giveaway was done with 23,000 backpacks distributed.

Somebody Cares also conducted the Supper Bowl 2001 prior to Super Bowl XXXV. This was a one-day event to reach out to the community in practical ways with food, clothing, and health and educational needs. Between 10,000 -12,000 attended with over 1,400 volunteers and 1,210 decisions for Christ. September 20-27th, 2003 the 3rd Annual CareFest 2003 “A Week of Caring” was held. 25,000 care packages were distributed into the local neighborhoods through organizations, ministries, businesses and churches. The new radio station in Tampa Bay, “The Word”, gave free one-minute Care Moments where ministries described their work in the community. During this week volunteers worked on 75+ projects. Each year there is a Care Cup Challenge between Tampa and St. Petersburg to see who brings out the most volunteers to work on the city projects. The Care Cup Challenge was won by St. Petersburg this year for having 450 volunteers come out and serve. The Care Cup sits in the St. Pete Mayor’s office. The Hunger Strike Force outreach ministry, through Somebody Cares Tampa Bay and partners, is designed to help feed the hungry in the Tampa Bay area. To date we have distributed over 4,000,000 lbs of food.

As President and Founder of Somebody Cares Tampa Bay, Daniel has been a guest several times on the 700 Club and the Christian Television Network. Daniel has also authored the following books: Praying Up A Storm ; Attitudes in Action, God’s Soul Desire and a contributor to 101 Ways to Reach Your Community by Steve Sjogren. City Impact, published by Baker Publishing Group, has become ‘an ask for guide’ by churches and businesses for effecting communities for Christ. Recently, Daniel has written a self published study guide to accompany City Impact.

Daniel will be in Indy from Feb 2-5, 2006. He will be speaking to different churches on Friday the 3rd and Sunday the 5th am and pm services. If you would like to be considered as one of the hosting churches on these dates, please contact Merlin Gonzales at mgonzales@fhlcommunity.org FHL is now also in process of deciding the venue for the Saturday, Feb 4th interactive event (any suggestions?). Lunch will be catered by Outback Steak House.

FHL in Slidell, Louisiana Monday Dec. 5

Here's an account of an FHL Missionary in Louisiana:
Monday, we set out to help a family in need in Slidell. We continued the process of demolition and clean up of their house that had 3.5' water in it, hit by 5 large trees that fell through the roof, and lost all of their belongings.
But, as we took a break from this work, we walked down the street to see some of the other damaged houses. One, two houses away will be demolished. At the house on the other side of this extremely damaged house, we met a woman named Sharon. She shared her story of despair - no FEMA help, no insurance, a recent divorce, no electricity, no heat, 4 trees poking 14 holes in her roof, water damage throughout after 3.5' of rushing storm surge through her house. She got robbed of her cash in her possession just before the storm hit, so she had no where to go with no money and rode the storm out. She hid in her rear closet, saw the storm surge rushing through her house and in a split second, ran through her kitchen as the water rose in her house in a few seconds.
She had an air mattress and tethered it to her SUV with her 4 dogs after she left the kitchen for fear of her house collapsing on her. The trees were crashing and falling all around her, the water was turbulent and the rain and wind intense. Finally, she had to cut her life line to the SUV. She floated out in the street for hours until the worst of the storm was over. 8 hours later, the water had receded from her house, the street and the neighborhood. Her house was severely damaged, no one was around and no one ever came to look in her neighborhood for survivors even one week after the storm. "Where was everyone? Where is the help?" she asked.
Since Hurricane Katrina and that week of total disbelief and despair, no help, no relief, no rescue, life has not changed much for her. Sharon still faces everyday without much of anything. She is a freelance photographer and used her house as a studio. She has no house and no studio and therefore no income. Her SUV was permanently damaged by the water. And as stated above, she has very little physical possessions, yet she has one great thing - her faith in Jesus Christ. God brought us to this neighborhood Monday to meet her, to hear her story and to be able to share this one story with many to show the needs of just one woman who represents the thousands of people in the Gulf States who need so much.
I reach out to all of you this Christmas Season and ask what will you have this Christmas? Will you have a house, a car, family, a place for a bountiful meal, presents, a job that will carry you through? Will you think of these families here in Louisiana and the other Gulf States? What will you do?
I believe we are all called as Christians to not only talk about our faith, but to act in our faith. I challenge everyone to do something to help the people in need this Holiday Season whether that is for your friends, your neighbors, your community or those people devastated by the natural disasters that occurred this year all over the USA. Together, as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and as we are called to action, we can make a difference together and we can build communities of Faith, Hope and Love for all to see and believe.
God has really impacted my life once again with real stories of people, of faith and of love.

Blessings to you this Christmas Season,

"Grassroots Growth"

I thought I'd blog a few notes (LIVE!) from a presentation at the Unleavened Bread Cafe by a set of Butler students in an honors course called "Grassroots Growth". (Professor Allison King, MSW).

These students have studied in the Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood as a case-study for their course. Today they're presenting their findings and have invited the neighborhood.

[continued at UBbloggin.com]

Emmanuel Missionary Baptist...

[The Indianapolis Star also did a great article on Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church last Saturday -- you'll enjoy getting to know more about them. Many of you already recognize its pastor, Darryl Webster (pictured at right, below), as one of the leaders of the group of urban pastors recently praying at the city/county building.

[These Bible-believing pastors are protesting the homosexual-agenda's use of the historic term 'civil rights', to validate their quest for special recognition & protection. At last night's city-council committee hearing on bill #622, these pastors and many others made clear the Bible condemns certain behaviors, not skin color. Stay tuned for more info and photos from last evening's meeting.]

Darry's brother Terry Webster, pictured at left (below), is pastor at New Corinthian Baptist Church. And our good friend, Ezell Wiggins, (pictured at bottom) is campus pastor at Crossroads Bible College and associate pastor at EMC. Darryl also serves on the board at CBC, where a number of these pastors have graduated or been involved.

EMC Pastor Darryl Webster (right), and brother Terry (left)

Pastor Ezell Wiggins

[For those of you involved with the emerging Christian Mentoring initiative, take notice in the article that Emmanuel is engaging its neighborhood school in the inner city, as providers of mentors. Stay tuned for more information about a citywide effort to engage Christians in the mentoring process, to help impact our communities for Christ.]

[Read the EMC story at IndyStar.com]

God's Word

The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.

Proverbs 29:15
NIV

Citizens of Another Universe

By Dr. Noah H. Kersey, Ph.D.

Over the years, a large volume of literature has been devoted to the structure of the family in America. Prior to the sexual revolution of the late 1960’s the traditional family unit was a mother, a father, and children.

However, as the divorce rate has climbed to over fifty-percent, so has the structure of the family evolved into a myriad of single parent families and blended families. Things are not quite so simple as in the days of “Father Knows Best” and “Leave it to Beaver“.

There is a growing body of work describing the psychological and sociological adjustments of the adoptive family, the adoptee, and to a lesser extent, the birth parents who relinquished their child for adoption either by choice or by unavoidable circumstances. [Continue]

FHL Louisiana Trips

An FHL team left on Saturday Dec. 3rd for yet another week-long trip to Lousiana. This time, about 1300 Christmas gifts will be delivered to those affected by hurricane Katrina and Rita.
There will be another group of local missionaries to go for a week-long trip to Louisiana leaving on December 26th. This trip is for Youth (18 and olderand some adults) to bless the New Orleans residents. FHL will occupying the entire camp in Baton Rouge, LA complete with campers, kitchen, hot showers and hot foods for the local missionaries. This Dec. 26th trip will be very important since many churches from several states are not sending their people to the Gulf Coast. However, there are still thousands of disaster victims needing help from many of us.
Please visit www.fhlcommunity.org to find out more how you can be part of teams of people building communities of Faith, Hope and Love.

LatinoChristians.com

Increasingly, we're connecting and communicating citywide (& beyond) among our Hispanic pastors, leaders and other friends as a result of our companion site... LatinoChristians.com. We welcome your thoughts & comments & helpful links and info about how we can better reflect the full, diverse, Bible-believing 'Church' of Jesus Christ via our 'family' harmony which He calls us to. [See news & announcements there]

'Bethany' Graduates 2005

Recent high school graduates from Indiana who were adopted through Bethany Christian Services... [continued at Bethany.org]

************************
[I'm guessing you'll recognize some faces of loved-ones here.]

God's Word

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 2:14-17
NIV

A day at the neighborhood cafe...

The cafe was hopping, Saturday. A job-wage group was meeting in the back room. So several of us just used the front part of the cafe for "Surfing Saturday" -- a regular time each week that the neighborhood can count on opportunities to learn a few computer skills, or how to get onto the internet. [But don't tell anyone -- the biggest value for any of us is meeting new friends... often NOT like ourselves. It takes us all outside the box a bit.]

[continued at U B bloggin.com]

Courts confused on state-church issues

Russ Pulliam, IndyStar

Federal Judge David Hamilton has shown why the U.S. Supreme Court needs to take a new look at its rulings on freedom of religion.

Hamilton has put the federal judiciary in the awkward and dubious position of censoring the prayers used to open daily sessions of the state House of Representatives. He has ordered House Speaker Brian Bosma to make sure the opening prayers don't mention the name of Christ. His ruling came in response to a lawsuit by the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, which contended that prayers in the name of Jesus would alienate some citizens.

Judge Hamilton has skated onto thin judicial ice... [continued at IndyStar.com]

God's Word

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to
you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we
claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness,
we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the
light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one
another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from
all sin.

1 John 1:5-7
NIV

Relief-agencies salaries - who's relieving whom?

As you contribute to the various relief agencies, perhaps you'd be interested in the stark contrasts between what some of them pay their top executives. [click for more]

Peace in the Streets -- Stop the Violence

Monday, January 16, 2006... at George Washington Community School... 8:30am open & registration... 9:00 breakfast and program to follow. For more information call Olgen Williams at the Christamore House... 317-635-7211 x223.

God's Word

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first
heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no
longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride
beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud
voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is
with men, and he will live with them. They will be his
people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no
more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order
of things has passed away."

Revelation 21:1-4

Palau apologizes for China church remarks

[continued at Persecution Blog]

Storm victims praise churches

"Louisiana residents gave churches higher marks than government agencies in responding to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and most prefer that the federal government control rebuilding funds rather than local officials, according to a Louisiana State University study..." [continued at Washington Times]

[More Christian Headlines]

Got Super Bowl on your mind yet?

[The National Pastors Prayer Network (NPPN) receives and republishes city-reaching reports from around the nation.... ie, ideas that are working in their various cities. One such report is linked below, and perhaps is of special significance to a city which has special aspirations as they watch the Super Bowl this year. **smile**]

Collaborative Evangelism -- Super Bowl Witness
by Harold Hendrick, St. Louis

Millions will watch the Super Bowl on February 5, 2006.. Will they receive a witness for Jesus during the game in your area? Such an opportunity is now ready and available for you and your local television outlets.

I just interviewed on radio a lady who, with her husband, had a vision of producing and airing 30-second TV ministry "spots"on St. Louis television during the Super Bowl. That spot is now produced and is a strong, clear, and basic witness for Jesus. It is voiced by Kurt Warner, previous Super Bowl MVP. Included in the brief narrative is a reading aloud of John 3:16 by Kurt as the words are shown on the television screen...

[continued at NPPN]

Continuing praying for the city...

"There is a special Rules and Policy Committee meeting on Monday night at 5:30 at the City Co. Building on the Prop. 622. Please keep praying for God's will to be done!"

[Click for more info re bill #622]

God's Word

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:6-11
NIV

URGENT: Please Pray for England

URGENT: Please Pray for England

For the first time since at least 890 A.D. (yes EIGHT 90)..over 1000 years, Christians will be the TAIL and not The Head under British law. Local town councils which spent billions promoting Diwali (Hindu), Ramadam (Islam) and every foreign god, plus Halloween have banned CHRISTmas and public Christian worship. Please, READ MORE

House prayers can't invoke Jesus?

Federal judge declares that invocations advancing a specific religion are unconstitutional.

[continued at IndyStar.com]

******************************
[Tom, shall we start raising your bail-money now? LOL.]

Fall 2006... AIDS Summit

"What if the Church responds to the AIDS crisis
with faithfulness, obedience, humility prayer and
unity? What will God do? His promise according to
2 Chronicles 7:14 is clear. Our call is also clear.
Let us trust God to do what only He can do!"

[continued via .pdf]

Kids Games 2006

You are invited to a very important and informational meeting...

Thursday, December 8, 12 noon

The meeting will be held in the basement of Common Ground Christian Church.
6151 N. Central Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46220 (317.251.1494)http://www.cground.org/CGCC_Public/News/Directions/

Lunch will be provided, but please RSVP so we know how much to prepare.

PLEASE invite youth pastors, sports ministers and any other friends who love Jesus, kids, & sports!

Looking forward to seeing you then!

Blessings,
Megan Schmidt
City-Wide Coordinator
KidsGames Indy
Phone 317-713-1171
Email: kidsgames@cground.org

God's Word

This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:10-14
NIV

Indy Christian .com -- Daily Internet Starting-line

Saturday, December 31, 2005

God's Word

Friday, December 30, 2005

Court: Allison diversity program not anti-Christian

The Impact of Christmas Toys?

God's Word

Thursday, December 29, 2005

Butler student appears on Coral Ridge Hour

"First comes... Second comes marriage..."

Judge Hamilton issues warning to Christians...

Pastors, Leaders... Coalition for Compassion & Morality

God's Word

The Book of Daniel.... No, not THAT one...

Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Internet creates local political movements

"20 Hours with God" Finishes at State House

Survivor tells of girls' beheadings

God's Word

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Video of Tony Dungy's Remarks

God's Word

Monday, December 26, 2005

God's Word

LAST Monday's Manna With Alice Smith

Sunday, December 25, 2005

God's Word

Merry Christmas.... World.

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Christmas... according to...

Friday, December 23, 2005

Embracing the Truth

City grieves with Dungy family

God's Word

Thursday, December 22, 2005

At The Crossroads: Dr. Perkins on 'Urban Community'

God's Word

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

"It Doesn't Take A PhD."

Who's Really in Control?

God's Word

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Gay rights ordinance 622 passes...

God's Word

Monday, December 19, 2005

A mom's voice re '622'...

God's Word

Sunday, December 18, 2005

Pastors... speaking out against Proposal 622

Saturday, December 17, 2005

'Kids Games' Info Meeting... Jan.12th

Hollywood Declares War on Family Values...Again

Friday, December 16, 2005

The Church must awaken!

God's Word

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Prayer for the city council?

God's Word

'Human Rights' Bill 622

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Indiana appealing federal prayer ban

Gay rights stands a chance this time...

"Living in a Prayed-for Community"

God's Word

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Christmas Outreach at D'town Indy on Christmas Day

Helping the Homeless Get Off the Street...

U. B. Connectin'...

Endearing voters?

God's Word

Monday, December 12, 2005

If I regard iniquity in my heart...

Full-page ad in Indianapolis Star...

Pastors & leaders... as networkers

God's Word

Go to Narnia . . . Go to Jail ! (?)

Sunday, December 11, 2005

"Thanks, Judge Hamilton"

Grateful bell ringer shares her blessings

Gay rights proposal to include penalties