'Accelerating Driven Christians in the Racing Capital of the World'
'Indy Timeline' of Upcoming Events
CURRENT TWITTERSTREAMS YOU MIGHT ENJOY...
#Indy #Prayer #UBcafe #Jobs #Bible #CCDA @ICG #Twurch
#CityReaching #Creation #Evolution #FF (FollowFriday)
#DigitalDisciples #ProLife #IndySM #Reformed #Racing
DrivenChristians @ICTV
God's Word
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29
NIV
God's Word
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.
Luke 11:4
NIV
Do you have a Personal Mission Statement?
I love catching up on Pastor John Hay's blog. Its pictures and his unique insights -- sometimes across the circle from my own tradition, set of experiences or stated-position -- always challenge me. Today is no exception.
John's collection of blog-posts well reflect from his Personal Mission Statement at the site.
"My mission in life is to..." [
continued at BikeHiker, RH sidebar]
Do you have such a statement?
Governor Mitch Daniels to attend NDP Event on Thursday May 4th at State House
--Governor Mitchell E Daniels will be addressing the state as he offers a proclamation for what he calls a "DAY OF PRAYER" for all Hoosiers as the guest of NDP Indiana State Coordinator, Rev. Thomas C. Walker. Governor Daniels wrote "The National Day of Prayer provides a powerful opportunity for people to humble themselves and to seek the "redeeming and preserving grace" of which Lincoln so eloquently spoke in asking God to "shed His grace" on us."
Governor Daniels went on to write "across our land, on May 4th, Americans will unite at specific times in prayer for our nation and state to acknowledge our dependence upon God, to give thanks for the many blessings our country has received from Him, to recognize our need for personal and corporate renewal of moral values and to invoke God's blessings upon our leaders"
This year's event will again take place in the State House Atrium on Thursday May 4th 2006 at 12 PM. To read the Governor's complete Proclamation in a .pdf format Click Here. Check out our State website www.ndp-in.org
God's Word
The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:11-12
NIV
1,500 at Taylor University mourn loss
On Thursday, more than 1,500 students and others mourned the dead at a morning worship service on the campus of about 1,900 students. [
Full story at IndyStar.com]
God's Word
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Romans 15:1-2
NIV
Reformation Society: May 9th
[from an email from Pastor Richard Johnston...]
Please join us
May 9 for our next luncheon meeting at
12:00 noon until 1:45 p.m. at
College Park Church at 2606 W. 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46268, at the northwest corner of 96th Street and Township Line Road. Please join us!
Our text and subject of discussion will be I Thessalonians 5:23,24, Biblical Benedictions: A Call to Modern Reformation. Our presenters are Kimber Kaufman, James Faris, and Andy Hunt. Please put it on your calendar and plan now to attend. Give serious thought to who you could bring. Invite them now and chances are good that they would be available! If everyone who came brought someone we would be over 100 attending!!
We look forward to this time of fellowship in the Word as we strengthen our hands for the work of the ministry entrusted to each of us. This kind of Bible study Calvin, Knox and other Reformation leaders throughout Europe believed was an essential factor in the continuing work of reformation. The Holy Spirit working through godly men brings fresh understanding. Come prepared with your own study of I Thessalonians 5:23,24, and participate in the discussion session following the speakers.
To RSVP for the luncheon please call (317) 255-7557. This will allow us to better prepare for lunch. We look forward to seeing you there.
Our future luncheons are:
- August 8 studying Romans 11:33-36;
- October 10 studying II Cor.13:14;
- December 5, 2006.
Mark your calendars for the Fall Conference which will be on
November 3 and 4, 2006. Dr. Mark Talbot and Dr. Roy Blackwood will be the conference speakers.
We continue to rejoice in hearing of new Reformation Societies being formed in many places around the United States. Most recently we were notified of the beginning of meetings of a group of pastors and lay leaders in Elkhart, Indiana. Pastor Keith Magill who was an important part of our founding body, was called to Elkhart to pastor a church. God used Keith, Dr. Peter Wallace and other to found the Reformation Society of Michiana with its first meeting May 9, 2006 (the same day as our next meeting). Please pray for a strong beginning for this new society.
Bob Amon reports great PCRT conferences in Grand Rapids and Phoenix. The Philadelphia conference is this weekend, so please pray for them.
RSVP via
email or call 255-7557.
Richard Johnston
God's Word
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1
NIV
Together for the Gospel: Religious Maps
Blogging-pastor/teacher/radio-talk-show-host/seminary-president Al Mohler today leads us to "county-level choropleth maps" of America, marking religious identification.
An interesting opening blog into today's "
Together for the Gospel" conference in Louisville.
[Also visit Challies.com -- where Tim's doing live-blogging from the conference.]
God's Word
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.
Philippians 2:14-15
NIV
How to criticize your worship pastor
[Too funny to not pass along. Too true to be funny.] 
"The following mp3 was passed along to me by a pastor friend of mine.""We (the american church) are so sickly consumeristic..."[
continued at prayerbook project]
God's Word
The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:7-8
NIV
God's Word
The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:7-8
NIV
God's Word
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21
NIV
Together for the Gospel
A Conference and Conversation for Pastors and Preachers hosted by Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, C.J. Mahaney, Albert Mohler with special guests in 2006, John MacArthur, John Piper, and R.C. Sproul
2006 Conference / April 26-28 / Louisville, KY /
SOLD OUTNot able to attend the conference? You can still follow the action through continual updates and commentary via a live weblog.
Also visit... Challies.com.
[Click to check out their pre-conference videos][
continued at TogetherForTheGospel.org]
[hat-tip, Superhua]
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
Using technology in ministry
"If I were teaching preaching in a seminary, I would encourage all the ministerial students to do two things each week. First, write out a complete manuscript of your Sunday morning message. Second, post it on the Internet....As a side note, I also encourage young men in the ministry to use technology to their own advantage. That's why I started writing a daily weblog several years. Every pastor understands that time is precious and the demands of the ministry never really end. In a growing church, especially in a larger city, it is physically impossible for the pastor to have a personal relationship with all his people. I discovered that by writing a daily weblog, I could share my life with hundreds and even thousands of people every day. I could talk about upcoming events at the church, offer links to useful articles, write commentaries on events in the news, send greetings to people in many places, and I could open a window into my own life and the life of my family. I found that people felt close to me by reading the weblog. It let them know what I was thinking and doing, thus strengthening the bond between us."
Dr. Ray Pritchard - Read Sermons & Articles - Keep Believing Ministries - Keepbelieving.com:
God's Word
I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
Psalms 116:1-2
NIV
FASTEN: What's working?
Sharing Knowledge, Strengthening Connections, Improving Outcomes.
Here are a few program snapshots to educate and inspire...
You’ve heard the saying,
“A picture paints a thousand words.” Since our beginning in late 2003, FASTEN has collected dozens of “snapshots” (of sorts) of effective, multi-sector collaborations solving social problems in diverse communities throughout the nation.
[
continued at FASTEN network]
Steady yourselves race fans. Time to pray at Talladega.
Denver, CO- NEXTEL CUP Driver Kenny Wallace is scheduled to drive the National Day of Prayer car #78 sponsored by Furniture Row for the NASCAR NEXTEL CUP race at Talladega Superspeedway.
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States of America when the Continental Congress issued a proclamation setting aside a day of prayer in 1775. In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and, in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May. For more information visit
www.ndp-in.org. Come and pray with us at the State House Thursday May 4th from 12-1 pm.
In commemoration of the day, which falls on Thursday, May 4th, the #78 Furniture Row Chevy Monte Carlo CUP car will feature a new red, white and blue paint scheme showcasing the National Day of Prayer logo for Talladega on April 30.
Based in Denver,
Furniture Row Racing® is the NEXTEL Series' newest team, formed and sponsored by Furniture Row® Companies. Furniture Row® Companies is one of the largest family-owned specialty home furnishings and bedding retailers. The company is comprised of five specialty store brands including: Sofa Mart®, Oak Express®, Bedroom Expressions®, Denver Mattress Co®, and Big Sur Water Beds®. For more information, please visit
http://www.furniturerowracing.com/.
God's Word
Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom
of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Mark 10:21-25
NIV
God's Word
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Matthew 24:42-44
NIV
God's Word
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:12
NIV
Reminder: Crossroads Bible College banquet... Friday
Call 352-8736 x226 TODAY.
Click to watch new video.
[Requires Quicktime 7]
Eastern Star launches Spanish-speaking ministry
An Indianapolis church congregation is reaching out to the city's Hispanic residents. Eastern Star Church launched its new Spanish-speaking ministry Sunday. A new era is dawning for Pastor Marvin Calderon, and a new congregation at Eastern Star Church. [
continued at WISH-TV]
[Also visit
EasternStarChurch.org]
God's Word
Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
Proverbs 19:14
NIV
God's Word
Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let
me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No
one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for
service in the kingdom of God."
Luke 9:61-62
NIV
You used to be one
A theology-based policy for immigration
"If evangelical Christians in America don't get with it pretty soon on the subject of immigration, they may well end up as embarrassed and impotent as Republicans are in California when Hispanics happen to be in the room...."
[
continued at World Magazine]
[
Also visit World Mag Blog on the immigration issue.]
Clergy see faith parallels in march
Immigrants often turn to church as place for help."Religious leaders in the movement say they are driven by the most ancient writings in the Bible that call on people to reach out to strangers with food, clothing and hospitality. They refer also to New Testament passages in which Jesus directed his people to care for the poor, to aid those who are hurting and to love your neighbor as yourself."
"Yet, around the faith community, others see competing spiritual imperatives at work in the immigration issue."
[
continued at Indianapolis Star]
**********************************
[IndyChristian Ed. Note: I really appreciate Robert King's article presenting both sides of the issue among Christians. But why do we only see that occurring in a secular newpaper? Where's 'the Church'? Where, I continue to ask, is the common discussion ground among Biblically-based Christian leaders to 'sharpen one another'? To our shame, it seems the vast majority of the talking-points in the conversation so far are driven by nationalism, fear, economic reasons, or outright political alignments.... not 'WWJD?' or 'What wise counsel does the Bible give us firstly & foremostly?']For more insights among Bible-believing Christians, visit LatinoChristians.com.
God's Word
O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from deceitful and wicked men. You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will
praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalms 43:1-5
NIV
Faith, Hope and Love Week
Faith, Hope, and Love Week begins on July 23, 2006
“Hope that Nurtures” our communities.
“Experience the journey, expect the unexpected…witness the unbelievable.
Government entities, businesses, and faith organizations’ resources will bring about positive change which will result in communities that love God and love our neighbors.”Imagine a generation of loving and caring for one another. Inspire Your Generation.
“I want to reach out but I just don’t know how.”
Finding the right fit for volunteering within the church or community seems impossible when the demands of life creep in.
There is a way for you to participate; a way that could change the world… in your community.
Coming this July 23-29, you can Inspire your Generation. You can join hundreds of people in activities around your local area that will enhance the lives of those who live there.
The culmination of a week’s worth of work will take place on July 29th before the WNBA Indiana Fevers game at Conseco Fieldhouse with a party and concert, meals, T-Shirts. Come see special guest stars such as Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and a nationally recognized band. Part of that celebration will include a Toiletry Drive for kids in the community who don’t have the basic essentials. We’ll need your help in providing for those toiletries. Visit
http://www.fhlcommunity.org/donate.aspx more info wll be provided in the near future on how you can be part of this city-wide toiletry drive.
Together, we can build communities of Faith, Hope and Love
www.fhlcommunity.org“I want to reach out.” This is your chance. This is your mission trip. You can change the world… in your own community.
God's Word
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.
Psalms 34:8-9
NIV
The Chronicle... Indianapolis Edition
Hope you've already received your copy of the new 'Chronicle' -- formerly Indiana Christian News. Even though they're working long-distance from Kansas, we welcome the new owners, Russ & Jackie Jones, to the Christian 'partnership' of churches & ministries carrying out the Great Commission in Indy.
And btw, Russ/Jackie... thanks for freeing up Sam & Kelly to do even more things here in the city... such as the upcoming
Indiana Christian Expo, in coordination with
Global Day of Prayer.
You'll all enjoy
the paper's online version. And if you haven't received your (physical) copy of the paper yet, you can even read a .pdf version from the site!
We wish you the best, Russ & Jackie!
And we wish you the best, Sam & Kelly!
Our standard for discernment: WWJD?
I really wish I had time to post a full opinion-piece here on the topic. I don't. But here's at least a short overview that might be helpful as we consider the complex issue at hand. I'd be anxious to hear your 'comments'.
I wrote this as a response to the
Christian Worldview Network article which is taking a hard-line position. [In fact, I might encourage all of you to also go review it, give it careful/prayerful consideration and leave a feedback-comment there as might be helpful.]
Here was my response...
"Christ-followers are called to a high, but easy, standard for discernment in such complex issues. "WWJD?". We're called to be imitators of God. Our God's very nature is so very often described as Father of the fatherless. Defender of the defenseless. The scriptures call us to treat the alien within our gates as our very own. And He reminds us so often that we ourselves are aliens -- our citizenship is in heaven. The OT is filled with the reminder that our spiritual heritage is one rooted in being aliens for 400 years in Egypt and 70 years in captivity... not to mention being under Roman rule during Christ's time. So before we get too self-absorbed regarding OUR nation, OUR borders, OUR jobs, etc... let's take care & prayer to ask WWJD? And encourage our Christian friends to do likewise."Neil Cox
IndyChristian.comand our companion-site...
LatinoChristians.com
CoffeeHouse Ministries...
"Coffee House Fellowship Ministries is a forum for men to discuss issues relating to life and faith and how these impact our daily lives. We are dedicated to building men into effective leaders, husbands, and fathers through critical thinking and mutual fellowship.
We are based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and meet bi-weekly... [continued at
CoffeeHouseMinistries.org]
***********************************
[IndyChristian Ed. Note: As more & more such ministries and coffee-house Bible study groups show up on the radar screen here around Indy, we're mapping them and linking you to them at NeighborhoodCafes.com. Know of any others? Email us.]
Discuss Davinci..... dot com
[hat-tip, Rob Williams, 'OrangeJack']"On May 19 when The DaVinci Code movie is released, it’s predicted that over 30 million moviegoers will flock to the theaters to see the screen version of Dan Brown’s blockbuster bestseller."
"Our prayer is that as people interact on the blog, they will come to know the truth of Jesus Christ."
[Josh McDowell's] "latest book, The DaVinci Code: A Quest for Answers engages the controversial issues raised in Brown’s novel in a compelling way."
"In addition to Josh’s book, we have produced a handy 20 page mini-magazine: The DaVinci Code: A Companion Guide to the Movie. It will be one of the easiest things to give away in your community this spring."
Visit
DiscussDavinci.com.
To find a list of Davinci-related websites, visit
http://www.orangejack.com/davincicode.
*****************************
Also... special teleconference call
April 20thsponsored by Mission America Coalition...
Lee Strobel & Mark Mittelberg...
Click to see the agenda. Sign up now.
God's Word
Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
1 Peter 1:17-21
NIV
State agency initiates network of chaplains...
"(Fort Wayne, Ind. - AP) The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration has hired a Fort Wayne minister to create a statewide network of chaplains to counsel the seven-thousand employees of the state's largest agency...
[
continued at Ft. Wayne News Sentinel]
A City Report from Dayton
"In Dayton, Ohio a small church composed of primarily elderly members, has decided to change their community. Over the past six months Harvest Grove Church has been cleaning up neighborhoods, eliminating drugs and violence. This sleepy church has come alive and is changing their community for the better.This is the leading edge of the work of City Gates, a group of Black and White pastors and Christian leaders who have a vision for churches impacting the surroundingneighborhoods... "
[
continued at Glenns Journal]
[See other activities and reports from the annual "
City Impact Roundtable" this year in Cedar Rapids.]
God's Word
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 4:25-26
NIV
Say... What time is it in Indiana now?
After 30 years of wrangling over daylight-saving time and finally jumping aboard world-time, now the only remaining question is... Which counties are in which general time-zone?
Here's the map. Memorize & enjoy.
[And we've added it to the sidebar at TransformIndiana.com for your ongoing convenience.]
Hamilton County church featured...
A great pullout section appeared Sunday's Indianapolis Star. It featured one of our key churches in Hamilton County... a partnering church now involved with this summer's "Faith Hope & Love" collaborative outreach.
[Find out WHO... at
HamiltonCountyChristians.com]
God's Word
Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."
Matthew 8:19-22
NIV
April 10th March...
Leave us a 'comment'... What is the biblical point-of-view? WWJD?
God's Word
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness
reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
Psalms 57:7-11
NIV
Be The Solution... Today
Paula Parker-SawyersIndiana Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives"The 2006 Governor’s Conference on Service and Volunteerism is finally here! We have been planning, organizing and talking about this event for several months and now it is time for us to show you what we have accomplished.""As of 11 a.m. Friday, over 650 people had pre-registered for the conference. We are excited to provide so much information and training for people who want to be better volunteers in their communities. Walk-in registration will be allowed on Monday, so if you have the time, come to the conference. There is still room for a few more registrants..."
Helping Reach Indians... from Indiana
[Gotta love the title that another pastor gave to India... "Home to over a Billion Neighbors".]
"RIMI is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian missions agency, established by Rev. Saji K. Lukos in 1993, with the compelling vision of glorifying Christ by training and planting reproducing churches in India and beyond. RIMI does this through training and sending out Christ-like national (indigenous) leaders. This is implemented by the PARTNERSHIP of God's people everywhere.RIMI's India based ministry is called MISSION INDIA which is located in Nagpur, Central India. Today we have over 810 church planters with over 3,000 house churches, a leading theological seminary in Nagpur with 21 satellite training centers and many compassion projects including 16 orphanages, which serve over 400 children. This year about 640 students will be trained to become tomorrow's influential leaders for Christ's Kingdom. "
This morning at
River Oaks Community Church, we were blessed to hear it all directly from RIMI's founder, Saji Lukos, as a result of Saji's long-time connection with Carmel teacher/pastor Marcus Warner (
Deeper Walk Ministries). We thank God for such connections in Christ.
Btw, Dr. Warner is the newly named president of
International Center for Biblical Counseling.
[Congratulations, Marcus!]************************************************
[Though independent of the above ministries, be sure to read below about another Indiana connection to India... as 'BikeHiker' takes us along on his recent Indian trip.]
God's Word
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought
nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with
that.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
NIV
Snowstorm in April?
Pastor John really gets around! Praise God he's such a great photographer too, and is able to take us along, huh?
Here are his photos taken during his recent trip to India, and a preview of what's to come in 2007. No wonder they call him '
BikeHiker'.
God's Word
Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Luke 12:35-40
NIV
The Judas We Never Knew
Disgraced disciple actually conspired with Jesus, according to newly released Gospel of Judas. Should we believe it?
[
continued at Christianity Today]
God's Word
Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
1 Peter 1:17-21
NIV
Evangelicals Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Stay in touch with our companion-site, LatinoChristians.com. Perhaps get to know some of our brothers & sisters who you might not otherwise have the opportunity to know. Or get a different perspective on cultural issues of our day.*********************************************
WASHINGTON, April 4 /Christian Wire Service/ -- Evangelical leaders will speak out on the need for comprehensive immigration reform as the U.S. Senate takes up consideration of legislation that will change the nation’s immigration laws.
An Evangelical sign-on letter in support of comprehensive immigration reform has been be released to the... [
continued at Christian Wire Service]
*********************************************
Also see today's Washington Post article... "
Letter on Immigration Deepens Split Among Evangelicals".
[hat-tip, ChristianHeadlines.com]
God's Word
Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Ephesians 5:15-16
NIV
Church Mosaic...
[I enjoyed finding this graphic at Grace Community Church's site. Click to enlarge, and you'll see it's a composite of PEOPLE's pics. And isn't that a great metaphor for the (big-C) 'Church' at large... a composite of the people... a composite of people reconciled to God and to each other... through the cross.]
Quote from the Katrina Family Trip blog...
"We have come in the spirit of the early Christian church in which everyone lived in community to serve each other, to share what God had entrusted to them, and to worship together." Again, we see the composite of the Church of Jesus Christ... is people attempting to emulate the Savior... becoming increasingly self-sacrificing... on behalf of others. [
Eph 5:1,
I Thes 2:14]
Visit Grace Community Church's Katrina-response site...
[
continued at Grace Community online]
God's Word
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
James 3:7-10
NIV
City AIDS Summit... Nov. 30
As a part of the annual '
City Impact Roundtable' in Cedar Rapids, Mission America Coalition today announced a November 30th satellite event to be seen in many cities around the U.S.
A nationwide gathering of pastors and other local Christian leaders—in their own cities and communities, on the same day—to seek God’s wisdom and direction for the church, both individually and corporately, in response to the growing HIV/AIDS pandemic both here and abroad. [
continued at CityAIDS.com]
Katrina Family Trip Blogging
[Follow this Katrina team from Indy... with stories & pics.]
"This is the story of an adventure being lived out by twenty nine people who have come together intentionally for a week. Each of us has given up our spring vacations to travel sixteen hours away to live in marginal conditions to serve those less fortunate in some ways than ourselves. Last summer, Hurricane Katrina devastated the coasts of Louisiana and Mississippi. Thousands lost their homes. All that remains of some houses are foundations. Others are severely damaged, many beyond repair. Some people have left forever, while others live in temporary trailers.
We have come in the spirit of the early Christian church..."
[
continued at Katrina Family Trip blog]
***************************************
[Also visit EmergencyBlog.com and see how you and/or your church or ministry can get more actively networked for assisting in times of emergency... including emergencies that could occur in your own neighborhood.][You might also enjoy seeing how this Katrina Family blog can easily interact with a Carmel blog from the neighborhood of one of the trip participants.... Visit ClayTerrace.org.]
God's Word
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place.
1 Chronicles 16:25-27
NIV
Global Day of Prayer.... Indianapolis
Here in Cedar Rapids we also watched the Global Day of Prayer video, in advance of this year's event on June 4th.
It's very exciting to think what it'll be like in Indy on this special day, coordinated with Indiana Christian Expo as well.
[continued at
Indianapolis GDOP site.]
[Also visit
Indiana Christian Expo site.
And mark your calendars for June 4th !]
News @ Blews...
The "City Impact Roundtable" (CIR) is being covered at '
Blews.Network' -- (the 50-state Christian network of blogs+news=blews).
Mission America's CEO/Chm, Dr. Paul Cedar opened today's conference. We heard from city-reaching efforts in El Paso metro area, and will be hearing from Cedar Rapids (in a few minutes). Pastor Francis Frangipane was the key speaker this evening. Many other well-known names from the city reaching movement around the country are also here... Jarvis Ward, Phil Miglioratti, Tom White, Glenn Barth, Ray Williams, Eric Swanson, Barney Field, Charles Daughtery, Doug Small, Tony Danhelka... to name a few.
Stay tuned.
"City Blogging" workshop... at Cedar Rapids CIR
Today in the "City Blogging" workshop... to accelerate city-reaching... we started this
Sample City Blog as a great demo of how to get started
'City Blogging' in ANY city. In Indiana... or anywhere.
Hi from George Saunders... Muncie... in Cedar Rapids
Remember George...
Here's his site.
Hi from Cedar Rapids !
Cedar Rapids "
City Impact Roundtable".
God's Word
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:20-21
NIV
Continent cries out for America's help
Russ Pulliam, IndyStarIt's a long way from Indiana to Malawi in southern Africa. But political activist Curt Smith hopes to interest his Hoosier friends in this nation of 12 million.
Malawi, west of Mozambique and north of South Africa, does not attract much attention. It has not suffered the massive famines of Ethiopia or the cruel civil wars devastating countries such as Liberia, Sudan or Rwanda.
Yet Malawi it is one of the poorest countries on a continent of poverty. Smith, Indiana Family Institute president, was introduced to Malawi through James Mbowe Nyondo. By birth, Nyondo is a prince of the Lambyan tribe of Malawi.
Nyondo, who recently earned a business degree from...
[
continued at IndyStar.com]
God's Word
Because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you
may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:3-4
NIV
Test of Time for the Faithful
References to time permeate various faiths. Here are a few examples.... [
continued at IndyStar.com]
"Duncan said there is a thread that runs through the Bible hitting on the theme that time is precious, that people must be stewards of time and use it for God.
"Time is one of those things that you can never get back, and once it is gone, it's gone," he said.
"I really want people to use their time wisely and to ask God what he wants me to do with the hours he has given me."
God's Word
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly
Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom
and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to
you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for
tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough
trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:32-34
NIV
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