'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
The danger of anger...
There is an inherent danger in anger...when we give in to it, we often act out in ways that never be erased!
Moses, in Numbers chapter 20 was angry at the congregation because they were "whining" again about not having water. When God directed Moses to take the rod and speak to the rock, Moses responded in anger and struck the rock. Moses disobeyed God because of his anger, Moses misrepresented God to the people because of his anger and therefore Moses lost the blessing of leading God's people into the "Promised land" because of his anger.
Proverbs 13:10 tells us, "Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom". Thus, our selfish anger and desire to argue and strike back comes from our own pride. Moses, whom God described in Numbers 12 as the meekest man on earth has now come to a point of pride ("I'm tired of the complaining!" - as if he deserves better?) that cost him dearly.
When "me, myself, or I" get involved in our decision making process instead of the Lord's desires, we are off the beaten path and out of the perfect will of God. We should, when we discover ourselves in this position, immediately repent and turn back to our first love -- Jesus!
Pray with me that we see the danger in anger...
=======================
Numbers 20:7-12 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. 9 And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. 10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? 11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. 12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.
God's Word
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
Proverbs 17:27-28
NIV
Indianapolis church for gays launches ad blitz
"Whether you're interested in engaging in the debate or not, a local gay and lesbian church's in-your-face advertising campaign could make it a difficult topic to avoid over the next few weeks.
Especially with 2,000 yard signs, which began popping up in the metro area over the weekend, an ad in Sunday's Indianapolis Star (with three more planned), 650 bumper stickers, 720 T-shirts and soon 25,000 door hangers -- all courtesy of volunteers from the Jesus Metropolitan Community Church.
The $55,000 campaign asks... "[
continued at Indianapolis Star]
This Weekend's Expo: Where will YOU be?
Indiana Christian Expo... this weekend !
"Come Together"
Friday 6/2 -- Sunday 6/4
FREE Admission to the Indiana Christian Expo...
... including Sunday's Global Day of Prayer.
Free admission covers the Exhibit area, booths, local artist stage, breakout sessions, Sunday morning worship with Kirk Cameron at 10:30am.
Then Sunday... all over the world...
[Watch the video]"Global Day of Prayer"(Indianapolis service begins promptly at 4pm.)
[Come early Sunday afternoon... so you can tour the exhibits before 4pm.]
Only the special concerts cost a little money.
- Concerts: $10 per concert
- OR $25 for all-weekend show ticket (all 4 shows)
- OR $75 for VIP (signing w/artist and seats in the front 5 rows).
[Walk-in access is free. Example: It's accessible via the Monon Trail. But parking is $3 per car]We now have 17 states represented!
[
And here's a note from the Expo folks: "Concerts, GDOP, and Sunday worship service can hold up to 4k people. We are hoping to pack it out for the GDOP service. While the GDOP service starts at we have been telling people to try to get there at least by 2pm or 3pm to walk around the booths. It looks like we might hit over 5k and upwards of 8k, depending on the CeCe show, morning worship, and GDOP. If all goes well, we might see 10k (but GDOP must be packed out)."]
God's Word
Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep.
Ecclesiastes 5:10-12
NIV
Racing Ministry
"“These guys here are like modern-day gladiators,” said Winters, taking a break after making a trip through the track’s garage area. “And they realize how fragile life is.”Sports Spectrum Radio covers the expected competitive details of the race, from top speeds to car problems to strategy.
But it also highlights the faith of drivers such as pole-sitter Sam Hornish Jr., Scott Sharp and Ed Carpenter.“Our goal is to include the Christian testimonies of these drivers,” said Winters. “We really want to get the stories behind the athletes.”He believes that when high-profile stars such as Hornish share how God works in their lives, others can be impacted spiritually."
[
continued at TheRepublic.com]
Two cultures join in worship
[article by Robert King, Indianapolis Star]Bilingual event aims to boost understanding between black and Hispanic Christians"Black and Hispanic church leaders who grew friendly by sharing meals will take the lessons of their new friendships to a broader audience Friday with a unique worship service some say is a watershed event for Indianapolis."
[
continued at IndyStar.com]
God's Word
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come
after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and
follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for me will find it."
Matthew 16:24-25
NIV
Memorial Day
"Memorial Day has traditionally been a day of remembering the many heroes who lost their lives during wars in which the United States has been involved.
As you pause to pray for those currently serving in Iraq and other posts worldwide, take a moment to browse through these collection of articles to honor those soldiers... " [
continued at ChristianityToday.com]
Race Day...
Be sure and
watch the video clip allowing you to ride with Johnny Rutherford around the track... It's amazing just how quickly a lap goes.
Likewise, watch this short video clip about just '
how quickly life goes by'. **smile**
So...
Why IndyChristian.com?
God's Word
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but
violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up
dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. Wisdom is found
on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of
him who lacks judgment. Wise men store up knowledge, but the
mouth of a fool invites ruin.
Proverbs 10:11-14
NIV
Dinner Theatre: "Snapshots From A City"
Unity Walk and Prayer Vigil for the Westside
Urgent!!!
A call to action
WESTSIDE TOWNHALL MEETING
JUNE 1, 2006
Where: Christamore House
502 N. Tremont Street
6:00p.m. Solution Discussion
7:00p.m. Unity Walk & Prayer Vigil
Violence is out of hand!!! Help take back our community
A CALL TO:
For information call 327-7902 or 635-7211
“Working Together Works”
God's Word
Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.
Luke 6:20-23
NIV
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was told by the Angel Gabriel that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear a child named Jesus. Mary's response, since obviously Gabriel was speaking for God, was "be it unto me according to thy word".
As we read God's Word, as we hear it and (hopefully) live it, the question we must ask ourselves is this...do we say to God "be it unto me according to thy Word"? Do we follow the Word of God EXACTLY, or do we modify it to fit what we want or worse, do we selectively follow what we want and ignore what we don't like?
Great cases in point including living with a member of the opposite sex enjoying the privileges of marriage without the binding covenant that God calls us to, or perhaps couching gossip in the guise of "concern". Wives must submit to their husbands in God's economy, but often we hear that those verses are not for "today". The same goes for accepting compromise in the area of drugs, alcohol, abortion, "alternate" lifestyles, sorcery, horoscopes, etc...the list goes on and on.
Jesus puts it point blank...if you love me, obey my commandments. He asks us for nothing more and nothing less.
Pray with me that we have the desire to completely obey God's Word...
=======================
Luk 1:38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
Crosswalk Blog: "Pence -- Another Face in the Crowd"
"Congressman Mike Pence (R-IN) most certainly falls into the category of..." [
continued at Crosswalk.com]
Faith-based & Community "Ideas in Indiana"... June 22nd
Amy Sherman'Ideas in Indiana'
Event Date: June 22ndSagamore Institute Senior Fellow Amy Sherman leads an Ideas in Indiana luncheon focused on faith-based and community initiatives. The program is co-sponsored by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.
Considerable attention has been given to the role faith-based organizations (FBOs) are playing in providing social services to America’s needy families. Little known and little publicized, though, are the creative collaborations FBOs are making with public actors—schools, police departments, juvenile courts, local government officials, secular philanthropies—and how these collaborations are transforming the social sector’s landscape.
Sherman has been investigating these innovative “multi-sector” collaborations for the past three years through her work with the Faith and Service Technical Education Network. Since 2004, she has also overseen the
Partners in Transformation Awards Program, which has identified and rewarded FBOs for particularly effective and creative partnerships.
This luncheon symposium will include the formal awards ceremony for the winners of the 2006 Partners in Transformation competition...
[
continued at Sagamore Institute]
He called his name Israel
God changed Jacob's name to Israel in Gen 35:10. He changed it from "Heel-catcher" to "led by God".
When we seek to draw closer to God, to give our lives to God knowing that all we have and all that we are is God's, then this should be our desire, too...for God to consider our name "led by God". Our lives need to reflect that we are led by God. Our speech and our actions, even our thought lives must, if we desire the closest fellowship and greatest intimacy, be led by God.
The question we can pose to ourselves is: "What areas of my life are NOT led by God?". Are my finances, my children, my marriage, my job, my hobbies, my ??? led by God?
Commit to God today to allow our Loving Heavenly Father to lead us in all areas of our lives and...
Pray with me that we too might be called "Led by God"...
=======================
Gen 35:10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel.
Mayor's New Faith-based Neighborhood Liaison
Some of us have had the great pleasure of meeting Mayor Peterson's new Faith-based Neighborhood Liaison... Marquisha Bridgeman. [And we hope many more of you will make yourselves known to her as she enters this new role.]
Marquisha serves as the liaison between the Mayor's Office and faith-based organizations throughout the community.
In her words, effectively that means...
"acting as a resource and providing a communications link between the faith-based community and the City. I am committed to helping further new and existing faith-based initiatives, interfaith collaborations and partnerships that will contribute to growth and development in all communities."[
Click for a full bio and more info]
Welcome Marquisha -- we'll all look forward to helping make your job a joy. And remember... every Friday at 11 a.m....
Know that we're praying for you and all our community leaders.
"When you hear the siren, prayers are a firin' "
God's Word
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 3:8-10
NIV
DeVos... Cohort Two
The DeVos Urban Youth Leadership initiative is preparing for their second 'round' here in Indianapolis. If you're not yet familiar with it, you'll want to be. What a blessing they've already been, here in the city of Indianapolis [and elsewhere].
video intro[
More info at DeVos Urban Leadership]
[Interested? Local contact... Maureen @ Crossroads.edu]
God's Word
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked. Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment. Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.
Proverbs 10:11-14
NIV
Video from National Day of Prayer - Indiana
9-minute video clip of Governor Mitch Daniels' remarks at the National Day of Prayer service in the Indiana Statehouse, on May 4th.
[Hearty thanks go to Greg Magnuson for this video clip.]
Video: Truth @ Work
[
Click for video clip from Truth @ Work, by its founder... Ray Hilbert, Indianapolis.
[And be sure and visit their ministry-site...
TruthAtWork.com]
God's Word
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Joshua 1:8
NIV
How to Lead a Lousy Worship Service
In our community, we pray in small groups and then come back together for the sermon. I've often struggled with this "break" in the flow of worship. But maybe it is a good thing. [
read more]
God's Word
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:35
Indianapolis: The Chronicle... May
[Here's a shout-out to our new friends at
The Chronicle... covering news for Christians in Indiana, Kansas and Colorado. We praise God for you, Russ, Jackie & All.]
[
View May Newspaper -- Indianapolis Edition.pdf]
Da Vinci Reviews are rolling in: "Blasphemy to Boredom"
Continued at GoogleNews
God's Word
To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Proverbs 21:3
Indy Religion Blog
[There's a new blog in town... at the Indianapolis Star.]
Robert King, 36, writes about faith, values and the intersection of religious issues in public life for The Indianapolis Star. A native Kentuckian, King came to the Star in 2004 from the St. Petersburg Times. Since he began covering the God beat, King has written about Hindu temples and Buddhist chanting convocations and interviewed Jewish Holocaust survivors. He has attended Friday prayers at local mosques, morning Mass with the Sisters of the Poor, visited Orthodox churches steeped in ancient tradition and coffeehouse churches with no tradition. He has written about humanists with no belief in God. King lives with his wife and three daughters in Greenwood, where he attends a Protestant church.
Today: Is "The Da Vinci Code" really a work of fiction?[
continued at IndyStar.com]
Also read Robert's regular article in the Star today...
[
The 'Da Vinci Effect']
Code of calmness of 'Da Vinci' storm
From yesterday's editorial in the Indianapolis Star...
"Truth will win out.
That's the approach many Christian leaders have taken in responding to "The Da Vinci Code,'' the book, and the movie, which opens in theaters [yesterday]."
[
continued at IndyStar.com]
Cavanagh: "The Code - Do You Plan To See It?"
"Have you read "The Da Vinci Code" yet, or do you plan to see it? 
After many months on best-seller lists, Dan Brown's novel premieres in theaters Friday, starring two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks. Both are generating lots of discussion. The story opens with symbologist Robert Langdon, played by Hanks, summoned to the Louvre in Paris. Around the body of a murdered museum curator are several clues Langdon must decipher. As the plot develops, Langdon discovers a vast conspiracy that has supposedly hidden Jesus' true identity for centuries.
Early clues... [
continued at Topics.com]
God's Word
I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me. Men of perverse heart shall be far from me; I will have nothing to do with evil.
Psalms 101:3-4
NIV
I am thy shield...
In Genesis 15:6, after God had told Abram that he would have many generations of subsequent family through his seed and that God was His exceedingly great reward, Abram believed in the Lord and God counted it to him for righteousness.
This is so very important to us as Christians...ours is not a life of "working" to attain righteousness or even "working" to keep our righteousness, rather is a walk in life of continually believing God for His promises, walking in fellowship and closeness with Him, and trusting Him to work out the difficulties in our lives. Even as God was Abram's exceeding great reward, He is ours as well -- do we see that?
Do we see the necessity of trusting God for our entire lives? We, as Christians, are to walk by faith, not by sight (2Cor 5:7). Therefore, we are to not to take our life into our own hands to direct our own path and fix our own problems...rather we are to cling to our reward, Jesus, and trust Him and believe Him and it will be counted as righteousness to each one of us, as well.
Habbakuk 2:4 tells us the just shall live by faith. Ephesians 2:8 tells us we are saved by faith. Ultimately, Jesus became sin for us that we might be the righteousness of God in Him -- "in Him" meaning that we have received Him into our lives as our Lord and Saviour and trust and believe in Him for our salvation.
Pray with me that we see God as our own exceeding great reward...
=======================
Genesis 15:1-6 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward. 2 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house [is] this Eliezer of Damascus? 3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. 4 And, behold, the word of the LORD [came] unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. 5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
God's Word
Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, "Come along now and sit down to eat"? Would he
not rather say, "Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink"? Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, "We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty."
Luke 17:7-10
NIV
DaVinci Ads Banned
Vancouver - May 17-06 — Cineplex Odeon theaters today cancelled a planned in-theater advertising campaign by Campus Crusade for Christ. Valued at more than $60,000, the ads were part of the organization’s program encouraging the public to view The Da Vinci Code movie and explore religious issues raised by the film.
“Aside from the obvious concern for free speech, our campaign is a thoughtful and positive one with messaging that the public will find interesting,” Douglas said. “Judging by the public’s response so far, people are eager to explore their religious faith, which we believe is a positive step.”*****************************
[Ed. Tongue-In-Cheek Note: The
Blews.Network has obtained a link to a copy of this controversial ad. Warning: This ad may not be suitable for all audiences.]
I'm not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
The power of sharing the testimony of Jesus Christ and His impact on our lives can not and should not be underestimated. We, as Christians, should be ever prepared to share our faith with others in a meek and humble way -- never striving, but in love sharing the power of the cross and the cleansing of the blood shed on Calvary.
Several years ago I ran across this audio clip which has revolutionized my understanding of the trickle-down effect of even leading one person to the Lord may have upon the lives of so many who are unseen and unknown to us. This clip lasts only 9 minutes, but it may be the best 9 minutes you spend today -- give it a listen.
http://www3.calvarychapel.com/hcfw/georgestreet.mp3Our church web site is at:
www.calvarychapel.com/hcfwRomans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
God's Word
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
1 Peter 2:21-23
NIV
What Movies & Email-Forwards Have In Common
What do movies & email-forwards have in common?I don't pay a lot of attention to either.
_
I get a ton of forwarded-email from all sorts of well-meaning folks. Even my mom.
I pay 'virtually' no attention to them.
[pun slightly intended]And sorry, Mom. But they usually turn out to be hoaxes, do they not?
Where SHOULD we, or anyone, go for Truth?
A good friend reminded me yesterday that the Treasury Department advises us that if you want to know whether something is counterfeit... you need to
compare it against the genuine thing. That's good advice. Click the image at left, to stay in touch with the ongoing discussion... comparing the DaVinci movie with the genuine thing.
"Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." [
Acts 17:11]
And remember: We're going to be discussing the movie/book "DaVinci Code" at our next
'First Saturday Coffee'... June 3rd. 8am. At Paradise Bakery, here in my neighborhood... at the Clay Terrace Mall. See you then.
[Everyone's welcome. See
ClayTerrace.org for details.]
God's Word
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
Numbers 23:19
NIV
Me Church
Here's a video-clip that some of you may find humorous. [And the rest of you... well... we'll pray for ya. **wink**]
The video-clip perhaps helps beg the question at
ModelChurch.com --
"What SHOULD the Church look like?"Comments?
God's Word
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:1-6
NIV
The Motherhood Development Chart
Childhood development charts that help new parents track every burp, gurgle and coo of a new baby are bountiful and plenty. It’s motherhood development charts that are hard to come by. Experience tells me that a reliable one would go something like this:
Week 1: The new mother may cry if over- or under-stimulated. Complains about not being able to find things. Like her waistline. On average, awake for 22 hours a day, but alert for only two. Head bobs forward in sitting position, especially after 7 o’clock at night.
Week 2: ... [
continued]
God's Word
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love
you have shown him as you have helped his people and
continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same
diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who
through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Hebrews 6:10-12
NIV
The Power of Connecting
[This is an outstanding newsletter, complete with dozens of resource links, compiled from the many ministries recently represented in Cedar Rapids at the annual "City Impact Roundtable". After reading this copy, you'll want to sign up to receive it regularly, at PowerOfConnecting.net.]
[
e-newsletter continued at Blews.Network]
God's Word
Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman, a time is coming when
you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in
Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we
worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet
a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers
will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are
the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and
his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.
John 4:21-24
NIV
Good Brownie asks: "United 93... Will you see it?"
[
Reviews & commentary continued at Good Brownie Blog]
God's Word
There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among
brothers.
Proverbs 6:16-19
NIV
Mount Up On Wings Conference
June 2-4. Presented by Miracle Arena Ministries
[
continued]
A Call for Unity and Doctrinal Purity
"Fundamentally Reformed" is an excellent blog, whose author has now compiled a ton of related bloggers & links regarding last week's "Together For The Gospel" conference. [
continued]
God's Word
Jesus answered, "It is written: `Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"
Matthew 4:4
NIV
Sahara Challenge.... Orlando in June
The Sahara Challenge is a one-week intense training experience that will prepare you to live out the gospel in a way that draws Muslims to faith in Christ.
During the training you will:
- Become comfortable sharing your faith with a Muslim
- Gain an in-depth knowledge of Islamic beliefs and practice
- Understand the importance of gender and culture in the Muslim world
- Communicate and resolve differences as part of a team
- Develop the leader within you
[continued at CrescentProject.org]
[Also see the upcoming training in Carmel... May 13th. Deadline for registration is May 11.]
God's Word
The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
Romans 8:6-8
NIV
Which Church Are We Building?
A new survey shows what pastors nationwide would do if their church received an unexpected financial windfall.
The research was conducted for Facts & Trends magazine -- a publication of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention -- and sought to clarify the overall budget and spending priorities of clergy and lay people.
According to a survey conducted by Ellison Research,
31 percent of the more than 500 Protestant pastors surveyed said they would build, expand, or update their church's buildings and facilities.[
continued at Agape Press]
[And here are some excerpts from the resulting opinion piece by Thom Rainer, Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.]Which Church Are We Building?
by Thom Rainer"Buildings are not the church.""I sometimes wonder if we lose sight of that by how construction-driven Christians are..."I love how Paul pictures the church:
For we are God’s co-workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.
According to God’s grace that was given to me, as a skilled master
builder I have laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But each
one must be careful how he builds on it, because no one can lay any
other foundation than what has been laid – that is, Jesus Christ.
If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones,
wood, hay, or straw, each one’s work will become obvious, for the day
will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the
quality of each one’s work.
If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward.
If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet
it will be like an escape through fire. Don’t you know that
you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in
you?
If anyone ruins God’s sanctuary, God will ruin him;
for God’s sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are (1
Corinthians 3:9-17, HCSB).
[
continued in the May/June issue of Facts & Trends]
God's Word
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
1 Peter 4:1-2
Grow in Grace...
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.
The Apostle Peter ends his writing in his 2nd letter by exhorting us to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is important that, in writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit we see that it was placed "positionally" with a very specific purpose. The last thing we hear from Peter is to grow in "grace" and the "knowledge" of our Lord.
How do we grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus? Growing our knowledge of Jesus appears easy...learn more about Him. We should be reading the Bible to see and hear and learn about His life, His prayers, His teachings and His walk with our Father. We must remember that, by tieing John verse 1 with verse 14 together, that He is the incarnate Word of God. Therefore, every single word in the Bible is in some way growing us in the knowledge of Jesus! Consequently, every single Christian on the earth should be reading systematically through the Bible every day!
How do we grow in grace? The first and formost way is to apply those things we learn while reading the Bible to our lives. We see things in the Bible such as extend mercy as we have received mercy, forgive as we have been forgiven, love as we have been loved, and on and on...
As we grow in the knowledge of Jesus, we will naturally learn of God's goodness towards us and this fallen world. We will see then apply the gentleness that Jesus had towards the lost, the broken, the downcast, the mourning & hurting as well as how He dealt with the prideful and self-sufficient who had no time for Him.
As we grow in the Word of God, we will grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And as we grow in applying the Word of God to our lives (notice we must apply it to our lives -- we are NOT the Holy Spirit and can NOT apply it to anyone else's life) we will grow in grace!
Pray with me that we study and grow so that we might glorify our Lord in all things...
God's Word
So watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, "I repent," forgive him.
Luke 17:3-4
NIV
Today, Sunday May 7th -- 'Internet Evangelism Day'
Today, Sunday May 7th, is "Internet Evangelism Day" -- a day to specially reflect on new capabilities to reach our 21st Century world for Christ.
Kelsey's Blog Adventure -- Shy mom starts outreach blog and finds she is touching hundreds daily.
This testimonial and more, at
InternetEvangelismDay.orgWeb Evangelism Bulletin, today.
ChristianHeadlines.com -- Special list of Flash Movie Presentations of the gospel.
del.icio.us/crossroads -- Many more tagged presentations of the gospel
Sharing The Hope: Muslim Encounters... May 13th
Training... Saturday May 13th... in Carmel.
Register online by May 11th.[
continued at Crescent Project .org]
God's Word
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 55:10-11
NIV
The Minor Prophet Library
[IndyChristian Ed. Note: 'The Minor Prophet' is Indianapolis-based. Enjoy.]
"The Minor Prophet Library is a Digg-like (
http://www.digg.com/) collection of Bible commentary from the Chrisitan Blogosphere. The real value of the site is provided by the ranking system. Good commentaries rise to the top. Bad commentaries ... well ... don't."
[
continued at The Minor Prophet Library]
Heritage 3rd Grade class buys plane for missionaries
_img.jpg)
"INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana: "The Kodiak is paid for!" teacher Molly Lawton announced Tuesday."
[
continued at New Tribes Mission]
God's Word
This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established t - the LORD is his name. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and
unsearchable things you do not know."
Jeremiah 33:2-3
NIV
Sunday, May 7th... "Internet Evangelism Day"
Learn how Patricia found God online...
Internet Evangelism Day, May 7th, 2006...
Providing great resources for churches, Bible Colleges and other groups, because...
- Over 1 billion people use the Web
- The Internet is changing the world
- God is using the Web to transform lives
- “We’d love to use the Web for outreach, but we don’t know how”
Internet Evangelism Day is here to tell you about …
- what God is doing on the Web
- outreach strategies that work online
- how you, your church or Christian group can use the Web for outreach
- how to make effective church websites reach into the community
- planning an Internet Evangelism focus day for your church, Bible college or Christian group
[continued at InternetEvangelismDay.org]
Bible's profile at the Capitol touches a chord
"WASHINGTON – Bible reading wasn't on the itinerary. But when Hun Jang stepped off a Washington tour bus this week and heard scripture coming from the west lawn of the US Capitol, he walked over to see what was going on...." [
continued at CS Monitor]
[hat-tip, ChristianHeadlines.com]
Today, May 4th... National Day of Prayer
Why Pray For Our Leaders?
The Bible instructs us to pray for
"all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:2). Pray that our leaders will seek God and endeavor to serve Him in a manner that is worthy of their positions of influence.
Why Pray For Our Communities?
Intercessory prayer has the power to change the place where you live. It is time that we took back our communities for the sake of God's Kingdom and covered them with our humble petitions. Pray for your own city or town, asking God to bless your efforts to reclaim your neighborhood in His name.
[
continued at Indiana's National Day of Prayer site]
Services will be held in each of Indiana's 92 counties, and at a number of churches throughout the state. Locally, special services will be conducted at
Crossroads Bible College at 12:15pm & 7:30pm.
The Governor will be attending the
special service at the statehouse at noon -- Everyone is welcome.
God's Word
Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.
Revelation 16:15
NIV
God's Word
I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.
Luke 12:8-9
NIV
CBS and GLAAD Team Up for PSA
"CBS and the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) will partner in a public service announcement to air on May 9th..." [
continued at MediaWeek.com]
*********************
Contact info for Indianapolis CBS affiliate...
WISH-TV, Channel 8.
[Local station management has not yet responded to inquiries.]
Crossroads Bible Church holding NDP services
Crossroads Bible College &
Church on Indy's eastside will host two thirty-minute services for
National Day of Prayer, Thursday, May 4th.Services will be in the sanctuary shared by the college & church, starting at 12:15pm and again at 7:30pm.
The campus is located at
601 N. Shortridge Road (map-link), next to the YMCA and across from the post office.
*********************
[Also visit National Day of Prayer - Indiana site]
XFORCE @ Northview... June 11-14
Northview Christian Life Center, June 11th - 14th
[
continued...]
God's Word
I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.
Psalms 135:5-7
NIV
Olasky: 80 Grim Years
AP: "The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) said Monday that 75 employees at its headquarters will lose their jobs as $9.15 million in budget cuts have forced the denomination to reorganize its mission program..."
[
continued at World Magazine Blog]
God's Word
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.
Proverbs 15:1-2
NIV
Neighborhood Care Teams... in Indy
Mission: To bridge the gap between our neighborhoods and the Church body by creating and implementing a systematic approach to relational and service evangelism.
How: Establish Neighborhood Care Teams
Neighborhood Care Teams bring Christians together in our own neighborhoods to encourage one another to build relationships with, serve, and share our love for God with our neighbors.
Neighborhood Care Team members will embrace their neighborhoods for Christ with each member committing to pray for, build relationships with, and care for the needs of 5-10 of their neighbors. Care Teams will reach out to their neighbors through a consistent application of the gospel in action via the avenues of relational evangelism – building relationships, serving neighbors, encouraging neighbors to serve alongside you, being open about your faith, and sharing why you live for Christ
How to Start:[
continued at Go4Jesus.org]
*************************************
[Congrats, Melissa! ]
WGNR 97.9
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