'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
2007... On your mark... Get set....
[from Blews.Network and...]
"Let’s Go! The picture above is from the start of the 2002 New York City marathon on the Verrazano Bridge. I think a marathon picture is appropriate for what we will be collectively starting on Monday, January 1, 2007. We will be embarking on a spiritual marathon – together. I do think that this one of the beauties of why people run marathons: they run marathons with a lot of other people. They build up camaraderie and friendship with so many others as they train for and then run the marathon. And that is my hope for our journey together through the One Year Bible in 2007 as well. I pray we’ll build up camaraderie and friendship with each other along the way.
Now, the other important thing to keep in mind about marathons is that they are not easy. But they are certainly not impossible. And this will hold true with our One Year Bible marathon. While it is true that we are in this together, it is also true that this will be a very personal marathon journey between you and God. We’ll each need God to be running this marathon alongside of us if we hope to make the 365 days that lie ahead. This is why I cannot encourage you enough to pray frequently for discipline, good habits, and joyful perseverance in this beautiful journey to come. "Habits Determine Success" - I read this short 3-word quote on the back of a T-shirt at a 10K road race several years ago. It has stuck with me. I love it. Many of us will be starting up a new habit this Monday, January 1st of reading the Bible for 15 minutes each day over the course of a year. As you know from many good and bad habits, once you stick with something for a few weeks it will stick with you. So, please be extra diligent in early January to pick up the Bible and actually read it each day for 15 minutes. You’ll want to create this good habit early on in the process. I hope and pray that you realize that you are embarking on a spiritual marathon that could very likely change how you live the rest of your life."*****************************
Get ready, at
OneYearBibleBlog.com.
[Be sure and sign up for Mike's regular email.]***************See other related One Year Bible Resources that will help with our 'marathon'.
God's Word
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart
of wisdom.
Psalms 90:12
NIV
God's Word
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with
thanksgiving. This will please the LORD more than an ox,
more than a bull with its horns and hoofs. The poor will see
and be glad - you who seek God, may your hearts live! The
LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive
people. Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all
that move in them, for God will save Zion and rebuild the
cities of Judah. Then people will settle there and possess
it.
Psalms 69:30-35
NIV
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
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
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
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
God's Word
1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria.
3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.
10 Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
11 "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
12 "And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger."
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us."
16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.
17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.
18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Luke 2:1-20
NKJV
God's Word
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not
sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the
Father in our defense - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He
is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours
but also for the sins of the whole world. We know that we
have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who
says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a
liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his
word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how
we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must
walk as Jesus did.
1 John 2:1-6
NIV
God's Word
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your
hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you
double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter
to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before
the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:8-10
NIV
A Very MERRY CHRISTMAS !
May God's richest blessing be yours in 2007. May the joys of Christmas fill your heart with the reality of Jesus Christ in your life and that of your family throughout the New Year of 2007!
Remember 'His Story'? Now, 'The Promise'
[Think back to CCDA Indy 2005 -- Remember Beau Breems and his childrens book 'His Story'? Burning Bush Creations has now published over 30,000 copies. And now comes... 'The Promise'.]
by Beau Breems, Illustrator of 'His Story'
God's Word
I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
John 6:47-51
NIV
THE Son of God
by Pastor Jim Brown
Horizon Christian Fellowship
(www.calvarychapel.com/hcfw)
Luke 1:26-35 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
Luke 2:1-14 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
=======================
Email me at pj-brown@sbcglobal.net
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 pople, 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
Greenwood Mayor's Prayer Breakfast... Mar. 3rd
[per an email from our good friend Bruce Richardson...]
Os Hillman is our scheduled speaker for our 17th annual CBMC Greenwood Mayor’s prayer breakfast on
March 3, 2007.
Hope you can join us.
In His Service and living the dream,
Bruce Richardson
Facilitators International317-888-3901
Help with food distribution Dec. 23rd?
For the last27 years, this holiday giving project has provided hunger relief for over 20,000 low income families during the holiday season...
[
press release continued .pdf]
Dr. John Perkins, special-call guest, Dec. 21
[hat-tip, Blews.Network]
Dr. John Perkins, founder of
CCDA and honorary co-chairman of
Mission America Coalition, will be the special conference-call guest on
Dec. 21, 2007... at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern).
Pastors, leaders and others who are anxious to work together to reach our cities for Christ are warmly invited to participate. RSVP to
info@cityreaching.com to obtain the necessary phone number and code.
interesting Perkins-tags.
interesting cityreaching call-tags.
Connect with other cityreachers
'behind the scenes' at CrossroadsConnection.com.
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
Wherefore comfort yourselves together...
by Pastor Jim Brown
Horizon Christian Fellowship
(www.calvarychapel.com/hcfw)
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
-------------------------------
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
=======================
Email me at pj-brown@sbcglobal.net
CBMC... "Connecting Business Men to Christ"
Vision For Indiana... The people of Indiana united in experiencing the abundant life of Jesus Christ, living in transformed neighborhoods, working in transformed businesses, with transformed community leaders, the next generation of Christ-centered leaders in the communities of Indiana.
Core Values... Preeminence of Christ – Intimacy with Christ is paramount, and all that we do must emanate from our life in Christ and His life in ours Life-on-Life Relationships – We value the process of committed one-on-one relationships for evangelism and discipleship Teams – God calls us to work together in teams in order to multiply what He wants to accomplish through us Generational Spiritual Reproduction - The goal of the discipleship process is spiritual reproduction to the third and fourth generations and beyond.
Goal... Develop a community of 5000 Christian Business Mentors in the State of Indiana.
Eldon Kibbey, State DirectorAround the state...
- Elkhart
- Evansville
- Ft. Wayne (2)
- Marion
- Noblesville
- Indianapolis North
- Indianapolis Northwest
- Indianapolis Northeast (Fishers)
- Indianapolis West
- Indianapolis Downtown
- Indianapolis Beech Grove
- Indianapolis South (Greenwood)
- Indianapolis South (Franklin)
[continued at the new CBMC Indiana .com site]
[Also visit CBMC National website.]
******************************
[Note: Eldon also serves as moderator of the statewide ministry-networking initiative, Transform Indiana -- "Networking Christ-followers to Change Lives & Communities"... effectively linking Bible-believing leaders of churches, ministries, businesses and neighborhoods involved city-networks throughout the state.]
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
Live-blogging from the U.B.Cafe
Saturday morning
at the cafe, we hosted Rev. Lionel Batke from Vancouver, British Columbia (Canadian).
[Lionel is 2nd from the right.]
Remember, the cafe will also be our location for tomorrow's (12/19) '
Citywide 2007 Timeline Planning Luncheon'.
[We're already nearly at capacity - RSVP's required, email
ekibbey@cbmc.com ]
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
Watch Sunday Morning Service @ Horizon
Watch Sunday, December 10th...
Click on picture to open the video...
Email me (Pastor Jim) at pj-brown@sbcglobal.net or visit our website at: www.calvarychapel.com/hcfw
'J4J'... "We Lift Him Up"
[How cool is this! Praise God for this brother...]
Atlanta holy hip hop artist, 'J4J' has just finished producing "Lifting Him Up" -- a soundtrack especially for the TechMission program here in the city (and TM affiliates around the country) -- helping our friends and neighbors 'cross the 3 great divides'...
- the 'digital divide'
- the multicultural divide
- and God's eternal divide
"We Lift Him Up".
The TechMission program is underway at the Unleavened Bread Cafe, a 501(c)3 ministry in the heart of Indy's inner-city. Come down and join us any Saturday morning, 10 a.m. til noon.
'J4J' -- Reginald Blanchard -- has been nominated for a 'Gospel Choice Award' as Best Holy Hip Hop Artist for 2006. But more than that, Reggie himself is a tech-adept, e-capable Christian who knows the importance and the power of acquiring internet skills... no matter what your profession. Check out his MySpace page as he uses it to network with others, and utilize his talents for the glory of God.
Then visit his commercial site... J4Jmusic.com.
But most importantly, listen to the lyrics as he guides young people toward Christ, acknowledging Him daily, and a life-long learning.
Let's hope to meet Reggie at CCDA St. Louis 2007 !
**********************
[Reggie, we praise God for you!]
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
Luke Austin Daugherty... singer, songwriter, poet and painter
[Many of you know Bella Louisa... writer for
The (Christian) Chronicle. Perhaps you didn't (yet) know she's the 'mommager' of Luke Austin Daugherty. Enjoy.]
Luke Austin Daugherty on WISH TV8[Visit
LukeAustinDaugherty.com]
More Video Tags
God's Word
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for
those who trust in him.
Nahum 1:7
NIV
'Getting Acquainted'... with The Chronicle
Reception at All Nations Bed & Breakfast, 2100 N. Capitol Ave.[photo by Bella Louisa][And how could we get acquainted without some food on-hand? **smile**]
Eldon Kibbey, Marquisha Bridgeman, and Mr. Green"The Chronicle newspaper was host to a "Get Acquainted" gathering Monday, December 11 at the All Nations Bed and Breakfast just north of downtown on Capitol Street. Publishers Russ and Jackie Jones were there to share the paper's vision and introduce new Indiana manager
Michael Boler.
Pastor Harris and Mike BolerBoler is a long time Indianapolis resident and brings various abilities to The Chronicle team."
David Michael Carrillo [photo by Bella Louisa]Over 40 different Christian business and ministry leaders were on hand. A holiday lunch was served while those in attendance also were blessed by the music of David Michael Carillo
Russ Jones, Chronicle Publisher[photo by Bella Louisa]"This was an awesome day," said publisher Russ Jones. "We truly do appreciate the fine people of Indiana and their heart for ministry. We're excited to come along side with the newspaper and share what God is doing."
Steven Ray, Writer
Jackie Jones, Chronicle Co-Publisher
[photo by Bella Louisa]The Chronicle is the second largest Christian newspaper in the US with over 200,000 readers monthly. 30,000 of those readers live in Indiana.
[
full article at Indianapolis.TheChronicleOnline.com]
[
Contact Mike Boler for additional info.]
************************
[IndyChristian Ed.Note: Pastors, leaders and other 'driven Christians in the Racing Capital of the World' -- If you missed this get-together, you have another chance on Tuesday (12/19) at the Unleavened Bread Cafe... as many of us again come together, to pray & plan toward the 2007 timeline. RSVP's required. Click for IMPORTANT DETAILS.]
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
Merger Video: "21st Century Police Department"
[hat-tip, Marquisha Bridgeman]
"Effective January 1st, hundreds of police officers will come together as a single force due to the consolidation of the Marion County Sheriff's Department and Indianapolis Police Department. This Video Magazine was created in order to inform Indianapolis and Marion County residents about what to expect when the best of these two world-class law enforcement agencies come together to form the new Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Force."
[
Watch the videos at PoliceMerger.IndyGov.org]
God's Word
You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.
Luke 1:31-33
NIV
Prayer Reception - Lionel Batke
From Tom Walker
President - One Accord Minnistry
Dear Friends,
Blessings to you all in the name of our risen Lord. A free prayer reception is being held at the Unleavened Bread Cafe (30th x Central Ave, map-link RSVP if you can) at 9 AM Saturday, Dec. 16th for new friend of Indiana, Pastor Lionel Batke, who is visiting us from Vancouver, British Columbia some 2400 miles away. Lionel is connected with my friends from Prayer Canada of Surrey, BC whom I visited back in September.
I wish to take some time Saturday to pray for Lionel (you could say a prayer for him now..) but I believe Lionel would much rather spend time praying for Indianapolis' needs so come and agree with us in prayer. Feel free to purchase breakfast from the Cafe while with us for the hour and Lionel and I will stick around for an additional hour to create additional linkages and time for additional prayer as the Spirit leads. It's important that Lionel connects with key leaders like yourselves while here to further improve and create US/Canadian spiritual collaboration.
Lionel Batke
PERSONAL PROFILELionel Batke was born and raised the son of a leading Full Gospel Pastor in Western Canada. He was trained in ministry and music as a youth. When he sings, his strong baritone voice can fill the largest auditorium. The Full Gospel Bible Institute, Eston, Saskatchewan provided further training and graduation in 1963.
In 1965 he was ordained into the ministry and during the early years served as pastor of churches in Saskatchewan and British Columbia. He and his wife, Virginia, of over 40 years live in Vancouver and have three children. This new generation in turn, are raising up nine grandchildren to be a godly seed in the earth.
As a father, he desires to mentor competent and effective ministry that will serve the next generation by the will of God. To this end he travels internationally with the burden of a teaching and prophetic ministry, equipping especially leaders to fulfill their personal purpose and call in God.
Real hunger and thirst for the fresh water of life forced his spiritual roots down deeply into Ireland during the latter days of Charismatic Renewal among Roman Catholics. This opened up his life and ministry to the whole Church and the whole world, further preparing him for ongoing prophetic input into a growing number of nations.
Lionel first went to Japan as part of Team Thrust Ministries and the interdenominational Holy Spirit Seminars of 1971, 1972 and 1975. He has since traveled in ministry often to remote places in South Africa, Rhodesia, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Ireland, Holland, Poland, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, China, Pakistan, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Australia, the Philippines and the Canadian High Arctic.
I look forward to seeing you all there Saturday!
May God bless you and all those you love ,
Rev. Thomas C. Walker
President - One Accord Ministry Inc.
865 Country Walk Court
Brownsburg, Indiana 46112-1770
mailto:tom@oneaccordministry.org
http://www.oneaccordministry.org/
Office 317-286-1117
You are not your own!
by Pastor Jim Brown
Horizon Christian Fellowship
(www.calvarychapel.com/hcfw)
Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthian church makes a statement twice...a statement which should have profound impact upon our lives. In 1Cor 6:20 & 1Cor 7:23 he tells us that we have been “bought with a price” therefore we are to both glorify God in our bodies and to serve Him alone.
This has the potential to radically impact how we lead our lives. Do we understand that the buying of our lives took place on the cross of Calvary? Do we recognize that the redemptive blood of the perfect sacrifice (God’s Son) was required so that we might receive eternity with God? Have we contemplated the intense suffering that took place; the flesh that was torn-the blood that was shed-the agony that was endured because of how much God loves us and because of how much WE need a savior? Because of sin, there is not a person alive or dead (save Jesus Christ) that doesn’t need that work on the cross. We were bought with the price of the only begotten Son of God!
In response to the work of God on our behalf, the question becomes: “how do we live our lives?”. Do we recognize that, as Paul tells us, we are not our own? In gratitude, do we live our lives in such a way that we glorify God? Think about our lives-both in public and private. Does our public life glorify our Father in Heaven? Does our speech, our actions, our hearts and our love show the lost and fallen world that God is on the throne, that Jesus came to save the world and that His love is supreme?
In our private lives, when the door is closed and the public is not watching (even though God still is!), how do we glorify God? What do we watch on TV or the internet? What do we read (or don’t read)? Is our speech to our family glorifying? Do we take the frustrations of the world out at home? How do we act when NO ONE is watching/listening?
The answer to the public and private living of our lives will clearly betray our hearts to ourselves if we are open to listening to the Holy Spirit speaking to us about things in our lives that need change. Whether it is to submit to our boss, husband, parents more faithfully or throwing out the alcohol, pornography, drugs, etc., if we are ready to listen, God is ready to speak...All that He might gain glory and honor from our lives and that we might be found a FAITHFUL SERVANT when we stand before His throne.
Why? Because He loves us!
Pray with me that we see that our lives are God’s possession and not our own...
------------------------------------
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
=======================
Email me at pj-brown@sbcglobal.net
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
This Week's Not-for-Profit News...
December 12th issue... packed with great info, classifieds, articles, contacts....
[
continued]
Indiana Foundation for Home Schooling
[Great site, resources and info for homeschooling here in the state!] 
"The mission of the Indiana Foundation for Home Schooling is to enable students to achieve their potential by providing recognition, opportunities, and resources that inspire learning and make home schooling an option for any Indiana family."[
continued at IndianaHomeSchooling.org]
The Greatest of these is Love...
by Pastor Jim Brown
Horizon Christian Fellowship
(www.calvarychapel.com/hcfw)
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
-----------------------------
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
==================
Email me at pj-brown@sbcglobal.net
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
Indy's Bible-reading Plan for 2007?
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
So what are we doing specifically to gear up our cities/communities to read/hear the Word of God?
Btw, here are some great Bible-links... especially geared to getting our people on some kind of a reading plan. The one I'm especially fond of is the One Year Bible plan which includes an OT reading, a NT reading, a reading from Psalms and from Proverbs. Thus even if you're not up to such a full-scale aggressive plan, you could still sync up with at least the NT readings and complete it along with everyone else, in just one year.
And a number of other partners & resources are becoming available, which also follow this plan. So it makes it increasingly easy to find great study guides, online reading & discussion sites... not to mention podcasting to your iPod or quasipod.
Here's one such resource-site... Bible On Radio... podcasting each day's reading. So even if you're not up to reading aggressively through it, perhaps you could at least HEAR the Word read daily.
Here's a 'companion guide' that follows these same daily readings -- a great Bible-study tool. Perhaps it'd also work well for a group studying the Word together?
And here's the OneYearBibleBlog.com... where you can interact with others who are reading through the Word on the one-year plan. Ask your questions?
Finally... one of our very own guys (behind the scenes, inside Crossroads Connection), Bryan Waters, runs Bibleicio.us... tagging items related to each passage in God's Word.
Your thoughts, anyone???
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
God's Word
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble
themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their
wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive
their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
NIV
God's Word
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
1 Peter 1:15-16
NIV
Take heed therefore!
by Pastor Jim Brown
Horizon Christian Fellowship
(www.calvarychapel.com/hcfw)
Paul, in speaking to the elders of the church at Ephesus, reminded them that over his 3 year period with them that he had never stepped around the scriptures, but had shared the “whole counsel of God” with them that they might be rooted and grounded in the word. As he continued in this discourse in Acts chapter 20, he makes a statement that we should all have ears to hear...in verse 29 Paul tells them that after he leaves there will be grievous wolves entering among the flock of God who speak perverse things and strive to draw away disciples after themselves.
We, in the church today, need to not only be cognizant that this is taking place all around us, but should be watching and warning and ensuring that we ourselves are also hearing sound doctrine. In today’s “feel good” world, we hear so many “fluffy” preachers who speak to the need for self-confidence and self-esteem and things that speak to the itching ears of our “fast food” society. Unfortunately, these things are contrary to the whole counsel of God in which Jesus tells us to “die to ourselves”, Paul tells us to “take no thought for ourselves” and John tells us that we are to love God and love our neighbor – there is none of this “feel good” stuff in these messages. We are to get outside of ourselves when we are mature and healthy Christians and minister (serve) the world.
That said, church is to be a place of sanctuary where members of the body of Christ edify one another and build each other up – it is to be a place where we encourage and exhort one another and care and pray for one another. But, it is certainly not a place to share false doctrine.
Jesus taught that we must repent from our sins and that if we do not receive His sacrifice for our sins, we can have no part in Him. How many times in a Sunday service do we hear of sin, repentance or blood – or for that matter, of total denial of self and taking up our cross and following our Master? Those who are mature in the faith and know the truth of the Word of God must be bold to ensure that the message of the cross is not “watered down” by the weakness of men and warfare of the enemy.
The apostle John told us that perfect love casts our all fear and Paul told Timothy that God doesn’t give us fear – the author of Hebrews tells us that fear brings bondage (I submit that it brings bondage to the world) and so, what holds us back from speaking the truth?? FEAR. The world’s got it’s claws in us – Be bold, be like Joshua, take the stand that God is calling us all to make – stand ONLY ON THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD!
Pray with me that we allow no compromise of the Word of God into our lives...
========================
Acts 20:26-31 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Email me at pj-brown@sbcglobal.net
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
Video: "Shepherd Community... Giving Hope"
[Great stuff. Enjoy. hat-tip, Steve Ellson]
Today,
Shepherd Community has become a vital part of the neighborhood, reaching out to the community through Christian compassion. Striving to meet physical, social, educational and spiritual needs; Shepherd continues to expand and add to its programs and services.
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
Imitating Christ's Humility
[IndyChristian Ed. Note: Since my colleague and dear brother was specially preaching as a guest pastor at the church I attend... and in fact, preaching on one of our foundational passages for IndyChristian.com... I thought it'd be good to feature it here. May this passage speak to you in a special way.]
Dr. Morris Jones, VP/Student Affairs
Crossroads Bible CollegeGuest Pastor on Nov. 12th, at River Oaks Community Church (Carmel).
From
Philippians 2...
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 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.Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus..."
Click to listen in.
******************************
Btw, Dr. Jones will be preaching at ROCC again on
Dec. 17th, 10 a.m. Come listen 'live'.
River Oaks Community Church
(non-denominational, Bible-believing church)13200 Old Meridian Road
Carmel, IN (
map-link)
317-575-9568
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
Court to reconsider racial diversity in schools
WASHINGTON - The ability to use race when assigning students to public schools is on the line in two cases before the Supreme Court that could produce the most important decision on school desegregation in decades.
Parents in Louisville, Kentucky, and Seattle, Washington, are challenging school assignment plans that factor in a student's race in an effort to have individual school populations approximate the racial makeup of the entire system.
Federal appeals courts have upheld both programs.
The school policies are designed to keep schools from segregating along the same lines as neighborhoods.
[
continued at Christian Broadcasting Network ]
***********************************
[IndyChristian Ed. Note: If you've not spent a lot of time walking in someone else's shoes -- especially the shoes walking through life always in the minority -- let me encourage you to read the following... a Christian classic. It will offend you at first... and then change your life.] 
[
continued]
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
God's Word
The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.
Proverbs 29:15
NIV
Annual Timeline Planning Meeting... Dec. 19
Bible-believing ministry leaders around the city (& state)...
Tuesday, December 19th... (Noon) will be the Annual Timeline Planning Luncheon, sponsored by the Transform Indiana ministry network of networks.
The purpose is invite Bible-believing pastors/leaders/workers to intentionally pray together, and then plan/pursue a well-coordinated timeline of key events involved in the Great Commission & Great Commandment here in our city/cities... for the upcoming year(s) ahead.
This calls for increasing commitment to our common mission and to its accomplishment TOGETHER in some practical ways.
[RSVP and other important details continued at TransformIndiana.com]
Abbott and Costello buy a computer...
If you're old enough to remember Abbott and Costello, you may also be just old enough to have these kinds of computer questions. If so, come on down to the cafe any Saturday morning, 10 a.m. til noon. It's all free, and it's all good. Just ask Who.
Listen to the original
Visit Baseball-Almanac.com.ABBOTT AND COSTELLO BUY A COMPUTERby Tom KingFor those of us who sometimes get flustered by our computers, read on.
If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, "Who's on First?" might have turned out something like this:
COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO:
[
continued at UBcafe.com]
Volunteer for VBS over Christmas Holidays?
TDWM is having our third annual Christmas VBS during the IPS winter break Dec. 26 through Jan 6. We will be serving the inner city children living in the poor neighborhood in wich TDWM is located. We plan to share Christ's love and message through a traditional VBS program as well as provide gifts, bibles, prizes, candy, lunch, etc... to the children and meet any physical needs we see these famillies may have.
We need volunteers to help with this VBS program as well as financial donations to purchase VBS materials, crafts, Bibles, food, and other items for the program and families. If you are able to help please contact Brian Walls using the contact info below.
God Bless,
Brian Walls
(317)457-8974
bwalls@teardownthewallsministries.orgFounder/President
Tear Down the Walls Ministries Inc.
Indiana non-profit organization
http://www.teardownthewallsministries.org/
God's Word
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood since the earth was founded? He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing.
Isaiah 40:21-23
NIV
