G. K. Chesterton once wrote of the mesmerizing power of and the temptation towards relying solely on reason in this way: "Everyone who has had the misfortune to talk with people in the heart or on the edge of mental disorder knows that their most sinister quality is a horrible clarity of detail; a connecting of one thing with another in a map more elaborate than a maze. If you argue with a madman, it is extremely probable that you will get the worst of it for, in many ways, his mind moves all the quicker for not being delayed by the things that go with good judgement. He is not hampered by a sense of humor or by charity, or by the dumb certainties of experience. He is more logical for losing certain sane affections. Indeed, the common phrase for insanity is in this respect a misleading one. The madman is not the man who has lost his reason. The madman is the man who has lost everything except his reason."(1)
Yet on the other hand, when we follow the exclusionary path of sheer emotionalism, we end up in the same place there, too: insanity. As Dr. Ravi Zacharias brings out in his talk Why the Bible?, when we do these things what we are really trying to framework is the complexity we really need that will truly serve free thinking. Ultimately, "We are trying to find the bridge between the head and the heart." (2)
This is the point that Chesterton makes so clearly for us. When we think we can try to rely solely on the rational, the reason for everything, the experience only, it runs us in circles. It imprisons us from the truth. For the truth is more than our mind. It is more than our heart. It is both working in harmony. And nowhere do they work in complete harmony more than in the Christ, who said of himself" "I am the way and the truth and the life." (John 14:6)
DailyQuote:[The Madman of Experience] is in the clean and well-lit prison of one idea: he is sharpened to one painful point. He is without healthy hesitation and healthy complexity.
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
Here's a brief video-clip to introduce you to Phill Butler, author of "Well Connected". And then an audio from his February city-coaching teleconference call...
Listen in as (author and) city-coach Phill Butler fields questions from cityreachers around the country... [click]
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
MARION, Ind.,Feb. 27-- Tony Dungy, head coach of the 2007 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts and a bestselling author, addressed Indiana Wesleyan University students today in a convocation that included his induction into the school's Society of World Changers. After his induction by university officials, Dungy told students that his parents, who were both educators, instilled in him three important lessons: "They told me, 'Whatever path you take, do it with gusto and fire, representing the Lord; treat everyone you come across with respect; and, wherever you settle down, make your neighborhood a better place to live.'" Photo: Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy is congratulated by Indiana Wesleyan University president Dr. Henry Smith (left) and students at Wednesday's convocation. (2/27/08)
Stop by the SENIORS wiki-page we're developing now. Join in the fun... and help create some of your legacy ONLINE.
Here are some photos from today's info meeting about this coming revolution... *smile*...
And true leaders rise to the occasion.... 'Dean' commandeers the podcast bullhorn...
Actually, we all had a lot of fun. Let's see where this goes. Will seniors rise up and support this call to action? *smile* How about YOU? Come on down to the UBcafe any Saturday morning... 10am... and let's get you podcasting, blogging, twittering or whatever kind of mashup you might want to start. **smile** Visit AskAnythingSaturday.com.
And last but not least, we want to thank today's sponsor...
B&N is part of a business & nonprofit consortium innovatively creating value by identifying & leveraging great underutilized resources to help benefit ministries & charities in the Indianapolis community. If your favorite nonprofit (or For-Profit company, even) needs a little 'love' in the form of consultations geared to increasing their revenues or decreasing their costs... that's what B&N does best. [more info]
And live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. Ephesians 5:2-4 NIV
Indiana... Help South Africa Via Flight & Communications
[from Indiana MAF missionaries... Jason & Jocelyn Thiemann]
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) provides vital aviation and radio communications services to national churches, the Flying Doctor Service, Christian missions, and non-government organizations (NGOs) ministering in Lesotho.
We will live in the capital city, Maseru, and fly 5 days/week into the mountains to...
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV
With the economy facing tough times, its a common reaction to hold back on spending and giving. But of course, the needs of others don't decrease when that happens, they actually remain the same if not increase. Times like that are times of testing on both sides of the coin. So will you be like the widow who still gave but out of her want (Mark 12:42-44)? Or will you continue to give through your abundance? Yes, your's and my abundance. But you may answer my paycheck is a whole lot less "abundant" than it was, say, a month ago. If that is so, how would you feel if I said that you can still give and its not money that is being asked for?
You can give something that according to current statistics, the average Christian has a least 9 of on their bookshelf: a Bible. The average Christian has at least 9 copies on their bookshelf. Now when I read that figure, I didn't quite believe it so I took a count. And I found out I must not be average because I only have 8!
Still what could yours and my "extra" Bibles do to help anyone?
It seems I finally figured out how to use this technology. We're working on our next Indiana edition. Please let me know editorial ideas you might have. Advertising interest is also necessary. We are an advertiser supported newspaper.
I'm also excited to announce The Chronicle's new national edition. March 1 we will launch this publication in electronic format to over 400,000 people in a data-base. The first 90-days it will be free. If you would like to be included, please let me know.
We've also developed a new Christian events site - www.praisecalendar.com. Feel free to post your seminars, conferences, Christian concerts, etc.
You can see us at www.thechronicleonline.net, www.bigpicturemedia.biz and www.praisecalendar.com.
Blessings,
Russ Jones The Chronicle Christian Newspaper, publisher BIG Picture Media Group, Inc.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:19-21 NIV
It is not often that you see programs like NBC's ER so clearly illustrate the emptiness of a faith not rooted in God and His Word. Click the video below to learn more.
The clip reminded me of our recent research. Below are some excerpts...
Many a student in the postmodern culture could invite a friend to hear a speaker give a defense of the Christian faith, but could not share their own faith with their friend because of the fear of being labeled as intolerant! Now this is not universal, but it is very common among students. They have no fear of listening to a friend’s story, but do not feel free to share their own if it brings in Jesus Christ, salvation and heaven and hell, judgment; i.e., if it brings in anything that could be considered as absolute.
The problem of sharing our story in the current culture:
There is a presupposition that troubles the follower of Jesus about as much as the culture around them. That is relativism, the view that there are almost no absolute truths that will always be true under all circumstances. And close to this is pluralism, the view that all beliefs are about of equal value. No one has a corner on truth, and you do not want to sound like you do! This presupposition is so engrained in the culture that one has to think long and hard before you would go against it.
And yet, as a follower of Jesus we do not believe... [continued]
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:10-11 NIV
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. Romans 15:4-5 NIV
"Many of you know that the 2008 Together for the Gospel Conference is fast approaching, and many have been asking whether there will be another Band of Bloggers fellowship to coincide with the conference. I [Timmy Brister] am happy to announce that indeed, plans have been made for the 2008 Band of Bloggers fellowship, which will take place during lunch (11:30-1:30) on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at the Galt House in downtown Louisville, Kentucky.
Guest speakers and panelists for the event include Tim Challies, Justin Taylor, Thabiti Anyabwile, and Mark Lauterbach–all men who I admire not just for their blogging but more so their passion for the gospel. The theme for next year’s conference, “The Gospel Trust ,” will focus on what it means to be servants of God and stewards entrusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We have created a new website specifically geared for the Band of Bloggers where you can... "
"These photos are from the area where we will be living and serving The Lord this next year in CHIANG MAI, THAILAND! Tom will be teaching math for one year at Grace International School (www.gisthailand.org) and hopes to be involved in street evangelism with the Thai people. Our departure date is June 21. We're all very excited!!"...
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:8-9 NIV
We arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, around 4pm EST, After leaving 4 inches of snow and 20 degrees F in Indianapolis, the humid 90 degrees was a welcome change. We walked off the American Airlines Airbus 300 down the stairs onto the tarmac.
The terminal was a chaotic scene of noise and people everywhere...
"Aaron Story is a pastor at Indy Metro Church, which meets in the American Cabaret Theatre every Sunday and has an office/art gallery on Massachusetts Ave. (Photo by Michelle Pemberton)"
"Sarah Notton isn't much for church. When she does go, she often attends Lockerbie Central Methodist Church Downtown. It was there that Notton met several homeless individuals who had been sleeping at the Wheeler Mission. It wasn't long before three of those individuals were living in Notton's home, with her and her husband."
"Indiana Wesleyan researcher and professional church consultant Bob Whitesel spent five years visiting young congregations all over the United States and England. His research culminated in the book "Inside the Organic Church" (Whitesel prefers the term "organic" to "emerging"), which details traits shared by churches that successfully connect with young people. Whitesel calls these traits "melodies." Here, Whitesel explains the characteristics of each melody..."
But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe. Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So thelaw was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:22-29 NIV
Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, "Who is the LORD?" Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Proverbs 30:7-9 NIV
"One man stands in the way of his own flock (not to mention an entire state of voters) on an historic moral issue and they're starting to rise up. Indiana House Democrats and Republicans are reaching across the isle to show that the marriage protection amendment, SJR 7, is not a partisan issue and should be given its due.
Yesterday a bipartisan group of Indiana House members called a press conference to urge Speaker Bauer (D-South Bend) and Representative Scott Pelath (D-Michigan City) to let SJR 7 be heard and voted on. Fifty-five Representatives signed a paper in support of allowing SJR 7 due process, rather than the block that these two men have held on it all session...."
What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God - through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Romans 7:24-25 NIV
[from article at IndyStar.com and radio interview at WIBC]
The overwhelming public response to the brutal slayings of two women and their children in their Hovey Street home last month is not often seen in Indianapolis, police say.
Though hundreds of people came forward with tips and other information that helped police arrest five suspects within a week, police cite lack of cooperation by witnesses as one of the key barriers to solving homicides. Police and community leaders hope the unity shown in the wake of the slayings will mark a turning point for Indianapolis and inspire residents to overcome fears of retaliation, being marked as "snitches" and distrust of police to fight drugs and violent crime.
"Even with the fears, they still came forward," said Shirley Purvitis, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's citywide Crimewatch coordinator. "The community has now banded together because something bad happened. Now let's turn it into something."
At least one civic leader hopes to capitalize on the momentum from the Hovey Street slayings and develop a united front against crime.
The Rev. Malachi Walker runs an outreach program called Young Men Inc. out of Great Commission Church of God, 3302 N. Arsenal Ave., just a few blocks from where the Hovey Street slayings occurred. He said he wants to organize people in his neighborhood to survey residents of eight blocks on Ralston, Hovey and Arsenal streets.
The goal, Walker said, would be to recruit members of churches, neighborhood groups and concerned citizens to participate in Crimewatch programs, find abandoned homes, and identify senior citizens and others who might need a neighborly hand.
"We have to be proactive in this. I think we've been reactive way too long," Walker said.
FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Getting married just got more complicated for couples in the Fort Wayne area.
Clergy from 37 churches in the region signed an agreement Friday to require couples to undergo counseling and take other steps aimed at increasing the chances of lifelong marriages and stable families. The pact was developed by Healthy Marriages of Allen County.
But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." John 8:1-11 NIV
"The session opened with the video clip that shows lots of different pictures of students and leaders. It was really moving to see the way people chose to express how they felt when they sensed that God wasn't present in their lives.
Dave started his talk out with a video clip from Bruce Almighty that tied in perfectly with..."
The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread, and he will be a sanctuary; but for both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare. Many of them will stumble; they will fall and be broken, they will be ared and captured. Bind up the testimony and seal up the law among my disciples. I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in him. Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion.
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
The Multiplying Church, by Bob Roberts, Glocal.Net
"Bob explains what the church should look like when it fulfills the biblical mission of reaching the people of the world for Christ. When the church lives out its mission, it will be founded on the Gospel, evidence true discipleship, positively impact society, and become the body of Christ in whatever cultural context it develops. Ministry will be done. Jesus will be worshipped as supreme above all else. People will be prepped for the Feast of the Land.
Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he "has put everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 NIV
"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be theirGod, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." Jeremiah 31:33-34 NIV
ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT In WWII, an advisor to Churchill organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped.A group of people are organizing the same thing here in America. If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens and for peace in the world. Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Psalms 51:1-13 NIV
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Luke 6:27-30 NIV
The other day I was talking with a local pastor. He was lamenting about the limitations of his church building and the exterior presence it has to the community. A facility he inherited, and believed it was serving as a barrier to what he would like the church to be. With great passion though he talked about how many great people at the core of the church; serving, giving, and experiencing community.
As I was reflecting on our talk a couple days later, it dawned on me their issue isn’t the facility. I mean, clearly it is what it is, but I came to the conclusion that isn’t the real issue at all. The issue isn’t the facility, but that the physical structure has become for their church the primary face in their community.
And that has had me wrestling with this over the past few days: Why would we ever allow a physical structure to be the primary face of our church in our community?
Whether the facility is old and outdated for the types of people in the local community or just experienced a multi-million dollar make over, isn’t the issue the same? And I am not an anti-facility type leader. Missional leaders develop facilities as tools, lighthouses, and training grounds to mobilize disciple making around the world. And in doing so, it is a beautiful thing.
And many of us as leaders for Jesus believe that the church is the people. We can quote a great deal of verses on proper ecclesiology and have read a great deal of books from researchers like Dr. Thom Rainer, Christian Schwarz, etc. All very essential, but we often end up acting as if the primary face of Jesus in the community is a physical structure and not the stories of lives changed by the Gospel of God’s grace.
And I believe that one of our challenges as called leaders to influence and impact Indy in such a time as this is to reject any system that forces our hand to establish a facility as the primary face in the community of the Body of Christ. And in so doing limit God’s presence and Kingdom to a building while missing the point of his Body to be the living expressions for the beauty of the local church.
The true face of the local church that will preach a better sermon than most of us preach and fills the gap of any facility in the hearts of those lost in darkness are the people whom encountered Jesus and living it out. We must become the primary “face” to our neighbors of God’s local church.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
"Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother." Mark 3:33-35 NIV
Of all of the Indy Scoreboard measurables, the one that resonates with me the most currently is Operation Timothy and the committment within to build leaders. Though I resonate with the heart to reclaim surrendered grounds, from my view I believe the organized church continues to face a leadership crisis. On that note, I would like to simply reflect "outloud" questions that I've been wrestling with for a good while.
How many churches do we know that pride themselves, or at least have mission statements that proclaim a committment to make disciples, but lack leaders for the most elementary functions within the church much less expanding the influence and impact in the city?
In watching the Mel Gibson movie, "We We're Soldiers" again this evening spoke to this reality we face. At one point Mel Gibson looks to his right hand man in the middle of the battle and asks, "At what point did General Custer realize he had taken his men to a slaughter?"
The hard and pressing reality in our commission to reach Indy is that to often our churches are generating leaders unequipped for the world that we live in. Leaders given a "calling" but get lost in culture. A good many of us have realized preperation for leadership doesn't soley rest in a training period, and that many Bible college grads land in their mission field, domestic or foreign, unable to influence people even their own age. And not for lack of love for God and their neighbor.
The majority of christian pastors and leaders do not lack a vision for what they believe God could do in their community. The question that we are forced to wrestle with is how will we create a culture of leadership development in the local church that matches the huge visions that God has given many us? What will the organized church do to position itself to make disciples equipped to influence culture and community?
The dreamer will dream. The planner will plan. But, will we stay committed to finding the answers to tough questions in order to raise up a generation of leaders to lead? And as Billy Graham said best, "Every generation is important. Every generation is strategic."
I certainly don't proclaim to know the answers to most of the questions, but maintain a committment to the journey of searching them out. However, if we are truly called to live as if Jesus could return tommorow, we should do more than ask the questions.
Thanks Scott and Brad for the neat badges today, for BarCamp Indy 2008. And thanks for making 'em available via Flickr -- it gave me a good seque to send folks to see all the photos taken today and pooled at Flickr by simply TAGGING their items... 'barcampindy2008'.
Here's my favorite...
"Despite all our toys, some techs still get bored. Next!" [Ah, man. And with coffee so close by!]
[Alex, thanks! Another 'award' should have been given for BarCamp photo of the day!]
Brad Williams is SnapFoo moblogging today's BarCamp Indy 2008. If you don't understand that, you're among 99% of us... but just to say, it's the foo-ture. Check it out.
Welcome. It's an 'unconference'. It's unconventional. It's unexpensive. We ARE the presenters. We make our own rules. And we pay ourselves -- ie, it's FREE!
And it's all about LEARNING from each other... about TECHNOLOGIES. We have short presentations, each followed by intense fast-paced discussion.
And it's about trying something different -- practicing our flexibility, to enhance our ability to 'innovate'.
You'll see there, for instance, that we're STREAMING LIVE TODAY... and we plan to archive videos from today's presentations.
And everyone who's blogging, photo-blogging, video'ing, etc.... is tagging their items as 'BARCAMPINDY'. Check out who's doing what!
*****************
IndyChristian Ed.Note: Me personally? I'm blogging & tagging things a number of places.... but actually taking notes in our 'Ask Anything Saturday' wiki as SHOW-NOTES for today's internet-tv broadcast.
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalms 42:1-2 NIV
How Your Public Relations Image Affects Your Church
By Ed Delph
http://www.nationstrategy.com
(This article appeared in the Sept/Oct 2006 issue of Ministry Today magazine)
Let me set a stage for you. You go into a restaurant. As you walk in you notice the premises are messy, the tables are full of old dirty dishes and no one is there to seat you. Finally, you are seated by an employee who is ‘attitude challenged’ and wants the whole world to know about it. As you look at the menu you are shocked by the prices. Reluctantly, you order the overpriced food which takes forever to arrive at your table. The food is terrible. As you leave the restaurant, you find out from one of the locals that the restaurant changes owners faster than it changes employees. Now, you might be saying, “that’s where I eat!” Seriously, most of us would not go back to that restaurant unless it is the only restaurant in town. Many of us would not eat out at all!
Just think of the public relations image of this restaurant in the community. It doesn’t take long for the community to get their opinion out on a restaurant like that. Its public relations image will determine its destiny.
Here’s the principle. What takes place in the community eventually becomes known in the community. It doesn’t matter if it’s a business, church, school or a mayor. [continued at Blews.Network]
He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son." Revelation 21:6-7 NIV
Nearly 8,000 Hoosiers have signed a petition demanding an Indiana House hearing on a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, according to a news release Wednesday by the American Family Association of Indiana.
T4G... 'Together For the Gospel' 2008 Conference...
[from T4G.org...]
It's been a busy two years, but registration for T4G 2008 will close (DV) in less than 50 days. We've tried to get a much larger venue than last time so that EVERYBODY that wants to come can come. It's still going to be aimed at pastors and church leaders, and structured like last time. New books to give away (which won't be announced until you get them--we gotta have a little mystery!!!).
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." James 4:13-15 NIV
For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 1 Corinthians 15:53-55 NIV
There are countless ways to get into the game with Social Media, but sometimes, we get hung up on evaluating tools and thinking about which are the best for the job. We go further into thinking about the variety of tools and why we’d use which ones for what, and then, next thing you know, the day’s over and nothing’s been done. Here are a few sample tools and what they can be used for, and from there, maybe some new ideas will spread.
IndyChristian Ed. Note: Here in Indianapolis, a number of us volunteer at the Unleavened Bread Cafe every Saturday (10am) and enjoy helping folks learn these great new, free & easy tools among any who would come. You're all welcome. We call the program "Ask Anything Saturday"... from which has now come "Ask Anything Saturday TV", now seen weekly among the new shows in our new Blews.TV shows in the sidebar at right.
And consider joining us this Saturday for a very special event... 'BarCamp Indy 2008'... a fast-paced 'unConference'... in which we all learn from each other. It's not a 'Christian' event, but certainly one in which believers can learn more about these new tools. And the unconference cost is FREE. Just bring some money to buy food at the cafe.
Pastor Les Puryear provides this insightful interview in advance of the SBC convention in Indianapolis this summer...
Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., current president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a candidate for the SBC presidency in Indianapolis, IN in June, has graciously granted my request for an interview. This interview was conducted by telephone on Thursday, January 31, 2008. Many thanks to Dr. Mohler for making time for me in his busy schedule.
The interview as follows is a verbatim account of my questions and Dr. Mohler's responses. I have taken the liberty of abbreviating "Southern Baptist Convention" as "SBC."
Question: The past two presidents of the SBC have had certain emphases that distinguished their presidencies. Dr. Welch emphasized evangelism and Dr. Page has been emphasizing unity and praying for revival. What will be the main emphasis of your presidency?
Dr. Mohler's Response: Well I don't want to be presumptuous but if Southern Baptists should elect me then I would focus on two main issues as my theme, that would be...
IndyStar: Governor should just say no to more gambling
[from the editorial staff of the Indianapolis Star...]
Lawmakers were first led astray years ago by the enticements of a lottery. Then came riverboat casinos. And dockside gambling. And the French Lick casino. And slot machines at horse tracks. And pull tabs at American Legion halls....
Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Isaiah 46:8-10 NIV
Barna: Born-again voters no longer favor Republicans
...But 'Evangelicals' (mostly) continue.
One of the most reliable constituencies of the Republican Party in recent years has been born again Christians. Our latest national survey of likely voters, however, shows that the Republican Party has lost the allegiance of many born again voters. The November election is truly up for grabs - and if the election were held today, most born again voters would...
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"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..." (Philippians
2)
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