We just had a lock-in Friday from 10pm to 7 am...rested a little then to the church Saturday at 3pm to prep 1200 shoes to be distributed in and around the church on Sunday. Early....6am Sunday Morning a group of young people completed a task that at times we were not sure we could pull off but they knew they would do whatever they needed to get the job done. With support from the Pastor Moore, youth advisors.., Northside, St. Florian Center..and the community they did it.
We displayed the shoes., they incorporated a video that was shown during both services then after church we collected shoes to be distributed to Goodwill, Salvation Army and our missionary outreach in Nigeria...but somthing really cool happen. People in the neighborhood were able to take shoes. One young lady with Y-TASK (youth ministry of Northside) said Sis. D..I feel really good about helping someone else..she said that after helping a gentleman walking down the street get a couple pair of tennis for himself. So beyond Project 1200, an opportunity for young people to know they CAN make a difference.
Enjoy the video coverage from channel 8 (http://www.wishtv.com/) but be sure to look at the comments posted..you maybe surprised..we have so much work to do for the Kingdom!
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place. 1 Chronicles 16:25-27 NIV
Most Americans get married at some point in their life: just one out of five adults (22%) has never been married. Among those who have said their wedding vows, one out of three have been divorced at least once, according to a new study from The Barna Group.
Marriage Is the Norm
In addition to finding that four out of every five adults (78%) have been married at least once, the Barna study revealed that an even higher proportion of born again Christians (84%) tie the knot. That eclipses the proportion among people aligned with non-Christian faiths (74%) and among atheists and agnostics (65%).
Divorce Is Widespread
Among adults who have been married, the study discovered that one-third (33%) have experienced at least one divorce. That means that among all Americans 18 years of age or older, whether they have been married or not, 25% have gone through a marital split.
The study showed that the percentage of adults who have been married and divorced varies from segment to segment. For instance, the groups with the most prolific experience of marriage ending in divorce are downscale adults (39%), Baby Boomers (38%), those aligned with a non-Christian faith (38%), African-Americans (36%), and people who consider themselves to be liberal on social and political matters (37%).
Among the population segments with the lowest likelihood of having been divorced subsequent to marriage are Catholics (28%), evangelicals (26%), upscale adults (22%), Asians (20%) and those who deem themselves to be conservative on social and political matters (28%).
IndyChristian Ed. Note: We can hope this will now officially put an end to the well traveled 'evangelical meme'. But Barna's new format -- comparing only the marrieds this time (duh) -- still focuses on the 'ever-divorced' statistic... which of course goes up with age (much like an 'ever-had-cancer' statistic). Thus differences in average-age between the various groups cited above, are still unaccounted-for. That is, if evangelicals tend to be older than non-evangelicals -- and evidence suggests they are -- then naturally they'll fare worse in an age-biased metric. Moreover, the study still doesn't address duration of the marriages. Evidence suggests evangelical marriages tend to last longer as well. Thus if Barna were to instead measure the divorce-rate as an annualized metric -- ie, did-you-get-a-divorce-this-year -- evangelicals would conceivably show a very large distinction from the non-evangelical divorce-rate. And of course, the study doesn't even begin to address 'live-in & break-up' situations. Rather, it only includes those who actually tie the marital knot... again, more likely to be evangelical than non-evangelical.
Gotta love the cafe, especially on Saturday mornings.
[Also see what comes from connecting great hearts & minds -- see Scott Wilder's video from Saturday... doing outreach in the neighborhood near the cafe.]
If you've not been there and had YOUR photo taken 'at the banner', every Saturday's a new opportunity... 10am til noon.
"I always conjure up imagery from WWII footage of beach landings when I think of the spiritual battle that rages on when the saints work to take ground in a neighborhood, town, or city. The marines dare not land their craft before until many, many hours of bombardment from both the big guns and fighter/bombers.
Yet, eager and enthusiastic Christians want to rush in and just share with everyone, without consideration to the fact that the battle rages on in the heavenlies, and that salvation is a spiritual transaction, not an intellectual one. Foot soldiers for Christ should remember that the beaches need softening, that hearts need to be prepared, strongholds torn down, doors opened—all BEFORE you knock on the door. This is done through PRAYER!
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
OK..Part 1 is down...Part 2 to go... Enjoy a few pictures from Friday Nights lock in....Big shout out to Northside New Era Y-TASK (Youth Taking A Stand for the King) Brian Carter Bloodwash Productions) you better ask somebody!!! and Overcoming Church , Mike P Hot 96.3, Eastern Star, True Vine, Little Bethel, New Baptist, New Bethel, New Beginings, Tab, Emmanuel, Christ Missionary, First Christian, Christ Emmanuel, Friendship, Greater Gethsemane, New Zion Tabnernacle, Sanders Temple, Pilgrim Baptist, Pleasant Union, St. Luke, Mt. Moriah, Olivet Missonary Baptist Church, New Life, Berean Bible Church, Friendship, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Living Word,Sports of All Sports Staff...and K-Drama who is the truth!!! The evening was full fellowship..teachable moments bumps and scraps..laughs..pray and praise.
At Northside New Era part of our Mission Statement says we exist to be a "voice in the community". I am thankful that the Lord has allowed their voices to be heard via Project 1200. A special thank you to the St. Florian and its partners and to all of you that prayed and contributed to our efforts....
Tomorrow if you are on the west side..around 6am you will see several youth placing 1200 shoes around Northside New Era Baptist Church 517 W. 30th Street. 1200 shoes representing the number of deaths in America everyday due to tobacco related illnesses. I pray these young people will never forget this day and remember to keep Christ first in everything they do.
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:28-30 NIV
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV
As many of you already know Y-TASK the youth ministry of Northside New Era is on a quest to obtain used shoes. 1200 pairs of used shoes..any kind, any condition, any size, any color...used shoes ..flip flops, boots, baby shoes, dress shoes, tennis shoes, tap shoes, bowling shoes, wrestling shoes...shoes.
You can read this and go about your day ...but I pray you will act upon this and help us with this goal. Please gather what you have and drop the shoes off Thursday (anytime during the day..up until 7:30 pm or Friday no later than 2pm).. we are located 517 W. 30th Street (phone number 923-5644)
I pray you will be moved( smile....quickly..time is running out) to help us with this project..we are trying to be a conscience in the community and your efforts will help these young people.
Minister Dian Foreman Youth Ministry Director Northside New Era Missionary Baptist Church "Stretching to Serve" 317-408-3821-cell
O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation; rescue me from deceitful and wicked men. You are God my stronghold. Why have you rejected me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy? Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalms 43:1-5 NIV
[IndyChristian Ed. Note... Here's a cut/paste of an email received from our friend Marc Carrier just south of Indy. He writes... "Just started a new house church in town, 3 saved and baptized first night—my next door neighbors. I like your philosophy—closest church in town is the one I’ll attend. Can’t get closer than that!" And here's Marc's blog below...]
"Last week I talked about the success of getting two folks from the neighborhood to attend a bible study/fellowship time in our home. Today was the icing on the cake. Not only did I share the entire Gospel with them, they prayed to receive Christ here in our living room with my entire family and some friends listening in and praying on. Then..."
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: "They will all be taught by God". Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. John 6:44-45 NIV
On Saturday, April 26th the body of Christ in Indiana is invited join at the Indiana Supreme Court from 9am-4pm, for a day of prayer and fasting called, "The Mercy Seat". For more information, visitwww.bound4life.com. Churches, families, individuals, etc. visit this website and click on "The Mercy Seat" to register.
About Bound 4 Life
After 50 days of round-the-clock corporate prayer and fasting for the 2004 elections, a group of prayer warriors — young and old alike — packed up their sleeping bags and headed to Washington, DC filled with purpose and confidence that prayer can change the course of a nation.
For 31 days they stood at the United States Supreme Court with the word “LIFE” written raw on a piece of red tape that covered their mouths. Their silent prayers rose day after day to the Court that’s higher than the highest court in the land–??31 days for 31 years of legalized abortion in America.?? What was birthed during that time of intercession has gone on to impact the entire nation in a very short period of time.
If you go to the Supreme Court today, you will find a company still there. Through rain, blizzards and scorching heat they have never abandoned the siege. They are there until the Judges reverse the decree of death.
Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:3-4 NIV
I am a first time blogger so I will blog what I know best and that is about kids. To know me is to know that the I love the Lord, my family and my extended family which goes beyond color, economic/social background.
When we see the obstacles that our youth today face..its an opportunity for God to reveal himself in a mighty way. We can not be moved by their circumstances but we must be moved by the Great Commission.
Remember to keep your first love....(Christ)..your first love. Well..with all that being said..I hope you will join us on Friday night at Sports of all Sorts from 10pm to 7 am. The evening will be full of surprises! Teens ages 13-18 and costs $15.00 per person (pay at the door). Oh by the way..Christian recording artist K-Drama will join us for a late night concert. If you have questions...email me at dcell5@yahoo.com ....opps did I mention shoes?? Well I am on a quest to collect 1200 used shoes for a project for our youth group ...that's right 1200 pairs of shoes...used shoes..flip flops, baby shoes, tennis shoes, boots, dress shoes, shoes, shoes shoes...used shoes uh huh 1200 pairs of shoes by Wednesday March 26th...drop off at Northside New Era Baptist Church 517 W. 30th Street or email me dcell5@yahoo.com
Last thought...today as I was riding in the car I looked to my right and I saw a 18 year old young man...he is our oldest and graduates May 17th. I feel a sense of urgency, questioning have I told him this..did I tell him about that... I wish he would just....then I paused........... He's saved. He has a personal relationship with the Lord...what more can I ask for?
Lord thank you for today...and that today took care of its self.
Christ Community Church of Lamong is reaching out to Indianapolis' inner city. Join us in helping to get some houses cleaned up. We're meeting at the UB Cafe at 9:00 am.
The UB Cafe's own Scott Wilder gives a presentation at a Men's Breakfast about being the men of the church. Scott is available as a Worship Leader and Speaker. Email him scott [at] scottwilderweb [dot] com
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. Philippians 2:14-15 NIV
Don't forget that Dinesh D'Souza will be at Crossroads Bible College tonight at 6PM.
Crossroads Bible College 601 N Shortridge Rd Indianapolis, IN 46219
Dinesh D'Souza’s new book, What's So Great About Christianity, is published by Regnery. It is the comprehensive answer to a spate of atheist books denouncing theism in general and Christianity in particular.
D'Souza has been called one of the "top young public-policy makers in the country" by Investor’s Business Daily. The New York Times Magazine named him one of America's most influential conservative thinkers...
On this Easter Sunday, when many who normally avoid church may feel compelled to make an appearance, churches are adding worship services and special programs to accommodate the surge.
But there is mounting evidence that they have a bigger challenge in front of them: reaching out to a world that is increasingly willing to stay home.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 NIV
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. Isaiah 53:7-10 NIV
"There are many who think that large churches simply cannot be missional. To be fair, I think it is more difficult at a mega church. Large churches can and do struggle with the tendency to turn inward. Having "much" makes it harder to focus on the mission because it requires so much energy to maintain the system. In other words, the more you have, the more you must focus on keeping "it" going.
But, ultimately, I think the mission of God must not just be "owned" by the new or small church. It must also be owned by mega churches, contemporary churches, traditional churches, etc. It’s a big mission and we need all hands on deck to join God in that mission.
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." 1 Peter 3:8-12 NIV
[Enjoyed Tom's recap of Phil's presentation -- thanks! For instance... ]
"Pastor Phil acknowledged that our lists contain many “good” things to pray about, however, he asked an important question about our lists: If God answered all the prayer requests on our lists, would it make a difference in our communities? Of course, we would all rejoice at healed bodies and comforted hearts, but would God’s purposes for our world be fulfilled?"
Go to many black churches around Indianapolis on any given Sunday, local pastors say, and there is a good chance you can hear some of the same critical views of America as those expressed by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, former pastor to presidential hopeful Barack Obama.
Few will curse from the pulpit and shout that God should damn America for its various injustices, as Wright has done. But they say the crux of the message that America is still fraught with racism and social injustice is a common refrain.
"In my world, I interact with a lot of individuals who have strong misgivings about America," said the Rev. Charles Ware, a pastor and president of Crossroads Bible College on the Eastside. "That anger with oppression in American society is there. It is preached."
In the wake of the controversy over his pastor's remarks, Obama delivered a lengthy address Tuesday that went far beyond Wright's comments -- which he called "not only wrong but divisive" -- to include his views on the larger issue of racial divisions in America. And Obama made the case that his home church embodies the black community in its entirety, flaws and all.
Perhaps this controversy is God-sent... 'for such a time as this'. Has there ever been such a compellingly obvious case made for the need for the Church of Jesus Christ to be truly 'multicultural'?
When you go to your (not) 'local' church this Sunday on Easter, look around. Take a good look around. Look deeper than you've ever looked before. Is YOUR church a reflection of what Christ intended for His Church? And if not, does your church have a publically-stated commitment to BECOME what Jesus describes in John 17...
"that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
And btw, even if your church isn't that bold, what is YOUR personal commitment to the multicultural unity of the body of Christ? What are you doing about it? If we do the same things we've always done, we'll get the same results we see today... Sunday mornings being the most segregated time of the week. And if so, do not expect to hear Jesus say "Well done."
If you have no idea WHAT to do to make a difference, drop me line. Or read a book ("Divided By Faith") that'll open your eyes to a better way of understanding scripture.
Via Dolorosa: The Way of the Cross, The Choice To Be Made
During this time of year I find myself re-watching a number of films: Gibson's The Passion, Wyler's Ben Hur (written by one of Indiana's own authors, Major Lew Wallace), Stevens' The Greatest Story Ever Told. What must it have been like to have been there, I silently ask myself during each viewing, back there during those days leading up to the trial and then that awful walk up to Calvary? What would I have been doing, thinking? Would I have understood what Jesus' disciples were saying about this resurrection: "He is risen!" What choice would I have made after seeing the Via Dolorosa that day so long ago and hearing about the death of the man called Jesus? Could it make sense to me to believe that forgiveness could come from someone taking my place and yet I would still have to die? Could it really mean that out of death could come a resurrection?
It has been said that the greatest of leaders are the ones who are willing to do first what they would ask others to do. And yet this one, this Jesus, has done more. He comes to us and lives a life that none of us has yet been able to live, a perfect, sinless life. And then he exposes himself to the consequences of all of our fallen humanity: the ugliness of our sin, everything we try so desperately to cover up about ourselves and in front of each other.
But Jesus conquers this for us and lets it be nailed through His body to a cross. In effect, he says from the cross: "I have done this for you first even though I did not need to for myself in order that you will know how much I love you. Now I will give you strength to face up to this truth about yourself so that you can no longer be as "dead" in your sins but be considered as really living!" To face our own sins as naked as He was on that cross, to face ourselves and acknowledge what we are in order to be forgiven is one thing. To accept a life that picks up its own cross after having been forgiven is quite another choice. Yet that is the path to what is the new life now: a transformation of our heart and of our spirit. It is the narrow road that few take to see what God has made new for us in the new life that is to come. But to get there, the opposite must come to pass: loss before gain, death before resurrection. The only analogy that seems to say it best is one that speaks of how we are fed and live now: the burial of a seed in the ground is the only way to produce what will sustain life. This is what Jesus first did for us through His death and Resurrection.
This is my choice. It is your choice. Read More...
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25 NIV
Our set up crew will be arriving at Lockerbie United Methodist 237 North East St Indianapolis (corner of New York and East) Saturday March 22nd 10am we will begin serving around 11am and begin clean up around 1pm. We could use help with any or all of these. We also need food donations of baked hams, desserts, green beans, corn, instant mashed potatoes and dinner rolls. Please forward this to anyone that might help and ask them to contact me so we can have an accurate count of volunteers and know how much of each food item is being donated. Monetary donations are also accepted.
While I was still leaving in the Philippines, every time I get back home from the church, my mother would always ask “What was the sermon all about?” So I made it a habit to listen carefully to the Preacher every Sunday. However, no matter how carefully I listen, I would forget most of the sermon.
Twenty years later, I found out that nothing was wrong with me. Researchers found out that after the church service, most of the message is forgotten by the time the people reached their vehicles. What happens when they reached their house and after they watched American Idol?
We have heard from many speakers, “If you take away just one idea from my message, remember this one thing…” Even the speaker knows that the audience forgets most of what he says!
Although Jesus taught with different styles such mentoring small groups, parables, visual aids, strategic questions, His primary discipleship method is the “Experiential Model”. His disciples experienced life with him because He let them do the “stuff.”
One day, Jesus was invited to a wedding but the wine ran out. Jesus told the servants to fill the jars with water. Then, He told them to draw water from the jar to take it to the master of the banquet. It turned into wine! How would you feel if you were one of those who filled the jars with water?
On another occasion, again Jesus involved His disciples in multiplying the five loaves of bread and two fish to feed the 5000+ people.
I do not know about you, but if I was one of those people who experienced the teachings of Jesus and was involved in His works, I would never forget it. God wants to involve people to accomplish His works on earth.
Don’t just learn it (the Bible); Experience it! Don’t just ask for a miracle, be the miracle. Get involved in what God is doing in your community and He will take you for a wild ride!
Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 2 Timothy 2:23-25 NIV
"I always wanted the biggest box of crayons. It was always a really cool thing to have. But as I think about it now, someone that ____________________, could have changed my life."
And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 10:12 NIV
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
"Btw. for the non british among you… an ‘asbo’ is an ‘anti-social behaviour order’… the courts here award them to people who are deemed to be constant trouble in their neighbourhoods… presumably according to their neighbours!"
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalms 19:7-11 NIV
The Director of Children’s Ministry has primary leadership responsibility for all ministry to children ages birth through 5th grade at ZPC. As the leader of the Children’s Ministry Team, the DCM supervises other Children’s Ministry staff members and develops their skills so they can be “leaders of leaders,” leading volunteers who in turn develop teams that provide the capacity for ministry to hundreds of children. The ultimate purpose is to partner with parents to welcome, equip, and send children to live out ZPC’s mission to “be disciples who make disciples” in an age-appropriate manner and to disciple the volunteers in the process
IndyChristian Ed. Note: Maybe even take a little more time, and begin to write out what you really believe about all this. Here's my attempt. Try it yourself and share your experience with us.
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 meeting starts at noon (til 1:59pm). You're welcome to bring a sack lunch or stop by McD's on the way. The VICM facility offers free wireless internet -- so bring your laptop, and we'll be adding some of what we learn directly onto the citywide wiki currently being compiled.
During the meeting, we'll be continuing our series of webcam interviews with national leaders involved in various types of cityreaching ministries. This month we'll be talking with...
Noel Castellanos CCDA Exec. Director
Juanita Irizarry Institute Director
We'll also be blessing this ministry as we come... hopefully with some (nice) household items they can add to their 'Victory Village Shoppe'....
So quick look around your home and bring something that could benefit someone else...
...and come be with us as together we explore 'next steps' in reaching our city for Christ.
A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders Labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to those he loves. Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. Psalms 127:1-5 NIV
Here's a brief video-clip to introduce you to Phill Butler, author of "Well Connected"... and a dozen short video-clips to help you build PARTNERSHIP in your cityreaching venture...
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, "He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him." Hebrews 10:35-38 NIV
Church can be a crazy little club. Think about it. Many clubs are organized around a shared interest. Sports, quilting, ceramics and computers are just a few of the examples that immediately pop into my mind. People gather together to share with one another the passion they have for the craziest things. Some people even pay money to gather with other like minded people. A health club is essentially a place you pay a membership fee to exercise in the company of others who are as serious about fitness as you are.
The modern church in America is very much club like. We gather together throughout the week to spend time with others who are also on board with this whole Jesus-movement-church-club-thing. The more I think about it; the more club-like the church seems to be to me. And I don’t mean that in the warm, fuzzy kum bay jah sort of way.
You see; clubs tend to be very loose collection of people. While people may know one another in a club; they rarely “Do Life” together. How many people at your...
IndyChristian Ed. Note.... Consider helping formulate an answer to the dilemma Scott presents, re 'teamwork'. After all, isn't his question near the very heart of the Great/Whole Commission here in our city, on our watch?
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17 NIV
(INDIANAPOLIS) — Sixty-six Hoosier companies were designated as a "Best Place to Work in Indiana" for their ability to create a strong workplace culture in which employees feel valued. The program, in its third year, is managed by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and presented in partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
The program honors the top companies in the state, as determined through employer reports and comprehensive employee surveys. Winners were...
Opinion: An economy of scale to pursue edication & discernment
[IndyChristian Ed. Note... While many of us have known Englewood Christian Church, this column below by Beth Newman seems to well enunciate a deeper level of understanding about them and why it's important as we head more & more toward the genuinely-local Church model...]
Opinion: An economy of scale to pursue edification, discernment By Beth Newman
I recently had the privilege of enjoying the hospitality of the Englewood Christian Church of Indianapolis. This congregation isn’t as well known as Saddleback, nor has its pastor (Michael Bowling) ever been interviewed by Larry King, but its story is as exciting as any told by Joel Osteen.
Even a partial list of the community projects supported by Englewood is remarkable: a lawn care business, bookkeeping and PC-repair services, and a bookstore with on-line ordering capability. All of these benefit neighbors in the streets around the church. The church’s largest area of outreach has been in the housing sector, where it has helped more than 25 householders become homeowners in their neighborhood.
What makes this story particularly impressive is not just what the church is doing but how it got into the position to make it all possible. Englewood’s history over the past 100 years is in many ways the case history for mainline Protestantism: once one of the largest churches in Indiana until “urbanization” led to a loss of members, it faced a struggle to survive financial and numerical freefall. I won’t recount the full story (it’s available on the church website) but I do wish to lift up for consideration the three Scriptural convictions that guided their path to renewal and dialogue...
Mayor Greg Ballard's administration plans to develop a strategy to address the thousands of abandoned houses in Indianapolis, including hiring someone to spearhead the effort.
The plan will be broader than a proposed Indianapolis Housing Agency initiative to shore up neighborhoods marred by abandoned houses, said Olgen Williams, deputy mayor for neighborhoods, but it could include the initiative as an element of its plan. It would be the first neighborhood turnaround plan launched by Ballard...
Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath. Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. Psalms 39:4-6 NIV
Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Luke 9:61-62 NIV
Reid Carpenter... On Upcoming Mission America Call
[from Blews.Network...]
Reid Carpenter, President of Leadership Foundation of America, will be our guest for the March 20th CityReaching Conference Call at 11 a.m. Eastern. Reid was named by many at the 2007 City Impact Roundtable as the most helpful and effective presenter. Reid has served as president of Leadership Foundations of America (LFA) since 2001. With almost 45 years of experience in community-based ministry and management, he leads and directs the mission of LFA to “Connect Leaders, Change Lives, Transform Cities.”
Church leaders have identified a serious need for Bibles in Africa. Go to www.yourbiblesaves.com to learn where to donate yours- if you have extras. You can also donate money online via the website. For $2, you can send a new Bible....
Franklin College faculty member named to Journalism Hall of Fame
From Russ Jones, Publisher The Chronicle Christian Newspaper...
FRANKLIN, Ind. – Franklin College coordinating director of visual communications, Dennis Cripe, was named as a 2008 inductee into the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame.
“I think an award such as this one validates all journalism teachers who work hard every day to make a difference in the lives of their students,” Cripe said. “I’m glad to be a part of a profession that helps students to be effective communicators and effective leaders.”
Cripe received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in journalism from Ball State University.
Homeschooling legal challenge in California--get involved
If you haven't yet heard about it yet, there was a ruling last week that makes homeschooling illegal in California. The case involved a family that had long history of issues with their children, so the courts ruled that they were not permitted to homeschool their children anymore. The issue for ALL California homeschooling families is that this ruling sets precedent and applies to ALL in homeschoolers in the state.
I urge you to learn the details and sign the petition at Home School Legal Defenseright away. HSLDA is working hard to "unpublish" the case--making it only applicable to those involved in the case (and not all California homeschoolers). The ruling is also being appealed. This case is extremely important for the rights of parents, Christians, and homeschoolers. Get involved, and of course, pray.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:1-4 NIV
Author/debater, Dinesh D'Souza will be hosted at Crossroads Bible College, Monday, March 24th at 6pm. For more information, call 352-8736.
If you're not yet familiar with D'Souza, here's a video interview at CBN...
********************* Here's a commentary this week at AOL News Online...
Obama's Non Sequitur By Dinesh D'Souza
"Barack Obama has some genuine strengths: He is good looking, he is unusually serene for a man so young, and he seems decent and straight-talking for a politician. Also he is a man comfortable in his own skin, which is refreshing coming after people like Bill Clinton and Al Gore who are still "growing up" in their fifties.Obama's weakness is that he is inexperienced. This shows in his numerous naive and inane statements which I will be blogging about in the months to come. But what intrigues me is Obama's insinuation that experience doesn't matter.
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong … (Stephen Stills, “For What It’s Worth,” Buffalo Springfield, 1967)
There is a philosophical sucker’s trap into which Christians occasionally stumble. It goes something like this:
“If you think Jesus is the one, true and only way to salvation, then you are saying everybody else is wrong. That’s selfish to think that way, and Jesus wasn’t selfish.”
Therefore … what? Jesus is wrong? Truth doesn’t exist?
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:7-9 NIV
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:4-7 NIV
Let us be straight: Christians are not ideal people. We are not trying to live an ideal. We are, though, called to live a different way from both the inside and the outside apart from this world. We are called to live the Christian life. But how?
It is a very easy thing to mirror the "right" behavior, if we try very hard enough (and certain people do every day) in order to "fit in" with a group or "impress" a person. And if we do, we may feel we have accomplished a lot. We may even get so good at it, we can appear never to make a mistake. Our fellows will think we are just the right sort and give us their approval. Even the world will do this, if our behavior is to their benefit. But this "behavior" can never be maintained in the same place for very long and apart from that, it encourages a certain arrogant self-reliance and prideful independence. But the reality is that everyone eventually will come to a place inside him or herself or outside with another and they will collide.(1) That collision will produce trouble and make our lives and the lives of others very hard and difficult. Jesus warned of this. (John 16:33) So what is expected of the Christian? What are we here to do? [Read More ]
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
Mayor Greg Ballard's crime-fighting plan includes an array of strategies aimed at hammering criminals, but he also wants to help ex-offenders seeking to turn their lives around.
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:25-26 NIV
We were gifted with a new little video camcorder this week which now will allow us to start the video training we've been wanting to do.
And how cool it was, to be able to let today's young 'trainees' follow some pros who were in the house today. "Just watch what these guys do, and do what they do."
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
There was certainly a wide variety of folks in the cafe today...
____________ and their girls came all the way from Sheridan. He is the pastor at ________________ there, where our tech-wizard/friend __________ participates as worship leader.
And former Colts (SuperBowl) lineman __________ and some of his family were also in the house. He & his wife are highly invested in the neighborhood, especially as pertains to youth programs.
And then there's the wrecking crew today... LOL...
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.
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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
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