I just wanted to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation for all of you who participated or wanted to participate in The Mercy Seat this past Saturday and stood with us in the place of prayer and fasting at the State House.We are in awe of our God due to the fact that the prayer gathering was even made possible. After applying for a permit, the favor of the Lord established this work as we were informed by the city 48 hours before prayer time, that there was a federal property permit that had to be obtained from the State House. These usually have to be in place months in advance! BUT GOD.(there's always one of those when it's all about Him) We received our clearance from the State House within 12 hours!
A very special thanks to you all who drove for hours just to stand with us. At the end of the day, over 70 people representing 14 towns and cities across the state contended with us for mercy, righteousness, and justice on behalf of the unborn!
Also a special thanks to Eric Slaughter of 40 Days for Life, who has been very gracious in helping us mobilize Life groups around the city and state.
As encouraging as it was to see so many people committed and stirred with God's heart to pray, a brutal reality still groans within me. I think it was E.M. Bounds who once said, "It is not prayer that changes things, It is answered prayer that changes things." Although we stood for seven hours, we have not done our part and we cannot go on with business as usual. We must see this thing crushed and Jesus' enemies made a footstool. I know that our prayers are powerful, effective, and mighty for the pulling down of strongholds, therefore we must continue to contend.
As a matter of urgency, Indiana Prosecutor Carl Brizzi has been stirred to action in response to the recent murder of two unborn babies who were shot in the womb last week during an Indianapolis bank robbery. The current law states that the babies aren't considered "viable" and therefore the murderer can't face charges for that crime in particular. Brizzi sees the injustice and wants to take action against that law. I truly believe that God has heard the cries of His people and is moving upon the hearts of those in positions of authority! This is a historic moment where we MUST RISE UP and believe for supernatural BREAKTHROUGH! As a friend sated recently, "there is no true justice in the land as long as abortion is considered constitutional." Let's pray for Carl Brizzi and other lawmakers to hear from heaven! History belongs to the intercessor.
Pastor: "5 Considerations I Take Into The Voting Booth"
[from Pastor John Hay at Bike Hiker Blog...]
As an evangelical pastor, I am faced with quandaries at election time. I’m not a single-issue voter, I refuse to be ideologically stereotyped and I resent distortion-fomenting voter guides. I choose to sort through the paradoxes in candidates, parties and platforms. People of earnest faith have tough choices in the voting booth.
Here are five considerations that I take into the polling place. I also try take these to heart as I live as an engaged citizen between elections. These help me bring the breadth of my faith and hope into electoral politics, even though they make choices less clear-cut.
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Romans 13:11 NIV
Mayor Greg Ballard formally announced Doug Hairston as the director of the Front Porch Alliance today at a press conference packed with supporters who said they are glad the faith-based community program has returned.
Ballard had promised to bring back the alliance, which operated for only about two years in the late 1990's, to connect neighborhood groups, social service providers and the city's resources. Ballard said the mission is to educate people about the services and resources available, connect people and organizations together and enhance the work already being done by faith-based groups.
Douglas Hairston said his first objective as the new director of the Front Porch Alliance will be to meet with neighborhood and social service groups to find out how the city can help.
Hairston, whose appointment was announced Monday, said he will rely on community leaders to inform him of their programs' needs. Only then, he said, will he be able to better define what role the alliance can play in improving connections among service providers, community groups and the city's resources.
[The following has been excerpted from the blog of former fire-fighter & city councilor, Ike Randolph...]
"I recently traded my firecoat and helmet for a shirt and tie after 22 years as an Indianapolis firefighter. On March 24th I was appointed by Governor Mitch Danielsas the Executive Director of the OFBCI- Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives (yeah that really rolls off the tongue now doesn't it!).
The Good Works tour is a personal commitment borne from a conversation I had with Governor Daniels when I took the helm of the OFBCI. We both shared a sincere belief that government doesn't nor shouldn't have a monopoly on good deeds, that good works can occur without having to be lead by government. Our discussion ended with the question 'how can we prove our hypothesis and provide assistance where needed at the same time?'. Well with his marching orders in hand I've decided that finding examples would be my mission. I want to see firsthand what's happening in communities and neighborhoods across the Hoosier State. I will use this blog to share my observations with department heads and community leaders like you on the great things happening when folks decide to make a difference in their neighborhoods. This will also give me an opportunity to see what the OFBCI or other agencies can do to make your job just a little bit easier. We realize of course, that sometime it may simply mean getting out of your way and well, that's ok too.
I will be hitting the road very soon, so if you want me to stop by your neck-of-the-woods just send me an email goodworkstour@ofbci.IN.gov, with the who, what, when and where. Give me a couple of dates to select and we'll make it happen..."
"Many of you might be wondering quietly (or not so quietly) - Hey fireguy on the roof....what's with the blog name "Front Porch Indiana"? Fair question. The 'front porch' is the town hall on every block, the best podium to promote civic discussion, the ideal location for child recreation, mentoring and supervision, and the optimum site for crime detection and prevention.
The Front Porch Indiana is a new initiative from the Indiana Office of Faith-based and Community Initiatives(OFBCI) designed to leverage the wide array of resources within state government and connect them with the grassroots expertise and power of local community and faith-based groups. This is a cooperative effort..." [continued at Front Porchin' Indiana]
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, "The LORD reigns!" Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them! Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. 1 Chronicles 16:31-33 NIV
Facebook For Pastors... Revisting and Discussing...
[This is from the Ministry Marketing Coach, Chris Forbes, author of 'Facebook For Pastors'...]
"The Facebook for Pastors e-book phenomenon marches on! I wanted to thank all the people who have downloaded the free e-book and sent their comments and encouragement to me on Facebook and email! Not to mention the ones who’ve added me to their Facebook friends list!
Thanks also for all the blog posts, links, and comments from people! The last three days have seen more than 2,000 downloads from my site–but people tell me they have passed the e-book on to many more people. Some have made 20-30 printed copies and gave them to staff and others they know! Who knows how many copies there are floating around in cyberspace and in the brick-and-mortar world? Awesome! Thanks!
The ideas below are from an email he sent to me as random bullets, I think they stand on their own as idea starters. Perhaps you might get an idea or two for blogging about the ministry potential of Facebook. Come on bloggers talk it out!"
One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. Psalms 145:4-7 NIV
Urban youth workers from all over the city were inspired, educated & connected yesterday at 'Reload 2008'. Saturday's all-day conference was sponsored by Urban Youth Workers Institute (UYWI) and held on the campus of Northside New Era Church.
Yesterday's activites included the vibrant praise group 'Nue Breed'. [Video above was from a different conference, but representative of yesterday's event.]
Pastor Harvey Carey, The Citadel
Pastor Harvey Carey, The Citadel of Faith (Detroit) brought the Word, twice yesterday. One phrase continues to ring in my ears... "Our parental permission slip included a disclaimer 'In the event of death'." These folks are SERIOUS about outreach!
RELOAD also included a number of workshops designed not only to educate youth workers, but also to help better-connect them for impact here in Greater Indianapolis. One such workshop was 'Mooks, Midriffs & MySpace -- Engaging a Plugged-in Generation'... a presentation compiled by Jeremy Del Rio (NYC) and conducted locally by Neil Cox & Bryan Hudson. We encouraged all our workshop attendees to find the UYWI Facebook group, join it, and look around to connect to others in the group from Indianapolis. Remember: T.E.A.M... Together Everyone Achieves More!
[Similarly... everyone... be sure and see the free ebook (.pdf) called "Facebook For Pastors".]
Mrs. Dian Foreman was the conference coordinator... and perfect for the job, as she works with youth at her church & school. [Thank you so much, Dian, for helping bring this great conference to Indy!]
Mrs. Foreman is also one of the graduates of the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative, now concluding its 2nd cohort of specially-trained youth leaders. So a special thank you also goes out to all of you involved in helping bring the DeVos program to our city... with great impact on our city, now and for many years to come.
"How can we use this new-fangled Internet thing to share the gospel?" Christians are asking. A worldwide "web evangelism focus day" is helping to provide answers. Sunday, April 27, has been designated as Internet Evangelism Day. Churches can download free materials from the Internet Evangelism Day website. These materials make it easy for churches to create a short presentation about online outreach on or near that Sunday. A PowerPoint, video clip testimonies, drama scripts, music and handouts can be used to create their own customized program lasting from one minute to 50...
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV
We've enjoyed making a number of new friends here in the Indianapolis area, as our Indy Christian Geeks get together for lunch. Like yesterday, we welcomed David Szpunar, from Lakeview Christian Church.
But one who couldn't come this month, had his hands full yesterday... Jason Thiemann (Mission Aviation Fellowship) became the father of a newly born baby (geekess?) girl... Emma. And because Jason & Joselyn keep their ministry news updated (and use an RSS feed), we're all able to share their joy.
Congratulations Jason & Joselyn. And welcome to Indy Christian Geeks, Emma. *smile*
Recently, a movie was released worldwide entitled "Dr.Seuss's Horton Hears a Who", based off of the classic children's book. We really believe that this was a prophetic story about the ending of abortion, when an elephant named Horton can hear what no one else can hear--the sound of these little people called, The Whos, who live in the microscopic town of Who-ville. In the book, we also find a kangaroo who wants to kill all the little Whos, because he cannot see or hear them. He doesn't believe they exist.The theme of the whole book amazingly is, "A person's a person, no matter how small!" And the remedy for the crisis is that every voice must be raised loudly and urgently to rescue all the little unborn Whos. Horton implores the mayor "to CALL a big meeting, get everyone out, make every Who holler, make every Who shout!"
We believe Horton represents the church! Can you hear the sound of the Who's?
In 2008, America finds herself in a place similar to that of 1860…a nation laden with the guilt of her innocent dead. In the 1860’s, the issue was slavery. Today, we bear the guilt of 50 million unborn babies. The heart of the Lord is every bit as moved today as it was then.
Abraham Lincoln, speaking at his second inaugural address, drew a direct connection between the heart of God and the Civil War…
“Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue . . . until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said “the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.”
America is facing a dire crisis. If 600,000 men died in the battlefields of the Civil War-both north and south, black and white-for the shed blood of the slaves, then what will it mean to America-black and white and north and south-if God brings a day of reckoning for the shed blood of 50 million babies?
In the twilight hours before God’s most severe judgment on Egypt, the blood of the lamb applied to the doorpost caused judgement to “pass over” that home. Jesus is our Passover Lamb, and it is His blood that must be applied without delay to the doorposts of our national guilt.
During this season of Passover, will you join us as we cry for mercy for our nation? Will the Hoosier's hear a Who?
What? Historic Day of Fasting and Prayer When? Tomorrow 4/26 9am-4pm. Where? Indiana State House, Downtown Indy..Senate Ave. Side Parking? Free Metered, $4-$12 parking garages. Cost? Free.
It's Friday... and nearly time for the weekly 'prayer siren' to sound throughout our communities here in Indiana. What a great reminder to stop a few minutes especially to praise God for the blessings He's bestowed on us communally. And at the same time pray for our leaders, national, statewide, and especially here in our own communities. Government leaders, pastors, teachers, and other civic heroes who labor diligently... on our behalf.
And importantly, pray specifically for our neighbors.
Moreover, what a great time & way to regularly remind those leaders: we're not just 'saying' we'll pray for you... but in fact when YOU hear the siren each week, you'll KNOW for certainty that you're being prayed for by driven Christians... right that very moment.
Special Note: Next Thursday, May 1st, is 'National Day of Prayer' -- the special day each year especially devoted to accentuating the call to pray for our leaders. And there are a growing number of prayer initiatives around the metro community...
In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalms 118:5-6 NIV
I wish I could remember my source for this but did check it out for myself using some Greek tools on the Web. Some of you might recall that my Greek is limited to agape and baklava, which equips me for talking about my unconditional love for Greek pastry...but little else. However, check this out....the word translated 13 times in the NT for "fellow worker" is the Greek word, "synergos," from which we get our word synergy. Now, to me, that is a big idea! I think of synergy as the force where we play off of and maximize all the strengths that are in the room. I often say that the best learning environment is one where...
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Here's just one workshop included in Saturday's 'Reload' conference for youth(ful) leaders here in Indy... "Mooks, Midriffs and MySpace". This workshop's content is provided by NYC urban youth pastor, Jeremy Del Rio... and presented locally by myself (Neil Cox, 'IndyChristian').
What are 'mooks & midriffs', you ask?
They are the very reasons you need to attend. [...not to mention it's an awesome opportunity to network our youth leaders together here in the city! Over 150 are already signed up -- Don't miss out.]
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:1-2 NIV
I have written on the Veritas Rex blog about strategies to put Christianity on offense and moving from mission to movement. In light of this new, vehement breed of atheism that labels Christianity a threat to civilization itself, the church must be awakened to the reality that we can no longer be content in our own Christian subculture. The atheists and secular elites are no longer content with “peaceful coexistence.”
That is why I founded World Changers Inc. We've partnered with...
The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:11-12 NIV
[IndyChristian Ed.Note... This item is from our newest 'Indy Blogger' among the RSS-stream in our RH sidebar. Reminder... if YOU'RE out there in the Indy blogosphere... or podcasting or video'ing from a Bible-believing perspective, let us know -- we'll check it out for inclusion into the aggregated stream. That's our objective, to provide a centralized communications point here, as a stimulant to accelerating the Great Commission in our city, on our watch.]
Here’s a new chapter checklist for reading through the Bible. It doesn’t include any kind of a plan for reading, just a list of all the chapters in all the books. You can go at your own pace, read the books in any order you want, and check off the chapters as you read them.
They're a multi-talented, multicultural group of geeks, rotating their monthly lunch together up and down the multiethnic food corridor near the Lafayette Square area.
Come join us all you geeks & geek-wannabees. Lunch & learn.
************* Btw, a number of our geeks showed up at the citywide 'Tweetup'. Admittedly not a faith-based group, nonetheless it was a great time to get acquainted with other friends around the city. Here's a video-clip by one of our own...
The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our Godstands forever. Isaiah 40:7-8 NIV
Judaism, to Harvard, to Atheism, to Communism, to learning Russian, to reading a Russian New Testament... to becoming Born Again.
photo by Neil Cox, IndyChristian.com
Dr. Marvin Olasky, Editor-in-Chief of World Magazine was in Indy last evening speaking at Second Reformed Presbyterian Church. This evening, he'll be speaking to students on the Butler University campus on political church/state topic and how it applies in the political environment that exists today.
Dr. Olasky is a good friend of Indianapolis editorial journalist, Russ Pulliam, and advocates for 'compassionate conservatism'... an Indianapolis hallmark. Having come politically full-circle, Olasky reflected on Washington's establishment of the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. He shed light on the behind-the-scenes discussions before the Bush administration took office. Indianapolis' former Mayor Steve Goldsmith and Olasky advocated for decentralizing control and impact, by focusing on tax-credits and vouchers -- thus placing the decision-making for community compassion in the hands of the people closest to the problems and solution-providers.
However, in the final analysis, Goldsmith was passed over for appointment to head that office. As a result, Olasky noted that John Dilulio instead continued the more traditional political model, maintaining decision-making control by issuing grants in large blocks from Washington.
Besides being a notable editor, author and professor, Olasky debated atheism proponent Christopher Hitchens last year in a series available on YouTube.
Dr. Olasky now joins The Kings College in New York City, as Provost at the urban university.
Last year at this time, Calvary Christian School was housed in a cramped former church where different grades shared classrooms and the gym also was an auditorium, playground and a venue for a Spanish-language worship service.
On Sunday, with many exclamations of praise to God, leaders of the 62-year-old school dedicated a new facility at 3639 S. Keystone Ave., designed to usher in a new era of growth for the school, which has 157 students.
Please join us Lord’s Day evening, April 20, at 6 p.m. at Second Reformed Presbyterian Church for a presentation by Marvin Olasky on “The 2008 Presidential Election: American Culture and How Believers Must Respond”.
Mr. Olasky is a popular author, the editor of World Magazine, and a leading scholar on the church-state relationship. Mr. Olasky will also be speaking at VERiTAS on Monday, April 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Gallahue Hall 108 on Butler Campus. His topic will be “Religious Factions are Good for America: Separation of Church & State, Separation of Atheism & State, and Why We Need Both.”
More than 180 Christian leaders from across the nation came together near Boston this week for the Tenth Anniversary National City Impact Roundtable—“Mobilizing a Diverse Church for City Transformation.”
Urban ministry veteran Ray Bakke gave the plenary addresses for the three-day conference in Braintree, Mass., April 14-16. He presented a message on ministry in the city through long-term, faithful witness, sharing his experiences from over 40 years of cityreaching and urban ministry in Chicago and Seattle, and of advising urban ministry practioners in locations around the world. Bakke offered a perspective of having a biblical mission for justice and mercy in tandem with a biblical mission of personal salvation. He gave both a local and global perspective to the conference, which resonated with the diverse crowd representing various ethnicities, generations, types of ministry and several denominations.
The co-authors will also be in town tomorrow... Sunday, April 20th at the Crossroads Bible Church (601 N. Shortridge Rd) for the 11am service, as well as a Unity Service at 6pm, followed by a reception & book-signing at 7pm.
On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:20-21 NIV
Former 'First Daughter', Chelsea Clinton, came to the cafe yesterday while on the campaign trail for Senator Hillary Clinton. She was accompanied by Mrs. Judy O'Bannon -- former first lady of Indiana.
Pastor David Scott & Chelsea
Chelsea's visit came on short notice, and of course was warmly welcomed by everyone -- a hallmark at the cafe... Christ-like warmth & hospitality.
Mrs. O'Bannon & Neil Cox
O'Bannon and Ms. Clinton were greeted by Sister Elease Womack, the cafe ministry leader. And they made the rounds throughout the cafe, stopping and talking with cafe regulars who were on-hand.
Jennifer O'Bannon & Ellen Spencer
Another 'First Daughter' was also on-hand... Jennifer... daughter of the late Gov. Frank O'Bannon.
I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Psalms 116:1-2 NIV
[IndyChristian Ed. Note: I got an advance copy of this book to review. It's great... if you're a pastor embracing new opportunities in our current 21st Century setting.]
Hot tip... Go join Chris Forbes' FB-group for pastors, and get a FREE copy of this new ebook when it's released next week. [click]
***************** P.S... If you wonder what the application might be for using Facebook to accelerate reaching our cities for Christ, visit the cityreaching wiki-page... "Facebook -- How Could That Help?"
The next edition of The Chronicle Christian Newspaper for the Indy area will soon hit the streets . Please let me know if you have story ideas or have need info. for advertising your business or upcoming events.
I would like to thank the following advertisers making it possible for the Indy edition of The Chronicle:
Expelled: No Intelligence Require - Movie - April 18 release Prince Caspian - Movie - May release Wycliffe Bible Translators - May 1 Banquet
Blessings, Russ Jones The Chronicle Christian Newspaper russ@thechronicleonline.net
Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Mark 10:21-25 NIV
************ Chris Gatihi has done a great liveblogging of Thabiti Anyabwile's session, including an audio-file. Be sure to listen in... He's not only insightful, he's hilarious, including his Barack Obama (non) mention. *smile*
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Pslams 34:7-11 NIV
Catch the vision: If you look across the citywide 'Church @ Indianapolis' and see the digital divide, the multicultural divide, and God's eternal divide... all starting to close... you might be seeing just a little of the impact of this little cafe truly in the heart of Indy...
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Matthew 24:42-44 NIV
Curt Smith... on the Garrison Show... today at 10am
[per press release...]
IFI President Curt Smith will be on the Garrison show this morning at approximately 10 a.m. He will be discussing a recent study released today showing the cost of divorce and unwed childbearing on Hoosier taxpayers to be nearly 1 billion dollars per year. Click here to listen to the Garrison show on WIBC.
IFI will also be holding a press conference at the Indiana Statehouse today highlighting this study which reports the taxpayer cost of Indiana family fragmentation as nearly $1 Billion.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 NIV
Thursday's Transform Indiana ministry network meeting will connect & coordinate around the 'FOOD issue'. And regionally, the meeting rotates to a great connecting point in the Lafayette Square area, as Becki Jenkins (Missionary Connection) will be hosting the lunchtime meeting at her church... New Wineskin Ministries (Bishop Byron Johnson).
So if you have a interest in any of the above, or want to connect with driven Christians who do -- come be with us...
CityReaching Call Guest... John Perkins... Apr.17th
[ht: Phil Miglioratti, NPPN...]
Dr. John Perkins, Founder, CCDA
[Received from Dr. Paul Cedar, Chm, Mission America Coalition]
"Dr. John Perkins has been a dear friend and colleague in ministry for some 30 years. We ministered closely together for the ten years that I served as Senior Pastor of Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, California, in the 1980’s. In addition, John has served as an Honorary Co-Chairman of the Mission America Coalition since 1993. I love John deeply and highly recommend that you do all that you can to participate in this special phone conversation.
Dr. Perkins, founder of the Christian Community Development Association, will share reflections on their life and ministry in our monthly cityreaching conference call at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time on Thursday, April 17th. To participate..."
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
"Today, Greg Hawkins, executive pastor at Willow, recapped the study and then shared some changes that the church is now making in response to the research. He said they’re making the biggest changes to the church in over 30 years. For three decades Willow has been focused on making the church appealing to seekers. But the research shows that it’s the mature believers that drive everything in the church—including evangelism.
[IndyChristian Ed. Note... What really DOES drive the Great Commission, anyway? Visit CityReaching.org's Research wiki-page -- a clearinghouse of great research. Avoid malpractice in YOUR church. *wink*]
Since we live in a fallen world, our greatest strengths have a way of giving birth to our greatest weaknesses. This is why some churches that emphasize a strong Bible-preaching pulpit are less vigorous in ministries of mercy. One inner city Presbyterian church participated in a study regarding mercy ministries. The study commended the church for its vigorous efforts to minister to the needy and the lost. But the study report expressed this approval in telling language: it said that the church "is deeply committed to teaching and preaching biblical doctrine; however, it also has a heart for mercy ministry."
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:8-11 NIV
James Patterson, candidate for Indiana State Senate
[At the risk of getting particularly involved in the politics of the moment, I thought it at least worthwhile to mention a Christian brother who's running locally for a state senate seat...]
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:20-21 NIV
********** [IndyChristian Ed. Note... Although... from the sounds of it, Francis Collins has had the mic this morning, making his case for theistic evolution. Gotta wonder who or is anyone there is capable of challenging the logical incongruities of such a position, before all these young folks just gulp it down for lunch.]
I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. Psalms 135:5-7 NIV
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centralized media site for Greater Indianapolis Christians. We connect & communicate among 'Driven-Christians in the Racing Capital of
the World' to accelerate the Great Commission!"
"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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