I stumbled upon this video on facebook and it really got me thinking. It made me think about how secure I should be about my salvation. It made me consider that my life should reflect Jesus' character moment by moment. It made me repent for all the false hope I had planted in folks throughout the years through "easy-believism" evangelism methods. Most of all, it made me consider the multitudes of friends and family I have that have misplaced security in their salvation.
It also made me consider my complacency with sharing the truth. I know that hell awaits many of them--yet as the video states, we have a culture that disdains correction. We have a Christian culture that relishes their eternal security when the evidence of faith is lacking. Hell is real, and destruction awaits many unassuming "believers." They believe with their mouths but deny Him with their lives.
All church-goers are convinced they are going to heaven. Their complicit pastors and other Christian leaders have told them so. Reminds me of the movie Shawshank redemption where everyone is "innocent." Every inmate held steadfast to their innocence regardless of their guilt.
All cultural "Christians" are convinced they have in their hands the "ticket" that will get them through the gate (the "magic prayer"). However, there will be tremendous remorse when they stand in judgment and realize that the ticket they possess is not accepted.
Scripture tells us to examine ourselves. Please watch this video (in 2 parts) and listen to what it says. It is the truth. Repent and align your life with the Word.
Here is a short video in 2 parts:
Here is a longer video by Paul Washer for those who have time. It's important enough to "make" the time.
The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man rewarded for his. A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps. A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless. A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.
Geeks, geekettes and geek-wannabees... Join us tomorrow for lunch (12noon). If you're reading this, you qualify *wink*. Everyone's welcome. *smile*
We laugh, we learn, we ask questions and everyone comes away with more than we brought. [If you #fail to be there, you're effectively rippin' us all off. LOL. So cut it out. Be there!]
MEDIA ADVISORY, July 28 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Wednesday, July 29, Indy Lights driver Brandon Wagner will be showcasing his No. 32 Kingdom Racing car at the popular Creation Museum near Cincinnati, prior to competing in the Firestone Indy Lights 100 Race at Kentucky Speedway on August 1. The car will feature the Creation Museum's logo for the race, and Kentucky Speedway will offer museum guests race ticket discounts.
The Creation Museum, located in northern Kentucky and near the Cincinnati Airport, brings the Bible to life through a walk through history, featuring realistic scenery and computer-generated visual effects. Museum guests on Wednesday will have the advantage to meet Brandon, see the race car and transporter, as well as experience the 70,000 square foot high-tech museum. Wagner is scheduled to visit this Wednesday from 3pm to 5pm. "This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and greet guests at the Creation Museum, as we share a common goal in glorifying God." Kingdom Racing founder George Del Canto added "The Creation Museum is a powerful witness for the Lord and we are delighted to demonstrate our support for their efforts."
Kingdom Racing was founded with a unique mission: To Deliver God's Word through Motor Sports. The team's goal is to work with national entities to reach 1,000,000 men for Jesus Christ.
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.
[ht: Our friend Ray Hashley and the fine folks at WGNR 97.9FM...]
True Answers To Eternal Questions
Coming to Indianapolis Saturday, August 15th
Have you ever wanted to defend what you believe about the Bible, Jesus Resurrection or Creation but didn’t know how?
In a culture that teaches that all beliefs are created equal, do you know how to explain why Christianity is uniquely true?Some of America’s foremost authorities on Biblical truth will present true answers to the eternal questions that keep so many believers from living with confidence.
See how your life will change when you live with NO DOUBT!!
O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. O LORD, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit. Sing to the LORD, you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken."
"In the past 10 years, I have been working to address the digital divide, which is the gap between those who have access to and training with technology. I serve as the Executive Director of TechMission, which runs the largest association of Black and Latino led nonprofits addressing the digital divide and manages UrbanMinistry.org, which is one of the most visited web portals of Black and Latino nonprofit leaders. During that time, I have seen many effective initiatives in addressing the digital divide. At the same time, I’ve seen many efforts that have been very well-intentioned, but in the end may have only made matters worse. I grew up in the inner-city, but later went to MIT and co-founded..."
IndyChristian Commentary... We've known Andrew for nearly 10 years now, and have been a part of the TechMission association via the UBcafe here in the heart of Indianapolis. One of Andrew's insights points to the counter-intuitive tendency of certain secular grant-makers to automatically exclude faith-based providers... who are more likely to be led by minorities -- the very sector they are attempting to help. Now consider the implications of the yesterday's Barna research report indicating African Americans are 'over-represented' in the faith community... and thus automatically EVEN-MORE-EXCLUDED from grants intended to assist urban initiatives such as the 'digital divide'.
[IndyChristian Note... Caveat: Be very careful as you read the following report. Barna's use of phrase 'higher scores' does not mean 'better scores'... ie, positive faith metrics. Example: Jesus sinned? A higher percentage is not at all a positive faith indicator. However, take note of the VERY POSITIVE CHANGES over the years, among African American faith indicators.]
photo from Barna.org
Barna.org: "From the earliest days of America’s history, a deep-rooted spirituality has been one of the hallmarks of the black population in the country. A new study released by The Barna Group underscores that the passage of time has not diminished the importance of faith in the lives of African-Americans. The study examined the religious beliefs and behaviors of the black population, today and in comparison to 15 years ago, as well as comparing the faith of blacks to that of the U.S. population as a whole."
O LORD, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked be jubilant? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. They crush your people, O LORD; they oppress your inheritance. They slay the widow and the alien; they murder the fatherless. They say, "The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed." Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise? Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see? Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge? The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.
It seems like the days go by so fast during FHL Week and yet it feels like God stretches each minute of the day so that we have all we need to get the work done. Dozens of projects and services were performed by hundreds of volunteers in Central Indiana.
Light Construction at residential homes, playground clean up and bottle water giveaway at apartment complex were among the many projects in the Urban area
Visiting Nursing and Retirement Home outreaches by the Greenwood and Nora-Castleton areas
Gardening in Avon, IN by the West side area and by the Multi-Cultural ministry of FHL
Continued effort of community restoration of the Noblesvilles area (Riverwood Community) and the Northwest area (Elizaville)
At least 20 individuals have come to salvation in the Lord to date
There are dozens of untold stories of unconditional love that I have not yet heard. There are people that are part of those untold stories of unconditional love I have not had the opportunity to visit yet. Please send your stories pictures and video coverage to FHL, 8383 Craig St. Ste 335 Indianapolis, IN or email at info@fhlinternational.org
There are several projects and services scheduled today, Saturday, July 25th, from Johnson County to Hamilton County. I may have missed some events today, but below are some of them:
Community Cookout with live music at Metro Baptist Center 952 N. Pennsylvania, noon to 4p (Urban area)
Single Mom Oil Change (West side area)
Elizaville Town dedication (Northwest area)
Fishers Community worship at Holland Park, Fishers, 5:30pm (Nora/Castleton area)
The rain came during the first day of FHL Week and while I am writing this, rain is pouring down again. It seems like a symbolism of God's outpouring of His blessings in our communities. Yes, God had and have been scattering His resources and His love everywhere. You and I have the privilege to join God in distributing His blessings where ever we go...bringing His Presence and Glory anywhere, anytime.
FHL Week is not just a week event but a start of continued flow of God's grace and love in our neighborhoods.
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-- with great patience and careful instruction.''' 2 Timothy 4:2 NIV
Time is flying by quickly. Before you know it summer will be over and soon school will be back in session. The challenge stands for everyone to get involved in a neighborhood school of your choice. Whatever amount of time you have to give will help make a difference in the life of a child.
We can talk about a lost generation...or we can let our actions speak into the life of a young person.
When viewing the video below know that every young person is not lost, they are waiting for someone to show them the way. Will you be the one?
Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him
Do what is right and good in the LORD's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers,
Yesterday, we were baptized spiritually and physically. We accomplished what we were supposed to do...bringing His Presence and proclaiming His Name at the center of the state.
FHL Week Update: The Prayer coach will be at:
10th and Rural today
Unleavened Bread Cafe on Tuesday.
Johnson County Fair Grounds on Wednesday.
Elizaville on Thursday.
Saraga International Market 38th/Lafayette & Marion County on Saturday.
This week's schedule, area-by-area, can be seen at FHLinternational.org. Come get involved!
See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.
Faith Hope & Love (FHL) Week is now officially underway throughout Greater Indianapolis. Sunday's opening ceremonies took place downtown at Monument Circle, with music, prayer and proclamation.
FHL ministry actually goes on throughout the year with monthly prayer and mobile food pantries.
FHL teamed up with Habitat For Humanity and special sponsors to help provide a new home for the (Tamika) Williams. The ribbon-cutting ceremonies took place yesterday in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood.
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of the sons of Korah.>> LORD, You have been favorable to Your land; You have brought back the captivity of Jacob. You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin. Selah You have taken away all Your wrath; You have turned from the fierceness of Your anger. Restore us, O God of our salvation, And cause Your anger toward us to cease. Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your mercy, LORD, And grant us Your salvation. I will hear what God the LORD will speak, For He will speak peace To His people and to His saints; But let them not turn back to folly. Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, That glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth shall spring out of the earth, And righteousness shall look down from heaven. Yes, the LORD will give what is good; And our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before Him, And shall make His footsteps our pathway
The purpose of the Reformation Society of Indiana is to unite church pastors and leaders with like minds and hearts for elevating the great doctrines of the Bible to bring about modern reformation. Through regional theological conferences and bimonthly pastor fellowship meals, we seek to encourage, equip, and embolden pastors and church leaders to re-examine the historic doctrines best stated in the “solas” of the 16th century Reformation and to preach and teach the whole counsel of God.
Please join us on Tuesday, August 18, 2009 for the Reformation Society luncheon and Bible study at Second Reformed Presbyterian Church, 4800 N. Michigan Rd.; Indianapolis 46228 during the RSI Summit Meetings. The luncheon will begin at noon and end at 1:45 p.m. Our presenters will be Mark Judy, Michael LeFebvre, and Andy Hunt. We will be studying Ephesians 3:3-6, “Scripture Alone”. Please RSVP for the luncheon by calling 255-7557 and leave your name and the number in your party."
************* Click to visit the the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals website for more information regarding Reformation Societies city by city.
They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will be an unclean thing. Their silver and gold will not be able to save them in the day of the LORD's wrath. They will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs with it, for it has made them stumble into sin.
LOS GATOS, Calif., July 15 /Christian Newswire/ -- For the first time, Global Media Outreach (GMO) saw over 1 million people indicate decisions for Jesus Christ in one month. In June, 1,030,581 people indicated either a first-time decision to follow Jesus or a decision to recommit their life to Christ through one of more than 90 GMO Gospel Web sites.
Whether by mobile phones or computer, millions of people continue to go online to seek God every day. GMO has seen the number of people indicating decisions for Jesus on their Gospel Web sites triple over the last year.
As Indianapolis becomes increasingly well-connected as a result of the social-media frenzy over the last few years -- blogging, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter -- the Blog Indiana conference has become a great opportunity to learn from the experts.
For instance, come meet Dr. Thomas Ho, IUPUI Social Media instructor and columnist for IndySocialMedia.com. @DrThomasHo and his wife @LauraHo are members of Faith Live It Out (fka/ Faith Church) here in Indy and are actively involved in young collegiate activities such as Intervarsity. Tom is a connector and mentor of Indy Christian Geeks around the metro area as well.
This year, special activities will be hosted on the IUPUI campus on August 13-15, including a special NonProfit track, and featuring a panel discussion on the topic of 'Social Media in Religion'. [topic was subsequently cancelled; sorry.]
[Related: See IndyChristian article today re the quick growth in decisions for Christ coming via the internet.]
Join us for one day... or the entire conference... Visit BlogIndiana.com for more details.
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep. I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him.
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.
[by Jim Pappas, an Indianapolis editor at the Examiner...]
Which do you believe, the Theory of Evolution or the Theory of Intelligent Design? Most people, particularly of the non-Christian variety, would have us believe that believing Intelligent Design is mixing faith with science and that only Evolution is purely science. Yet, the question remains a matter of which one you believe.
Can anyone absolutely prove today that either the Theory of Evolution or the Theory of Intelligent Design is the absolute truth? With man’s limitations the answer is sadly, no. No person on this planet can recreate our origins by either means. So what do we do? We must look at the evidence and see which theory the evidence fits. In studying the debate we will see some of the evidence seems to point toward Evolution, some of the evidence points toward Intelligent Design and some of the evidence can be reasonably argued to fit either.
The LORD is God, and he has made his light shine upon us. With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalms 118: 27-29 NIV
...As a ministry to the community during Faith Hope & Love Week here in Indy, our friends at 'Cars Of Clay' will be giving FREE Oil Changes for Single Moms -- Sat, July 25th.
But only for the limited number of ADVANCE registrations. So go check out the details and RSVP now!
I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called 'Not my loved one. 'I will say to those called 'Not my people, ''You are my people'; and they will say, 'You are my God.'"
And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Rather than second-guessing Pastor Rick Warren, what say we use this occasion to reflect on what each of us might have done... or would do... given such an opportunity. What would YOU have done? And if you did choose to get up and speak to 8,000 Muslims, what would YOU have said?
Hmmm. I'm still not entirely sure. But here are some basic objectives I'd want my decision to accomplish.
WWJD? What would Jesus do? Which speaking opportunities did he ever turn down? [Pretty much only the opportunity to defend himself as he was being judged.]
Will it be GOD who'll get the glory... or will it be me, my agenda, or an Islamic agenda?
Will my Muslim neighbors know that I love them?
Will I love them enough to make it clear that the God of which I speak is in fact the triune God who humbly became incarnate among us and sacrificed Himself as the only possible substitute for me or our Muslim friends? Or did I muddy the water?
And let me be clear about what I would NOT try to accomplish.
Somehow reconcile one religion with another one. All roads do not lead to Chicago. All roads do not lead to God. He has clearly laid out the ONE, admittedly narrow and costly path.
Somehow try to accomplish more peace, more love, and more social justice in the world by watering down the name of the Almighty, marginalizing the Prince of Peace, or mitigating the power of the Holy Spirit. If indeed Islam is a peaceful religion as some say, then indeed they will work toward peace with or without my help. And I will work toward peace with or without their help.
Bottom line, will I model Christ's love, His self-sacrificing acts of mercy among our global neighbors? Or will I effectively confuse people; or worse... teach them into hell? Will I love folks enough to somehow, lovingly share my Savior with them... accurately?
Very few of us will get the opportunity to speak with 8,000 Muslims. But I'm guessing we'll all have the opportunity to speak to one. Maybe today.
Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun-- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.
Beyond classrooms and coliseums, Crossroads Bible College President A. Charles Ware and former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy are targeting a larger stage: all of America.
Launched June 17, Ware and Dungy's Rebuild America Campaign 2009 aims to spearhead a national "reconstruction" based on a biblical foundation
Pentagon Denies Flyover of 'God and Country' Patriotic Event
NAMPA, Idaho, July 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- This marks the first time in the 42 year history of the event that a flyover request was denied by the Pentagon.
The event is held ever year to honor the spiritual foundations of our country with a special emphasis on the men and women who serve in the armed forces.
In past years, the "God and Country Rally" has focused on honoring and paying tribute to those veterans who have served our nation in the past and those who are currently on active duty.
At the rally this year, all five branches of the armed services were featured with over 60 new recruits sworn into the military at the event.
In a news conference from her Wasilla home, the first-term GOP governor said, "This decision has been in the works for awhile," adding that, "I'm not wired to operate under the same old politics as usual."
Amid speculation that Sen. John McCain's 2008 vice presidential running mate has had her eye on the 2012 presidential race, it's unclear why she's leaving before the end of her term. Her run as governor ends in 2010.
Palin, 45, did not take questions after her announcement, but compared herself to a good basketball point guard facing "a full court press from the national level."
"She knows exactly when to pass the ball so that a team can win,"
All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-- it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
'Way Of The Master' co-founder Ray Comfort, along with Mark Spence, will be conducting evangelism training here in the Indianapolis area, July 24th thru 26th, on the campus of East 91st Street Christian Church.
Training will be in collaboration with local Indianapolis affiliates, 'Good Messengers'.
Ok, you've been praying "Lord of the Harvest, send forth workers"... so don't be surprised when they show up. *smile*
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
I grew up without a father. Apparently, I was the love child of a fling my mom had with her married doctor nearly 30 years ago. She told him and he wanted her to abort the pregnancy. She tells me she went to the clinic not knowing what she would do, but could not go through with it. Whether there is any truth to her claim that "Jesus told her not to do it," I don't know. But as hard as life gets sometimes, I am grateful I exist.
When I was young I asked my mom who my father was. She told me his name and that he was married and was her doctor. She also gave me his long-obsolete business card which was of no value to me. In fact, I think i threw it away.
Since becoming a father myself, I have thought again about meeting/talking to guy whose DNA I share. But I have not been able to identify precisely why I want this. I know that meeting him or talking with him will not undue any of the pain his absence caused me as a child. I cannot even tell if I fully expect him to be interested in my life at all. All I know is that I'm curious. What I expect to find out, I don't know.
A few years back, I started Googling the name my mother gave me along with his profession and where I was born. (Google is pretty amazing, isn't it?)
Practical use of Twitter growing among church congregations
EverydayChristian, June 30th -- Indianapolis
Even if you’re not on it regularly, you’ve heard of Twitter.
Plenty of churches have, too, and like many other individuals and institutions, they’re trying to figure out the most effective way to be able to use the microblogging Web site.
Three churches shared with Everyday Christian how they use the site to reach their members, attract seekers and how it fits into their overall social networking strategy.
"A
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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