A volunteer team consisting of 4 guys from my church have been working in our spare time on a new website for our church, after over a year of after hours work here and there we have finally made it public. The new site has many new features: Video, an improved search feature, a calendar of events, updated resources and categories among other things.
The old website was done strictly using PHP. The new site we chose to utlize Joomla! based off the database integration, the use of modules, and the ease of updating via the front and back end admin areas. If your church's web presence utilizes a database for sharing sermons and the like, Joomla! may be an option you want to look at when it comes time to update your site. Joomla! is open source as well.
Every weekend for the last four years, Dunfee and members of his ministry have stood watch over George's joint, taking up residence in the right of way with signs, video cameras and bullhorns in hand. They videotape customers' license plates and post them online, and they try to save the souls of anyone who comes and goes.
Now, the dancers have turned the tables, so to speak. Fed up with the tactics of Dunfee and his flock, they say they have finally accepted his constant invitation to come to church.
It's just that they've come wearing see-through shorts and toting Super Soakers.
Some questions: -Are these tactics "the Church" should employ? -How do you think this situation should be handled? -Is speaking the truth in love more powerful than speaking the truth in judgment? -How can this issue be resolved? Or can it? -If Lola repents, was this situation of God? Was it all worth it?
Sgt. Matthew Grimes was asked to give a presentation to a church audience on July 24 at Municipal Gardens, in the 1800 block of Lafayette Road. During the presentation, an altercation broke out in the crowd, and Grimes intervened. The officer was thrown to the ground and drew his Taser, ready to stun one of the people involved, police said. At that point, someone stepped in and told the officer that the incident had been concocted to test the reaction of the officer to the situation, police said. Grimes suffered severe back spasms after the incident and was taken to Methodist Hospital for treatment. James Harrington, pastor of the Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, said he set up the scenario to test a white officer's reaction to a fight between two black men. "Their job is to protect and serve, and even though they have families and children, that they don't put any regard to their safety," Harrington said. "I don't think it was dangerous because it was in a controlled environment." Harrington denied that the officer was injured. "We are trying to do anything that we can to save the lives of our children," he said. "We have to have live demonstrations of violence carried on by professional actors who are trained to do what they do."
Some questions: -Do you think this helps to further race relations in America? -If the cop was not hurt, what benefit would have come from this scenario? -Do you find this to be a good idea? -Should churches be involved in such things as this? -What do you think the motive was behind this alleged staged incident?
Some questions: -Do you feel connected? Does the fault lie with you if you don't? -Why is your mindset important? -Is serving key to being plugged in? -Why do you think this is a common consensus amongst churchgoers in America today?
Dale McAlpine was charged with causing “harassment, alarm or distress” after a homosexual police community support officer (PCSO) overheard him reciting a number of “sins” referred to in the Bible, including blasphemy, drunkenness and same sex relationships. The 42-year-old Baptist, who has preached Christianity in Wokington, Cumbria for years, said he did not mention homosexuality while delivering a sermon from the top of a stepladder, but admitted telling a passing shopper that he believed it went against the word of God. Police officers are alleging that he made the remark in a voice loud enough to be overheard by others and have charged him with using abusive or insulting language, contrary to the Public Order Act.
Some questions: -Should people be arrested for saying homosexuality is a sin? -Who determines what is okay to say and what isn't? -Should this section of the Public Order Act pertain to those who preach scripture? -Should pastors/preachers be more careful with the things they say so as not to offend anyone?
We have been purchasing several books in an attempt to build a library for our son (and future children God willing). We don't want to feed him just any stories, but good stories that promote godly character and that focuses on things that are good, things that are honorable and praiseworthy. We wanted to find books that will help us to steer him in the way he should go so that he won't depart from it.
In light of that, we use the Big Picture Story Bible in our children's Sunday School curriculum so we know that he will be getting exposed to that once he is old enough to attend.
I then read about The Jesus Story Book Bible on Timmy Brister's blog and after reading some reviews thought it would be yet another good fit for our family. When I went to their website I found out that a deluxe edition is in the works and will be out soon. Not only that, but if you post about the book on your blog, they will enter you into a drawing to win several free copies of the deluxe version for yourself and to whoever you want to give them to. I am looking forward to either winning or purchasing one so that our family can benefit from the blessings of reading books together as a family. Give it a look and if you are anything like me and my family, I am sure you will not be dissappointed.
Sorry for not posting in a while, my wife and I had our son and I have been enjoying a few weeks at home with them. Being a father is truly a blessing from the Lord.
Now, since having the little guy, we have been trying to do our homework on things we didn't necessarily give much thought to on the front end- namely doctor visits, shots, vaccines, well-baby visits, etc.
I have since read a couple of books (information at the bottom of this post) on the above that are against the established regimen. What I mean is, they do not favor the above. Instead, they promote allowing the immune system to develop as nature intended and to stay away from vaccines, vitamin K shots, etc.
In the process of reading those books, I have grown tremendously in my understanding regarding the vaccines, alternatives and how to interact with my pediatrician and her cohorts at our child's clinic. What is more, I found something very interesting and it poses a dilemma for me... and I believe every Christian.
Here is that dilemma: Would you take something that, in all probability, will do more harm than good that is derived from a voluntarily aborted fetus, and inject that into your child? I cannot. Throw every other reason for not getting vaccinated out of the window (Death, paralysis, autism, brain damage, and a host of other side effects) and let's say there are no side effects. Every person who is vaccinated will be perfectly normal and the vaccine will do exactly as it is marketed to do- vaccinate. Now, the only issue left on the table is that the vaccines are derived from human fetuses that were aborted back in the 60's and 70's... would I be willing to inject the vaccine in my child? For the good of the rest of the children (herd mentality)? No.
Here is a quote in a letter written in response to a concerned parent regarding state law regarding vaccines and the Catholic Church's stance on vaccines being derived from aborted babies: If someone rejects every form of voluntary abortion of human foetuses, would such a person not contradict himself/herself by allowing the use of these vaccines of live attenuated viruses on their children? Would it not be a matter of true (and illicit) cooperation in evil, even though this evil was carried out forty years ago?Citation.
However, later in the letter, it is stated that if there is a great threat to society as a whole, then it is okay to take such vaccines temporarily, for the good of mankind.
From what I have been reading (written by doctors who work in the field and in pediatrics), no vaccine can be accredited for wiping out or drastically diminishing infections. Every disease that there is a vaccination for was already in decline (and most were drastically declining) by the time the vaccinations were put on the market. So, there would appear no moral obligation to take a vaccine derived from human fetuses that were aborted.
It also stands to reason that most outbreaks tend to occur in those that have been vaccinated. One study even showed that there was a population that was 100% vaccinated against measles and they still had an outbreak.
For me, the risks outweigh any perceived or marketed benefit. Now, what do we do about schooling? Homeschooling is one option and another is to reject vaccines based on religious grounds (a sample letter can be found here) and see if we can still place our child(ren) in public/private schools.
There are a lot of responsibilities that come with children- however, the benefits/blessings of having them outweigh the responsibilities and over time we may not always make the right decisions, but we will make informed decisions.
Some questions: -Have you given any thought to vaccines? -Does this little bit of information at the very least cause you to want to look into this more? -Can a Christian knowingly accept vaccinations for themselves or for their children if they are derived from aborted fetuses? ---------------------------------------------------------
Another book i've read is: Vaccine Alternatives It is written by Ervin Davis, M.D. (A review of the book) This is the only book that I can find he has written, but it is thorough and full of cited material that is not dated. The book was written in 2008 and very current. He cites lots of studies and every stat that he gives, he backs it up with studies. I found this to be a great book that caused me to pause and give more thought to this entire medical issue. He also gives information on how the immune system works and why injecting viruses may not be the best method for building immunity to viruses that are commonly contracted through the air. What is more, he doesn't just leave you with what is wrong, he gives you some information on how to live a healthy lifestyle that will aide you in building your immune system to fight off diseases and viruses naturally.
Here is a link to the CDC and what they have to say about the MMR vaccine.Updated Link as the CDC moved it. They state just a little way down why the vaccine is made from aborted fetal tissue (cell linings) and towards the bottom, risks are discussed in short order. Once on the page, just do a search (CTRL+F) for the word Aborted.
Here are some video discussion between doctors on the issue of mandatory vaccinations. These are very one sided and seem to be overly emotional for the most part.
Some questions: -What is a church service for? -What should take place in a church service- biblically? -Does this have a place in Church? -Would this be okay in your church? Should it?
What happens when you put a Muslim imam, a Christian priest, a rabbi and a Buddhist monk in a room with 10 atheists?
Turkish television station Kanal T hopes the answer is a ratings success as it prepares to launch a gameshow where spiritual guides from the four faiths will seek to convert a group of non-believers.
The prize for converts will be a pilgrimage to a holy site of their chosen religion -- Mecca for Muslims, the Vatican for Christians, Jerusalem for Jews and Tibet for Buddhists.
Some questions: -Do you think that this sort of contest will ever produce a respectable result? -Would you watch it? -Would you participate? -Do you think the network is more concerned with ratings than conversions? -Do you see this as an effective means to convert atheists to a religion? -If you are atheist, what are your thoughts about this? Is it laughable to you?
Some questions: -Do you think exorcisms are legitimate or even relevant today? -Are they Biblical? -Should a church be allowed to perform an exorcism if the person who is seeking it allows them? -Are any rights being violated? The boy's? The church's? -Do you think they "murdered his soul"? -Do you think the "prophetess" handled the interview situation correctly? -Your thoughts?
Messengers (delegates) to the SBC's (Southern Baptist Convention)annual meeting voted overwhelmingly to disassociate from Forth Worth's Broadway Baptist Church, following an executive committee ruling Monday that the congregation "failed to establish its compliance" with the SBC rules that ban churches that "act to affirm, approve or endorse homosexual behavior."
Some questions: -Do you think this is right? -Is it Biblical or just against the SBC's rules? -Would you allow practicing homosexuals to serve on committees and be members of your church? -Are there facts that prove the allegations that led to removal or is it simply hearsay?
As a consequence of professing their faith, early Christians were persecuted mostly during the Roman Empire and were often tortured to death for maintaining his or her religious belief. Many deaths were inspirational for other people and increased the fame of the Catholic religion, although several of these stories are unhistorical and are purely legendary. Meet ten of the most excruciating martyrdoms of early christianity...
1. Saint Hippolytus: torn apart by horses
2. Saint Ignatius Of Antioch: sentenced to be eaten by lions at the Coliseum
3. Saint Lawrence: grilled and toasted alive
4. Saint Agatha of Sicily: had her breasts cut off
Some questions: -Would you really, I mean really die for what you say you believe as it relates to your world view? -If you are not a Christian, how do historical Christian martyrs effect your understanding on Christianity? -If you are a Christian, how do things such as this effect your faith? Does it strengthen it or cause you to shrink back? -Why do you think suffering plays an integral part in the Christian faith? -Is persecution still alive and well today?
Dr. Ray Van Neste, Director of the R.C. Ryan Center for Biblical Studies and Associate Professor of Christian Studies for Union University as well as one of the pastors at Cornerstone Community Church leads a seven part series on the book of Exodus. Dr. Van Neste handles the text in an expositional manner while making pointed application for the church today. He also carefully draws out insights from the familiar texts we all too often skip over.
This series will be sure to englighten and challenge anyone who is looking to understand scripture better.
This is a series we (my company) filmed back in January and completed about a week ago. It was exceedingly good for me to spend hours working through editing the video as it helped to reinforce the importance of the book of Exodus and how it fits into the storyline of scripture as a whole story.
If you are like me, the book of Exodus is not one that I look to for instruction concerning my every day life- however, after going through this study, it has helped me to realize how important that book (and the rest of the Old Testament) really is to understanding the fullness of the riches given to us by God through the written scriptures.
I would encourage you to visit the link below and watch session seven the series and even pick up the series if you are so inclined to do so. I think it will be worth your while and aide you in your sanctification.
Some questions: -How does the old testament impact your walk as a Christian- assuming you are a Christian? -Did you learn anything from watching session seven that challenged you in your faith? -What do you think causes the lack of focus on the old testament by Christians?
I know this is a little old, but have you seen it? It is of Pastor James David Manning speaking on President Obama, affirmative action, and other things. Thoughts?
**** There is some crude images & crude speech in the video- this was delivered at his church ****
"You don't shoot a little boy in the face and find Jesus. People don't find Jesus that are capable of doing things like that."
-Randy Zimmerman (Sister of Murder Victim)
When asked if it is not the Christian thing to do- to give second chances and to take in people with his background, a neighbor responded:
"There are more deserving people to give second chances to."
-Neighbor
Some questions:
-What is the biblical thing to do?
-Is this a black and white issue or is there some gray to it?
-Who's heart is in the right place?
-What about the children?
-Does Ray's profession of faith remove the consequences of his actions and render safeguards unneccessary?
-What position do you take?
I was doing some reading on Darwin and came across this article by Susan Jacoby. Of course, it is slanted and opinionated but what isn't? I wanted to pull some quotes from it and post them here for you. If you have time, feel free to read the whole article; it is linked at the bottom.
This lasting "disturber effect" is, I would argue, one of the most convincing proofs of Darwin's genius. People don't get all riled up, 150 years after the fact, by bland, small, discredited ideas.
This same logic could be applied to Christianity as well yes?
This logic [evolution is the mechanism by which God chose to set in motion the development of his creatures, ending in man]does not, of course, explain why a supreme being would choose such an inefficient process as evolution to arrive at the human species--or why he would choose to bind us to evolutionary forces--such as our desire to consume large amounts of animal fat--that were once useful for the survival of the species but no longer are. Another element of the religion-science compromise, articulated not only by religious thinkers but by scientists like the late Stephen Jay Gould, argues that science and religion are merely "different ways of knowing." I don't agree with this formulation. Science is not really a way of "knowing" but a method of inquiry seeking knowledge that is never final and always modfiiable by new discoveries. Religion is not a way of knowing but, ultimately, a matter of belief that, at some point--regardless of how much material evidence a particular faith is willing to incorporate--relies on non-evidence of a non-material existence.
There are a lot of presuppositions in the first part of this quote is there not?
...Darwin was a man who--without any of the tools of modern science and technology, without the support of the MacArthur Foundation or the National Institutes of Health, not only got the basic insight of modern science right but had the courage to face up to the philosophical and ethical implications of his own observations.
I didn't know the verdict was in on the evolutionary theory having been proven as fact... but I am also assuming that is what she is referring to by "basic insight of modern science". If that is not what she is referencing, please do offer up a better suggestion as that phrase is rather vague.
Mendelian genetics, the discovery of DNA, the mapping of the human genome: all tell us more about evolution than Darwin could have known, and all confirm the genius of his initial insights. Had Mendel's experiments contradicted the theory of natural selection, we would be having quite a different discussion about evolution today. That, of course, is the difference between scientific exploration and religion.
Does that go for climate change as well? Just curious.
If you want to read a shorter article concerning the pitfalls in the evolutionary theory- you can do so here. (It is a pdf that is linked to on Stand to Reason.
Christians who believe they might one day be physically swept up to heaven in the Rapture will be able to send e-mails to loved ones left behind on Earth nearly one week after the apocalyptic event takes place, thanks to a new website.
YouveBeenLeftBehind.com lets subscribers send an e-mail message to up to 62 people exactly six days after they've disappeared from the face of the Earth, Wired Magazine's Threat Level reports.
The website, run by Mark Heard along with four other Christians, dispatches the e-mails when at least three staff members fail to log in for six consecutive days. Its main purpose is to give Christians one final shot at evangelism.
If you don't believe that the scriptures contained in the Bible are inerrant, read a couple of the books from the link below then come back and we'll talk.
