Please take a moment to answer this poll :
So, how close have you been to God lately? Have you been able to pray or read the Bible as much as you want to?
Dear and beloved readers, today I wish to discuss with you, the details of what you’ll have in the end.
Bear with me. I write about this today because a majority of the world’s people today live for nothing but material things. They place their sights upon wealth, fame, and fortune, they work hard to preserve their health, prestige, and status in society, and they live only for their own welfare and their own family’s welfare. Let’s face it, you have sometimes done the same, right? I have to admit that I’ve done it too. Sometimes it is hard to keep your focus upon the right things, and you accidentally get caught in the flow of life, and you follow what everyone else does.
Well, my dear people of God, let us today reflect upon what kind of a life we have been leading up until yesterday, and see if there is anything we can do about it.
What is the “world” here? Did Jesus not teach us to love our neighbors and give and be kind to everyone? Yes. But those are just people of the world. The ‘world’ refers to the earth, our temporary home. We are not to love this world. Life in this world will give you many attractive things to make you love it, like money, lust, fame, etc.
But none of these are from the father. Always keep in mind that the world is under dominion of the devil. Remember when Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness?
“Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.” (Mathew 4: 8-9)
Sure, if you do somehow unexpectedly receive some extra money, be thankful to the Lord for allowing it to you, but do not rejoice in it and aim to make even more and more and more. Money is a devilish item of worship. (This I will explain later) Give it to the poor. Do good with it. Use it for the better, not for your own luxury. No wealthy man will EVER enter the kingdom of heaven; carve this truth into your hearts right now.
If you do love all that this world has to offer, then you do not have the love of the Father in you, no matter how hard you try to think otherwise.
It’s impossible for someone to serve two masters at once. Think of a farmer that tries to do work on the farms of two of his masters. If he constantly tries to switch between farms, neither of them will be well tended for. But if he tries to give some more focus on one farm, the other suffers. In the end no one has any benefit from such a farmer. It’s the same thing with God. Don’t forget that God will spit the lukewarm out of His mouth.
You can either serve God, or serve mammon. Now, about mammon: Mammon, is money. It is greed. It is wealth. It is a deity (god) of riches. I decided to add a picture just to let you know that yes, if you live for money and are willing to die for money, and if you put money foremost in your life, even giving yourself into the greed and gluttony that comes with it, making it’s accumulation your soul’s priority, then sorry but you’re worshiping money. And guess what, wealth and greed is an ugly demon.
It is a demon that has the power to destroy relationships, to sink one into a state of unending greed, where they can no longer be satisfied by anything, and can take away your peace of mind permanently. Being rich means you have chosen that demon in place of the Father! I’m sorry, but it’s true!! No wonder Jesus said that a rich man shall not enter heaven. How can someone worshiping a demon enter heaven no matter what he does?
“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” (Mathew 19:21)
You can never love both God and the devil. Again and again and again, I say to you, the riches of this world belong to the devil. DO NOT worship the devil.
A person who has his eyes upon the riches of this world do not have to care for what’s up in heaven. I mean if you’re living with more than you can ever wish for, then why on earth would a heaven where you cannot take your riches with you ever seem appealing to you?
The devil will take you to the top of some of the highest mountains. It has happened to me before! DO NOT give in to the luring call of this devilish world!! Once in, it’s really hard for you to escape the spiral of greed and selfishness the world puts you in.
We are royal beings, you and me. We are children of the King of Kings. The temporary pleasures and fame and wealth of this world mean NOTHING to us. Find that royalty in your heart, my friend.
Let us take the money we have and help those that absolutely need it! Let us remove wealth and fame from our lives as priorities.
Our priorities should not be materialistic ones. Our priorities are divine!!!!! Live your lives for the living God that never changes.
Happy new year to all my beloved readers!!!!
Posts have been slow the past few months due to some unavoidable duties, but more is yet to come starting the year of 2014!
Every new year makes one think of the countless resolutions people around the world make for various matters like losing weight, improving oneself, achieving goals, etc.
But let me remind you all one thing: no matter what you resolve to do, make sure that first and foremost, you ask God for His guidance and that His will may be carried out in your life!
Today marks the start of another 365-day marathon..
We are all runners in it, and sometimes we’ll see the unfair and unjust gaining advantage..
But as long as you try your level best to reach the goal that God has set for you, being ever loyal to following a path of righteousness and truth, then your reward in heaven will be great!
Keeping in mind that your personal relationship with God is all that matters, have a wonderful new year!!!!
Do you feel like God is moving away from you? Do you ever feel like there is such a HUGE distance between you and the Lord? Do you feel like you are never going to reach God?
I’m here to tell you that you’re WRONG. No one wants to hear that they are wrong. Everyone nowadays likes to listen to sermons and messages that justify their acts. Everyone wants to hear that it’s not their fault. You want to hear that “circumstances” are to blame. You want to hear that “anyone else would have done the same” or “how can someone withstand such temptation?”.
Well let me tell you something this morning: The Word of God is a TWO-EDGED sword!!! It pierces the listener as well as speaker with the blade of truth. That blade goes deep into your soul and penetrates you, but that hurt makes you a better person. The sword I am talking about is painful, but this same sword will bring you to the light and be your redemption.
Are you a sinner who believes that you don’t have a chance at getting closer to God?
Then we need to have a talk. Consider this blog post as a conversation that I’m having with just you, my friend, and no one else.
God never changes. He is the Alpha and Omega. He is forever faithful, and steady, and He keeps His word ALWAYS!
It is you and I , us humans, that change and run away. We move away from God, because of the sin that takes us away from Him. That is precisely what the devil wants to accomplish. The devil fills us up with the need to sin, and sinful thoughts, and sometimes some of us eventually fall for it one way or the other, and sin. The devil makes sin seem so easy a path to follow, and he makes it seem like it’s perfectly alright.
Well, he’s WRONG. Satan is a deceiver. He would be the happiest if you and I were separated from God by our own guilt from sin. So what does he do? He makes us sin, making us move away from the Lord ourselves, and then fills us with thoughts of doom, as if we can never return to the old ways.
Well, let me tell you something: it’s never late to return to God. Our God is a just God, but He is also the most PATIENT. Jesus Christ forgave the people who murdered Him for all the wrong reasons. He was utmost patient with the foolish humans who thought He was a liar. God is patient with the whole world, and He is willing to give people chances to change. That includes you too.
No matter what the devil is telling you about how great your sins are, ignore that. Clear your head and think straight. You still have the chance to come back to the Lord. You are a creation of God. You are the one who decides whether or not you can come back to the right path.
Did you sin so many times that you think God is tired of forgiving you? Well repent again, but this time, make it permanent. Make a decision to turn to the Lord and repent. And if you don’t know, Heaven rejoices most when a sinner comes back to the Lord. Make heaven rejoice and return. If you move a step closer to God, He will be another step closer to you.
Dearest reader and friend, are you one of those people that say every single day that you love God, that you love Jesus, that you love being a Christian?
Are you a Christian that boasts of your own righteousness and believes that you will be the first and foremost to enter heaven when the day comes?
Would you be willing to reconsider your path as I reflect upon mine as well this morning?
Who exactly is a person who loves Jesus Christ? What does he/she do in life? Have you ever thought of that?
He that has Christ’s commandments, and KEEPS them, is the one that loves Jesus Christ. You simply cannot say that you love Jesus if you’re not keeping His commandments.
Sadly, such a large number of Christians are this way. Many of them just show up to church every Sunday morning, all dressed up in highly formal clothes and terrible high heels and a ton of makeup, all beautified for the Lord to see. Who exactly are we trying to please? Do you think that the Lord cares whether or not you are at the best of your appearance? Does this imply that a person who cannot afford to buy the best clothes and matching hats cannot pray to God on Sunday?
Think of it. Why do most Christians go to church on Sunday? What’s the point of going to church and spending around 3-4 hours of praise and worship and listening to the gospel, if you plan on changing yourself for the world the very next day? Some Christians have totally different lives after the “holy” day of Sunday. Going to the club, drinking, having unhealthy thoughts in mind, smoking - however terrible, these are all still small wrongs considering the amount of unseen sins a person can have in life:
Every Sunday we preach of Jesus Christ, the most patient, the most forgiving, the most LOVING being ever to be, and yet the rest of the week, we go around hurting people. We don’t forgive one another. We demand that people say sorry in cases where we can just forgive. We fight for trivial things. We don’t love our friends like we should. We find excuses every day to get out of responsibilities when it comes to helping each other out. We carry the poison of envy in our hearts. We start mistrusting friends and family for the smallest things instead of openly asking them about things. We start judging others. We don’t show kindness to a poor person that we come across. We completely forget about how a Christian should live. We try to imitate our worldly friends. We try to please others by degrading ourselves from the high position that God wants to give His children. And yet, the next Sunday comes, and here we are again, all dressed up in the best three-piece suits and tightest dresses and highest heels, all painted up for the weekly show called “church”. WHY??? Who are we trying to please? Do you think that God only resides in the church building where you can put up a show of false righteousness and false religion to God?
Well you’re mistaken. Let me tell you, God is omnipresent. Let me tell you, He is right here with me as I write this, and while you’re reading this, He is right there beside you watching you. He can see what exactly is going through your mind.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Mathew 7:21-23)
Go ahead and yell “Lord I love you” all you want. He’ll hear you yelling. But He’ll listen only when you start obeying His commandments. He’ll consider you only from the moment you realize how you’ve been lying to yourself and to God about your faith by only putting it in words and not in action. He’ll recognize your love the moment you repent of your previous ways and decide to actually follow the ways of Jesus Christ.
This world is really suffering from the hands of none other than people who claim to be from God but are not in reality. FALSE PROPHETS are the culprits here. It makes me sick to see people following men and women who claim to be of some divine origin or who claim to have spoken with God or whatnot, and then turn out to be living completely different lives.
“For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.”(Mark 13:22)
Yes, there are lots of people out there trying to deceive the people of the world, even the ELECT!!!!
You must keep in mind that these people can even deceive the true Children of God, so we must all be very careful and try to discern with great care who a person is and where he/she comes from and what their actual intentions are.
The world is polluted, my dear friends, by many people who claim to be Christians or prophets, and lead lives of sin and ignorance. These are wolves in sheep’s clothing, leading their followers into the deepest pit instead of teaching them how to fly off from the end of the cliff.
The earth, this magnificent creation of God, can no longer stand the amount of evil running upon it’s surface. God sees His creations of man running to and fro, believing anything and everything that others say to deceive them, and ignoring the word of God that He has given so generously for us to read and decide for ourselves what is right and what is wrong.
Believe me, I will trust anyone who will support their argument based on the Bible, the true word of God. But if a person claims to have been to heaven and seen a movie theater up there, I’m sorry but I dare not heed those words. I decide what to believe and what not to believe based on how much of what a person says goes according to the Bible. My father Evg. Joy Simon is the one who taught me to do that, and it is one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever heard : to consult the word of God before deciding upon things.
My dear brothers and sisters: PLEASE, for your own sake and for the sake of those around you, READ THE BIBLE. Read the word of God. Study it, and refer back to it every time you hear someone speak of God. Consider how much of what he/she says is supported by the Bible. And then, decide for yourself.
May the Lord bless you and keep you my friends.
Good greetings, my dear readers. I am today trying to clear up something that most Christians have a hard time deciding about and often disagree upon: JUDGING OTHERS.
The verse in question is this: “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” (Mathew 7:1)
Jesus Christ has given us this instruction so that we may not judge the doings of others. This is because we do not have the authority to judge someone and proclaim that he/she is to be in eternal damnation. Some people criticize others for their mistakes and condemn them and isolate them from society and mark them out as dreadful people no matter how they repent. That is judgement. That is what God does not want us humans to do because it is God’s matter – to judge humans according to their actions and give them punishment.
But the sad fact is that some Christians use this verse to justify their wrong actions. If someone tries to correct them from their wrong path, they’ll ask “well, who are you to judge me?” and many Christians are now excusing themselves from confronting their brothers and sisters in wrong by saying that they have no authority to judge the actions of someone else.
Well I have something to say about this.
Why have you not read the following verses as well?:
If a brother (in general sense, a friend) is slipping into sin, you who are still spiritual should restore him to righteousness, and be careful that you are not tempted to go his way in the process. It is our duty as righteous Christians to let our fellow people know if they are going the wrong way. Advising is in no way equal to judgement, never. Those are two different things completely.
See, making a friend realize their wrong ways is a very tough situation to be in. It is quite dangerous of a task for a person who is not completely steadfast in faith, and could sometimes lead to the opposite results.
I once had a friend who was a great believer. He had great faith, and was glowing for the Lord. Well, one day we realized that one of his closest friends was going the wrong way, and was slipping into a dreadfully sinful life, and it was quite a sad time for him as she no longer wanted to be friends with him because of the mere fact that he was righteous and so she could no longer be his friend. After a while, he decided to befriend her again. He was determined to save her from her wrong ways. He quoted this verse: “Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2 Thessolonians Chapter 3 Verse 15)
Well he decided to win her back to the Lord’s side by being her friend. Sad to say, within a few weeks he started justifying her wrong acts, and turned against me and his other righteous friends. He was not careful in his approach, and ultimately, the evil spirit within her tricked him into following her to the wrong way as well. It was such a heartbreaking time for some of his righteous friends, including me, but what can anyone do? He should have been careful not to let the evil side win him over.
But you see, advising your friend in wrong to come back to the Lord’s side or to repent of their sin is exactly what the Lord wants you to do (as long as you keep yourself on the righteous side as well). If someone is blind and cannot see the right way, it is the duty of us who are not blind to show them the right way and to restore in them the ability to see the right way.
If someone you know does something wrong, you have to be patient and show them the right way. Try your best. Forgive them to the limit and beyond your limit. You are in no way judging your friend if you advise them. Like I said, those two are completely different things, and I hope that you no longer find it confusing when deciding whether or not to point out to a friend the mistake he has made.
E-mail me at: email@example.com
or leave a comment below if you have any questions.
May the Lord be with you all! God bless!!
“And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink.” (Psalms Chapter 78 verse 44)
“And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.” (Revelation 16:4)
If you still think that everything is alright with the world, you are mistaken, my friend.
The Holy Bible’s prophecies are unwinding and becoming true BY THE MINUTE~!
So repent while you can… if you choose to change your ways, NOW is the time, not tomorrow, not the next week, not after things are settled in your life…
Good morning my dear readers!
Today I would like to clarify some things that are really confusing a surprisingly large number of Christians around the world.
This is a question that arises in all of our minds naturally: When is the Second Coming of Jesus? When will He finally return to take up His bride?
Well, I have been hearing of a lot of people that claim to be “prophets”, and are trying to fix a date for the coming of the Lord! Claiming they have been told by God when the rapture will be, they are roaming the land deceiving people massively!
Let me ask one question though: Who on earth gave them the right to look into God’s schedule? Who are they to mark a date on the calendar for God so He can send His Son?
Don’t misunderstand me; I’m not blaming anyone who says the coming of Christ is near; we all know that it is very imminent. But I am talking about some people who say that Christ’s coming is on this date or that, saying it will be after this many years and such.
If you read the Bible, it states clearly in Mark Chapter 13 verse 32: “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.”
The Lord Himself said that no man knows that hour, not the angels in heaven, nor even the SON Himself! The Father is the only One Who knows exactly when that day will be. If this Word of God is true, then I find it hard to believe any prophet who says they know exactly when the Lord will come.
The Lord could come at any moment; He could come in several years, or He could come this week! Who knows, He could come even this very moment as I am writing to you!
But the essence of the matter is, NOBODY knows when it will be! The Lord made it that way so that He can distinguish the true Christians who really love the Lord by how they will be prepared always, no matter what.
But the Lord has told us the signs that will tell us the coming is very near. Stay tuned for the next post!
When we were conducting prayers and gospel meetings in India, a woman came to our home asking for prayer.
She said she had a tumor in her stomach, and that she has always been in pain. She really wanted to see if she could be free from it. She had been going to the doctors for scanning for several years.
My father taught her from the Bible about the power of faith and about the power of God that could cure instantly, and asked her to believe.
He rebuked the devil in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and sent her home, telling her that she would no longer need any treatment for her tumor, and that she should claim the healing in faith and not go back to the doctors again.
Well, we were all surprised when she came in the next week, in the middle of our prayer, frightened. We had no idea what she was so afraid of. My father asked her “What’s wrong, sister?” and she said “My tumor is GONE!!!”
We all sighed in relief and rejoiced in the miracle of God! When we asked her about it further, we found out that right after the prayer the last week, her tumor had disappeared! But she was so frightened, as this was her first encounter with the mighty power of God.
She was really baffled wondering what happened to her tumor that had been there for so many years! She said she was looking for the tumor, to see where it had moved to (poor lady didn’t realize she had actually been healed!), so she went to the doctors, asking them to find out where her tumor was!
The doctors scanned her and said that the tumor had disappeared for good, and there was no trace of it in her body!!
My dear friends, if you ask God to heal you in faith, and if you believe with all your heart, He will heal you no matter what. Once He heals you, you just have to claim it in faith. Once Jesus heals you, you have no more need of a doctor or any more prayers for that matter, because His healing is complete and perfect.
May God be with all of you.


Stratford Park Bible Chapel is a vibrant and dynamic church with a wide representation of ages and backgrounds and is characterized by a warm and friendly congregation. As an independent church we are fully autonomous, conservative in our orientation and strongly evangelical. A very Bible-centered fellowship, we have a long tradition of strong biblical exposition.
Our foundation and strength is in the Word of God- we look to the Word as our sole guide in all matters of faith and practice. That may be a pious sounding statement, but at Stratford Park it’s also a working reality. We strive in all things to follow clear biblical principles and to avoid traditionalism and legalism. Even our self understanding as a church is derived from the Word.
The church is not viewed as an organization or a man-made entity. It can not be associated with any particular denomination; rather it is a living organism. The true church is comprised of all those who have a life-giving relationship with God through the death and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. A local church is merely a gathering of true believers who come together as a visible expression of the body of Christ. Our fellowship is shaped by this understanding.
At Stratford Park we strive not to please men, but to graciously represent Christ in our community. God has called us to be his ambassadors; he has charged us with the task of representing Him in this world. It is an awesome responsibility and privilege; therefore our goal is to obey our Lord and to do what he’s asked. That means sharing the gospel, evangelizing, making disciples, encouraging one another, being accountable, being trained in righteousness, studying the Word, worship, fellowship, praise and prayer. We gather for all these purposes with the understanding that this ministry is the responsibility of the body as a whole. Each member is gifted, valuable and has a role to play.
If you are looking for a serious and dynamic church, to fellowship where the Word is held high and every member is encouraged to grow in grace, then please come and visit with us.
Statement of Faith
Being a part of the fellowship of Christians here is not contingent on commitment to every detail of this Statement of Faith, but adherence to the principal doctrines of the Christian faith will be assumed. Those who engage in any teaching or counseling ministry on behalf of the church are expected to teach, positively and wholeheartedly, the beliefs to which this church is committed as expressed below. These beliefs are based on the Bible as indicated by the references accompanying each section.
- The Bible is verbally inspired of God, inerrant in the original documents, and of final authority in all matters of faith and practice, and the all sufficient guide for the Christian life. (Matthew 5:18; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
- There is one God, who is the creator of all things, He is a spirit who is infinitely perfect, holy and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Psalm 145:8; Malachi 3:6; John 4:24; 2 Corinthians 13:14; 1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 4:8,11)
- The Lord Jesus Christ is truly God and truly man, conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary in his incarnation. He lived a sinless life and died as a perfect sacrifice for our sins, The sinner finds in Christ a substitute, and a representative who forever pleads his blood for our justification. He rose bodily from the dead, and ascended to his Father’s right hand, where he now intercedes as our High Priest. (Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:1,14; Romans 1:2-4; 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; 1 Peter 2:22; 3:18; 1 John 3:5; 5:20)
- Each member of the human race is fallen, sinful and lost. Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for the salvation of man. Redemption is wholly by the blood of Christ, and salvation is by grace, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Every true child of God possesses eternal life and is saved for all eternity. (John 3:3-5; Romans 3:10,23; 5:12,19; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:4-7)
- Each believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who seals him until the day of redemption. He guides, instructs, and empowers the believer for godly living, and spiritual service. (John 14:16-17, 26; 16:7-14; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 12:11; Galatians 5:22,23)
- The Lord Jesus will come personally in the air for all believers at the close of this age. His coming is both pre-millenial and imminent. (Matthew 24:4-44; John 14:2-3; Romans 11:25 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Revelation 19:11-16)
- The saved and the unsaved will be raised bodily. The saved will be raised to everlasting blessedness and the lost will be raised to everlasting conscious punishment. (Luke 16:19-31; 23:39-43; John 3:36; 5:24-29; 1 Corinthians 15:12-58; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10)
- The Church universal is not an organization, but a living organism, known as the body of Christ. The local church is composed of believers in any locality, who gather in Christ’s name as a corporate testimony to the Lordship of Christ and to the oneness of the body of Christ. Since the body is one, the Lord’s people should avoid being sectarian in spirit and practice. (Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 12:12-27; Ephesians 1:22; 4:13; Colossians 1:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25)


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The Lord-Lieutenant’s Service of Thanksgiving was held at St Paul’s Church, Bedford on Sunday 10 October 2021 to give thanks, remember and look forward in hope as the nation emerges from the challenges of the pandemic.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis was accompanied by her husband Professor Joe Nellis, and supported by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Colonel Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE and three of her Lord-Lieutenant Cadets.
The high sheriff of Bedfordshire Eric Masih, the speaker of Bedford Borough Council, the mayor of Luton, the chairman of Central Bedfordshire Council, the chief fire officer, the chief constable, the police & crime commissioner, town mayors from across Bedfordshire, and many other representatives of countywide organisations joined the congregation.
The service, which was held in line with current COVID-19 guidelines, was led by the Revd Canon Kevin Goss and the address and blessing was given by the Bishop of Bedford The Rt Rev Richard Atkinson OBE.
The Royal British Legion County Standard was presented during the first hymn and two of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets presented the Lieutenancy Flag and the Bedfordshire Flag.
The service was in three parts. People from all sections of the community who were involved in the pandemic were invited to share their experiences and this was an opportunity to give thanks for their contribution.
This included local GPs involved in setting up vaccination centres, a volunteer who provided meals for key workers and people in need, a Care Home Manager, military personnel, a vaccination centre volunteer and a COVID survivor. Each of them had a different story to tell, all of which were truly inspiring.
The service then had a period of remembrance when representatives of faith communities were invited to light candles whilst the choir sang, and the congregation was given time to reflect.
This led the service into the final part when the Bishop of Bedford blessed locally grown saplings representing the new hope of life.
The saplings were presented to the Bishop by Lord-Lieutenant Cadets and will be planted in three schools in Bedfordshire to celebrate HM The Queen’s Green Canopy.
Speaking after the service the Lord-Lieutenant said:
“It was a very emotional Bedfordshire Service of Thanksgiving, Remembrance and Hope at St Paul’s Church. I was really inspired and greatly moved by the stories of how so many went the extra mile to help during the pandemic.
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to collectively give thanks to these people, and hundreds more in Bedfordshire, whilst also remembering those sadly lost.
“I am looking forward to planting the saplings across Bedfordshire and delight in the thought of children playing under those trees in the years to come.”


Looking for family friendly Easter Activities? Here is a list of what’s “hop-pening” in the Basin over the next few weeks!
Breakfast, Story and Easter Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny
Wednesday, April 17th, 10:00am-11:00am, Andrews County Library, 109 NW 1st Street. ALL ages welcome! Get more information here.
Easter at the Amphitheater
Sunday, April 21st, 7:00am-2:00pm, Big Spring, Amphitheater. Sunrise service, Easter service, MEGA Easter Egg Hunt and family games and activities! Get more details here.
Bunny Breakfast with the Northside Lions Club
Saturday, April 13th, 7:00am-10:00am, Midland Park Mall Food Court. Breakfast, fun, prizes, karaoke, and meet the Easter Bunny! ALL ages, $6/person. Details here.
Saturday, April 13th, 10:00am-2:00pm, Midland YMCA. EGG-Hunt, face painting, train rides, rockwall, Color Fun Run and more! $10 activity band. (Concessions available for purchase.) Get all the details here.
Good Friday Celebration
Friday, April 19th, 12:00pm-1:00pm, St. Nicholas’ Episcopal Church. Good Friday Worship Service. ALL ages! Full details here.
Eggstravaganza with COM Aquatics
Saturday, April 20th, 10:30am-1:00pm, Hill Park. Easter Egg Hunt, fun and games! ALL ages! Get more information here.
Easter at Renew Life Church
Sunday, April 21st, 9:30am-1:00pm, Midland County Horseshoe Arena. Two Easter services as well as professional family photos! Details can be found here.
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 21st, 9:00am-10:00am, The Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity. Mega Easter Egg Hunt, fun and games! Information here.
Neon Easter Egg Hunt:
Saturday, April 13th, 7:00pm-9:00pm, First Baptist Church. Glow in the dark Easter Egg Hunt at dusk, followed by a glowstick after party! Get more details here.
Easter Family Fun Day
Sunday, April 14th, 4:00pm-6:00pm, Floyd Gwin Park. Easter egg hunts, carnival games, food and lots of fun! FREE! If you want more information, find it here.
Easter Musical by the Mission Dorado Kids Choir
Sunday, April 14th, 6:00pm-7:00pm, Mission Dorado Baptist Church. Join the kids choir as they journey back in time and discover the message of the Gospel. All ages welcome! Get all the information you need here.
Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 20th, 10:00am-11:00am, Mission Dorado Baptist Church. There will be neighborhood Easter Egg hunts throughout Odessa, with snacks and lots of candy for the kids! All ages! Find a location near you here.
Community Wide Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 20th, 12:00pm-3:00pm, Jim Parker Park. Bring your Easter baskets and get ready to find lots of eggs! There will also be inflatables, games, candy cannons and FREE hot dogs! All the details can be found here.
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 21st, 2:00pm-3:00pm, Purple Sage Park. Easter Egg hunt with lots of fun! All ages! FREE! You can get more information here.
Easter at CBC
Sunday, April 21st, 10:00am-11:45am, Community Bible Church. Start with a Easter Worship Service with coffee and donuts, followed by an egg hunt! Get all the details here.
Easter Service and Fellowship
Sunday, April 21st, 10:00am, Word of Hope Church. Easter Celebration Worship Service, church wide cook out, Easter Egg hunt, jumpers, and more! All the details can be found here.


(.pdf & .epub)
This is the first book devoted entirely to exploring Žižek’s peculiar kind of Paulinism. It seeks to provide a full map of the Marxist philosopher’s interpretations of Paul and critically engage with it. As one of several radical leftists of European critical thought, Žižek embraces the legacy of an ancient apostle in fascinating ways. This work considers Žižek’s philosophical and political readings of Paul through the lens of reception history, and argues that through this recent philosophical turn to Paul, notions of the historical and philosophical are reproduced and negotiated anew.
Ole Jakob Løland holds a doctoral degree in Theology from the University of Oslo, Norway. Løland has co-authored books and published articles on the reception history of the Bible and its wider cultural and political function in modern contexts. He serves as a minister in the Lutheran Church of Norway.


15 Reasons to listen to God's Word Daily
by Nick Boork
Author of the One Year Bible Club
click here to subscribe:
1) The Word of God is our spiritual food
Matthew 4:4 “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”
2) Mary chose to sit at Jesus feet and hear His Word while her sister Martha was distracted
Luke 10:38-42 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
3) Jesus promised His Word would make us free
John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
4) The Father and the Son live in Believers through His Word
John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.
5) The Word of God renews our minds
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
6) The Word of God is called the Sword of the Spirit and is the Christians offensive weapon against the Devil
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
7) We are to build our lives on obedience to Jesus Words
Matthew 7:24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
8) Reading the whole Bible yearly causes you to know the whole counsel of God. If you only read the parts of the Bible you want you will not have a balanced view of God and His purposes
Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
9) Christians must be filled with the Word of God to resist the Devil
Luke 11:24-26 24 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25 And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”
10) Faith comes by hearing the Word of God and faith pleases God
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
11) Believers are to allow the word of Christ to live in them richly
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another...
12) The Word of God transforms us from glory to glory
2 Corinthians 3:18 And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit. Amplified
13) The Word of God will fill you with the knowledge and wisdom of God and cause you to be stable in uncertain times having strong confidence of your salvation in Christ Jesus
Isaiah 33:6 Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation...
14) The Word of God is our measure against false Religions
Acts 17:11These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed.
15) Kings of Israel were commanded to write a copy of the law and read from it daily. New Testament Believer are called to rule in life through Jesus Christ.
Deuteronomy17:18 “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, 20 that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel.
So you can see by the Word of God that reading it daily has great spiritual blessings. For these reasons the One Year Bible Club has been created to strengthen you in your relationship with God.
My goal is to follow the example of Ezra:
So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading. Nehemiah 8:8
I invite you to subscribe to receive the One Year Bible Club Podcast Daily. Cover the entire New Testament in 365 days in mp3 audio, text and pdf to read. Subscribe here: http://lcp.trwv.net/lcp/bsllc/oneyearbibleclub


Hello and welcome to the Children & Youth area of our website. Take a look around to find out about what we do and why we do it. If you want to know more or have any questions, please get in touch with us!
Meet our Children and Youth Worker…
Hello! I’m Charlotte, the Children and Youth Worker at Oaks Community Church. Along with all of our amazing Children and Youth Volunteers, I help resource and equip our children and youth activities in both Dronfield and Eckington.
I have grown up in the Oaks and became the Children and Youth Worker in 2018. Since then, it’s been a privilege to see our children and young people grow and mature, journeying the highs and lows of life together.
If you would like to find out more about anything you’ve seen or read about so far, it would be great to hear from you. You can either use the form below or message us and I’ll be in touch!
Share your creations with us!
You can find our previous Activity Packs on our Resources page!
Our children’s groups run through term-time with activities for families during the school holidays. The groups are for a variety of ages, from parent and toddler groups through to year 4.
We run activities for young people in both Dronfield and Eckington during term time and in the school holidays. These groups are for Year 5 through to sixth form/college.
David, our Schools Worker, would love to serve your school. You can find out more about him and the ways we can resource schools on our Schools Work page.
During our Sunday gatherings, our Sunday’s Cool team creates great activities for the children in our church and encourages them to learn more about our faith. They also put together online sessions that you can watch at home!
Check out our resources page to find helpful websites, activities, and videos for your family. We will be updating this regularly so check back for more!


Instead of slavish conformity to the precepts of some religious authority like The Pope, or The Roman Catholic Church, or The Bible, or The Urantia Book, ... or anything else that might be regarded as standing between God and individual persons, we can instead have a simple personal philosophy of life that embraces The Gospel of Jesus:
Recognition by the believer of the one God as sovereign spiritual Father of each (and all individuals), and secondly, love of each other human being as an equal spiritual child of God.
God loves each child equally. God is no respector of persons, one over the other. God relates personally and individually to each other person.
Organizations of believers can elect leaders and claim descent from the Apostles for the outward social or group aspects of believers, but they should not usurp the spiritual rights and privileges of believers to relate themselves to God primarily individually, and only indirectly relate themselves to God through groupings of people like churches and through organized belief systems, which are mere intellectualizations of the personal experience of knowing God.
This simple philosophy given by Jesus eventually embraces all possible truth, goodness and beauty - love.
I was moved to post this message because I hoped to eliminate fear of damnation by Roman Catholics who don't believe every doctrine deemed essential by the Catholic Church or The Pope. The church was made to serve and minister to the people; the people are not made to serve the administration of the church. Jesus recognized this danger when he said, "And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father, the one in heaven." [Matt. 23:9]
I hope you all will have a good and loving Thanksgiving Day, will be free of religious fear, will recognize yourself as a free faith child of our Father in heaven who provides from within our individual minds awareness of the good, true and beautiful - the loving possibilities, and the opportunity to choose one of them, if we will. That is the invitation of the Father's spirit within each one's mind, to choose from among the many good things possible within "the will of God".


Our church congregation is made up of people of all ages and from many different backgrounds.
A typical service on Sunday lasts about an hour. The first part of this will include a welcome, praise, prayer, bible reading and a children’s talk. The second part focusses on the Bible and what we can learn about God from it. This is where the Minister explains some verses from the Bible and how it applies to us in our lives.
The children go out to Sunday school after the children’s talk about 15 minutes into the service. Parents with babies and toddlers can use the crèche or stay in the service as they choose.
There is no Sunday school or children’s talk during the evening service but children are most welcome.
The church building is easily accessible for those with disabilities or prams and there is also a sound loop system for the hard of hearing.
What We Believe
As a church we believe the Bible is God’s inerrant revelation to the human race.
It is our highest authority in everything that we do in the life of the Church and our lives as individuals.
We believe that the Bible reveals to us the truth about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God, and was sent into the world in order to fix our broken relationship with God because of the wrong things we think, say and do in our lives.
We hold to the fact that Jesus Christ is the only way we can know God, and the only way to live life to the full on this earth.
We trust all the promises that God makes to us through the Bible which we believe is the Word of God.
As a reformed church we hold to five basic, but fundamental truths:
"Glory to God Alone"
The Bible is our final and highest authority. It is sufficient for all matters in life.
We are declared perfect by God and saved by faith alone. Good deeds are not required for our salvation.
God saved us by grace alone; He loved us even though we didn’t deserve it.
Jesus Christ is the only mediator between us and God. We can have a relationship with God only because of Christ’s life, death and resurrection.
We owe all glory to God alone, because He has saved us, by giving us His Son, Jesus. He has given us the faith we need to believe in Him, by the power of the Holy Spirit
Being an evangelical church means we believe:
The Bible is the inspired Word of God and therefore sufficient as our final authority in all life’s matters.
Jesus is the Son of God, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit.
He lived a perfect life in order to fulfil the Law that man could not fulfil, and died to pay the penalty of death on our behalf.
Jesus physically rose from the dead, conquering the grave in order to secure eternal life for all those who believe in Him
Christians are followers of Jesus Christ, and as followers, we are to go into all the world and make more followers of Jesus. Being a Christian means you have been ‘born again’, which is a spiritual transformation of the heart, making you a part of the family of God – the Church.


and the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel, three gates northward: the gate of Reuben, one; the gate of Judah, one; the gate of Levi, one.
Ezekiel 48:31 from World English Bible.
And Absalom rose early, and stood beside the way of the gate; and it was so, that when any man who had a controversy had to come to the king for judgment, then Absalom called him, and said, Of what city art thou? And he said, Thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.
2 Samuel 15:2 from Darby Bible Translation.
They are created now, and not from of old; and before this day thou heardest them not; lest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them.
Isaiah 48:7 from English Revised Version.
At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to appoint captains, to open the mouth in the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to appoint battering rams against the gates, to cast a mount, and to build a fort.
Ezekiel 21:22 from King James Bible.
Before thy wickedness is revealed, As at the time of the reproach of the daughters of Aram, And of all her neighbours, the daughters of the Philistines, Who are despising thee round about.
Ezekiel 16:57 from Young's Literal Translation.
And Saul and his men go to seek, and they declare to David, and he goeth down the rock, and abideth in the wilderness of Maon; and Saul heareth, and pursueth after David to the wilderness of Maon.
1 Samuel 23:25 from Young's Literal Translation.


The New Year has arrived and we're celebrating the beginning of 2023. We're also celebrating the feast of the Epiphany - a good chance to think about our own faith and life journey for the coming year.
Read the story at Matthew 2:1-12
I'm Rev. David. I live, work and play on Alderney which is one of the Channel Islands.
Thanks for listening to my podcast which records my wondering and noticing as I try to be a Jesus-follower in this place.
I now broadcast a 'Thought for Friday' on Alderney's Riduna Radio each week - just after the 9.00am news. You can listen live online, or you can listen to it here as a podcast.
Season 1 - all the podcasts that I produced during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Season 2 - some reflections having moved to Alderney.
Season 3 - my 'Thought for Friday' broadcast each week on riduna-radio.com


Refugee children today
Richard Wurmbrand was a pastor who spent 14 years in prison for sharing the gospel in communist Romania.
Pastor Wurmbrand did not become a Christian until he was an adult. “In my childhood, I never heard either a bad or a good word about Jesus,” he said. “He was simply unknown to me.”
One day, Richard was walking home from a school with a friend. The friend stopped in front of a church and said to Richard, “Wait for me a minute. My father asked me to give the pastor a message.”
“No, I’ll go in with you,” Richard said. He had never been inside a church before. The pastor and Richard’s friend talked for a few minutes while Richard waited nearby. Then the pastor came over to Richard and patted him on the head. “Little fellow, what can I do for you?” he asked Richard.
Richard was embarrassed. He wondered if he was allowed to be inside the church since he was not a Christian. “Nothing,” he answered the pastor.
“That can’t be true,” the pastor said. “I belong to Jesus. He taught us to do good to others. It is summertime, and it is hot outside. I will bring you a cup of cold water.”
“Jesus is a strange being,” Richard thought. He had never heard about any of Jesus’ teachings. Later Richard learned more about Jesus and decided to follow Him. “God surely has a reward for the one who offered love and a cup of cold water in Jesus’ name,” Richard said.
To Think About
• The Bible says Jesus “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). How can Christians today “go about doing good?”
• Do you think the pastor’s kindness helped Richard understand Jesus better?


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About the Speaker
Evangelist and Founder of Revivalmakers
Tony Suárez is an author, sought after speaker and the founder of Revivalmakers Ministries, a spirit filled evangelistic ministry that travels from church to church as well as hosts events, tent revivals, healing services and crusades around the world.
In addition to his traveling ministry, Tony serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, the country’s largest Hispanic Christian organization, serving tens of thousands of congregations in the United States under the direction of Rev. Samuel Rodriguez. Through his role as COO, Pastor Tony regularly meets with members of Congress, the White House, and speaks at events to advance the cause of righteousness, life and religious liberty.


January 13, 2018 – My jumbled thoughts on a difficult day
The Super Sam Foundation family is hurting today. This morning we said our final earthly goodbyes to sweet Gabriel. Five-year-olds should not have funerals. But sometimes they do. So we showed up. We stood together. We cried together. We let Jeremy and Erica know we are in this with them. Together. As awful as grief is, it’s also a result of love. Grieving for someone means you loved them. And there is so much beauty in our grief. There is so much compassion in our grief. And Jesus is right there with us. Crying with us and walking beside us on our journey.
As Gabriel was memorialized by his pastor and his parents, we enjoyed hearing stories of his squeals of delight and how he was always happy. He and Sam shared many positive traits. Gabriel and Sam both had smiles that melted hearts. They both had charm in abundance. And they both could bring a community together. What sweeter sign could there be than driving away and seeing the Super Sam sticker on the back of the escort police cars? As the officers continue to serve, the community continues to remember and honor Sam just as we now will do for Gabriel. And we know they are together in heaven.
Together is the only place to be in times like these. We were physically together at the funeral. We are spiritually together always. Even as we now allow time for Jeremy and Erica to grieve privately, we are holding them in prayer and sending all our love and strength their way.
Sam went to heaven a few months before Gabriel was diagnosed. Gabriel never knew Sam here on earth but he had a great companion in dear Ava. I can’t think of a better tribute to these two incredible families than knowing Gabriel was loved by Ava on earth and by Sam in heaven. And Sam and Ava are both loved by Gabriel. These families are broken. They will not be healed until they are reunited in heaven. But they carry on. They keep Sam and Gabriel close. They carry their legacy forward. A legacy of smiles, laughter, love for others, selflessness, joy, and faith. Amazing faith! To Erica, Jeremy, Cassie, Matt, Ava, and their families…we love you and we are with you. Let’s continue this valiant fight together.


Cairns FM, Cairns FM online radio, Cairns FM internet radio fm…
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Reatures. My reach is England and Scotland combined, however. How many children would you bear me? A Queen should not die old. I remember in her prime, when she sank a Spanish fleet, claimed the vast continent, unfold our flag throughout the world. You will remember these feeble years, A drooling of the mouth and the stench of urine. A queen should not die old. Between the death of Elizabeth and the coronation of James, England will be leaderless. That is no time to allow Catholics and traitors to run free, plotting violence and insurrection. You will arrest each Catholic on your list. I myself will arrest their chief culprit, Robert Catesby. Our faith years old, how dare they replace it with a faith that was born, invented, invented; to help a king dump a wife and marry a mistress. If you ask a Catholic to choose between his king and Pope who sits in Rome, he will choose the Pope who sits in Rome. Catholics are traitors. My parents. my wife and my child all die in this faith safe in the knowledge that adhering to this faith, this one true Catholic faith will lead souls to heaven, and one day, praise God, I will join them there. You wish to speak, Robert Catesby? You wish to speak Robert Catesby? The penalty, for hearing a Catholic Mass, is a substantial fine, for all those in attendance, and the death by hanging, drawing and quartering, of the Catholic priest. May God have mercy on his evil Catholic soul. Take Robert Catesby away. Thomas! Robert! Leave him! Leave him! Go to King James of Scotland If he is to be the next King of England, all this must cease. All of this must cease! This, cannot go on! King James of Scotland is the son of a Catholic queen! A Catholic martyr! His will grant us tolerance! I speak from heart. Gentleman. Approach me and you will be slain. Your Majesty. You are Thomas Percy? I am, Your Majesty. And you have news from England? Elizabeth Queen of England is dying, Your Majesty. She’s been dying since that child was conceived. She will soon be dead, Your Majesty, truly. Truly? Truly. Well that is sad news indeed. Indeed. Give this man three of our best horses. I have further news Your Majesty. Speak it. I fear this news will incur your wrath. Speak it, man. There is a rival claimant to the throne, Your Majesty Princess Isabella A Catholic. I have no rival claimant Radio . for I am no claimant. I am the next King of England, and no human being, no mere mortal will stand in my way else I will show them what “mere mortal” means. I will put them to the sword. I will have his head. He is a Catholic. Cut off his head? What message would that send to the Catholics of England? To hell with them. They will take up arms. And I will destroy them. And what if you fail? And should you succeed you would rule forever a divided kingdom. You have waited for blood to take the crown of England, now it is within your grasp, do not let it slip for the lack of words. Mere words. Promise this man all he wants. He will think me weak. He will think you merciful. Tell him all he wishes to hear. I will tell him everything that he wishes to hear. Leave us. Leave us! What do you want? An end to the persecution of Catholics, Your Majesty. Really. And in return? All Catholics will hail you as their King. I am a King, Thomas Percy. A king does not succumb to threats. A person who threatens a King must die. So be it. A noble, heroic man. That is for others to say, Your Majesty. I say it. Then I thank you. Have you no thought, Thomas Percy, for those less noble, less heroic? We have twisted limb, and cowardly halved an evil soul have we not endured enough? Must we look upon people such as thee and suffer even more in that comparison? So what would you sacrifice, for your faith? I would give my life, Your Majesty. Sacrifice, ones life for ones faith, means you go straight to heaven. I see your courage in that. But your honor, would you sacrifice your honor, for your faith? No, for to sacrifice my honor in this way, is to sin against my faith, Your Majesty. Sacrifice your honor to me and I will grant you all that you wish. Oh, I see that look of disgust in your eye. I know it well, I see it in the eyes of my good wife, my eldest child, it is a look no man can disguise. Honest and true, and I have grown so very, very fond of it. Why don’t you strike me? Why don’t you strike me? Is it because I am a King, to strike me is to die? Is it cowardice? Do you suffer this for your faith Radio for an end of the persecution of all that share your faith? If that is so Thomas Percy, why stop at this? Why have half a hog, when we can have whole? Regina died! Long live The King! Long live King James VI of Scotland and the first England! Out! Out! Queen Elizabeth is dead. We must ride to England. My Lord, we cannot ride before the funeral. The soul of England must not lie on thee. We must wait. We wait for men to make us the finest carriage the world has ever seen. It will be drawn by horses from Arabia. We wear expensive gowns from France. For this one moment I’ve endured pain, and humiliation and I warn you my dear repulsive husband, we will enter London as a great King and Queen, not as Scottish beggars. You have Catholics custody Lord Cecil, release them. Is that wise Your Majesty? Do not the people love me? Is there a man in England who wishes me harm? No, Your Majesty. Therefor release the Catholics. There will be persecuted no more To decide such a thing so early in your reign, Your Majesty, is rash Release them! As Your Majesty wishes. Robert. What say The King? He has promised us tolerance. Tom, good to see you. Francis. And if he breaks his promise? Then I will kill with my bare hands. Not long now, Majesty. Just a little. We are impoverished. Yes, Your Majesty. I am a king, who lacks the money, to act as a king. We fight a war with Spain, Your Majesty. And Elizabeth’s funeral was also costly. When you lavished money upon the old Queen’s funeral, did you not have not think about the new King’s coronation? She was much loved, Your Majesty. Were Elizabeth had horses to pull her coffin, I will have to pull my carriage. Where she had thousands at her funeral,


The 27th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is slated to meet in Louisville, Kentucky, June 15-18, 1999. This will mark the first time that the Assembly of the relatively young denomination will be meeting in the Bluegrass State.
Hosting the week-long event will be Great Lakes Presbytery, a judicatory which stretches from the southern half of Michigan through most of Ohio and Indiana and into eastern Kentucky.
Although this will be the first PCA Assembly in Kentucky, the state and its largest city have been witness to significant events in American Presbyterianism. The Second Great Awakening started at a revival meeting in Kentucky, and the Presbyterian Church, particularly in Kentucky, was profoundly affected.
It was here on the frontier of the early nineteenth century that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church began. Founded in 1806 because of objection to formal educational requirements for Presbyterian ministers, the theology of the Cumberland Church also represented a compromise between a strict Calvinism and a more moderate, even Arminian, brand of doctrine.
Kentucky, a "border state" during the War for Southern Independence, was recognized by the Confederacy as one of the thirteen stars in her flag. The Presbyterian Synod of Kentucky remained with the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America during the War; but within a few years, the Synod had split, with the majority joining the Southern Presbyterian Church.
Out of that division came disputes of church property, including the famous 1867 Walnut Street Presbyterian Church court case, which was ultimately determined by the Supreme Court of the United States. The landmark Supreme Court ruling, which vested property in the (Northern) denomination, was a triumph for the forces of centralism. It also affected church property cases for several generations. A century later, two Southern Presbyterian congregations in Savannah, Georgia, blunted the force of the Walnut Street decision, in their successful efforts to withdraw from the parent denomination and retain their property.
One of the first congregations of the first PCA presbytery was First Presbyterian Church in downtown Louisville. A ruling elder of First Church was the initial stated clerk of Vanguard Presbytery.
Today, Louisville is home to the PCA's liberal counterpart, the headquarters of the Presbyterian Church (U. S. A.) having relocated to Kentucky from New York City. Other manifestations of liberal Presbyterianism may be found at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
In 1985, First Presbyterian withdrew from the PCA; the congregation no longer exists, and its historic building is now occupied by an independent church. The only PCA presence in the Louisville area is Community Presbyterian Church, organized in 1992; and a Korean Presbyterian mission.


Acts 1:6-8 “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
Stay focused on the work. The enemy will use our curiosity and analytical minds to have us trying to figure out the exact day and the exact hour of our restoration and the restoration of God’s chosen people, the Hebrew Israelites. When Jehovah? When will the vision manifest? When will my spouse come? When will You return? We don’t know the day or the hour. We don’t worry about the exact dates. We know what the power of the Holy Spirit reveals to us. Meanwhile, we have work to do. In every area of our lives we are charged to be witnesses. Jehovah has already empowered us with the anointing we need. He has already given us dunamis power to teach, preach, cast out demons, and heal the sick. He has already equipped us to accomplish His plan in our lives. We don’t have time to sit by and look out the window for signs of the times. Keep working. Keep building. Keep planning, “God willing.” Keep ministering. Keep witnessing. Don’t worry about the day. Don’t worry about the hour. Don’t let the enemy cause you to get stuck in a spiritual time capsule. Work while you can.


Seventh-day Adventists Believe...
THE CHURCH IS A SAFE HAVEN FOR SPIRITUAL HEALING AND GROWTH
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is one of many Christian denominations. The name comes from the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath and a belief in the second coming (advent) of Jesus. The Bible is the source of our Christian beliefs. Adventists attend church on Saturday – joining together for worship, for fellowship and for Bible study.
The Adventist Church welcomes all people to its worship services. The most important function of the church is to reveal and demonstrate the character of God, who is love, in our teachings and in our lives and to proclaim hope for people in a troubled world.
- There is only one God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – an eternal unity of the three Persons.
- Christ is the Eternal Son of God, through whom all things were created and through whom the character of God is revealed. Christ offered Himself as a living sacrifice, died as mankind’s Substitute on the Cross, was resurrected and ascended to heaven where He is interceding for us. He will come a second time to gather the redeemed from the earth.
- The Holy Spirit, in harmony with Scripture, leads to all truth, indwells within His children and transforms their lives.
- The Bible, as the divinely inspired Word of God, reveals God’s character and purposes, is the source of our faith and records God’s acts in history.
- We believe in the Biblical account of creation. God made everything—the heavens, the earth and sea and every living thing. His creation was glorious and perfect in every detail. His crowning act of creation was man and woman, Adam and Eve, created out of love and given the freedom to obey or disobey God.
- When Adam and Eve chose to disobey God, they experienced the effects of sin—separation from a holy God, sin, guilt, wickedness and death. The effects of sin would be felt by every person born on earth. “The wages of sin is death, but eternal life is a gift of God”.God's law reveals His perfect character while at the same time revealing our sinful nature. It convicts us of our sin and need of a Savior.
- God provided Christ as the only means of salvation. This salvation is given as a gift of grace to anyone who by faith accepts Him as their personal Savior. The law of God is also an expression of His love and will for the benefit of mankind. It is given by God as a basis for mankind to experience peace, joy and satisfaction in their relationship with God and with each other.
We are justified by faith. Through the Holy Spirit, the law is placed on our hearts and our obedience to the law is revealed in our love for the Lord and concern for our fellow human beings. The second coming of Christ will be literal, personal, and worldwide. At the Second Coming the righteous will be resurrected and together with the living righteous will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Until the resurrection, the dead are in a state of total unconsciousness. The wicked will be destroyed, and sin will arise no more.We will experience eternal life with God as He originally designed.
For a more detailed explanation of our beliefs, please visit
or send an email to Pastor Gary Taber at email@example.com


The Jesus Path to Awakening is
a historically grounded, mystical, theologically progressive,
radically inclusive, spirit-guided Way. This journey
centers on the transformation that comes from following
Jesus Christ in such a way that we become awakened to
our oneness with God, our own divinity.
We are guided by Jesus'
teaching and life as described in the foundational
gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Thomas. These
ancient writings are enlightened by the best of biblical
scholarship, the great mystics of many religions
throughout history, and the Spirit's voice to us today.
For the last 20 years I
have found a greater vision and deeper experience of God
through what some of us call Integral Christianity. It
was the subject of my last two books and will be for my next
one. To know more about this, you can access the part of
this website, still under construction, which will
outline the basic elements of following Jesus brought to
new light through the lens of what an increasing number
of us see as the next stage of human spiritual


IRAQ, 2013. The Iraqi refugee and internally displaced crisis began in 2006, when the country's main political factions started a religious conflict. The main one was unleashed between Shia and Sunni groups. Iraqi minorities, including Christians, Turkmen, Kurds, Shabak, Yazidi, Sabean-Mandeans, Palestinians, were immediately overwhelmed and in a few years 4 million internally displaced persons and refugees left their homes and moved to the north of the country, the neighboring states (Jordan, Syria), Europe and the United States. Mono-confessional areas have formed in a country that for centuries has been multi-community and multi-confessional. Iraqi Christians, in particular, have taken refuge in the north of the country where they have been. Some have been welcomed in Kurdistan and in the Ninewa plain. The attacks on Christian churches in Baghdad at the end of October 2010 reopened the crisis and in a few days at least 700 families left Baghdad towards the north. The persecutions hit the churches and families and the Christian community of the city of Quaraquos.


Pre-marital sex is prevalent inside our tradition, but to know that it’s contained in the church is very dishearteningadmin
We most likely should not have now been amazed, but I became, upon hearing there are individuals at Bridgeway who, for reasons uknown, genuinely believe that sex before wedding is permissible. My shock upon hearing it is that I would not have imagined that such a view could exist among professing even Christians. There are several plain items that are incredibly patently apparent into the Bible this 1 merely takes for provided that everyone else who may have spent any length of time in church life would appreciate this. But i assume I happened to be incorrect.
Final week used to do a bit of research. Now keep in mind: data are deceiving. There may be many unknown or unstated facets that skew the outcomes of any general public viewpoint poll. Having said that, a current study of professing evangelical Christians suggested that almost 60% stated they might have or have experienced sex before wedding. There clearly was no indicator when you look at the survey as to if they regarded pre-marital intercourse as morally permissible. Some (perhaps numerous) may believe it to biblically be morally and sinful but engaged in pre-marital intercourse anyhow.
We suppose the only destination to begin is through being attentive to the terminology that individuals get in the NT.
The Greek term that is most frequently translated as “sexual immorality” is porneia, the phrase from where derive our term that is english. But don’t ever think that the Greek porneia is referring mainly to artistic portrayals of intercourse. We should never ever read back to the NT this is of y our contemporary English words. Instead the NT must be allowed by us to define its terminology in its very own means.
With the noun porneia, there was a relevant kind that is usually translated “the intimately immoral.” Additionally there is the verb “to commit intimate immorality.” Together these words look 42x times when you look at the NT. here’s a little sampling to provide you with a sense of exactly exactly how it really is grasped.
“For from the heart come wicked ideas, murder, adultery, intimate immorality, theft, false witness, slander” (Matthew 15:19).
“It is obviously stated that there clearly was immorality that is sexual you, and of a sort which is not tolerated also among pagans, for a person has their father’s spouse” (1 Corinthians 5:1).
“But now i’m composing for your requirements not to ever keep company with whoever bears the title of sibling if he could be responsible of intimate immorality or greed, or perhaps is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not also to consume with this kind of one” (1 Corinthians 5:11).
“Or do you realy perhaps perhaps perhaps not realize that the unrighteous will likely not inherit the kingdom of Jesus? don’t let yourself be deceived: neither the intimately immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor males who practice homosexuality shall inherit the kingdom of Jesus” (1 Corinthians 6:9).
Now it may possibly be beneficial to pause right right here and aim down that whereas adultery and homosexuality are kinds of porneia or immorality that is sexual porneia is just a much broader term which includes any and all sorts of sexual intercourse before or beyond your wedding relationship.
“The body isn’t intended for intimate immorality, but also for the father, and also the Lord for your body” (1 Corinthians 6:13).
Once again, a word that is brief in an https://myasianbride.net/ukrainian-brides/ ukrainian brides club effort. Right right Here we come across that Jesus obviously created the human anatomy for a function, which is maybe maybe not for intimate immorality. Therefore each time a person partcipates in sexual intercourse beyond your bonds of marriage he or she is violating the really purpose for which Jesus has established us as intimate animals.
“Flee from intimate immorality. Any other sin an individual commits is outside of the human body, nevertheless the intimately immoral individual sins against his very own human body” (1 Corinthians 6:18).
“But because associated with urge to immorality that is sexual each guy need his or her own spouse and every girl her very own spouse” (1 Corinthians 7:2).
“We should never have pleasure in sexual immorality as a few of them did, and twenty-three thousand dropped in a day that is single (1 Corinthians 10:8).
“Now the works associated with the flesh are obvious: intimate immorality, impurity, sensuality” (Galatians 5:19).
“ But intimate immorality and all impurity or covetousness should never also be known as among you, as it is appropriate among saints” (Ephesians 5:3).
“For you may well be certain of this, that everybody who’s intimately immoral or impure, or that is covetous (that is, an idolater), doesn’t have inheritance when you look at the kingdom of Christ and God” (Ephesians 5:5).
In this text we come across that God does not single out immorality that is sexual even even worse than many other sins regarding the flesh. Idolatry and covetousness and theft are similarly heinous into the optical eyes of Jesus.
“Put to death consequently what exactly is earthly inside you: intimate immorality, impurity, passion, wicked desire, and covetousness, that is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5).
“For this is actually the might of Jesus, your sanctification: which you refrain from intimate immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
“Let wedding be held in honor among all, and allow the marriage sleep be undefiled, for Jesus will judge the intimately immoral and adulterous” (Hebrews 13:4).
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the intimately immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all sorts of liars, their portion will soon be in the lake that burns off with fire and sulfur, that will be the 2nd death” (Revelation 21:8).


But during this time, while I'm on this "love" journey, on this journey to master love and figure out who GOD really is, I noticed myself shifting a bit in my relationship. I also noticed that some Christians don't SHIFT at all. I bet if you were to ask some family or friends who God is, their reply would involve much of what they've been taught or read in the bible. And I don't know if that's a good enough reason to believe in God. You've got to EXPERIENCE God minus religion and what you've been taught. I was watching the film "Mississippi Burning" the other night and I shook my head as racist whites used the "WORD OF GOD" (Bible) to murder Blacks. So, the Bible can often be used to fit what people want it to fit, but experience is entirely different. If you think about it, even the disciples EXPERIENCED Christ. They didn't just read about Him. And so, I also believe you've got to EXPERIENCE God to confirm what you've read because if you just go by what you've read in the Bible, you'll find some contradictions. You'll struggle with what's literal and what's not especially when considering the 38,000 Christian denominations in the world. But if you deal with EXPERIENCE, no one can take that from you. We can say the Bible has been re-written or tampered with, but no one can take away God speaking to you. You must know God for yourself. Why? Because when you only know God via religion, you're just a Pharisee. Nothing more. You'll know the law; and you'll know scripture; but love won't prevail. And us Christians, who serve God, have to know that GOD IS LOVE. Not religion. But LOVE.
While I'm on this journey, I've learned that as you read the Bible, a book of blessings, promises, and BOOK OF EXPERIENCES shared by prophets and disciples about how awesome God is, you've got to figure out your own experience. What is your contribution to the story? What did God say to you? When did God heal you? When did you fall at God's feet and ask for healing? Was your reputation ever stoned? If God is ALIVE like we say He is, He doesn't want you to finish Him off with the Bible. He wants the experience to continue and not end with the experience of Paul or the experience of David. Is it not possible that God still moves and we don't always have the answers to everything? Does the Bible have God all figured out? It's a dangerous place to be in NOT to explore God and to think you have him all figured out. Having God all figured out means you've got your own throne. And I don't think memorizing scripture makes you are an expert on God. It's might make you an expert on religion; but not an expert on God.
And so moving forward, don't complicate God. Being a Christian means touching God's heart and him touching yours and you don't need theology and religious tradition to do that. P
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”


...when the evil goes east.
Not knowing what else to do, our hero goes on a youth retreat.
"It's great, you'll love it!" he hears from other kids.
"It'll change your life!" the youth pastor assures him.
While there, he finds a whole host of people just like him. Teenagers wondering what to do with their lives; those who have wondered but have received a calling - "Jesus is the answer!" they declare. "Just pray and have faith!" They obviously know what they're talking about, because they're wearing t-shirts that have controversial bible verses and illustrations on them, driving home biblical principles so that no matter where they go, they're not just living out a witness for Christ, they're literally wearing their biblical doctrine for all to see! Our hero's favorite is one that features the declaration: "God's last name is not dammit."
And they listen to Christian rock and none of that worldly crap. The Christian rock sounds remarkably similar to the secular repertoire, but it's obviously better because it's for the King of Kings instead of the King of Capitalism.
It all makes sense to the young man, and though he prayed the prayer of salvation at a young age, he suddenly feels unsure of his eternal destiny and decides to rededicate his life.


Mathematicians say LIFE is like a line segment drawn from point B to point D.
What is point B to point D?
It's from point of Birth( to point of Death(D).
So life starts from the moment we are Born( until the day we Die(D).
But in the middle of B(Birth) and D(Death) is a mysterious C.
What is C then?It is CHRIST.
If we put Christ in the middle of our life(Birth--->Christ--->Death) our life will not end at D but extend to E.
What is E? It's Eternal Life.
So all those who put Christ in the middle of their life have Eternal life after Death
But those who do not put Christ in the middle of their lives don't have Eternal life after Death but they have F(Fire).
Therefore the mathematical Equation or Definition of Life For Christians is
B + C + D = E
Birth+Christ+Death= Eternal Life
And the mathematical Equation or Definition Of Life For Unbelievers:
(B - C ) + D = F
Birth - Christ + Death = Fire
Any one that avoids C must surely lose E
For scriptural references, please check the following
1John 5:11-13 Acts 4:12 John 5:34 Rom 10:1 John 3:16 & 17 Rev 20:11-15
There's always blessing in sharing.... so share with others. He that wins a soul is wise!!!
Can you pls do some Evangelism NOW by sharing 🙏🏼


Great book discussing Scriptures Most Compelling Argument for the Pre-Tribulation Rapture. Documented with over 525 references! A MUST read!
BOOK: Daniel's Gap, Paul's Mystery...What Paused the Prophetic Calendar?
Scripture's most compelling argument for the Pre-Trib Rapture. Dr. Schmidt shows where Paul's "Mystery" Church is delicately inserted in the "Gap" between Daniel 9:26 & 27.
Using over 525 Scripture passages, Rich shows why the Church MUST be taken out before God's Prophetic Calendar can kick back in. A MUST READ!


Rev John Bradford And John Leaf An Apprentice
Rev. John Bradford was born at Manchester, in Lancashire; he was a good
Latin scholar, and afterward became a servant of Sir John Harrington,
He continued several years in an honest and thriving way; but the Lord
had elected him to a better function. Hence he departed from his master,
quitting the Temple, at London, for the university of Cambridge, to
learn, by God's law, how to further the buildi
g of the Lord's temple.
In a few years after, the university gave him the degree of master of
arts, and he became a fellow of Pembroke Hall.
Martin Bucer first urged him to preach, and when he modestly doubted his
ability, Bucer was wont to reply, If thou hast not fine wheat bread, yet
give the poor people barley bread, or whatsoever else the Lord hath
committed unto thee. Dr. Ridley, that worthy bishop of London, and
glorious martyr of Christ, first called him to take the degree of a
deacon and gave him a prebend in his cathedral church of St. Paul.
In this preaching office Mr. Bradford diligently laboured for the space
of three years. Sharply he reproved sin, sweetly he preached Christ
crucified, ably he disproved heresies and errors, earnestly he persuaded
to godly life. After the death of blessed king Edward VI. Mr. Bradford
still continued diligent in preaching, till he was suppressed by queen
Mary. An act now followed of the blackest ingratitude, and at which a
Pagan would blush. It has been recited, that a tumult was occasioned by
Mr. Bourne's (then bishop of Bath) preaching at St. Paul's Cross; the
indignation of the people placed his life in imminent danger; indeed a
dagger was thrown at him. In this situation he entreated Mr. Bradford,
who stood behind him, to speak in his place, and assuage the tumult. The
people welcomed Mr. Bradford, and the latter afterward kept close to
him, that his presence might prevent the populace from renewing their
The same Sunday in the afternoon, Mr. Bradford preached at Bow church in
Cheapside, and reproved the people sharply for their seditious
misdemeanor. Notwithstanding this conduct, within three days after, he
was sent for to the tower of London, where the queen then was, to appear
before the council. There he was charged with this act of saving Mr.
Bourne, which was called seditious, and they also objected against him
for preaching. Thus he was committed, first to the Tower, then to other
prisons, and, after his condemnation, to the Poultry Compter, where he
preached twice a day continually, unless sickness hindered him. Such was
his credit with the keeper of the king's Bench, that he permitted him in
an evening to visit a poor, sick person near the Steel-yard, upon his
promise to return in time, and in this he never failed.
The night before he was sent to Newgate, he was troubled in his sleep by
foreboding dreams, that on Monday after he should be burned in
Smithfield. In the afternoon the keeper's wife came up and announced
this dreadful news to him, but in him it excited only thankfulness to
God. At night, half a dozen friends came, with whom he spent all the
evening in prayer and godly exercises.
When he was removed to Newgate, a weeping crowd accompanied him, and a
rumor having been spread that he was to suffer at four the next morning,
an immense multitude attended. At nine o'clock Mr. Bradford was brought
into Smithfield. The cruelty of the sheriff deserves notice; for his
brother-in-law, Roger Beswick, having taken him by the hand as he
passed, Mr. Woodroffe, with his staff, cut his head open.
Mr. Bradford, being come to the place, fell flat on the ground, secretly
making his prayers to Almighty God. Then, rising again, and putting off
his clothes unto the shirt, he went to the stake, and there suffered
with a young man of twenty years of age, whose name was John Leaf, an
apprentice to Mr. Humphry Gaudy, tallow-chandler, of Christ-church,
London. Upon Friday before Palm Sunday, he was committed to the Compter
in Bread-street, and afterward examined and condemned by the bloody
It is reported of him, that, when the bill of his confession was read
unto him, instead of pen, he took a pin, and pricking his hand,
sprinkled the blood upon the said bill, desiring the reader thereof to
show the bishop that he had sealed the same bill with his blood already.
They both ended this mortal life, July 12th, 1555, like two lambs,
without any alteration of their countenances, hoping to obtain that
prize they had long run for; to which may Almighty God conduct us all,
through the merits of Christ our Saviour! We shall conclude this article
with mentioning, that Mr. Sheriff Woodroffe, it is said, within half a
year after, was struck on the right side with a palsy and for the space
of eight years after, (till his dying day) he was unable to turn
himself in his bed; thus he became at last a fearful object to behold.
The day after Mr. Bradford and John Leaf suffered in Smithfield, William
Minge, priest, died in prison at Maidstone. With as great constancy and
boldness he yielded up his life in prison, as if it had pleased God to
have called him to suffer by fire, as other godly men had done before at
the stake, and as he himself was ready to do, had it pleased God to have
called him to this trial.


17 Jul - 17 Jul 2022
11:00 - 12:00
Join us at Portsmouth Cathedral for the Sunday Eucharist service, which includes a memorial to the crew of the Mary Rose and the laying a wreath to honour all those who lost their lives on that fateful day in 1545. We will also be remembering supporters of The Mary Rose Trust we have lost this past year.
This is an event run by Portsmouth Cathedral and does not take place in the museum. No ticket is required and anyone is welcome to attend.
More information at the Portsmouth Cathedral website


I have experience counseling clients with a variety of struggles, personalities, and life experiences as well as counseling in group settings. Each counseling experience brings challenges and victories and I consider it an honor and privilege to come alongside individuals or couples in need. I personally see my role as counselor as an opportunity to serve. With this in mind my goal is to listen, to understand and to dive in with my client and fight alongside in their journey toward healing.
I have a passion to help others in whatever situation and have spent a lot of time with individuals struggling with depression and anxiety as well as other mental health and life issues. My familiarity has given me confidence and success when coming alongside my clients in these areas. There is also a special place in my heart for those going through marriage problems or relationship issues. I have focused on marriage counseling in the last few years and it has become a major strength area in my counseling. I typically use counseling techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and reality therapy. I also have a passion for Christian counseling techniques and principles and enjoy counseling individuals and couples seeking biblical guidance.
I have lived in Ohio most of my life and have four sons with my wife of eleven years. I am a follower of Christ and self-proclaimed geek. I also very much enjoy the outdoors, sports, music, reading, and spending time with friends and family. I have a passion for helping others and being involved in my community.
James works with Lakeshore Health & Wellness scheduling appointments for children, adolescents, and adults.


We believe that people on this earth are born with an innate desire to create, as a reflection of the ultimate Creative: God.
Our company exists to bring awareness to one’s authenticity and originality, awakening their worth, validating gifts, and encourage those with a story to tell it. through the transformation of Christ.
Creators Mandate is beyond a brand. It's a community for creatives. Our assignment is to push creatives to create with God. The world is waiting for your creativity. Its time to start today.
The story all began in the summer of 2020 when my wife and I began seeing so many faith based potential entrepreneurs with good ideas and the desire to have a business but not a lot of belief in themselves or structure. We also saw that an overload of information was changing people from owning their true expression.
At the time, we were operating as Forward Attire which was an inspiring brand pushing others to "Move on Purpose." During the pandemic we produced a shirt that simply said "CREATE". That's when we realized we were on to something different. People didn't have a problem moving on purpose as much as learning how to be comfortable being more authentic and creative as themselves. As creatives lacking community ourselves, we wanted to create a space for people like us to get education and grow in their sphere while not losing their difference. We understand how important it is to impact the world through the love of Christ and not forget your identity in him after you minister and help others.
We are here for the leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs that are risking everything by putting their faith on the line. Our tagline is "Own Your Difference" because we want people to own their gifts, specialties, and story. According to Genesis 1:26 we find that when God created man, he had in mind to make us in his image and likeness. God is the Creator of all so within our DNA is the ability to create. We believe we each are a “work of art” displaying our Creator's genius.
Join the Family, KNOW YOUR WORTH, USE YOUR GIFTS, TELL YOUR STORY AND ALWAYS OWN YOUR DIFFERENCE.


Christian Hospital Foundation honors community leaders at their Second Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Luncheon
By Charlotte Beard
“Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. I won’t have any money to leave behind. I won’t have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind.”
That excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ‘The Drum Major Instinct’ sermon given in 1968 will be commemorated in the Christian Hospital Foundation’s honoring of six community leaders at their Second Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Luncheon. The event will take place Jan. 18 at the Paul F. Detrick Atrium on the grounds of Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Scholarships will be awarded as well to select students.
The first annual luncheon in 2018 sold out with 386 people in attendance; there was a waiting list. This year the mistress of ceremony will be evangelist Mary Tillman also known as ‘Your Radio Angel’ of 95.5 FM. The keynote speaker will be Reverend Dr. William J. Barber II, President of both Repairers of the Breach and the North Carolina NAACP.
“He is taking up where MLK left off with the Poor People’s Campaign,” shared Rick L. Stevens, President of the Christian Hospital Foundation and Christian Hospital/Northwest HealthCare. “I think (there will be) a very inspiring speech by him, challenging us on how we can do more – how we can help the community more. We’re all about community. I think he will challenge us so much more on how we can all partner together. We are a community hospital and we have a responsibility for the community. But as we have a responsibility for the community, we partner with others in the community to help (it) thrive and to make (it) better.”
One of the greatest contributions of this celebration is the foundation’s ability to award scholarships for the second year at the luncheon to high school and junior college students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare. This year one student will be awarded from each of the following school districts: Ferguson-Florissant, Hazelwood, Jennings, Normandy and Riverview. In addition, a student from Trinity Catholic High School, Lutheran North and St. Louis Community College will be among the recipients. A portion of the proceeds from the luncheon will support these scholarships and the Medication & IV Antibiotic Fund for the indigent patients that Christian Hospital serves.
Stevens shared, “The nursing student (awarded) last year and this year will come work for us at Christian, as well.”
The scholarship selection process is left up to the discretion of the superintendent of each school district. Students are selected from among those interested in healthcare. Stevens stated that ideally the student is an influencer and well-deserving of the scholarship.
This year’s Drum Major for Service honorees are: James Buford, retired – President and Chief Executive Officer of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis; Maxine Clark and Bob Fox of Clark-Fox Family Foundation; Sonya Crider, Executive Director of Emerson Family YMCA; Esther Haywood, President Emeritus of Saint Louis County NAACP; Susan Stith, Vice President, Diversity, Inclusion and Corporate Giving of Express Scripts Holding Company; and Kelvin Westbrook, President and Chief Executive Officer of KRW Advisors, LLC.
The selection process for this honor is highly impacted by the ‘would be’ recipient’s level of influence in the community.
“Some people are known and then some people aren’t,” stated Stevens. He went on to explain that the selection process uses the life and mission of Martin Luther King as a blueprint for its honorees.
“We stand on the shoulders of these individuals that we are honoring. As we give these scholarships to these students, they also get to see the people that made it possible, so they can get scholarships.”
The annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy that was once intended a small celebration in the hospital’s chapel with approximately 20 people in attendance, has become a celebration for the whole community.
“The Christian Hospital Foundation is a big influencer in the community,” stated Stevens, “and we want to make sure we’re living the dream of Dr. King and that’s helping others and influencing people’s lives, especially in healthcare. Now we’re able to do it in another way with scholarships to high school students who have an interest in healthcare and can come back and work for Christian Hospital.”
To purchase tickets to next week’s celebratory luncheon, visit https://www.christianhospital.org/Giving/Foundation/MLK-Day-Celebration/Tickets-and-Sponsorship.
CUTLINE: Submitted photos
Cover-MLK1 Attendees at 2018’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Luncheon.
Cover-MLK2 A choir performs at 2018’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Luncheon.