As we go through Easter this year, let’s take time to reflect on what it means. For example, have you ever wondered why we call Good Friday “good,” when it is such a dark and bleak event commemorating a day of suffering and death for Jesus? For Christians, Good Friday is a crucial day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous three days in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and rose, Christians have proclaimed his death and resurrection as the decisive turning point for all creation. What hope does that bring us today?
On Good Friday we remember the day Jesus willingly went to the cross to pay the price for our sins. It is followed by Easter, when we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead, heralding victory over sin and death, and giving us hope for a future resurrection.
So, why ‘Good’ Friday instead of ‘Bad’ Friday or something similar?
Well, for one, the suffering and death of Jesus, even though terrible, was a key part of God’s plan to save us from our sins. We could never save ourselves, and for us to understand the good news of the Gospel, we must first understand the bad news of our condition. The good news of salvation makes sense once we see this.
In Luke chapter 7 from verse 36 we read the story of the woman with the alabaster jar of perfume who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. Jesus goes on to say in verse 47 that “…all her sins are forgiven, and that is why she has shown great love. But anyone who has been forgiven for only a little will show only a little love”.
This woman knew how much of a sinner she was, and forgiveness from Jesus meant everything to her. As terrible as her sin perhaps was, even greater was the joy of her salvation.
So, when we think about Jesus’ death, we can consider it to be good, i.e., ‘Good’ Friday, because as terrible as that day was, it had to happen for us to receive the joy of Easter. There is no resurrection Sunday without Good Friday. God’s judgement against sin had to be poured out on Jesus, the perfect sacrifice in our place, for us to receive forgiveness and salvation.
So, what does this mean for us as Christians?
Only in God can such evil bring about such good. For us, this means that if we are going through a bad season or a tough time in our lives, we can trust that if God could bring about the best thing in the world through the worst thing that happened, He can bring about good through our bad situations.
Therefore, as Jesus endured the cross “for the joy that was set before Him”, He has set us an example to also endure our cross(es), because there is greater joy ahead; in this life, and in the life to come. We may be going through what seems like a ‘Good Friday’ in our lives, but just as in the shadow of Good Friday is resurrection Sunday, in the shadow of our dark days lies our breakthrough. We must remember; Jesus didn’t stay dead; resurrection Sunday is coming, Hallelujah!
So, what does this mean for you as a single person?
You may feel like you’re in a dark season of your life right now, and not sure how the future is going to look. Perhaps this is not how you expected life to look like at your age. But I want to encourage you that God has a plan.
Just like He had a plan for mankind from the beginning of the world, He also has a plan for you as an individual. Have hope. Just like we can’t have Easter Sunday without Good Friday, we can’t have our testimony without our test. Hold onto God and trust that, even though it might seem like your ‘Good Friday’ right now, your ‘Easter Sunday’ is coming too!
What is giving you hope this Easter?
Enjoyed reading ‘What the Easter story teaches us about hope’? Read ‘Why we should worship God this Easter‘
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Being blessed can refer to feeling lucky for something such as love, talent, a good job, fortune, or health. The term ‘blessed’ is mention in the bible and it associated with god and divine power.
Being blessed is another way of being thankful and acknowledging the things that God has done. This keeps us humble, and to not let our lives be defined by things we don’t have. Being blessed is a reflection to give credit to god and those around us who positively affect our lives. “Being blessed” are simple words that prevent us from discouragement, arrogance, and bitterness.
Browse through a collection of quotes about being blessed, quotes about being blessed and thankful, quotes about grandchildren being a blessing and more.


“Remember that education is a difficult art, and that God alone is its true master. We will never succeed in it unless he teaches us the way. While depending humbly and entirely on him, we should try to acquire that moral strength that is a stranger to force and rigor. Let us strive to make ourselves loved, to instill into our pupils the high ideal of duty and the holy fear of God, and we will soon possess their hearts. Then, with natural ease, they will join us in praising Jesus Christ, our Lord, who is our model, our pattern, our exemplar in all things, but especially in the education of youth.”
– St. John Bosco
As we affirm in our “Philosophy of Education,” the purpose of education is the “mental and moral formation necessary to live a life of responsible human freedom.” It is impossible to live such a life without discipline or self-mastery. At St. Mary’s we strive to provide an ordered, safe, and happy environment for all of our students wherein this self-mastery may develop.
The disciplinary approach of St. Mary, Star of the Sea is inspired by the educational philosophy of the great Catholic educator, St. John Bosco. John Bosco taught that love and prevention are better motives to right behavior than fear and punishment. His method is known as the “Preventative Method,” which John Bosco contrasts with what he called the “Repressive Method.” In his explanation, the repressive method is one that “lays out the law” and then looks for violations to be followed by punishment, all in an effort to prevent future violations through the motivations of fear. The “Preventative Method,” on the other hand, is a more positive approach, which seeks to prevent falls by supervision, encouragement, instruction and kind admonition.
The concept of discipline should therefore never be equated with mere punishment. Nevertheless, we will take reasonable disciplinary actions when appropriate. The administration follows an individualized disciplinary approach which takes into account the unique and personal circumstances of each disciplinary infraction. The aim of any administrative response to disciplinary infractions is to help students understand that their actions have consequences and thus to further the development of personal responsibility.


|Statement||François Amiot. Translated by Michael O. Meilach.|
|The Physical Object|
|Number of Pages||120|
|LC Control Number||67-80058|
In this case, of course, it is St. Paul and his conversion, life, and letters (which became much of the New Testament). Benedict keeps our personal involvement by continually relating all this to each reader and our struggles to live a Christian life in modern days. Being as this is about Paul /5. BOOKS Book Clubs Book Club in a Bag Get Reading Suggestions NoveList Plus Skip to main navigation Skip to main Browse: Books. BOOKS. Book Clubs Book Club in a Bag Get Reading Suggestions 90 W. 4th St. Saint Paul, MN Website Feedback. Contact Us. Saint Paul Public Library. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (or Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians). A reading from the first (or second) Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (or Thessalonians). A reading from the first (or second) Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to Titus (or Philemon). Meeting St. Paul. Much has been written about the great preacher, St. Paul of Tarsus: that he was the true founder of Christianity who ultimately distorted the simple, loving teachings of Jesus and laid the groundwork for creating the “oppressive monstrosity” that became the Catholic Church; he was a fire-brand preacher and that he was a misogynist among .
Last week I began a new post series that will feature “five great books” every week on a variety of subjects. I said I’d talk about five great books for women, but I spoke rashly. I’m going to postpone that until a bit later. Instead, today, I’m going to plug five great books about the life of the apostle Paul. He’s an Opus Dei priest and fellow book-lover, and he’s put together what he calls the “Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan” including the best Catholic books of all time (the late Fr. John Hardon has a book with the same name.) From biography to literature, history to spirituality, the list includes something for everyone. Although approximately half of Acts deals with Paul's life and works, the Book of Acts does not refer to Paul writing letters. Historians believe that the author of Acts did not have access to any of Paul's letters. One piece of evidence suggesting this is that Acts never directly quotes from the Pauline utes: Christian martyrdom, Sword. Saint Paul the Apostle, one of the early Christian leaders, often considered to be the most important person after Jesus in the history of Christianity. Of the 27 books of the New Testament, 13 are traditionally attributed to Saint Paul, .
Paul N. Edwards 2 How to Read a Book. Table 1. Summary of reading strategies and techniques Strategies and techniques Rationale Read the whole thing. Major arguments and evidence matter more than details. Grasping the structure of the whole is more important than reading every Size: KB. The chronology of St. Paul's life is difficult, but there is general agreement (within a few years) on almost all details. The hypothetical dates given here are according to one chronological system. The sources for St. Paul's life are the Acts of the Apostles, in which he is the dominant figure, and the Pauline Epistles. St. Paul is known throughout the world as the first Christian writer, authoring fourteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament. But as Karen Armstrong demonstrates in St. Paul: The Apostle We Love to Hate, he also exerted a more significant influence on the spread of Christianity throughout the world than any other figure in history/5. to Paul clearly does not hold water.) Book Lector’s Introduction Romans “A reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans.” 1 Corinthians “A reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.” 2 Corinthians “A reading from Paul’s second letter to the orinthians.” Galatians “A reading from Paul’s letter to the Galatians.”.


I understand that God can use all things to work together for the good of those who are in Christ, but I cannot help but wonder if God would encourage a relationship that is unequally yoked. I’m not ignorant enough to think that God hasn’t used an unequally yoked couple for His good, but I will still fall on the side of discouraging relationships where both parties aren’t on the same spiritual page. (Proverbs 16)Your relationship with God should always be put above your relationship with anyone else, and that includes your future spouse.My wife and I both encourage one another to make God our first priority, and in doing so, our relationship with each other will flourish.Letting physical intimacy run wild and free typically means the emotional, spiritual, and personality attraction is lagging behind. Sex while dating can create many awful shades of gray, when what your relationship needs is some honest black and white.One of the greatest causes for conflict in marriage are contradicting core values.The most important relationship to a Christian should be their relationship with Jesus Christ. Every other relationship is secondary, and not to be put before our Lord, God.If a Christian decides to marry an unbeliever, one has to ask whether or not he or she is choosing to ignore what God says about being unequally yoked.This isn’t to say that unbelievers can’t be good people, but I am saying I’d discourage you from dating someone who isn’t on the same spiritual foundation as you.It’s going to mess you up, confuse your heart, and potentially smother your soul.
It’s a bad situation, and sadly common, but generally preventable if you ask your most recent crush one simple question: When was the last time, prompted by what you read in the Bible, that you repented of sin and changed your behavior? Tweak the wording how you like, but that’s the question in a nutshell. Repentance, then, will always have observable effects of accrued obedience.They may have felt pangs of conscience over a mistake, had streaks of religious fervor, gotten swept up in emotion at a conference, but nothing has ever coalesced.Fringes have hung around the edges of the God-life and are used to floating with its current.When I was dating I remember constantly being smothered with that giant question like a bloated bear was sitting on my head, refusing to move. To magically stumble upon like finding the gold at the end of a rainbow that is being carried by a unicorn with leprechaun jockey.But how are you supposed to know which one is the right one?


- Honor Roll Students
- ASCS Salutes Our Veterans!
- Bishop Caggiano Celebrates Mass at ASCS
- Holiday Wine Tasting Nov. 15
“We love All Saints. All three of our children began their All Saints experience
with the preschool program at 3 years old. From our first day there, we have been welcomed in to the ASCS family. The teachers truly care for each of their students and are passionate about their role as educators. Our kids also enjoy participat ing in after school activities and clubs. The best part of the All Saints experience for us, however, is the friendship s that we have developed with other families.” -Melissa Maroney, mom of Pre-K, and 2nd graders


We will be doing a teacher training event at the First Baptist Church of Linden on August 27, 2011 from 10am -1pm. We will be reviewing the new Fall curriculum, David. We will also be giving you some creative ways to teach. We will include how to properly use visuals and how to use the Read more
ARCHIVE August, 2011
1. We would like to see 5 Good News Clubs Started this school year. 2. For the return of our Committee Member, Bruno, from Chile. 3. Health and safety for all of our volunteers and Staff. 4. For more teachers to be trained. 5. For more people to join the local committee.
1. For the people that have taken an interest in CEF ministry. We now have interest in Stockton, Valley Springs, and Lodi. 2. For the awesome work that has continued in Linden. 3. For the amazing number of children that heard the Gospel this Summer.
- to win boys and girls to Christ
- to help children grow as Christians
- to channel unchurched children into Bible-believing, Bible teaching churches
- to train young people and adults how to teach the Word of God to children


Last week, Michael was looking for his old work notebook. He still can't find it. He did find a notebook full of some notes and prayer requests from several years ago that I started. It was like a kick in the pants really. The dates just blew my mind that it had been so long! :(
So today I started again. I got out the notebook, a pen, and my Bible. The kids and Michael watched some TV for 'rest time' and I closed the door in my room and started to read and write. I have a book to help me read my Bible in a year, but couldn't find it. So I simply went to 1 Corinthians and started to read. I read 2 chapters. The theme I kept reading over and over is "GOD IS FAITHFUL!" Oh how true that is!! God has proven himself faithful time and time again in our lives - in the mundane, and the magnificent! Not that God *has* to prove himself, but it's just something, well, something we as mere mortals seem to desire. 1 Corinthians 1:9 says "God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." And then onward in 1 Corinthians 2:5 is says "so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power." I so need reminding of that... more than I'd like to admit!!
So I'm asking for some accountability. I want to read my Bible and talk with God every day. I want it to be more meaningful. I want to set aside time daily to do that... and keep notes. I want to add your prayer requests and praises to my list, and see how God is working in your lives as well as my own!!
If you have a moment, will you do this one thing for me? Leave a comment or an email, just a little 'poke' to see how it's going :)


Sunshine Care Partners © 2015
Did you know that over 26,000 of our most frail and elderly loved ones are isolated in nursing homes across Oklahoma where their opportunities to participate in routine worship services are limited and in some cases restricted during this pandemic?
Over 26,000 who’s spiritual needs are so very significant due to their illness and in some cases during their final stages of life.
Would you like to change this situation, would you like to be a voice of ministry to a loved one whose spiritual needs are significant? Would you like to be part of a ministry that is currently not available to these loved ones?
Will you help us fill this spiritual need?
Sunshine Care Partners


2 edition of Church-history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated. found in the catalog.
Church-history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated.
|Statement||by Ricard Baxter ...|
|Contributions||Williams, John Bickerton, Sir, 1792-1855 (bookplate)|
|The Physical Object|
|Pagination||, 136, 177-296, 313-400, 409-488 p.|
|Number of Pages||488|
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Gender perspectives on the causes and consequences of work-life imbalance in the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
The other side of the Mexican church question
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Five traditional technologies in Malaysia.
Church-history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated including the chief part of the government of Christian princes and popes, and a true account of the most troubling controversies and heresies till the Reformation Baxter, Richard, Marginal notes.
, : Richard Baxter. Church-history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated.: Including the chief part of the government of Christian princes and popes, and a true account of the most troubling controversies and heresies till the Reformation.
Church-history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated: including the chief part of the government of Christian princes and popes, and a true account of the most troubling controversies and heresies till the reformation.
Church-history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated. Including the chief part of the government of christian princes and popes.
Councils and synods of the Christian church have shaped and informed the church's theology, doctrine, structure and relationship with both God and man since the time of the apostles. For better or worse. The councils, over time, provide a profiling of the issues the Christian religion has wrestled with over its long history.
This is a fascinating timeline of history for any Christian. Hilary of Poitiers On the Councils ch p Epiphanius of Salamis vol.2, p book II, Her chapter Socrates Scholasticus Church History book 4 ch p The Letter of Liberius Bishop of Rome, to the Bishops of the Macedonians.
Socrates Scholasticus Church History book 1 ch.9 p says Constantine in his. Author of Saints everlasting rest, A call to the unconverted, A call to the unconverted, to turn and live, Gildas Salvianus, Church-history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated, The poor man's family book, Poetical fragments, Now or never.
How Church Government Became What It Is. In the Scriptures, "church government" is simple. Each church had a group of elders who shepherded the church and were called overseers (Gr.
episkopos, usually translated, ecclesiastically, as bishop). Msgr. Philip Hughes HISTORY OF CHURCH GENERAL COUNCILS 3 How did councils begin, i.e., meetings of bishops to discuss matters of common bishops should meet and report to him their findings.
And a series of councils were then held, in Palestine, in Asia Minor, and in Size: 1MB. Catholic ecumenical councils include 21 councils over a period of some years. While definitions changed throughout history, in today's Catholic understanding ecumenical councils are assemblies of Patriarchs, Cardinals, residing Bishops, Abbots, male heads of religious orders and other juridical persons, nominated by the purpose of an ecumenical council is to define doctrine.
A History of the Councils of the Church, Volume I (A History of the Christian Councils From Original Documents) (Volume 1) [Hefele D.D., Charles Joseph, Clark M.A., William R., Boer Sr., Paul A.] on *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers.
A History of the Councils of the Church, Volume I (A History of the Christian Councils From Original Documents) (Volume 1)5/5(1). Church history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated: including the chief part of the government of Christian princes and popes, and a true account of the most troubling controversies and heresies till the Reformation.
Aside from the first general gathering of the bishops of the Church—the Council of Jerusalem, which occurred around A.D. 50 (Acts 15) and which is usually not counted as an ecumenical council—there have been 21 ecumenical or general councils of the bishops of the Catholic Church.
Pre-ecumenical councils, those earlier than ADwere mostly local or provincial. Some, held in the Church-history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated. book half of the 3rd century, involved more than one province.
The sui generis Council of Jerusalem was a meeting, described in the Bible in Acts 15 and possibly in Galatians 2, of the apostles and elders of the local Church in Jerusalem. Filed under: England -- Church history -- 17th century -- Early works to A thankfull remembrance of Gods mercy In an historicall collection of the great and mercifull deliverances of the Church and state of England, since the Gospell began here to flourish, from the beginning of Queene Elizabeth.
It is Richard Baxter ’s Church-History of the Government of Bishops and Their Councils abbreviated () – a passage toward the end of the introductory essay “What History is Credible, and what not”.
What remains to add is a fuller presentation of this essay. The above link leads you to. second longest reigning pope in the history of the Church at 32 years; he opposed liberalism, democracy, secularism, and separation of church and state; he declared the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception inand called the First Vatican Council in which proclaimed the pope is infallible in his teachings on faith and morals; he refused to recognize the seizure of the 1, year old.
Here's the irony. Lewis took his title from a book by Richard Baxter in called "Church-History of the Government of Bishops and Their Councils Abbreviated." For all its "abbreviation," it is almost pages long.
It's a tedious polemical work that lashes out repeatedly at "papists" for their misunderstandings of Church history. A treatise on church-government, in three parts: being, I. Decemof the dismission of a minister at Grafton, III.
On councils, their business, authority and use. With an essay on ministers negativing the votes of the church, and shewing where the keys of the church are. Shewing from the word of God the sole right people. Similar Items. Church-history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated / by: Baxter, Richard, Published: () The Safe religion, or three disputations for the reformed catholike religion, against popery / by: Baxter, Richard, Published: ().
The First Council of Nicaea. Though the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15 and Galatians 2) was the first Church Council, attended by the Apostles, the first Ecumenical (world-wide) Council was called by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great with Pope Saint Sylvester I sitting on the Throne of Peter as the 33rd successor of Christ's appointed site was the city of Nicaea, just south of.
In all, there were 21 ecumenical councils. All were important in their time, but only some of them stand out for the lasting significance they have had on the faith and life of the Church today. Here, then, are the top ten must-know councils, listed chronologically by the date they were convened: 1.
First Council of Nicaea, Portraits of Richard Allen and other African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) bishops, surrounded by scenes including Wilberforce University, Payne Institute, missionaries in Haiti, and the A.M.E. church book depository in Philadelphia.
Church History An authorized gathering of bishops, guided in a unique way by the Holy Spirit, to discuss ecclesiastical matters with aim of passing decrees on the themes under discussion.
Council. Church-history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated: including the chief Read online. Baxter, Richard. The crucifying of the world by the cross of Christ: with Read online. Baxter, Richard. The cure of church-divisions: or, Directions for weak Christians, to keep them from being dividers, or.
Church-History Of the Government Of Bishops and Their Councils Abbreviated Including the Chief Part Of the Government Of Christian Princes and Popes, and Heresies Till the Reformation; Compassionate Warning and Advice To All, Especially To Young Persons Being the Gift Of the Author, Richard Baxter.
The first seven ecumenical Councils (and the Council of Jerusalem) were responsible for fighting off various heresy's which threatened to divide and destroy the Church and their decisions gave us the theological tenents most Christians believe about God and Christ today.
Church-History of the Government of Bishops and Their Councils Abbreviated. ( pages) [pdf epub mobi txt web via Internet Archive] A Defence of the Principles of Love Which are Necessary to the Unity and Concord of Christians.
( pages) [pdf epub mobi txt web via Internet Archive]. The council condemned this view in order to show that Christ, as truly human, could redeem the whole person. o The symbol emphasizes the Trinitarian faith. Council of Ephesus AD The Council of Ephesus was held in the Church of Mary in Ephesus, Asia Minor in under Emperor Theodosius II, grandson of Theodosius the Great; Ephesus was the city of Artemis (seeFile Size: 44KB.
Church-history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated: including the chief Read online / Catalogue Record Baxter, Richard. The crucifying of the world by the cross of Christ: with Read online / Catalogue record Baxter, Richard.
The cure of church-divisions: or, Directions for weak Christians, to. Bishops in the Early Church During the early periods of Christianity, five cities arose as significant core of Christianity.
These were Rome, Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople and Alexandria. Even though the Roman Church was highly regarded, the Churches in the East in general had more influence and numbers than those of the West.
Issuu is a digital publishing platform that makes it simple to publish magazines, catalogs, newspapers, books, and more online.
Easily share your publications and get them in front of Issuu’s. The Catholic Church points to Peter as the first bishop of Rome and then traces the lineage of bishops from each major city in the early church. This is done by Irenaeus and others in their attempt to show that the catholic church was THE church, opposing the growing problem of the Gnostics who also claimed to be THE true followers of Christ.
Buy Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church, Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph F. Kelly PhD (ISBN: ) from Amazon's Book Store.
Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders/5(14). Church History of the Government of Bishops and their Councils Abbreviated () Baxter, Richard. The Grand Debate between the Bishops and the Presbyterian Divines ()Cited by: 9.
Biblically, the church is described in numerous ways. On one hand, we observe that the local church is a living organism—an expression of the body of Christ.
On the other, we know that the church is an organization set up by Christ and regulated by the guidelines commanded throughout the Scriptures.
As a divinely commissioned organization. Anglicanism is a Western Christian tradition which has developed from the practices, liturgy, and identity of the Church of England following the English Reformation. Adherents of Anglicanism are called "Anglicans", or "Episcopalians" in some countries.
The majority of Anglicans are members of national or regional ecclesiastical provinces of the international Anglican Communion, which forms. Church-history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated. Including the chief part of the government of Christian princes and popes, and a true account of the most troubling controversies and heresies till the Reformation.
London: Printed by B[ennet] Griffin, for Thomas Simmons at the Princes Arms, 4to (22 cm, ''). The editor of the magisterial Decrees of the Ecumenical Councils provides the best overview of the councils available in English.
Tanner covers the history of conciliar teaching, from the early and medieval councils to the Second Vatican Council, showing their abiding importance in the life of the church/5.
The Anglican Church of Canada has its roots in the Church of England, which separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century.
Influenced by the Protestant Reformation, the new English church simplified rituals and introduced the Book of Common Prayer (), which enabled services in English instead of Latin. At the same time, the church preserved certain traditions, including the.
—His Church History of Government of Bishops and their Councils Abbreviated, Quarto. —His true History of Councils enlarged and defended, Quarto. —His Treatise of Episcopacy, Quarto. —His Saints Everlasting rest in four parts, Quarto.
—His Paraphrase on the New Testament, Quarto. —His Life of Faith in three parts, Quarto.


Southern Baptists of Texas Convention "It is a privilege to partner with Jeff Nyberg and Stepping Stones. Their kingdom agenda - helping plant new churches that grow by conversion and multiply by planting more churches - is the same as mine. I know Jeff's heart when it comes to church planters. He's been in their shoes. He has the understanding, passion and ability to help planters do what God has called them to do. So, the bottom line is this...an investment of time or treasure in Stepping Stones is an investment in eternity."
~ Robby Partain, Director of Missions
Southern Baptists of Texas Convention
Zig Ziglar "Jeff Nyberg has been a trusted friend for over 15 years. He is a man with God-sized plans for the future. I commend him for his leadership and ability in establishing Stepping Stones."
~ Zig Ziglar
Mary Jones “Thank you so much for the wonderful weekend retreat. It was a time of refreshing renewal for me. I appreciate your thoughtfulness in paying for the biggest part of that – as usual, Stepping Stones is lifting us up!”
~ Mary Jones
Wife of Pastor Mike Jones ~ New Life Church, Prosper, Texas
Pastor Earl Hammons “This is a ministry led by a man who is expanding the Kingdom of God through church planting. However, he is not forgetting about the pastor along the way. The encouragment and support from Pastor Jeff is refreshing. It is great to be apart of a team that does not forget about you.”
~ Pastor Earl Hammons
New Point Church ~ Plano, Texas ~ Birthed January 2004
Steve Dalton “When Pastor Jeff said he wanted to talk with the church body (knowing his heart for church planting), I felt in my soul that he was going to have a calling to start a new church. In a way, I was right. He was letting us know Jesus was calling him out to plant plant churches full time through Stepping Stones. He stepped out in faith and God has proven faithful."
Stepping Stones Planting Partner
Member of Cornerstone Church ~ Plano, Texas


Sweet Saviors of Virginia City
Sisters brought care and comfort to wild mining town.
BY CRAIG MACDONALD
In the 1860s, Virginia City was a rough and tumble mining camp, with 24-hour hustle and bustle. Men swarmed the streets and saloons, while miners labored deep within the tunnels underneath the town.
The loud, constant clanking metal of stamp mills and jarring explosions echoed throughout the valley and mountains. It was a dangerous place, where rope and cable sometimes broke, sending cages full of miners falling to their deaths. Many an accident or fire in the mines or city left children as orphans.
The town was in desperate need of an orphanage, school, and hospital—needs that the recently installed priest Father Patrick Manogue especially recognized, as he had been orphaned in Ireland as a very young boy, along with his six siblings.
The rugged, former California gold-miner—who was often called “Wyatt Earp with a collar” for the way he pulled husbands from taverns and ordered them to surrender their paychecks to their wives—turned to the Catholic Church’s top missionaries to help solve some of Virginia City’s most pressing needs.
SOMEONE TO CARE FOR
At the request of Father Manogue, the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul traveled over the Sierra Nevada Mountains from San Francisco and Los Angeles. Between 1864-97, he was able to bring more than 50 sisters to care for the town’s needy and open Nevada’s first orphanage, along with a hospital and two schools. The sisters sought to provide spiritual comfort, regardless of race, culture, or religious preference. The tireless women shared a dedicated, hardworking, compassionate, and unselfish spirit that bettered those around them and spread a caring attitude that most Nevadans share to this day.
On Oct. 8, 1864, the first three sisters arrived by stagecoach; Frederica McGrath, Elizabeth Russell, and Xavier Schauer. They provided a much-needed “breath of fresh air” in the male-dominated city. They definitely stood out in their distinctive blue habits, guimpes, and white cornettes, which caused the Paiute Indians to call them “God’s Geese.”
The proactive Sisters went throughout The Comstock—into homes, mines, businesses, and even jails in their efforts to assist anyone in need. They saved the town thousands of dollars by aiding the poor, sick, and injured.
GETTING RIGHT TO WORK
The “Virginia Daily Union” reported the school opened Oct. 17, 1864 “with 50 female children attending the first day” in the basement of the newly-opened St. Mary’s of the Mountain Church. In the first year, they aided more than 112 students and ran two schools—one for boys and one for girls.
In 1867, they opened Nevada’s first orphanage which was supported by a diverse group of local citizens, including Dr. Wake Bryarly who donated free medical care to the children.
In 1876, with the support of mining icon John Mackay and his wife, Marie Louise, the sisters opened the town’s first hospital, which had space for 70 patients, and was run by Sister Ann Sebastian. It helped save the lives of injured miners and many others.
Built on land donated by Mackay and his wife, St. Mary Louise Hospital was a four-story brick building with 36 rooms—each with hot and cold running water. Today, the structure, which was saved from being demolished by Father Paul Meinecke, Louise Curran, and local artists in the 1960s, is the renowned St. Mary’s Art Center.
The sisters, along with local housewives, were also known for their incredible vegetable and flower gardens, created out of the rough, rocky soil. They received water—free of charge—for their gardens from the Virginia and Gold Hill Water Company.
When budget-conscious accountants decided to start charging the women for the water, John Mackay came to their aid, insisting they should not have to pay. He even subsidized water from Lake Tahoe for use in the school and hospital. But as mining profits fell, new owners took over and there were further attempts to collect fees for water usage.
SUPPORT BEGINS TO DRY UP
In June 1885, the company diverted its water into huge metal tanks to prevent “borrowing.” On the evening of June 25, however, someone punched several holes in a tank which lead to the posting of water guards. Two days later, a large explosion shook the area as dynamite blew up a water flume.
Investigators were never able to discover who was responsible but the sisters were never under suspicion. They were all law-abiding “Angels of Mercy” on The Comstock.
When the notion of charging the sisters for water was brought up again, (now) Bishop Patrick Manogue came to their rescue. The Irish-born, 6-foot-3, 250-pound man who paid for his education to become a priest by goldmining in Moore’s Flat, wrote a sympathetic letter explaining how the sisters helped orphans survive and how taxpayers would have to assume such costs if the sisters free water supply ended.
An attorney also declared that the sisters had purchased land with the understanding the water would be free. The company finally withdrew its request and the sisters went about the business of their charitable works.
TIME TO FLY
By the mid-1890s, much of the mining had stopped and many people were abandoning the once-booming Comstock. When the sisters received orders they were to move on to other assignments around the country, more than 450 Virginia City residents signed a petition requesting they stay. But in 1897, the sisters closed their convent, hospital, and schools, and left town for other duties. They did, however, return to the Silver State in the 1950s to help out at St. Teresa School in Carson City.
The Sisters of Charity (also called Daughters of Charity) will be remembered for their amazing, pioneer efforts in Nevada. As one person noted: “They opened a vein of social services as rich as The Comstock Lode!”
Today, only one Sister of Charity remains in Virginia City—Sister Mary Angelica Olivas, who rests peacefully in the Catholic cemetery, now part of Silver Terrace Cemeteries. The memory of their spirit of service, however, lives on in the lives of those Nevadans who still unselfishly care for their neighbors.


Category Archives: General
Welcome back upperclassmen, and welcome to Bowdoin first-year students. We pray that your year is off to a great start. God Bless.
See you all in the Fall, and Congratulations to the new Class of 2016!
Thursday Night Gatherings: 8 PM, 30 College St Bible Studies, Tuesday First Year Women’s Bible Studies Apologetics Study Chapel (Schedule Updated) Church Vans – New Churches! Come check us out 🙂
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Merry Christmas BCF! We look forward to seeing you at our first TNG on Thursday, January 26, 2012, 8:00 Pm!
Welcome to the new school year! We have lots of exciting things planned for the year, and we hope you will join us! First Chapel Service: Sunday, September 4, 7:00 PM, Bowdoin Chapel. Chapel continues every Sunday thereafter. First … Continue reading
Hello Bowdoin Class of 2015! Just wanted to let you know that if you are on campus, please contact us or visit us! As we state on the website, we have weekly meetings at 8:00 PM Thursday in 30 College … Continue reading
Welcome back BCF to Spring semester! We have lots of events planned, including Veritas Forum (http://www.veritas.org/ ) and of course starting with our Thursday Night Gatherings, every Thursday from 8-9 PM at 30 College St (Multicultural House). Hope to see … Continue reading
Click here to see our new 4-min video! Thanks Julian. We Are Bowdoin Christian Fellowship


I still remember the evening when I was supposed to lead my first Bible Discussion. Every evening someone organizes a Bible Discussion where guests are welcome to join. Now it was my turn to lead it all.
I prayed and prayed for wisdom and Gods guidance to choose the right passage. I decided to take the parable of the Prodigal son. Before inviting the guests to join us, we prayed together for God’s presence and blessing upon the evening. They prayed that God spoke through me and for peace, as I was not very experienced at this.
People from all over the world joined
The group that joined the Bible discussion was, like most time, very diverse. One girl was a student from Germany. I later found out that for a long time, she had been suicidally depressed. Another girl was an exchange student from Korea. There was also this very special older man from Albania, who had previously stayed in our hostel for a longer time before. He was completely traumatized by the war and other grievous experiences. As a result of all these sorrows he’d faced, he was very skeptical and incapable to laugh.
What happened next
We read the story of the prodigal son together, and God lead people to begin to open up. The Korean girl shared that she felt burdened by trying to live up to her parents expectations. We could share with her that God is a different Father, unconditionally loving and never disappointed with you.
Then suddenly the German girl broke down. She began to share that her father never showed interest in her after he divorced her mother. She had tried but was unable to ignore or remove the thoughts that she was unlovable and not worthy of her father’s love. Finally the man from Albania began to cry and shared how he had lost his only son, and how much sorrow it caused him.
What did I know about it, as an 18-year old girl?
All these lives with all this brokenness. What did I know about it, as an 18-years old girl with a great childhood? What could I ever say to comfort these people? But God gave me the words. My lack of knowing and understanding, made me point to my Heavenly Father, who completely understands. HE knows what it means to lose his only Son, and Jesus knows what it is to be separated from his Father! God completely understands, even if we have no clue!
God was so present
This Bible discussion was not what I planned it to be. It wasn’t very structured, and we didn’t go through all the questions I prepared. However God answered our prayers. He was so present within this discussion and it was such a blessed time! I didn’t have all the answers, but God taught me that he Himself is the answer to everything. I was so encouraged and grateful to see that God gives the right words when you need them. That he equips you to do the work he has called you to do.
A few weeks later
A few weeks later, this Albanian man started to smile and sometimes even laugh! We watched a part of the Alpha-course together. He was so eager to learn, and was happy like a child with every new discovery. The pain was still there, he still had many sleepless nights, but his healing process had begun.
Truly, ‘God heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds’ – Psalm 147:3
He prolonged and prolonged his stay with us, staying with us for more than 6 weeks. After joining many bible discussions, dinners with the staff and having many deep conversations, he left. I never heard from him again. I hope I will see him again one day, when all his tears will be wiped away.
‘Then there will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’


2 edition of Back to the Bible found in the catalog.
Back to the Bible
Will H. Houghton
|Statement||by Will H. Houghton.|
|LC Classifications||BS415 .H62|
|The Physical Object|
|Number of Pages||155|
|LC Control Number||40013842|
Woodrow Michael Kroll is an evangelical preacher and radio host. He was the president and Bible teacher for the international Back to the Bible radio and television ministry. He was president of Davis College in Johnson City, New York, United States. In addition to preaching and teaching, Kroll is a prolific writer, having authored more than 50 books expounding on the Bible and Christian faburrito.com: October 21, (age 75), Ellwood City, . Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ effectively. We focus on providing answers to questions about the Bible—particularly the book of Genesis—regarding key issues such as creation, evolution, science, and the age of the earth.
Back to the Bible - Sri Lanka. Teaching the message of the Christian scriptures through various forms of media and technology. Bookshops Your choice of books, bibles, gift items, etc., purchased from our store – Sent to you (in Sri Lanka, and overseas)! Contact us for more details: Call (+94) Search for your favourite Bible verse or passage using our free online Bible search tool. Back to the Bible Canada offers this searchable online Bible tool to help you freely engage and grow in God's Word. [contact_form to=”[email protected]” subject=”Website Enquiry” thankyou=”Thank you for your interest in Back to the Bible – Sri Lanka, your message has been sent”] [ribbon toplink=”true”]Back to the Bible – Colombo[/ribbon] Mailing Address: Back to the Bible A, Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka. Email.
With this method, you will study an entire book of the Bible. If you've never done this before, start with a small book, preferably from the New Testament. The book of James, Titus, 1 Peter, or 1 John are all good choices for first-timers. Plan to spend weeks studying the book you have chosen. Shop for Back to the Bible Quartet and much more. Everything Christian for less. Hear about sales, receive special offers & more. Bible-in-Life: Early Elementary Bible Beginnings (Student Book), Winter Bible-in-Life. Bible-in-Life. David C Cook / / Trade Paperback. One book a lot of people have been excited about reading is “Overcomer”. It’s just like the movie, only better! If you want to hear the author discuss this in his own words, check out this interview Cynthia did with the author, Chris Fabry.
2000 Import and Export Market for Rubber Materials in Greece
The Impact of the completion of the single European market on UK science and technology
Factors contributing to the high maternal complications in Kalulushi District
Architecture in Islamic Painting
Slaves of the lamp
Integral transforms in geophysics
Ways of teaching
Proceedings of the 38th Canadian Dental Association Teaching Conference on Dental Clinical Epidemiology and Decision Making, held in Toronto, October 13 to 15, 1994
A year of gingerbread houses
The waters under the earth.
Dubrovskii and Kapitanskaya dochka - two short novels
SyntaxTextGen not activatedDec 29, · James pdf, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of [ ] Stay connected with Back to the Bible Canada!
On-demand Bible teaching straight to your inbox! TRUTH and LIFE Today.Talking Back to the Bible is not your typical read. In this book, historian Edward G. Simmons takes his readers on a tour of his life from Fundamental Baptist to atheist and then back /5.Oct ebook, · Talking Back to the Bible: A Historian's Approach to Bible Study [Edward G., Ebook.
Simmons] on faburrito.com *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. In a fascinating rumination, Edward G. Simmons combines a lifetime's experiences and biblical research in a voice that is as comfortable and welcoming as if one was seated in an easy chair in his study/5(7).


It has been a while that I promised I’d submit a daily bible treasure. This is a time for new resolutions and to make it happen. I’m planning to share some extracts from my daily bible reading. I trying my best to post something at least once a week. I wish that The Lord bless you with all this.
These is part of my every year plan, reading the full Bible from Genesis to Apocalypse. This 2019 year I’m reading the NKJV Chronological Study Bible. Publishers and authors did a great job in terms of arranging some order of Bible stories in time. They’re careful and advertise readers that there’s no plan of modifying neither giving a final and definitive order of events. They’re basically trying give some historical background to Bible’s readers.
Today I was reading about Moses and his encounter with God in the Horeb mountain. God starts his calling through a burning bush - Exodus 3
In chaper 4, God starts giving a life changing call to Moses, something that would change the course of the Israel nation’s history. A big deal for someone that had been out of Egypt for around 40 years.
And, what was Moses’s response to that God’s calling:
"…O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and [b]slow of tongue.” - Exodus 4:10
"…Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord?.. - Exodus 4:11
God has the power to make it happen, when God says something, He will keep his promise. Our creator is in our side, we cannot fear what ever comes if He’s with us. God was calling Moses, it meant that there was not doubt that God would be with him wherever he’d go and he did it. God did great things through his loyal servant.
Next time you feel like you cannot do it or you’re thinking that you’re not made for that; remember, if God has called you and you’re walking on his purpose, there’s not space for failure there, God will do it as He promised. Just keep your faith in the Lord and He will do it.
God is your Creator, he knows everything about you, when He gives you a new comission, He will be there and will make sure that your needs are provided on His perfect time.


10 Places to Visit this Holy Week in the Philippines (2019)
Holy Week in the Philippines is the best time to travel and spend a fulfilling getaway with your family. This prestigious holiday takes place on Palm Sunday, April 14 and ends on Black Saturday, April 20. While it serves as a break from the fast-paced lifestyle in the city, it also serves as one of the longest and most anticipated holidays in the Philippines. People all over the country perform rituals and traditions in celebration of his death and resurrection. Deciding where to go this holiday is a cause for much excitement, so we’re giving you a number of churches to visit and traditions you can partake in while enjoying your week-long vacation.
1. Simala Church, Cebu
Sibonga Town, Southern Cebu.
If you wish to get far away this holy week, Simala Church in Cebu is a great destination. Simala Church is a prestigious castle-like structure in the heart of the province. Home to the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist, people from all over the world flock to this pristine church to witness traditions and religious gatherings. Not only will you find yourself seeing some of the prettiest churches in the Philippines, but you’ll also be greeted by a number of beaches and activities you can do during the trip! It’s no doubt you can enjoy Lenten season and summertime here all at once!
2. Via Crucis, Cebu
The Stations of the Cross or Via Crucis, latin for “Way of the Cross”, is a popular Holy Week event that takes place every year on Good Friday in Cebu City and across other locations in the Philippines. It depicts the act of following Christ through different stations commemorating his passion that leads to his crucifixion. It depicts the final hours of Jesus Christ and most Filipinos are always keen to witness this through celebrations and reenactments. Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu is the home of the original and oldest religious relic in the Philippines in honor to the Holy Child Jesus.
3. Festival of Healing, Siquijor
If you truly want a getaway worth remembering, Siquijor is a great destination. It has a reputation for being magical because of its hidden beaches and breathtaking scenery. This mystical island celebrates a four-day event known as the Healing Festival, which perfectly coincides during the Holy Week. Multiple church services hold celebrations, holy treks as well as healing session. Once you reach Dumaguete, you may take a ferry to the Island of Siquijor and start your journey into the religious celebrations that take place during Holy Week.
4. Quiapo Church, Manila
Holy Week (Semana Santa) is the season the Filipino people gather and celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ. Most people fast during this season, while others attend mass everyday. Quiapo Church is worth the visit this Holy Week if you’re planning to stay in Manila. This grand church is home to the famous shrine of the Black Nazarene. This church is usually packed during Maundy Thursday, where a large group of devotees carry crucifixes and recreate the scenes of the crucifixion.
5. St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Bohol
Good Friday (Mahal na Araw) which takes place on the 19th of April, commemorates the crucifixion of Christ. You will often come across religious figures being carried throughout the streets. Usually displayed on carriages, these figures and statues are veiled in black to symbolize the mourning and death of Christ. St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Tagbilaran, Bohol is the main seat of the Catholic faith in Bohol and is flocked by thousands to celebrate Vista Iglesia.
6. Vista Iglesia, Baguio City
Since the Philippines is known as the only Christian nation in Asia with at least 70% of the current population as Roman Catholic, everywhere you go you’ll find devotees celebrating the lenten season. If you’re in Baguio City for Holy Week, there are several churches for you to visit while enjoying the cool climate and the fresh scent of pine trees and highland flowers. These include, Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral which is just located at the city’s most popular street, Session Road and the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church in Burnham Park.
7. San Pedro Cathedral, Davao
The oldest church in Davao City, the San Pedro Cathedral is now recognized as a National Cultural Treasure. It’s famous for its architectural structure, a curved roof reminiscent of the traditional vinta boat. This is one of the many churches that people visit when celebrating Holy Week.
8. Shrine of the Holy Infant of Prague, Davao
Aside from the scenic hilltop view, devotees flock here to journey through the Stations of the Cross on the hill leading up to the shrine. This is one of the many churches that stand amongst a beautiful landscape and scenery, where visitors can enjoy the breeze and celebrate Lent at the same time.
9. Mt. Apo, Davao
If you want a different type of pilgrimage, you can also climb Mt. Apo instead. It usually takes two days to reach the summit. While the trek can be challenging, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous sights like the 150-feet Tudaya Falls and a breathtaking view. It’s perfect for those who want adventure while showing their devotion to the tradition.
10. Manila Cathedral, Manila
The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, also known as Manila Cathedral, is the cathedral of Manila and basilica located in the historic walled city of Intramuros. Aptly honored as the Mother Church of the Philippines, one should not hesitate to visit this pristine church during the holidays. You’ll find yourself admiring the beautiful structure, especially its religious mosaic art that can be found inside. It should definitely be one of the churches that you and your family will be visiting this Holy Week!
If you wish to travel to these holiday destinations this Holy Week, don’t hesitate to book ZEN Rooms in Davao, Bohol, Manila, Cebu and Baguio City! Get 10% off on your first booking with our code: INV10.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for news and updates! Visit www.zenrooms.com now!


INCOME TAX PREPARATION FOR MISSIONARIES
For Christ Alone is now offering U.S. Income Tax preparation for Christian missionaries. Preparation fees are set as low as possible, with special consideration given to varying income levels. Contact us for details.
MISSIONARY SPEAKERS AVAILABLE
Missionary speakers are available to share with churches, Sunday School classes, or other groups who would like to hear first-hand accounts of what it's like to preach the Gospel overseas and the amazing results that can follow. For information and scheduling, contact us.
NOW SEEKING MISSIONARY AFFILIATES
If you are a self-supported or non-denominational missionary and are looking to be
part of a missions network that is genuine, and not in name only, we are looking
You don’t need to fight the battle alone, God has called others to back you up and help you do what God has called you to do. For more information or an application form, please contact us.


House Speaker Nabih Berri extended today his Easter greetings to the Lebanese people in general and Christians in particular, while expressing his sadness over the ongoing tragic events in Palestine.
In his Easter message, Berri said: ‘Between two times, history repeats itself, ‘Palestine,’ and the path of pain is yet the same… It does not end…It is paved with sorrows, pains, and sins, with the blood of the martyrs, and with eyes to heaven and the voice and the echo coming from the rubble of the Baptistery in Gaza: ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do…”
He added: ‘Because Easter represents the day of redemption and all the symbols of hope and resurrection, and the hope that behind every torment and suffering there is certain salvation, we are encouraged to contemplate and emulate all the meanings represented by this glorious occasion and other blessed heavenly occasions that have converged and integrated this year to confirm, beyond any room for those playing on the string of secta
rian division, that religions emerged for the sake of human dignity….”
Berri considered that on this Easter occasion, we are called to contemplate and learn from the forgiveness of Jesus Christ by staying away from sin, doubt, and skepticism. “Only by doing this will we reach the foundation for the resurrection of man and nations through faith, love, honesty, and sacrifice,” he asserted, underlining that the love of God is far from the hatred of man.
He concluded: ‘For the steadfast and resistant in the villages and towns of the Lebanese border with occupied Palestine… for Jerusalem… and Bethlehem… and the Church of the Resurrection in Gaza…for its children walking on the path of Calvary,…there in all those places shines the truth…Let us know the truth, for the truth will set us free.’
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon


In a defiant appearance before the Washington media, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright said Monday that criticism surrounding his fiery sermons is an attack on the black church and rejected those who have labeled him unpatriotic.
“I served six years in the military,” Barack Obama’s longtime pastor said. “Does that make me patriotic? How many years did (Vice President Dick) Cheney serve?“
He said his Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago has a long history of liberating the oppressed by feeding the hungry, supporting recovery for the addicted and helping senior citizens in need. He said congregants have fought in the military, including in Afghanistan and Iraq.
“My goddaughter’s unit just arrived in Iraq this week while those who call me unpatriotic have used their positions of privilege to avoid military service while sending over 4,000 American boys and girls to die over a lie,” he said.
My life was full and complete before I ever suspected that Rev. Jeremiah Wright even existed, so I’d be just as happy if he went into hibernation for the next 6 months or so. However, I do see two strong arguments in favor of him taking this rather novel “fuck you” approach:


It is situated in the north of the province of Cáceres on the "Ruta de la Plata ". It is a medieval town founded by King Alfonso VIII. It has a great historical and artistic heritage closely linked to the monarchy and the Church since it was the Episcope See and also it was a cultural and study centre having three universities in those days.
It contains a magnificent range of artistic and historic heritage and is well worth a visit.
Its monumental heritage includes the Old and the New Cathedral, various churches, convents, military monuments, palaces and stately houses.


Pneuma II: Story of God
March 15, 2018
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: 6107 12th Avenue, Burnaby, BCCategory: Pneuma Life Community
Join the Pneuma II Story of God group weekly to follow the movement of God through Scripture to redeem & restore the world.
The Pneuma II Story of God group is hosted by Earl & Charlotte Almeida in South Burnaby. This group will meet Thursday evenings from February 8 to April 12 (excluding March 1 & 29).
What to expect? The facilitator will read a narrative based on Scripture that builds on the story each week, followed by an open discussion. This is an incredible way to experience the Bible, whether you've read it from cover to cover or never read a page.
The Story of God is revealed through a narrative that moves from the creation of the world through sin, struggle, strife, and ultimately God’s saving work in Jesus and the beginning of the church.
Everyone is welcome! Invite a friend, neighbour or co-worker to join you.


growafrica.network Friends In The West Internet Radio
Promoting personal, economic, and spiritual growth in Africa and Beyond
Voices from around the world Contributors
Our Background About
Friends in the West was founded by Ray Barnett in the 1960’s to support Christians who had been imprisoned for their faith in the former Soviet Union. As well as direct contact with the underground church, prayer bracelets were distributed around the world bearing the names of imprisoned pastors such as Georgi Vins, a Russian Baptist pastor imprisoned for eight years by the Soviet authorities for his involvement in a network of independent Baptist churches.
The work spread to Africa in the 1980’s in the aftermath of the Idi Amin regime which left thousands of children orphaned. In 1984, Ray brought the very first children’s choir from Uganda to Canada, the US and the UK, to highlight their struggle for survival. This was the birth of the African Children’s Choir which is still going strong more than thirty years later and has helped provide an education to more than 52,000 vulnerable African children and a pathway out of poverty for thousands more.
Today’s focus is still on Africa as well as locations around the world where people are suffering because of their faith. We want to use media to highlight what’s happening in these often unreported incidents of persecution and violence, encouraging Christians to pray and support in any way they can. Many Christians have been displaced and have lost homes, belongings, livelihoods, and in some cases family members. We encourage Christians in Western nations to pray for and practically support their brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering and whose lives need to be rebuilt.
Our Approach and Content What we do
Outreach to RefugeesFriends In The West is supporting partners who are working in the Adjumani and Bidi Bidi refugee camps in Northern Uganda. Both camps are home to a steady stream of refugees fleeing violence in South Sudan. The Bidi Bid camp is now the largest in the world as the number of people seeking refuge in Uganda has now topped the one million mark.
Bringing EducationEvery member of the African Children’s Choir has the privilege of having a good education. Qualified teachers tour with the children to ensure that education isn’t neglected and many of our former choir members have gone on to University and are now working as professionals in their home countries in Africa. Music For Life schools also educate children who otherwise couldn’t afford to go to school. Over the years, more than 52,000 children have received a good education.
Developing talentRay Barnett first saw the potential for the African Children’s Choir in 1984. At that time tens of thousands of children had been orphaned in the aftermath of the Idi Amin regime. Instead of trying to provide handouts which would only have brought a very temporary solution, he had the vision to develop the talents that many of the children already possessed. It had never been achieved before but he trained the first African Children’s Choir and then brought them to the US, Canada and the UK where they performed church concerts and thus raised funds to pay for their own education as well as thousands of other needy African children.
News from around the worldFriends In The West has been bringing News stories from around the world since 2014, through our websites at friendsinthewest.com and raybarnett.tv. Articles focus on stories from around the world where Christians are facing hardship and often displacement and sometimes martyrdom. Internet radio is an extension of this work.
Developing PartnershipsOur approach is to work in partnership with local people on the ground. we don’t try to tell them what to do or do the work for them but rather come alongside them and give a hand up, not a hand out.
Our Genres Radio Programming
Positive programming to develop positive attitudes and actions. Practical ways to enhance your health, both physically and mentally. Keeping your goals on track. End procrastination and take action.
Entrepreneurship and business start-up training. Creating the idea and watching it progress through the business plan stage to fruition. Business principles and learning from entrepreneurs.
Bible teaching from Africa and around the world. Find and fulfill God’s purpose for your life. Develop your Bible knowledge and prayer life. Become an agent of God’s love and help bring peace and reconciliation to a world in conflict
From Africa to Northern Ireland and multiple locations in between. From first-time singer/songwriters, to seasoned performers, we’ll be bringing a rich diversity of musical entertainment as well as the best in praise and worship for you to enjoy.


*Ivo da Conceição Souza
In the last three decades, there has been a tremendous mushrooming of movements in the world and in the Church. The Charismatic Movement brought its ‘enthusiasm’ (‘divine fire’) and warmth, a deeper love for the Word of God and for prayer. People had to witness a new way of loving and proclaiming the Christian faith, and modify or abandon the conventional ways of thinking and doing things. They experienced more spontaneity and warmth, which had a deep impact on their lives. But some of them may have gone to the extreme, thinking that only they were “baptized in the Spirit”, that they had the monopoly of God’s Spirit, that they are “the Church”, that they are privileged people because they “speak in tongues”, that they are holier than the others (‘holier-than-thou-attitude’), who are regarded as “second-rate Christians”. Then there arose the Neo-Catechumenal Way, with the same feeling that they are “the Church”, that they have the genuine way of worshipping, that they show more enthusiasm in the worship and proclamation of faith, that their liturgy is livelier and has a better flavour and glamour. Recently, we have been hearing of the mass deaths (including suicides) of sect members in Texas, Guyana and Switzerland. Other sects, especially in Latin America, bring people into a dream world, cut off from reality. These sects are also sprouting in India. Still others, based on the cult of Satan, appear particu¬larly evil. There is today the phenomenon of sects, the so-called “believers”. It is the spirit-pheonomenon, Neo-Pentecostalism, as presented by the sectarian groups. It has its “package of emo¬tional satisfactions for the common folk”. It is a kind of “spiritual narcissism”. It gives a fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible and tries to criticise the Church in every way for the sake of ‘sheep-stealing’. It is too emotional and fundamen¬talist. It does not show concern for the socio-economic situa¬tion. It enslaves rather than liberate them. The “healing ses¬sions” are a kind of opium for the people, rather than prophetic enhancers. The “born-again” slogan is rather an emotional gimmick of ‘holier-than-thou’ attitude. Ecstatic forms of spiritu¬ality, with ‘gifts of tongue and healings’, are an outlet for the difficult situations of oppression and psychological stress. These movements sprout easily in this kind of environment. With this elitist attitude and self-righteous pride, the members of these movements have become a factor of division, instead of cementing unity. Revivalism has led to fundamentalism and fanaticism. This destructive criticism is a factor and sign of deviation. Golden Criterion: A Christian movement will sprout and grow properly within the local cultural context only when it is in communion with the local Bishop and the local Church, granting that there is proper discernment in the Spirit on the part of the local authorities and members. If these movements remain hermetically closed and aloof from other members of the Church, they may recruit most of the dis¬gruntled elements. This is precisely the “problem” of the new phenomenon of sects and cults. They have the “black or white attitude”, they are “all or nothing”, they are not able to share their gifts of joy and life to the members of the Church. We should not forget that amidst all the vicissitudes of the modern life, God is present with us. “I am with you” should be in our minds. It is God who guides us with his light and life. Therefore, we require an existential, humble, open, sincere, trusting, loving attitude. We can apply a golden criterion to know whether these movements are genuine or not by remembering the Lord’s saying: “You will know them by their fruits” (Mt 7:20) (cf.”Each tree is known by its own fruit”: Lk 6:44; Mt 12:33). If a movement or institu¬tion comes from God, it will remain alive; otherwise, it will destroy itself (cf.Gamaliel’s statement in Ac 5:38f: “If this undertaking comes from men, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found to fight against God [theomakhoi]). Difference between a Sect and a Community: We have to bear in mind the distinction between a sect and a community. What is a sect and what are its characteristics? A sect is defined or at least described by the following characteristics: i)A wise, all-powerful Guru dominates the mem¬bers. He is considered as the uniquely inspired prophet and saviour. Only his teaching is true. Other authorities are not tolerated. Sometimes even other thought patterns or life styles are strictly forbidden. ii) The sect is considered as the harbinger of a new salvific message to be spread throughout the world. It motivates the members for large recruitment. iii)According to the sectarian mentality, the world is divided into saved and damned. They are specialists in the “black-or-white attitude”. Due to fear syndrome, the members accept everything blindly, without further questions or resist¬ance. They are not encouraged to have relations with friends or relatives. It is a process of slow, gradual brainwashing. v) They are fed with feelings of worthlessness and meaning¬lessness. They remain without a safe direction, so that if they decide to leave the group, anguish, emptiness and loneliness overwhelm them. Some of these elements can be found in a Christian communi¬ty, but there is a growth in maturity. ´ a) In the Christian community, each person has value and dignity. The person is encouraged to grow in freedom, responsibility and maturity. More im¬portant than the numerical growth or institutional survival, the vocation of each member is a vital issue, so that the candidate is given time for probation and self-examination. b) The Christian community is not a closed group. It grows in contact with other members and outsiders. In times of conflict solutions can be found through dialogue. Whether a community/movement grows in the path of the Spirit or not can be judged through a few signs. The community deepens its charism and at the same time discovers the beauty of other movements, always in dialogue/communion with the local bishop. It recognizes that it is a part of the Church, not the whole Church. It needs some time for its insertion/inculturation in the fabric of the local Church. It should cooperate with the local bishop and with other movements or communities. b) If the Spirit is active in the movement and the members are attentive to the Spirit, they should realise their shortcomings and mistakes. They may misinterpret the vision of the Found¬er or distort the way of life. They should examine whether the power has been used or abused. They should be open to criticism and self-questioning, and be honest in correcting or changing certain aspects, which were necessary at the initial stage of their movement, but have become outmoded/obsolete, even a sign of death. c) A Christian movement has to evolve continually in the Spirit, remain faithful to the Church, without losing its identi¬ty. It has to continue its openness and preserve its identity. While working for unity of the Churches and dialogue with other religions, the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II follows carefully the two guidelines, firm identity and sincere openness. If a new movement is announcing Good News to the poor and allowing them to evangelise it in return, then here again is a sign of the Spirit. To eat at the same table as the poor, to be committed to them in bonds of friendship, is, humanly speaking, repugnant, demanding and disturbing. The presence of the poor and the weak prevents it from closing it upon itself. The poor oblige it to evolve and to deepen. If the disciples of Jesus are to proclaim successfully the Good News to the poor and downtrodden, they have to get down to their platform–follow their style–, in order to bring them up to a better human dignity (folk 6:20-23; Mt 5:3-12). God has promised us to be “with us”, our Immanuel, “God-with-us” (Mt 1:23; 28:20), with tender loving care for each one of us. d) The community should give witness to the love of the weaker members, in situations of conflict, doubt or psychological distress. The community should not try to destroy the person. e) The community should radiate joy, which has its source in the Risen Lord, being conscious that Jesus guides the Church towards growth, whereas the members are just instruments of love. The Church has to be continually pruned and purified so as to remain faithful to the Spirit. The reason why some of the members leave the Church and join the sectarian groups, called “believers”, seems to be as follows: They find more warmth, freedom and the sense of belonging and fellowship. Quite often, they escape from all rules and regula¬tions. They are pleased with their new structures. Satanic Cults: Prof.Eugenio Fizzoti, teaching Psychology at the Pontifical Salesian University, Rome, refers to a psychologic behaviour, which is often attributed to demonic forces (people think imme¬diately of demonic possession) (Eugenio FIZZOTI, “Sects and Satanic Cults-3”, in: L’Osservatore Romano, n.7, February 12, 1997, p.10). We have to admit here the reality of Satan, which can “manifest itself in forms which are often extravagant, unfor¬eseeable and disturbing”, as well as the “multiplicity of human behaviour which cannot always be deciphered with the normal interpretive categories”. We find it difficult to interpret some of the phenomena, which we saw or heard. Merely denying the facts smacks of unsci¬entific attitude or pedantry. For example, there are physical disturbances; local “hauntings”/infestations of houses, objects, or animals; obsession and personal impulses up to the point of attempting suicide; vexations which cause loss of consciousness and lead to deplorable actions of muscle twitching or to pronounc¬ing phrases of hatred towards God, the sacred persons or cruci¬fix. Psychological or Demonic?: These are some of the expressions which raise the question as to whether the person is possessed/oppressed by Satan or suffers instead from psychological dissociation or hysteria. Frequently, behaviour attributed to demonic influence can be interpreted, without any shadow of doubt, as situations with a pathological background. There is also the phenomenon of “polter¬geist”, whereby some persons can influence the environment, like magnetic glance. The clothes are burnt, the chairs are over¬thrown, and the doors are open, without any other explanation. Other cases, however, present a clear antithesis to God’s saving plan. Therefore, the sole use of psychological/psychiatric tools fails to provide a sufficient and convincing explanation of these phenomena. It is difficult to identify the border between psychotic situations and true demonic influence. Moreover, the information often suffers manipulation and distortion. Thus, it does not do justice to the phenomena in their totality and complexity. For this reason, what is really only the expression of profound psychological disturbances too often is turned into a diabolical possession. Frequently, the membership statistics of Satanic groups are swollen to create a sort of reverential fear or a “witch hunt”. Criteria: Pio Scilligo, Professor of Psychology at the Salesian University, in Rome, remarks that each one of us experi¬ences our own talking to ourselves. These are “signs of small doubling of the personality, more visible when the ‘you’ form is used, and less evident when one uses the ‘I” form”. After having finished a job, for example, we say: “Well done, you did that just right!”, or, after having done something inappropriate , we say:: “I’m a fool; I must go right away and apologize!”. Experi¬ences of this type can be explained without necessarily having recourse to “talking spirits”. It is sufficient to speak of relatively autonomous “thought patterns”, “introjections” or “ego states” which the normal person can make use of, because such automatisms represent little “demons”, good or evil, which each of us carries within the complex structure of his own psychology. According to Scilligo, however, there exist much tougher defence mechanisms created by the person, stemming from traumatic experiences or from relational behaviours, prolonged over time and assimilated from the outside with distorted interpretations of reality, which produce behavioural islands which seem to be alter egos. In such cases, it can happen that some manifestations (such as the expression of anger, speaking in tongues, grasping in a surprising way the internal experience of the exorcist), can find a natural explanation in the psychic processes of withdrawal and projection, technically defined as borderline behaviour, or at the edge of normality. At the same time, it is possible that sometimes we find ourselves faced with manifestations that elude the metaphorical explanations of a psychological/psychiatric nature, and cannot be explained on the basis of what is known in the scientific world. In this case, it would make sense to have recourse to the hypothesis of “forces external to the subject”, which exert a destructive influence on him. The correct distinction between pathological behaviour of a psychic nature and demonic invasion/possession has not been yet clearly established by science. Professor E.Fizzoti states: “It is my absolute conviction, contrary to what is bandied about, that only in two or three cases out of a thousand are we faced with true diabolical possession. In this perspective, clearly, only a serious scientist with an open mind, able to transcend his limited field of expertise, can recognize the possibility of diabolical possession”. It is more difficult to analyse the behavioral motivation of those who declare themselves in favour of Satanism and express their convictions in criminal behaviour, frequently with legal consequences (for example, by desecrating graves, by performing macabre rituals with the killing of animals, by committing rape of more or less consenting virgins, and by procedures causing loss of self-control in psychologically vulnerable subjects). In this case, we could have recourse, as interpretive cri¬teria, to a few concepts developed by the psychologist Erich FROMM. Investigating the human relationship to various types of religion, Fromm shows that some people manifest towards the divinity an attitude of absolute dependence, of blind and irrational obedience and passive acceptance of any norm. As a re¬sult, they think of themselves as inept, wretched creatures, capable of acquiring a certain strength only to the extent that a supreme and unchallenged power reaches out to them. Such an authoritarian, inhuman vision of one’s relationship with the divinity and, in the case of Satanism, with evil beings, although encouraging the loss of independence and moral integri¬ty, offers them the advantage of feeling protected by a formid¬able power. Furthermore, this helps create the image of a despot¬ic and terrible supreme being, jealous of his supremacy, arrogant and opposed to any relationship based on solidarity and on the promotion of values. Characteristics: What are the personality characteristics of those who are devoted to divinities with Satanic features? i)There is a clearly masochistic tendency, manifested by a weak temperament, by the inclination to self-deprivation, by the need to feel weak and impotent, by the voluntary renunciation of all sense of freedom and personal responsibility. The basic tendency, then, is one of self-destruction or damage to oneself for the sake of preventing hostility on the part of others or leading others to pity towards oneself. In this regard, one need only think of the passive, irrational acceptance of “unquestioned leaders”, whose orders are blindly obeyed. ii)A profound sense of guilt, due to the difficulty in becoming aware of the ambiguity of the human situation. Quite explicitly, From maintains that “in the authoritarian sphere, recognition of one’s own sins produces fear above all, because one knows one has disobeyed a powerful authority which…will spare no punishment. Moral failure is an act of rebellion, and the only way to make reparation is an orgy of self-humiliation. The sinner feels himself depraved and impotent; he entrusts himself to the mercy of the authority and in that way hopes for forgiveness. To repent means to tremble”. He yields without any resistance to the healers. III)The introjections in strong, imposing terms, of the de¬mands of one’s surroundings, which leads one to perceive the society, with its law and culture and family, as tyrannical. On the one hand, these lead to the fear of destruction; on the other hand, paradoxically, to the relentless drive to act in negative and self-destructive ways. iv)The orientation towards death and dead objects, which is an expression of a longing for a continual transformation of self, society and the surrounding world into a cemetery or an automated factory. The use of black funeral curtains in the meeting hall, the presence of skulls and terrifying images, the wearing of hoods during ritual actions, the sacrifice of animals and, unfortunately, sometimes also of humans, are the more vivid proofs of this “necrophilic tendency”. According to a psychologist, the worshipper of Satan repre¬sents a pressing and often tragic “warning bell”. He is in no way oriented towards personal growth, towards a sincere and authentic relationship with others, towards a commitment of service to others. Rather, he betrays strong, worrisome self-destructive tendencies, further manifested by hiding and flight, and by the voluntary renunciation, to some extent, of his own will in favour of a despotic authority, demanding only blind obedience and rigid behaviour with obsessive involvement in formulas and magical rites. This is frequently observed in the so-called “healing sessions”. Conclusion: We have to be on guard against the abuses that are taking places in our parishes. In the name of healing, there are many vested interests: personal enhancement, greed, name and fame, megalomania, jealousy, sense of insecurity. The Church in Goa needs to be revitalized through the Word of God, through prayer and discernment on the part of the Church authorities, leaders and the people at large.


Rob Voyle's Appreciative Way Blog
Those Damn Foreigners!
Posted: October 7, 2016 by Rob Voyle
Perhaps it was because he was a Gentile, or a Hellinzed Jew outside of the norm of the Palestinian disciples, Luke seems to focus several stories on "the foreigners getting it" whereas the people of Israel miss it completely. The good Samaritan and this week's Gospel in which only one leper, the foreigner, returns to give thanks for his healing are examples of the acceptance and righteousness of foreigners.
There is a strong theme throughout the Scriptures that the "outsiders" are actually "in" and the ones who think they are "in" are actually "out." There is also a strong theme of caring for the outsider, and the failure of this basic hospitality is a constant source of judgment from the prophets in the Old Testament.
In many of the healing stories in the Gospels there are two dimensions to the healing. A physical healing of some malady such as blindness or leprosy, and a spiritual healing of being an outcast. Jesus' unwillingness to let the woman with the hemorrhage anonymously steal a healing was possibly prompted by his desire to resolve her outcast narrative rather than let her settle for a physical healing.
It seems this Gospel message is very timely amidst the rhetoric against foreigners and immigrants in American politics today. What is especially vile is that much of it is supported by those espousing a Christian faith who claim to take the Bible seriously.
It seems that those who "claim to be in" are as blind to what they read as the nine lepers who were healed and failed to acknowledge the source of their healing. As both a priest and a psychologist this blindness baffles me.
Clearly we have a group of people who are not overburdened with insight. How to help them have insight is the challenge. Perhaps we should be like Jesus and not even bother as he didn't even try with the nine who were formerly lepers. I think Jesus knows better than me that arguing with ignorant people is a waste of time.
I also wonder whether Jesus was too successful in his healing of the nine former lepers. In many of the healing narratives the healing is instantaneous rather than a gradual curing process.
As my colleague Andy Austin has pointed out in his Metaphors of Movement work that when a person describes their predicament as something they are "in" they are describing their problem as a container. When the solution arises they will be "out" of the container and the transformation will be rapid if not instantaneous. In contrast, a person who describes their predicament as though they were walking through a desert, may have a significant journey before their problem is resolved.
I often experience this when teaching people to forgive. One moment they are "in" a state of resentment and the next moment they are "in" a state of forgiveness. They can't be in two states at once. Sometimes it is possible to see the instant the change occurs with a change in facial expression or posture. I have not had a person need to do a follow-up session once that shift has occurred.
What I have also discovered is that these instantaneous changes are very robust and stable over time. They are so stable that people quickly habituate to the new state and often very quickly forget that they used to resent. At follow-up several weeks later they respond with: "what resentment?" I wonder whether that is what happened with the nine former lepers, that they were so profoundly healed that they forgot to remember that they had been lepers.
It seems that way in our nation. Beyond the Native Americans we are all recent immigrants in this land. But once we have the feeling of being "in" America we forget what it is like to be "out" to be an outsider. Sadly, so many people who live within the boundary of America live like outsiders as they live in the American nightmare of poverty and hunger and not in the American dream of freedom and prosperity.
Spiritually speaking we were all outsiders. We kneel and eat at a table that is not of our own making nor our own entitlement. We can't inherit it from our parents or our friends. We can however share it with everyone.
From a spiritual perspective we live in two giant containers. One is to be "in" fear the other is to be "in" love. When we are in the existential container of fear we will want to exclude all those who are different because they frighten us. Yelling at, ridiculing, or berating such people will not help as it will only reinforce their fear. The only thing we can do is stand at the door of love and welcome them "in."
Can you remember when you were an outsider or have you forgotten. Are you still an outsider or did you get "in." If you did get "in" can you remember how you got "in" and who do you need to thank for helping you "in."
With much gratitude to a man named George who welcomed this foreigner in.
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The Carthusian monastery of St. Lawrence, also known as Certosa di Padula, is the largest in Italy, and among the most famous. In 1998 it was declared World Heritage by UNESCO; it was founded by Tommaso Sanseverino in 1306 on the site of an existing cenobio and is dedicated to San Lorenzo; its structure recalls the image of the grating on which the saint was burned alive. The history of the building covers a period of about 450 years. The main part of the Carthage is Baroque style and occupies an area of 50,500 m² on which are built over 320 rooms. The monastery has the largest cloister in the world (about 12,000 m²) and is surrounded by 84 columns.


1. THE SCRIPTURES: We believe that both the Old and New Testaments are inerrant, infallible and God-breathed, and therefore are the final authority for faith and life. The sixty-six books are the complete and divine revelation of God to Man. Through the providence of God, the Scriptures have been preserved. The Authorized King James Version of the Bible shall be the official translation used for church functions. (Psalm 19:7; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21).
2. GOD: We believe that there is only one true and living God existing in three Persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-each a distinct Person, but all of one essence and all having the same nature, perfections, and attributes, and each is worthy of precisely the same worship, confidence, and obedience (Genesis 1:26; Jeremiah 10:10; Matthew 3:16-17; 28:19).
3. JESUS CHRIST: We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, begotten by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, shed His Blood on Calvary as a vicarious substitute, was buried, rose again bodily, and ascended to the Father according to the Scriptures (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Hebrews 4:15).
4. HOLY SPIRIT: We believe that the Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity, very God, coexistent with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is the chief agent in regeneration, the chief convictor of sin, and the chief comforter of the believer. Simultaneous with regeneration, the Holy Spirit baptizes the believer into the body of Christ. It is the privilege and duty of all the saved to be filled with the Spirit. We believe that God is sovereign in the bestowal of spiritual gifts to every believer. God uniquely uses evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip believers in the assembly in order that they can do the work of the ministry. We believe that speaking in tongues was never the common or necessary sign of the baptism or filling of the Holy Spirit and that ultimate deliverance of the body from sickness or death awaits the consummation of our salvation in the resurrection, though God frequently chooses to answer the prayers of believers for physical healing. We are a non-Charismatic ministry (Matthew 28:19; John 16:7-11; Acts 5:3-4; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 Ephesians. 1:17-18; 5:18; Romans. 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28; Ephesians. 4:7-12; 1 Corinthians. 1:22; 13:8; 14:21-22).
5. MAN: We believe that man is the direct creation of God-body, soul, and spirit-and is not in any sense the result of evolution, but is made in the image of God. Adam, the first man, sinned by disobedience. This act resulted in the fall of mankind and incurred both physical and spiritual death for all. Thus, man is totally depraved, and, of himself, utterly unable to remedy his lost condition (Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 3:10, 23; 5:12; Ephesians. 2: 1-3; 4: 17-19).
6. SALVATION: We believe that all who, in faith, receive the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour are born again by the Holy Spirit and thus become the children of God. Salvation includes redemption, regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. We believe that repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ are the essential conditions for appropriating the saving grace of God (Luke 13:3,5; John 1:12; 3:3; 17:17; Acts 20:21; Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 2:8-9; 4:30; Titus 3:5).
7. SECOND COMING: We believe in the literal, visible, personal, pre-millennial, pre-tribulation return of Jesus Christ for His Church. At this event the dead in Christ and living believers will be translated to meet Him in the air. At the end of the seven-year tribulation period, Christ will visibly descend with the saints to establish His earthly millennial kingdom (Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 20:1-6).
8. PROVIDENCE: We believe in the providence of God, but that He is in no wise the author or approver of sin, nor the destroyer of the free will and responsibility of man (John 3:16; Romans 8:28-30).
9. THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE BELIEVER: We believe in the priesthood of all believers so that every Christian has direct access to God in prayer through Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, and that there is no mediator between God and man other than Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:16; 1 Timothy 2:5; Revelation 1:6).
10. SECURITY OF THE BELIEVER: We believe that salvation is not only a gift from the Lord, but also is sustained by the Lord. The Holy Spirit permanently indwells the believer and seals him in salvation for eternity. Therefore, since salvation is wholly of the Lord, apart from the works of man, we hold that the believer shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation. This security in no way gives professors in Christ a license to sin. It is our conviction that all who are preserved by God's eternal power should pursue holiness (John 10:28; 14:16-17, 26; Romans 6:22; 1 Corinthians 2:9-14; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 1:4; 1:13; 2:8-9; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24-25).
11. SATAN: We believe that Satan was originally created a perfect being. He rebelled against God. As a result, he became depraved, the Devil and adversary of God and His people, the leader of a host of angels who fell with him. Satan has been judged and defeated at the Cross and awaits his ultimate doom at the Second Advent of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 14:13-14; Ezekiel 28:13-17; John 16:11; 1 Timothy 3:7; Revelation 20:10).
12. THE LORD'S DAY: We believe that Sunday is the Lord's Day and is a Christian institution for regular observance of worship and spiritual devotion, both public and private (1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10).
13. CREATION: We believe the Triune God created the universe apart from preexisting materials. We believe that God created the universe in six literal, 24-hour periods. We reject evolution, the Gap Theory, the Day-Age Theory, and Theistic Evolution as unscriptural theories of origin. We believe in this historicity of the first eleven chapters of Genesis (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 19:4; John 1:1-3; Romans 1:20; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 11:3).
14. THE LOCAL CHURCH: We believe that the New Testament church is a local body of baptized believers with Christ as its Head and the Holy Spirit as its guide. New Testament churches promote God's work by personal and corporate evangelism, and by cooperating with other local N.T. churches of like faith and practice for missions and many other joint efforts. The local church is governed independently from outside persons, bodies, groups, or authorities (Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:6-8; 6:3; 1 Corinthians 16:1; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 2 Corinthians 5:20a; 8-10; Ephesians 1:3-6, 22-23; Philippians 4:15-16).
15. ORDINANCES: We believe that the local church observes two ordinances-baptism and the Lord's Supper. We believe that all who have received Christ as Lord and Saviour should be baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit; that baptism is by immersion in the likeness of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ; and that the Lord's Supper should be observed in remembrance of Him to show forth His death for our sins until He comes again. (Matthew 26:26-30; 28:19-20; Romans 6:3-6; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
16. SEPARATION: We believe that all the saved should live in such a manner as not to bring reproach upon their Savior and Lord; and, that separation from all religious apostasy, all worldly and sinful pleasures, practices and associations is commanded of God ( Romans. 12: 1-2; 14: 13; 2 Corinthians. 6: 14-7:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 John 9-11).
17. ETERNAL STATE: We believe in the bodily resurrection of all men, the saved to eternal life in Heaven, and the unsaved to judgment and everlasting punishment in Hell (Matthew. 25:46; John 5:28, 29; 11:25-26; Rev. 20:5-6, 12-13).
18. MISSIONS: We believe that God has given the church a great commission to proclaim the Gospel to all nations so that there might be a great multitude from every nation, tribe, ethnic group, and language group who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. We are committed to world missions through prayer, sending, and giving for missionaries of like faith and practice (Matthew. 28: 19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-48; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians. 5:20).
The Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our faith. The Bible itself is the sole and final source of all that we believe. We do believe, however, that the foregoing Statement of Faith accurately represents the teaching of the Bible, and therefore, is binding upon all members.


Fellowship of Christian Athletes/Students (FCA/FCS)
FCA/FCS Meets the Second and Fourth Wednesdays from 7:15-7:45 in Room 109.
(PUSH Meets on the First and Third Wednesdays in Room 109)
The FCA Mission:
To present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence the challenge and adventure of receiving
Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church.
At Community High School, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Fellowship of Christian Students work together in most of their activities.
Mrs. Kathy Gregory