A Witness to Life
Recently I’ve had marriage on my mind. A number of things have brought that about, some good and some bad. To begin with, right before Christmas my husband and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary. About that same time I learned that someone I love left her husband and began divorce proceedings. Then, while visiting some friends who married a couple of years ago, my husband, Seth and I were briefly questioned about our twenty-three years of marriage. Being a melancholy individual who tends to think and analyze everything, I didn’t have a chance of avoiding memory lane and the contemplation of that sacred institution that daily undergoes attack. Why is marriage so important and yet treated with such nonchalance by many? Has its usefulness faded in our modern culture? I contend that the Creator and Designer, infinite in wisdom, ordained the institution of marriage between one man and one woman till death do they part. Why? -- for our tremendous benefit and His glory.
As I look back over the past twenty-three years, so many positive thoughts and emotions from a wide assortment of memories fill my heart and mind that it's a bit overwhelming. What a wonderful journey marriage has been! For instance, the memories of falling asleep in my strong man's arms when we lived in cold weather or feeling his nightly caresses for twenty plus years remind me of how loved I am. I fondly remember back to bringing our newborn son home from the hospital to a tiny apartment in a bad neighborhood because that was all our meager funds afforded and then enjoying every moment of watching our baby develop for those first two years. Oh, and then there are the joyous recollections of time spent together in our first home with our first family pets .
I too recall yearly romantic getaways that still bring a blush to my face and fill me with gratefulness. Memories of raising our son also flood my thoughts as I think back on twenty years of sharing countless struggles, joys, and heartaches as we navigate the uncertain waters of parenthood together. What a gift! As the innumerable magnets on my refrigerator testify, we have also enjoyed traveling all over North America through the years gathering shared experiences of adventure, romance, challenge and fun.
However, not all of the memories seemed pleasant in their formation. For example, Seth and I shared seventeen years of my poor health with endless doctors’ visits and hospital stays. We also went through a tragic ordeal during our son's third year of life. Months at a time of arguing and feeling little or no love for the other also top the list of unpleasant times through the years. Surprisingly though, caring for my father-in-law with late stage Alzheimer’s brings great satisfaction as I remember our family’s team work played out in trying circumstances. Our twenty-three years truly has been a mixed bag, just as is every long term marriage.
Perhaps my reader thinks that Seth and I had a lot going for us from the start that gave us advantages in having a long, happy marriage. Nothing could be farther from the truth, since we prove to be opposites in just about everything. We do have common ground in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and His inspired Word. Thankfully, therefore, we have a consistency in thought regarding issues the Bible lays out clearly. Aside from that, our personalities contrast each other in every way. I’ll never forget when we went through premarital counseling with one of our college psychology professors. He felt it important to do some personality testing on us and to discuss the results. With great care, our professor graphed our results on the same chart but in different colors. Wow! Like two magnets turned so that they push away from each other, without fail, for each personality trait tested our individual graphed points went to the extreme opposite side of the graph. Needless to say, our professor expressed concern over our upcoming marriage.
Over the years, we have both inched closer to the middle, but truth be told, we still without fail individually choose opposite ways for doing absolutely everything. So, that brings about an obvious question. How does such a marriage work and last? The simple answer remains that we made a vow before God and man-- to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance. God takes vows very seriously, and I doubt any other vow comes close in seriousness to God as the marriage vow.
I know it's popular now to personalize and often water down the wording of the wedding vows, but when the marriage certificate says that a man and a woman have become man and wife, then before God that couple has vowed to remain as one till one or the other dies. (I know that the Bible gives license to divorce in the case of infidelity, but even then God still says, I hate divorce (Malachi 2:16). Therefore, if Seth or I find ourselves tempted to seek happiness with someone more compatible, we remember our vows, and we do whatever it takes to hold on to each other until the good times return.
Additionally, we have sought throughout our marriage to always follow a path that draws a couple together rather than focuses on individuality. The Bible says that the two shall become one (Genesis 2:24), and so we find ways to apply that principle as a couple. We find things we both enjoy doing together. We eat together, go to sleep together, participate in many of the same activities, and hold each other accountable through shared bank accounts, credit cards and email accounts. We don’t have close individual friends of the opposite sex in person or online. We go out on weekly dates and vacation at the same time. We pray and read the Bible together. We make a point of talking about our day, our thoughts, our worries, etc. As a wife I aim to submit to his God-ordained authority over me (Ephesians 5:22-24) and to let him lead our family. As a husband he aims to love me as Christ loved the church and as the weaker vessel that I am (Ephesians 5:25-30 & 1 Peter 3:7). All of those things and more have served to turn two opposing magnetic forces around so that we draw tightly together.
As Christians, God designed us to shine like lights on a hill. In a culture where lengthy marriages grow more tragically rare all the time, Christians have the opportunity to shine through their commitment to marriage like never before. We reflect God’s perfect design to a lost world and glorify the Father by honoring our marriage vows even when--especially when--it 's hard (Psalm 15:4).
Although commitment to a spouse through thick and thin brings God glory, it also greatly benefits the married individuals. To borrow a line from the movie Shall We Dance, I have a witness to my life in my spouse and him in me—someone who, by his very presence over the last twenty-three years, says, You are worthwhile. I have noticed your strengths and your weaknesses. I have seen you at your worst and at your best. I have seen all that you have accomplished in this world full of people who do not notice or care. I have seen, and I love you. Now that’s priceless!
Last summer our family had the amazing privilege of exploring Alaska. At the end of our trip we decided to do something the three of us all love--hike up a mountain. Clear skies afforded breathtaking views of the Denali mountain ranges in all directions. Besides the fact that the hike would have proved difficult regardless, a perpetual, driving wind prevailed. Being Florida flatlanders, we found the conditions exhilarating but exhausting. Depending on where we were on the mountain the winds were, quite literally, at huricane force.
The going was slow at times and certainly challenging. At times we all stopped along the way to admire the view, discover something new, and of course, catch our breath. Standing at the top, with the wind seemingly trying to rip us from our perch, we determined the climb definitely proved worth it. That hike remains the highlight of our trip.
I think that marriage proves similar in many ways. It's without a doubt challenging over the long haul. It has moments of exhilaration and moments of exhaustion. The desire to quit along the way tempts everyone at some point. It sometimes thrills the heart with new discoveries and experiences and makes you glad to be alive. At other times, the howling winds of discouragement seem determined to flatten you. But here's a question to consider? How much less do you think I would have enjoyed the hike in Denali by myself? What if I had changed hiking partners along the way? Only by sharing experiences, both good and bad, and overcoming every hurdle along the way do we end up with a powerful, deep and rich set of memories that fill our hearts with a sense of profound love.
I find myself overwhelmed with thankfulness that God gave me this man, so very different from myself with which to travel through this hard life. As I look back over the better and the worse, the mostly poorer not richer, the mostly sickness rather than health, and over two decades of assorted memories, I praise God for the incredible benefits I have enjoyed by committing to overcome every hindrance. I look forward to another twenty years of experiencing the sharing of life in marriage as God intended.


I've been reading some great articles that revolve around one concept of Wiccan ethics or another. Some are pretty basic and require knowledge of the Law of 3 or Karma. I will not be talking about these as there are whole books on the topic and you can read a little about that in my essay on the Good and Bad of Magic.
Instead, today I'd like to share with you 2 articles from the Aquarian Tabernacle that concern Wiccan Christian relations and the concept of judging.
I actually disdain Christian bashing among Pagans. I feel like putting people down because of their faith or beliefs is just as bad as persecution of witches. No, said witches are not burning the Christians per se, but the action is still wrong.
By bashing another's beliefs, we are not only creating conflict between two belief systems that already have a shaky history, but also making ourselves even more of the bad guys in the minds of many Christians. Why not uphold a higher concept of right living by being kind to another, regardless of their beliefs?
Another point I'd like to make is that Christians are not alone in killing others for their beliefs. History is filled with Christians being burned, hung, and nailed to crosses by Pagans for proclaiming their faith. How is this any different than the inquisition?
The 2 articles from the Aquarian Tabernacle are:
A Letter to Pope John Paul II after his apology on March 12, 2000 for the Inquisition and any harm it might have caused over the years. It is an acceptance of that apology and a request for forgiveness for any harm Pagans have caused toward the Catholic Church since. Its well written and I think it is a great step towards inter-faith relations.
The second is an article written by a Christian to other Christians and explaining, with biblical verse, how we all worship the same God and Wiccans and Christians alike are brothers and sisters of the same faith, no matter what we call our Deity. Being raised in the Christian Church and now a Pagan, I thought this was a very well documented article that really opened my heart.
I leave you with these articles and the hope that you will take the advice many Wiccans and Witches have given Christians over the years - Do Not Judge Others on What They Believe, Please. I know I'm not gonna get a lot of fans for this post and there will be many arguments against it. I only ask that you think about it.


The God Dependent LifeJoanie Yoder
This is the autobiography of Joanie Yoder. Living in Geneva with her missionary husband and two daughters Joanie seemed to have a near perfect life. But a legacy of miscarriages and an infant death had left their mark and Joanie was left living on a diet of tranquillisers. For a long time she had been relying on the strength of her husband Bill to the extent that she could not contemplate life without him. Through a series of disciplines which included Bible reading, prayer, trust and obedience she learned to recognise her own helplessness and allow God to become actively responsible for her well-being. No longer afraid to go outside she began to help others to reach God via a series of neighbourhood Bible studies. After a move to Britain, she used her drug experiences to reach out to many young addicts living on the streets of London - a ministry that led to the purchase of Yeldall Manor, a Christian centre for rehabillitation. Joanie Yoder was married to Bill for 26 years and has been widowed since 1982. She is the author of "Got Any Bread" which she wrote jointly with her husband.
This is a used book and it may show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us.
|Publisher||Hodder & Stoughton General Division|
|Number of Pages||224|


... lacrimae sanguis animae sunt ...
16 April 2010
Even those who say “I believe” don’t know what they actually believe in. Being religious has become a synonym to being uncool, old-fashioned, and intolerant. Christianity is corrupted by all those sects that make a product out of Jesus. They promise prosperity, freedom, wealth, and happiness, and they never get tired of ridiculing the Holy Church.
Every year, they change their beliefs and doctrines to seduce more people, and the Catholic Church, which has remained doctrinally coherent and solid for centuries, is ridiculed by everyone. Sacred values such as human body, nature, and life are often despised in favour of the mundane pleasures of this new era.
I could write a whole book only on the facts that annoy me, but today I’m here to express my deep sorrow for those who are doing all they can to destroy this so unique and sacred society which is the Catholic Church.
Media is convincing people that all of the priests and bishops are a group of evil people. It makes it look like all of them are paedophiles and perverts. For God's sake! There are as many as 400,000 priests all around the world. They are people who have chosen to dedicate their lives to serve us. They are committed with the mission of spreading love, compassion, and union. Even though they have such a holy mission, they’re still men, and as such, they’re still vulnerable, and they may end up making mistakes.
The biggest problem is actually that all of those men, who are all around the world working and serving the helpless, are now paying a hard price for the mistakes of few. People look down on them, think badly of their intentions, and we all know how cruel the crowd’s prejudice can be.
Catholic Church is not evil. For 2000 years it has spread all the good values which everyone agree to be the basis of the "ideal society". The Catholic Church is responsible for the world’s largest educational network and world’s most comprehensive health services network. It is present in 178 nations and one sixth of the world population is members in parishes and communities .
Today I’m sad because people prefer to believe in the biased reports from the media rather than having the truth. Even so, I have faith, and I know that all this bad times will be overcome, and little by little, God will touch people’s heart and make them understand the real meaning and value of the Catholic Church.
QUI TECVM VIVIT ET REGNAT IN UNITATE SPIRITO SANCTO,
PER OMNIA SAECVLA SAECVLORVM. AMEN.


It’s been almost seven years since the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church first proposed an apartment complex to help fund a new church building and community center at its Old Georgetown Rd. site.
After much opposition from homeowners around the site (8011 Old Georgetown Rd.), multiple revisions and three failed appeals of the Council’s granting of a zoning change, the church is finally ready to proceed with redevelopment.
Barry Lemley, the owner’s representative for the church, told the Woodmont Triangle Action Group on Friday the church has picked a developer (though he wouldn’t say who) and is in the design process.
The church, which has been at 8011 Old Georgetown Rd. for 75 years, wants to build a 78-foot tall, 107-unit apartment on-site to help pay for a new church building and community center that Lemley hopes is a selling point through the entitlement process.
Lemley said the community center will be open to the public and could provide Bethesda with a sorely needed civic space.
More and more churches are using their land for development, allowing the cash-strapped congregations to rebuild their own aging facilities in the process.
The process for Christ Evangelical Lutheran hasn’t been easy. The Church originally partnered with D.C.-based developer Bozzuto in 2006 and had to get the zoning changed from single family residential to “Planned Development.”
When the group’s first crack at a zoning change was denied in 2007 by the county hearing examiner, the church and Bozzuto went separate ways in 2009.
Hearing Examiner Francoise Carrier denied a zoning change for the plan in December 2008 “based on her finding that the size, bulk and locations of the new construction proposed for the site would be incompatible with single-family homes in the immediate vicinity, and therefore would not substantially comply with the applicable master plan or the purposes of the zone.”
The County Council remanded the case so the church could revise its plans. The Planning Board approved the revised plan but Hearing Examiner Martin Grossman (Carrier left to become Chair of the Planning Board) again denied the zoning change in September 2010:
The revised plans have exacerbated compatibility problems vis-à-vis the Battery Park neighborhood across Old Georgetown Road to the southwest of the site, by pushing the mass closer to the roadway in an effort to improve compatibility with adjoining properties, as suggested by the Battery Park Citizens Association.
But the Council, by a 7-2 vote, approved the zoning change in October 2010 setting up a series of appeals from a homeowner in the area.
Lemley told the Action Group, an advisory group of citizens, county officials and business representatives, to expect more details about the schematic design of the redevelopment in the next month or two.


Mission Shaped Intro
Six Mondays from 6 November to 11 December
Our world and our lives change at an ever faster pace, but how does the church respond to this change? Are new ways of being church possible? If so, what might they look like? Mission Shaped Intro will help you to explore the challenges of mission today and
re-imagine forms of church that are needed for the 21st century. Using video, group discussion, humour and inspiring stories, this course is a creative way to discover how we can reconnect with the communities God is calling us to serve.
Facilitated by the Bishops Enabler of Mission, Revd Annie Naish.
Enquiries to email@example.com
Further courses are being planned for the eastern and western areas of the diocese in 2018.
Tickets are not issued, but your name will be held at the door.
Walpole Hall (View)
St Mary's Cathedral
Edinburgh EH12 5AW
|Kid Friendly: No|
|Dog Friendly: No|
|Wheelchair Accessible: Yes!|


Writer/Director: D.M. Cunningham
Producers: Brian Hilliard, D. M. Cunningham,
Based on the short film "Bad Habits," for ages the church has battled with evil forces in many forms. To combat these denizens of the devil, the church formed a secret sect of nuns to keep them from taking over the world. Sister Mercy came to this sect with a troubled past. Now repenting for her sins, she fights the very creatures of the night that have destroyed so many around her. Hoping to break a curse that was laid upon her fellow sister, she stalks the neon streets at night with a crucifix blades and holy water grenades. From unholy blood, Bad Habits are born.


Welcome! We are delighted you have chosen to visit us. We are a non-denominational / evangelical organization. Non-denominational so that everyone will be welcome regardless of religious backgrounds or affiliations. Evangelical because we are a Christ centered church preaching the Gospel, reaching out to our neighbors while staying as close to scripture (within context) as possible. Please feel free to look about and kick the tires if you like. We look forward to your joining us in the forums and participating in the discussions. We also hope you will be stopping by to partake of what is available on modest web church site as well as taking advantage of the other resources we will provide links for. It is our sincere prayer that you will find our humble web church of use and it will help you move closer to Jesus as we all learn to walk with the Lord.


The Word by
Call Number: BS450 .B26 2023
In The Word, acclaimed Bible scholar John Barton explores how saints and scholars have negotiated the profound challenges of translating the Bible while remaining faithful to the original. In addition to considering questions of literal versus free translation, literary style, inclusive language, and more, Barton draws out scriptural translation's role at critical junctures in religious history. Far from a mere academic exercise, biblical translation has shaped how we answer faith's most enduring questions about the nature of God, the existence of the soul, and the possibility of salvation.


Christian Student Fellowship, a ministry of John Knox Presbyterian Church in Ruston, seeks to proclaim the truth of the Christian gospel and to help young people live out this truth in the whole of life. It is a ministry focused on university students, as well as high school students and university graduates.
Young adults today are exposed to a variety of competing life-ideals. These values may develop during the formative years living with one’s parents, confront the individual in the classroom, be absorbed from books and movies, or just “show up” as the student begins to think seriously about the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood.
For centuries, the ideas presented in the Bible—creation, law, grace, salvation, love, hope and many more—have been integral to the lives of millions. The ministry of CSF is committed to teaching the truths of Scripture, seeing them as foundational to the building of a life that honors God. We undertake all activities, from bible study to worship, with the conviction that the Christian life and the Christian view of the world should be set before young people in an attractive and challenging fashion.
Christian Student Fellowship meets on Wednesday nights with dinner at 6.30 followed by a Bible study starting at 7.30. Other activities CSF has done include a barbecue, a Christmas party (complete with tacky Christmas sweaters!), and a jam session (for the music-lovers in our group). To keep up with what’s happening at CSF, join the Christian Student Fellowship group on Facebook.
Come join us to learn more about what it means to live a life like the Savior’s life, full of grace and truth. (John 1.14)


The church had gathered in Jerusalem and after the breaking of the word and of bread, the apostles had made a call in their usual manner. The Church was growing faster than they could ever have imagined. Another need had arisen. It was announced in the previous meeting.
Silence prevailed again as brother Joses Barnabas stepped forward clutching a small bag of money. He was to declare the amount and the source of the money. His testimony was to be believed. The apostles agreed that there might not be any need to get people to verify his claim, given the circumstance. It was his own field and he had willingly sold it and brought the full price so that needs could be met in the congregation.
The Holy Spirit was there to guide them as Jesus had promised and if there were any discrepancies the Holy Spirit would reveal. Asking them to verify their claim by having other people follow them would be counter-intuitive. They were saved and part of the fold. Jesus was enough for everyone. The apostles liked to keep the church’s financial reception transparent.
Knowing full well the calamity that had befallen Judas Iscariot, it was important to keep it open to avoid the temptation of theft. Bro. Joses knelt down as the gathering of saints poured out prayers on his behalf. Apostle Peter rounded it up. Calling on the name of the Lord and asking God to honour the actions of Joses like he had promised, through Jesus Christ his son. The congregation chorused “Amen”. Peter announced that there still remained needs and that anyone whom the Lord had laid something in his heart should heed the voice of the Lord. They said the grace and the church dispersed. In the Congregation was Ananias, and his wife, Sapphira.
Two days later, an unconventional meeting is going on. Due to the crowd, the church had been split so that different batch of people came at different times and the Apostles took turns to lead the service. It is the morning session and Peter is the officiating Apostle. After the meeting is over, Peter announces the collection of donations. Ananias steps forward, clutching a bag of silver coins.
“I had a portion land but on seeing the need in the church, I thought that the church of God was more important. Moreover, we have where to lay our heads. I and my wife decided to sell it and this is the proceed. Please accept this of our hands.”
Normally, Peter would collect the bag, turn it out on the table and count it. But he didn’t. He asked Ananias to do it. Ananias was surprised, as was every other person in the congregation. But he proceeded. When he finished, he turned back to Peter. Then Peter spoke.
“Are you sure this is the amount you sold the land?” Peter asked Ananias as his stare fixed on him.
Looking Peter in the eye, Ananias replied in the affirmative.
Peter shook his head and the next few statements he made with a slightly aggressive voice drew gasps of varying intensity and dimension from the people who had gathered behind and were excited to see where this was heading to.
“Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to hide part of the price of the land? All the time you sold the land and packaged the money to bring it here, it was still yours couldn’t you have decided that you really wanted to give only half of it? How can you comfortably think of such deception in your heart?” Peter took a deep breath as his voice became laden with sorrow. “You have not lied unto me but God.”
Nothing prepared the people witnessing the event for what happened next. Ananias dropped to the floor instantly. His breathing seized. The crowd was silent as nearly everyone clutched their chest. They looked from face to face in total horror and shock. Peter left the altar area and took a seat while young men from the church steward came to wound the dead man up and to bury him.
Three hours later, Sapphira walks into the congregation, not knowing what had been done. No sooner she entered had she been summoned by the apostle.
“This is the money your husband brought to the church earlier today. Is this the correct amount both of you sold the land for?”
“Yes sir,” she said as voices rose in the congregation behind her. She turned briefly to look at them as heads wagged from side to side. She didn’t understand.
“How have both of you together agreed to tempt the spirit of the Lord? The people who buried your husband are standing at the door and they will carry you out too.”
Immediately, she collapsed and stopped breathing. The young men came in, found her dead and carried her out, burying her beside her husband.
The whole congregation was scared to the bone.
In the 21st century, if there is any portion of the scripture, particularly the new testament that has been surprisingly and selectively omitted, by a generation of Christian so focused on the New Testament, it is this part. The reason is not farfetched.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira makes very strong cases for judgment and fear, two issues that fly in the face of the prevailing and pervading gospel of grace, touted by most. It shows a side of God that they think should be confined to the old testament, only that in this case, it isn’t. But two very pertinent questions need to be asked.
1. What is the concept of Grace? Does the God of the new testament, A God of love, place emphasis on Judgement? How can we talk about a God of love, as explained exhaustively in the new testament, and talk of a God of Judgement in the same breath?
2. How did we get here in the first place?


Temple Church of God In Christ was established in the year 1952
on Riverside drive in Bozentown,
known as East Chattanooga, Tennessee. The founder of this church
was Elder James E. Pinkard. He conducted his meetings and services
in a tent structure.
March of 1953, the church purchased a lot on 2311 Bliss Avenue
to which the tent structure measured 18' x 26' was moved. Church
services were to continue in the tent for the next year-and-a-half,
at which time the church building was erected. The church Trustee
board consisted of Elder James Pinkard, Elder James Baugh, and
Sister Evelyn Henderson.
October of 1957, Elder James E. Pinkard moved from Chattanooga,
to Connecticut; subsequently, Elder James M. Scott, Sr. was
appointed Pastor of Holy Temple. Five years later the church
moved to Central and Flynn Street for a few months and then
to 1305 East Eight Street. The Lord richly blessed the church.
Many souls were added to the Lord's Roll.
the end of the year of 1969, Holy Temple resided with Miracle
Temple Church of God In Christ. In May of 1970, construction
began at the church's original location on Bliss Avenue. In
November of 1971, Holy Temple came home to its new edifice to
continue worshipping the true and living God.
Church continued to grow under the leadership and visions of
Pastor Scott. The Trustee Board grew from three to seven members.
In 1992 the Lord gave Pastor Scott the vision to enlarge the
church. The lord blessed and the walls went up because the people
had a mind to work.
souls have passed through these scared walls. Many stayed here
to work out their soul salvation. Others, the Lord saw fit to
send out into the hedges and highways. Triumphantly some or
of our loved ones was called from labor to reward to forever
reward to be with our precious Lord.
Holy Temple our desire is to see more souls added to the church
and to go to higher heights in the Lord. In the year 1996 the
Lord ordained Pastor Scott to Bishop over the Eastern Second
Jurisdiction of Tennessee.
have been through some storms and rain,
We've had tears and pain,
And peace will remain
If we continue in Jesus name.
Through it all we can humbly say
"UP UNTIL NOW GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO US."
| Pastor's Bio | About
Us | Ministries


People of Christian religion celebrate the festival of Good Friday. Good Friday is celebrated as a day of mourning. Good Friday is also called Great Friday, Black Friday or Holy Friday. This year Good Friday is on March 29. It was Friday when the Jewish rulers crucified Jesus Christ after torturing him physically and mentally.
Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for mankind, hence people of Christian religion celebrate this Friday as ‘Good Friday’. Good Friday is also known as Holy Day, Black Friday and Great Friday. This day is mainly celebrated by people of Christian religion as the sacrifice day of Jesus Christ.
Why celebrate Good Friday?
According to the Bible, on this day, Jesus Christ, the Lord of Christians and the giver of the message of love, knowledge and non-violence, sacrificed his life for the welfare of mankind. The Jewish rulers tortured Jesus Christ physically and mentally and then crucified him, that day was Friday.
It is also told in the Bible, the holy book of Christians, that Jesus Christ was nailed to nails for about 6 hours and then he was hanged. When all this was happening, there was darkness in the entire state for the last 3 hours and after the death of Jesus Christ, the tombs started collapsing. According to some beliefs, Jesus Christ was resurrected three days after his crucifixion, that day was Sunday. In such a situation, it is celebrated as Easter Sunday all over the world.
What is the importance of this day?
People of Christian religion keep fast for 40 days, while some people keep fast only on Friday, this is called Lent. On this day, people cover the decorative items in churches and homes with cloth and people mourn by wearing black clothes in the church. Also, the Lord asks for forgiveness from Jesus for his sins and the last seven sentences of Jesus Christ are given a special interpretation. According to beliefs, on this day people remember the sacrifice of Lord Jesus in the church.


Madrid religion is a major thing. Well, more than 90% of Madrid’s population is Catholic. So it’s quite expected that Catholicism is widely practiced as the Madrid religion. This is quite evident when you examine their holidays, festivals and other activities.
While the religion was quite conservative centuries ago, you will also observe some amount of liberalization among the people in Madrid today. With the modernization, people learned to integrate what they call fun today with the religion practices.
Fiesta de San Isidro
You will notice that the name of the festival itself is very Catholic already. Visit Madrid in May and you’ll certainly enjoy this week long celebration. San Isidro is the city’s patron saint and the whole Madrid honors him during this festival.
This festival is known for the “Toros” where there are 30 days of bullfighting. All the world’s greatest bullfighters come to Madrid for this occasion. So, it’s really fun to watch.
If you are into rock music, you should not miss the Universimad Premio de Rock. It’s actually an awards event for rock music. But you will enjoy the day long rock concert which is usually participated by the world’s best rock groups.
The Festival of Urban Culture is also held during this week. You get to enjoy a wide range of activities from skateboarding, BMX bicycling to art shows, photography and graffiti. Of course, you will not run out of more concerts to watch.
During this joyous yet religious occasion, you have a choice between enjoying it with alcohol or enjoying it with simple churros and barquillos sold by the street vendors all day and all night long.
The Semana Santa or the Holy Week
Of course, being predominantly Catholic Madrid also celebrates the holy week. If you are there in time for the Semana Santa, Good Thursday and Good Friday are public holidays. You will be able to observe how Madrid commemorates the death of Jesus. Being such, you will see the solemn side of the celebrations in Madrid.
You will see numerous processions as a part of this celebration. Most of the Madrileños would be in prayer especially as Good Friday draws near. But it’s a celebration come Easter as well. This is because Easter Sunday represents the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
All Saints Day and Feast of the Virgin of Almudena
Well, if you find yourself in Madrid on All Saints Day, you’ll observe people remembering their departed. They will bring flowers to their graveyards and most attend mass as well. But that’s generally it for this public holiday.
On the other hand, the Feast of the Virgin of Almudena is actually the feast of the Virgin Mary. There would be a mass in her honor at the Catedral Almudena. Most people eat out on this occasion so expect more people in the restaurants on that day.
There are more public holidays that are related to the predominant Madrid religion. In fact, a majority of them are feast days. This only goes to show how overwhelmingly Catholic Madrid is.


So, I was directed to add the response the Lord gave me as a page. This way, you will have an answer when this argument is leveled against you in the future. I have to offer a sincere thanks. It has been awhile since somebody has made me think quite this much. That is a hard thing to do these days, as the Lord has given me an understanding and defense for nearly every position that gets offered on the rapture. That was the case with your take on the word escape. At first reading, it seemed that your defense was a hard position to counter. However, the Lord always gives me guidance in this area, and today would turn out to be no different.
As with any study of words, phrases and statements, full context and use of the word in question is required to understand the meaning behind something that we are reading. Here are the online sources that I have reviewed: Furthermore, when viewed with the examples of scripture I have provided, it will become clear that it is indeed used in a passive tense, as opposed to active.
To escape by walking through an open door is the same as walking through a door that you must open first. The escape is not the opening of the door. It is the actual walking through the door. In the case of the rapture, worthiness is not a determination of whether or not you can walk through the door. Remember, heaven is a locked door in which Christ alone can open. If He accounts you worthy, then He opens the door! Once that door is open, then there is no choice — you WILL walk through the door. Whether in death or rapture it makes no difference.
When you finish reading this commentary, I think you will see that the challenge to find ekpheugo used in the passive voice was not only met — but surpassed. In fact, passive is the only tense that can be ascribed to the word. Here is a critical piece of the puzzle. If ekpheugo had been used just once in the Bible — in Luke In using each form of escape at least three times, it sets the definition and meaning of each form and leaves no wiggle room to alter what the Bible is telling us. When taken with the other examples of scripture given, we see that escape is not something which is actively accomplished by the persons involved.
Stated differently, there is nothing indicated that can be done to effect and escape. You cannot make the escape happen — you can only partake of something outside of your abilities.
For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Each of these four scriptures use the exact same verb — ekpheugo. Not only that, but the supporting context of each of the above scriptures provides yet another piece of the puzzle. Hebrews 12 is particularly interesting in light of the current conversation.
It just so happens that there is a form of escape that means this very thing. For the word in Acts And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land. In both verses, we can see that escape is by the individual effort of those that are seeking escape. However, this is not the verb that was used in Luke Diasozo is the word that would have confirmed that there is no pre-tribulation rapture. We know that this is also not the intended message of Luke If we were to prepare to endure the tribulation to escape , this would be used in the following context:.
No, that was not an actual scripture — just an example of what such a scripture might say. They illustrated the differences in the concepts for us in doing so. They left little room for misunderstanding on what they were trying to convey. I will offer one more piece to this puzzle tonight. For the sake of a thorough inquiry, I took the liberty going back to the original Greek for the entire reading of Luke This is a bombshell!
This alone settles the argument on the issue. In the original Greek, with no rearranging of the words, we see what was actually written by Luke, and what he actually wanted to say. You did so under the premise that both are active verbs, and therefore indicate that escape is an action solely in the hands of the person involved. As I have shown already, your assertion on ekpheugo is incorrect. However, what about the word flee? Does it in anyway support your claims.
The most common use is the word pheugo , which indicates fleeing of your own accord, or by your own hands. How do we know this, besides the definition given above? Well, pheugo is used at 15 different times in the New Testament — with each use indicating flight under power and efforts on our own hands: However, ekpheugo is used to denote flee in several scriptures worth noting:. Ask yourself what these three scriptures have in common. Here is a hint — it is the opposite of the 15 scriptures listed above that fit what you asserted as a defense. In the 15 listed scriptures above, it is clear that to flee is something that is done by our own hands and efforts — much the same as you assert must come in the tribulation, and what you assert Luke So, the three scriptures above?
Their common link is simple to understand. Just as ekpheugo is passive in its description in Luke In all three, we see that fleeing or flight is based on the efforts of another to open the door or clear the way. We simply have to avail ourselves of the efforts made by another. In the case of Luke We can add one more piece to the puzzle.
I highlighted the two differences in the definition to drive home the point. One cannot truly be achieved by us in the context of Luke chapter The other is based solely on our efforts, and was NOT chosen as the wording for Luke This is normally carried over into the doctrine of translation and resurrection. Most pretribulationists as well as most posttribulationists consider the translation and ressurrection of the saints on this basis. By contrast, the partial rapture teaching transfers both resurrection and translation from a work of grace to a work of reward for faithfulness.
In so contending, they wrest principal Scriptures and misapply others. Opposition to the partial rapture point of view springs not only from particular texts but from the broad doctrine of the nature of salvation itself. It becomes therefore more than an argument about prophecy. It has its roots deep in the general theological perspective of the respective parties. The opposition to the partial rapture view is also related to ecclesiology or the doctrine of the church. Most evangelicals distinguish the true church from the merely professing element. It is granted that outward conformity and organizational membership does not guarantee any blessing in the prophetic program.
Pretribulationists as well as posttribulationists distinguish divine dealing with those genuinely saved and those who only profess salvation. Partial rapturists, however, are quite different in point of view from that commonly held. For them there are two classes of genuinely saved people—those worthy of translation, and those not worthy.
They therefore divide the body of Christ into two groups on a works principle. By contrast, the Scriptures teach that the body of Christ, composed of all true believers, is a unit and is given promises as such. It is inconceivable if the church is formed by grace that it should be divided by works.
That is awesome to know that we will have squatting rights The sun-clad woman represents the church of all dispensations in age-long conflict with Satan. Yes, the Christians who are in the First-Fruit Rapture will have tasks allotted them. In the case of Luke Sadly for you — the answer is no. How We Escape the Great Tribulation: The dragon's seven heads, which represent the seven successive world empires, are all crowned.
The passages in Scripture [All quotations of Scripture, unless otherwise indicated, are from the American Standard Version Those for whom Christ is coming according to John Those translated and those resurrected at the last trump of 1 Corinthians According to 1 Thessalonians 4: Partial rapturists, however, contend for their point of view using various Scripture portions which are interpreted as sustaining their doctrine.
These must be examined before the full character of their teaching becomes apparent. Most of the Scriptural basis for the partial rapture theory is found by its adherents in exhortations to watch or look for the coming of the Lord coupled with the teaching that some who fail to watch will not be ready when He comes. Passages commonly used include Matthew In citing these passages, little distinction is observed between references to Israel and references to the church, and passages referring to the second coming of Christ to establish the millennial kingdom are freely applied to the rapture or translation.
In fact, many of the points of view of the partial rapture adherents are also held by posttribulationists. A study of these passages as interpreted by the partial rapturists will show the confusion of interpretation. The Matthew passage is essentially an exhortation to watch. The one not watching is described as one to be cut asunder and given the portion of hypocrites v. This passage is properly interpreted as belonging to the second coming rather than to the church, though expositors in general are not always of one mind on this.
The people in view are the Israelite nation. Of these, some are watching and are faithful, taking care of the household of God. It is obvious that something more than mere carelessness is in view. The faithfulness of those watching is evidence of true faith in Christ, whereas the unfaithfulness of those who are drunken is indicative of failure to believe to the saving of the soul.
While works are in view, they are indicative of vital faith or its lack. In any case, there is nothing whatever said about the rapture or translation of the faithful. It is doubtful if there is any specific reference at all to the rapture or translation in the entire context of Matthew 24 — Partial rapturists usually seize upon Matthew He offers confirmation in that paralambano is used in John A careful study of the usage here, however, however, does not sustain this exegesis.
The context is Jewish, and does not refer to the church at all. The discussion is dealing with the end of the age, i. The terminus ad quem is the second coming, not the translation of the church. The Greek word paralambano is not specifically one describing a friendly relation. It is also used in John The act of taking away in Matthew In both the one taken away is taken in judgment. This is precisely what is done at the second coming of Christ when those who remain enter the blessing of the millennium, and those taken away suffer judgment. The evidence, then, for a partial rapture in this passage is completely dissolved upon examination of the evidence.
The parallel passage in Mark This passage is cited by Lang as one of the conclusive proofs for the partial rapture theory. Lang summarizes his argument in these words: They will stand before Him there. All pretribulationists will agree that escape from the coming time of trial is provided for believers in Christ.
All also agree that those who believe in Christ during the tribulation itself, while not kept out of the period, may have deliverance from it at the coming of the Lord to establish His kingdom. The point of dispute lies entirely in the conclusion that some true believers will be left to go through the tribulation while others are translated before it comes to pass.
While the exegesis of this passage is admittedly difficult, a careful study of the context provides a clue for its interpretation. The context has to do with signs preceding the second coming, obviously addressed to people who will be living on earth at that time. However, the frequent interchange of the second and third persons in the entire passage does not provide much basis for this distinction cf.
The larger context deals with those living in the days of the signs and the exhortations largely concern them cf. The safest course would be to identify verse 36 as directed to those in the tribulation who anticipate the coming of the Lord to establish His kingdom. They certainly will pray, for only by divine help will they survive the period. Note should be taken that this passage does not speak of deliverance from the period or the hour of trial cf. It should be observed that here, as in other passages often used by the partial rapturists, the rapture is not specifically mentioned, indeed is not indicated at all.
Lang is inserting in the text what it does not say when he states that to stand before the Son of Man must necessarily mean in heaven. All men will stand before Christ on earth at the second coming cf. To press the idea of escaping judgment as indicated in this passage to prove a partial rapture requires invention of the principal components of the doctrine.
It is best to conclude that this passage does not teach a partial rapture because it does not refer to the rapture at all. The parable of the ten virgins is variously interpreted by pretribulationists, some taking it as referring to the tribulation saints 8 and others to the church. The answer given to the partial rapturists depends upon the interpretation of the passage as a whole. If Chafer is correct that the passage deals with the end of the interadvent age, the tribulation, rather than the church, then the passage has no relation to the partial rapture doctrine.
The church is ordinarily the bride, and in a figure of a wedding feast it would be incongruous to conceive of the church as represented by maidens attending the feast. The passage itself uses none of the characteristic terms relating to the church, such as bride , body , or the expression in Christ. There is no reference whatever to translation or resurrection. The bridegroom comes to the place where the virgins are waiting in an earthly scene and remains in that earthly scene as far as the figure is concerned. These and many other observations point to excluding this passage from consideration.
However, even if the virgins represent the church in the present age, where is the proof that this is the true church, the company of those who are saved? As commonly interpreted by such writers as H. Ironside, 10 the virgins represent the professing church. True believers are identified as having oil in their lamps, typical of the Holy Spirit. Mere professors have the appearance but no oil, that is, are not genuinely regenerated and indwelt by the Spirit. This passage would serve to refute the partial rapturists instead of sustaining their viewpoint.
Only by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit can one be qualified for entrance into the wedding feast, but all the wise virgins enter the feast. The context indicates that the passage deals with the question of the state of those raised from the dead. Those who are counted worthy of the resurrection of the righteous at the beginning of the millennial age indicated in the passage are evidently the saved who have died and are at that time raised from the dead.
Not only is the idea of partial rapture foreign to the passage, but the passage does not deal with the subject of rapture at all.
If the rapture takes place before the tribulation, this scene is related to the posttribulational resurrection. According to Daniel There is no partial rapture here nor is the resurrection of the righteous divided on the principle of being worthy. This passage can therefore be excluded from the argument entirely. It is the contention of partial rapturists that Paul had in mind the necessity of faithfulness in the hope of meriting resurrection at the time of the first resurrection, i.
Govett translates Philippians 3: His hope was that he might attain to it in the sense of being still alive when the event took place, which would mean that he would be translated rather than resurrected. Paul had no doubt that he would be included in the event. The resurrection of which Paul speaks is not of reward as Govett argues.


Mack Alton Morgan, age 70, of Eastman, GA, died Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at his residence. Memorial services will be held at 2:00PM Saturday, February 6, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Tim Morgan and Rev. Bucky Morgan officiating.
George Terry Moore, JR., age 52, of Eastman, GA, died Monday, February 8, 2021 at the Dodge County Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM Thursday, February 11, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Mike Grenade and Rev. Frank Osborne officiating, with interment in Plainfield Baptist Church Cemetery. Terry’s Obituary


News - What's happening at pennywell
Christmas at Pennywell
Picture the scene - a magical manger setting with all the live animals, Christmas trees and twinkling lights. Hear the wonderful story of the Nativity and see it brought to life.
Pennywell Nativity Plays and visits to Father Christmas are happening every day from 1st - 24th December. Join us for a truly unique event with an authentic manger scene in our cosy barn and all the animals looking on, safe and dry in their winter home.
We take care of the whole direction and every child is given the opportunity to dress up and be a star performer if they want to. Costumes are provided so there really is a host of heavenly angels and many shepherds watching their sheep.
There is a present from Santa for every child and warming Christmas cheer in Henny Penny's Cafe, with home made biscuits and squash for the children, mince pies, hot drinks and mulled wine for the adults.
Book tickets online or call: 01364 642023 Mon-Fri between 9am and 3pm. Booking is essential.


Who Is Dr. Johnny and Lezlyn Parker?
Hear it from the source...
We met in college. I (Lezlyn) am from Jamaica, West Indies, and I (Johnny) am from Jamaica, New York. I told her that I was Jamaican. She believed me. I was honest, right? Our love story officially began on June 3, 1989, when we said, “I do” and then our “I do” quickly turned into, “Why did we do this?”
Our story became one of drama and lacking the proper communication skills. I (Johnny) was working as a marriage counselor, and we had to seek marriage counseling to turn the page in our story of loneliness and isolation.
One day while on a hike, I (Johnny) prayed this prayer, “God, show me, me. I am tired of the drama in my marriage.” That prayer started a tearing up of the marital script we both brought into the marriage. Jesus (The Author) began to write a new story in our hearts. A story of forgiveness, vulnerability, and surrender.
Now we’re on the same page. We’re passionate about serving as “Life Editors” and helping pre-married and married couples surrender their stories in exchange for God’s better story.


VIRGEN CARIDAD del COBRE
Radio Show-Sept 4, 2016
First, I want to thank you, cat, for allowing me to present the story of my patron Saint who has ALWAYS been with me since I was born. She has always taken care of me, protected me, and granted my petitions. I am forever grateful to you for allowing me to make this presentation.
In Cuba (in the area of what is now known as: “El Cobre”), around the year 1600, 3 young boys were sent to sea in a very small boat in order to gather salt for meat preservation. Although the boys were incorrectly known as “The Three Johns”, two were brothers of indigenous descent and one was an Afro-Cuban slave who was only 10 years old. The 2 brothers were also around 10 years old.
While at sea, a violent storm threatened to sink the small boat and kill the children. So, they prayed for divine help. Almost in an instant, the sea calmed down and a statue (in the image of a Saintly Woman, holding a cross and the baby Jesus), standing atop of a piece of wood, came toward them. As they reached the statue, both the wood and the statue were COMPLETELY dry!!! Engraved in the wood were the words: “I am the Virgin of Charity”
When the boys returned to shore, they reported what had happened to an administrator of copper mines. The administrator ordered that a shrine be built to her and the statue was placed there. Strangely enough, even though the doors were kept locked, the statue kept disappearing and reappearing! Ultimately, her shrine was moved to another part of Cuba.
After that time, may people were having visions of her and she had performed numerous miracles.
Because of all of the miracles that she had performed through the years, in 1916, Pope Benedict XV declared her the Patroness of Cuba.
Her miracles are boundless. She helps in matters of almost everything. . In fact, when Ernest Hemingway won the Nobel Prize for literature, he gave his medal to her (at her Shrine) to show his love and appreciation to her!
Some people view her as the Virgin Mary. In fact, the Archdiocese in Miami, Florida, is named (and venerated) after her: “Ermita de la Caridad” (“Ermita” roughly translated to: “shrine”). Others view her as the Patron Saint of Cuba. And, because of her similarities to an Orisha of Santeria, her syncretism is also: “Oshun”.
She has loving nicknames such as: “Caridad”, “Cachita”, “Yallodde” and, of course, “Oshun” (so, if you meet Cuban ladies with the nickname: “Cachita, her actual birth name is: “Caridad”).
As her miracles are boundless, and as her reputation spreads, the Caridad is also venerated in other parts of the world. She is venerated in:
- Many Latin-American countries
- Spain (where her image was granted a Canonical Coronation in 1955)
Although she will help in any matter, the Virgin Caridad (as well as Oshun) is especially helpful in matters of money, sensuality, sexuality, fertility, maternity, love, and marriage. But NOHTING that you request of her is too big or too small. She has personally helped me with such small matters as getting me jobs, promotions. She has helped me with actual scores that I had requested on tests. She has helped me with matters of love, winning money, etc. She has helped me with EVERYTHING!!
Many of us offer up to her the same as we would offer up to Oshun. So, don’t be surprised if you see a statue of the Virgin Caridad adorned with gifts such as:
- White or Yellow candles (www.luckymojo.com/candle-our-lady-of-caridad-del-cobre.html )
- Peacock feathers
- Pyrite (www.herb-magic.com/pyrite-chunk.html )
- Cinnamon sticks or chips: (www.herb-magic.com/cinnamon-chips.html )
- Florida Water (www.luckymojo.com/floridakanangawater.html )
- And many many more
Other gifts to her would include: A donation to her church; white or yellow flowers, a glass of fresh water, honey (we will talk about honey at the ed of the show).
Regardless of whether you pray to the Caridad or to Oshun, SEPTEMBER 8 is the feast day for both.
SPELL AT THE END OF THE SHOW
Simple Love Spell
2 Caridad Candles- www.luckymojo.com/candle-our-lady-of-caridad-del-cobre.html
Caridad Incense- www.luckymojo.com/incense-our-lady-of-caridad-del-cobre.html
Caridad Oil- www.luckymojo.com/oil-our-lady-of-caridad-del-cobre.html
Pyrite Gravel- www.herb-magic.com/pyrite-grit.html
4 yellow (or white) 6 inch taper candles- www.luckymojo.com/candle-offertory-yellow.html
Small White Bowl (or Jicara if you have one)
Picture of your intended and a picture of yourself
5 petition papers
Always light one vigil candle first just to venerate the Entity and to let them get to know you. Don’t ask anything. It is a way to get them to find favor with you. It would be GREAT if you could do this on September 8 !!
Once this candle has been consumed, start your spell on a Saturday (it is her day of veneration and honor).
The number “5” is the Caridad’s number.
So, anoint the taper candles with the oil and then roll them in the incense. These 4 candles, plus the vigil candle, make 5. Put petition papers under each candle.
With the vigil candle front and center, put the other 4 candles around to make a circle wide enough to be able to place the bowl in the middle. Put petition papers under each candle.
Put the 2 pictures face-to-face. Then, put a fishhook through them.
Place the pictures in the bowl and put the bowl in the center of the circle.
Place the pyrite gravel around the bowl (this gets her attention)
Now, light the candles. And pray and ask your petition.
Now, you take the honey and taste it. Tell Caridad that you are tasting the honey first and show here (legend has it that someone tried to put poison in honey so she will not take the offering unless you eat t first). Then, pour the honey into the bowl that has the pictures in it.
END OF SPELL