Light of the world, ignite a flame whose wick is your eternal love, so that it may burn within me for all eternity. You are the one and only true light and my heart desires to only beat in your perfection.
Strength, of my strength. Power from above and within, I am yours for your purpose. May your will be done in the heaven within me and upon the earth. May all of us fall to our knees in your presence. May all of us seek your face. May all of us breathe your holy name.
Robert “Bobby” Morgan


We chose to do it this way because it’s Biblical. The greatest commandment is the Bible is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this, “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than this.” (See Mark 12:28-31). Our FOCUS should be finding ways to help "PEOPLE". THIS IS KINGDOM!
The second reason is because of Blake Mycoskie, the Founder of TOMS, said incorporating “Giving” is good because;
1. Your customers become your greatest marketers for your business
2. You attract and retain amazing talent
3. You will attract amazing business partners
AGENTS OF CHANGE mixed all three together and created an opportunity for people to become Kingdompreneur. A Kingdompreneur is one who is empowered by God to provide a product or service to people for profit with pleasure to promote the Kingdom while honoring the King of Kings
What is a Kingdompreneur for the company?
First, we will honor the Kings of Kings helping God’s children eradicate lunch shaming, lunch debt, and help believers step into the fullness of their purpose. Proverbs 14:31 says, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” (Be.)
Second, we will promote the Kingdom by purchasing apparel that evangelizes to people and from a company that promote Kingdom values. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. (DO.)
Third, we will profit with pleasure by sharing the vision with other people. Proverbs 10:22 says “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.” (Have.)Finally, we will be empowered by GOD because we remembered it was God that gave them the power to get wealth. Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth.” (Access.)
Click the picture below to become a Kingdompreneur today!


Hello, colleagues. Ray Easley here with a brief presentation on what we have begun at Wesley Biblical Seminary regarding personal formation. With the adoption of a new curriculum in early 2008, we introduced a required formation element to our MDiv program. We call this element the "Cumulative Formation Practices" (CFPs). The CFP requirement is three (3) semester hours which can be earned at the rate of one-half hour per semester. In other words, our MDiv students take six semester of CFP.
So, what is CFPs at Wesley? Click on the PowerPoint slideshow link below, "Formation at WBS.pps," for a quick overview--about fifteen slides. I will be standing by to answer any questions you may have. I will also invite Chris Stratton and Bryan Easley to weight in with their own comments--they have given significant effort and insight in the development and implementation of this new initiative at Wesley.
We actually have a spiritual formation course that is required in the first semester: "Personal Discipleship and Formation." This course outlines some key principles of personal formation that connect to the "cumulative formation practices" which, hopefully, will carry the ideas learned in the first semester throughout the entire program. We'll see in about three years how effective this plan is.
I remember talking about this from the very enjoyable visit I paid on behalf of the ATS to your institution. It was a great learning experience for me. Especially since we too now have gone through the process of petitioning and receiving preliminary approval for 'comprehensive program of distance education."
Three elements stand out in your CFP that I believe are crucial: Conferencing, Ministry Involvement, and Mentoring. For me, these are important because they recognize that formation does not take place in a vacuum, individualistically. Those points, especially, recognize the social nature of formation.
My own Ph.D. dissertation focuses on what Luther called "tentatio" (temptation, testing, suffering) in theological formation. I'm wondering if you have any discussion of that topic in your program of spiritual formation? For Luther, it was actually the touchstone to formation, for it is in the realm of those experiences where there truths of the gospel are put to the test.
Of course we cannot intentionally generate tentatio. That was, in a sense, what the monks were trying to do through self-castigation. For Luther, that is not true tentatio. But how do we handle those experiences in our lives and ministries as Christians everything we believe to be true is contradicted by our experience? So I'm just wondering if that kind of thing is at all covered in your work?
I'm happy to know that your school has "joined the fray" with the comprehensive distance ed enterprise. I am curious to know how your program gets at the spiritual formation of the DE students. When you engage in the "temptation, testing, and suffering" aspects of student's lives, you are dealing with some deep, deep issues. I wonder how you are touching base with those themes/concerns among your students. As you do that, I believe you are doing the students and the church a GREAT service in preparing people for Christian leadership.
This is a very intriguing line of conversation and I am particularly taken with the notion of "tentatio" because it raises some issues we are working with in the development of our formation series at the Institute of Lutheran Theology. As an emerging institution facing our first academic year this fall, much of what we are doing is still very fluid, so I am avidly reading other people's Ideas about this subject. (and am very thankful for this conference)
Early on, as we have begun to develop curriculum, we recognized the significance of formation as a crucial point of integration. So like Ray with the CFP program we have set apart credit hours in the curriculum for courses that will occur each term. I think this is a significant and crucial move that provides an ongoing conversation that will enable other studies to be integrated inside the work of formation.
What I'm wondering is if "Spiritual Formation" is somehow distinctive from "Pastoral Formation." Granted, a pastor must be a Christian and thereby spiritually conformed to our Lord Jesus. But in the context of seminary education I'm wondering if that formation doesn't need a strong element of the peculiar calling to serve Christ's Church. By this I mean, not only does the church need "Christ-shaped" believers, but in addition it needs "Congregation-shaped" pastors.
For this reason we have begun to play with the idea of grounding the formation program in a different notion of Luther's called "Vocation." It is common to talk about "the call" to ministry or pastoral vocation. This is not what is going on in Luther's treatment of "Vocation." Rather, God's way of delivering the "goods" for every day life is through the vocations of all people. These vocations are 1. the family, 2. work, and 3. public life (this includes congregational life). To be shaped as God wills, spiritual formation must address not only what God calls us to be, but also what God calls us to do, meaning vocation. This integrates on a profound level with Pastoral vocation because to become "Congregation-shaped" a pastor must not only understand his/her vocation, but also the individual and cumulative vocations of the parish. We want to develop a program that instills the skills required to deeply understand the vocations of parishioners in a way that enables the shaping of pastoral vocation to become "congregation shaped." Suggestions are welcome...
You have touched on a very important distinction: spiritual formation as it relates to pastoral formation. You comments brought to mind that intriguing phrase discussed by Craig Dykstra, "pastoral imagination."
As we started unfolding the CFPs last year within the context of the "formational conferencing" meetings, some of the faculty raised the question: "Are we to be about personal spiritual formation or are we to be discussing professional/pastoral matters?" As you would expect, different members of the faculty had different levels of either comfort or competence in dealing with the pastoral formation matters.
However, we have to be about both. These are distinct categories of formation. Yet, they are interwoven to the extent that good leadership development programs will insist that both personal formation and pastoral formation be integrated. I believe that the critical reflection called for in our Reflective Journal in concert with conversation with members of the formation conference will HELP nudge the students in the desired direction.
Best wishes as you deploy your seminary program. Nothing as challenging as launching a new academic program!
Great to hear from you in this context. I enjoyed your visit down here with the team. It was a real encouragment to us.
You've raised a valuable point about tentatio in spiritual formation. We don't address that topic this specifically within our CFP framework, but this kind of self-reflective evaluation is a core part of the student's CFP journaling. The Journaling component of CFP, in turn, is a central formational practice. We incorporate a critical reflection approach to our journaling requirement in which the students are asked to engage 4 specific frames of reference as a lens for reflecting on their learning, life, leadership, and ministry during each journaling period (about 1 month in length). We provide some specific guidelines and examples for the students to use in their journaling that push them to identify new learning, unanswered questions, obstacles, challenges, points of frustration or enlightenment they've experienced. One frame, for example, calls for them to reflect on their cultural context and ministry setting, and the specific issues they are confronting, in light of their learning and ongoing formation. We also work with our mentors to help the students continue to sharpen their reflective engagement in these different areas as the mentors provide grading and feedback through the journal submissions.
However, I can already see some places where your particular focus on temptation and testing could provide some sharpening and greater focus in our guiding questions for both the journaling and mentoring process.
Thanks for the reply to my comments. On Wednesday I will be preaching in our chapel on Rev. 1:9-18. The first verse of my passage says: "I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, . . ." It is amazing to me how much this comes up in Scripture, including the warnings of Christ to his followers, as well as in Paul, especially in 2 Cor. 1. It might be something to at least be aware of so that your students can perhaps see a "redemptive" quality to it when it comes. Good work, though! You have done a fine job of putting together a holistic approach to ministerial training. Doug


3 edition of The Old Testament in Byzantium found in the catalog.
The Old Testament in Byzantium
|Statement||edited by Paul Magdalino and Robert Nelson|
|LC Classifications||BS1171.3 .O43 2009|
|The Physical Object|
|LC Control Number||2009020763|
Having read all three volumes of Byzantium by Norwich, I found that they filled in the blank spaces of my knowledge of medieval history, especially of the Levant and Greece, where I had roamed much of my mature youth in my 20's up to my 50's (and still roaming)/5. List all books. As a whole, books written in the Geez language and on parchment are numerous. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church has 46 books of the Old Testament and 35 books of the New Testament that will bring the total of canonized books of the Bible to These are the following A. The Holy Books of the Old Testament 1. Genesis 2. Exodus 3.
The New Testament lay at the center of Byzantine Christian thought and practice. But codices and rolls were neither the sole waynor most important waythe Byzantines understood the New Testament. Lectionaries apportioned Author: Derek Krueger. ton Oaks in Washington, D.C. resulted in the publication of The Old Testament in Byzantium and The New Testament in Byzantium.1 At the 27th International ISBN Print: ῇ ISBN E-Book: The Bible in Byzantium 9 of other early Byzantine manuscripts that either contain text from the Scriptures.
Byzantine Emperors and Old Testament Kings: Nelson’s Old Testament in Byzantium, published in The papers within the book begin where Dagron took off, and pay particular attention to the ways in which Old Testament influence permeated different spheres . The first book on your list, Fourteen Byzantine Rulers by Michael Psellus, is an autobiographical history. What made you choose this work? I decided that it was very important to have a book by a Byzantine, because you get a much stronger sense of the culture and the atmosphere of Byzantium by reading what an individual who lived then wrote.
The UK water industry
Hardware annealing in analog VLSI neurocomputing
Analytical Methods for Environmental Monitoring
The Gas Mask
Human work interaction design
Reputation, neighbourhoods and behaviour
Biophysical values of muscular activity
Commercial & construction arbitration in Pennsylvania.
Treasures of Britain and treasures of Ireland.
State of Oregon consolidated plan for housing and community development, FY 1999 annual update.
Louanne Pig in Witch Lady
The first principles of field-fortification: containing concise and familiar precepts for the construction, attack, and defence of field-works; ... By Charles Augustus Struensee. Translated from the German by William Nicolay, ...
The Old Testament in Byzantium contains papers from a Dumbarton Oaks symposium based on an exhibition of early Bible manuscripts titled 'In the Beginning: Bibles before the Year ' Topics include manifestations of the holy books in Byzantine manuscript illustration, architecture, and government, as well as in Jewish Bible translations.
Get this from a library. The Old Testament in Byzantium. [Paul Magdalino; Robert S Nelson;] -- This volume contains selected papers from a symposium that complemented an exhibition of early Bible manuscripts at the Freer Gallery and Sackler Gallery of Art. The book considers the.
/ James Miller --Psalters and personal piety in Byzantium / Georgi R. Parpulov --Illustrated Octateuch manuscripts: a Byzantine phenomenon / John Lowden --Old Testament 'history' and the Byzantine chronicle / Elizabeth Jeffreys --Old Testament models for emperors in early Byzantium / Claudia Rapp --The Old Testament and monasticism / Derek.
The Old Testament in Byzantium, edited by Paul Magdalino and Robert Nelson. Washington, D.C.: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, pp. $ The Septuagint (LXX) is the major Greek translation (among others) of the Hebrew Bible from the early Hellenistic period that is still a central pillar (in its many versions) for.
The Old Testament in Byzantium considers the manifestations of the holy books in Byzantine manuscript illustration, architecture, and government, as well as in Jewish Bible translations and the construction of Muhammad's : Paperback. The New Testament in Byzantium draws on the current state of textual scholarship and explores aspects of the New Testament, particularly as it was imagined in lectionaries, hymns, homilies, saints' lives, miniatures, and monuments -- framing Byzantine Christian theological inquiry, ecclesiastical controversy, and political thought.
Old Testament models for emperors in early Byzantium / Claudia Rapp ; The Old Testament and monasticism / Derek Krueger ; New temples and new Solomons: the rhetoric of Byzantine architecture / Robert Ousterhout ; Old Testament models and the state in early medieval Bulgaria / Ivan Biliarsky ; Connecting Moses and Muḥammad / Jane Dammen.
The Old Testament in Byzantium book. Read reviews from world’s largest community for readers. This volume contains selected papers from a symposium /5. The Old Testament connected Byzantium not only with its Christian neighbors but with Jewish and Muslim peoples as well.
This widespread phenomenon has never received systematic investigation. The Old Testament in Byzantium considers the manifestations of the holy books in Byzantine manuscript illustration, architecture, and government, as well.
A successor to The Old Testament in Byzantium (), this book asks: What was the New Testament for Byzantine Christians. What of it was known, how, when, where, and by whom. What of it was known, how, when, where, and by whom?5/5(1).
A successor to The Old Testament in Byzantium (), this book asks: What was the New Testament for Byzantine Christians. What of it was known, how, when, where, and by whom.
How was this knowledge mediated through text, image, and rite. What was the place of these sacred texts in Byzantine arts, letters, and thought. This volume of collected essays represents the fruit of that gathering, a counterpart to a previous symposium and volume, The Old Testament in Byzantium ().
The introduction by the volume’s editors, Derek Krueger and Robert S. Nelson, maps the challenges of studying the New Testament within Byzantine culture. The Old Testament in Byzantium (review) Article in Shofar An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies 30(2) January with 24 Reads How we measure 'reads'.
Book Review: The Old Testament in Byzantium, ed. Paul Magdalino and Robert S. Nelson. Theological Book Review 28 no. 1 (): The Old Testament connected Byzantium not only with its Christian neighbors but with Jewish and Muslim peoples as well. This widespread phenomenon has never received systematic investigation.
The Old Testament in Byzantium considers the manifestations of the holy books in Byzantine manuscript illustration, architecture, and government, as well /5(7).
The Old Testament in Byzantium / edited by Paul Magdalino and Robert Nelson. Just as the Old Testament was never interpreted as a Jewish book but instead read in relationship to the New Testament, the idea of the Temple of Solomon was also Christianized.
For the. A Survey of the New Testament within Its Cultural Context. Author: Gary M. Burge,Lynn H. Cohick,Gene L. Green; Publisher: Zondervan ISBN: Category: Religion Page: View: DOWNLOAD NOW» The New Testament in Antiquity is a textbook for college and seminary students penned by three evangelical scholars with over fifty years of combined experience in the classroom.
The Old Testament in Greek; Greek liturgical manuscripts; The Greek Church Fathers; The earliest Greek bibles; Byzantine music and musical manuscripts; Book illumination in the Eastern Mediterranean; Illuminating the Psalms in Byzantium; More articles on The makers of Greek manuscripts.
Paper in Byzantium; Scribes and scholars in Byzantium. The most important book to contain New Testament writings, rearranged in the order of the ecclesiastical year, was the gospel lectionary (εὐαγγέλιον), with 45 per cent of all New Testament manuscripts preserved from Byzantium being lectionaries; in contrast, texts from the Old Testament were rare among the liturgical : Spyros P Panagopoulos.
Book Reviews ♦ Vol. 30, No. 2 ♦ from which Christianity emerged. This volume is a thought-provoking must-read for scholars of Christian Origins and post-biblical Judaism alike.
Michele Murray Bishop’s University ♦ ♦ ♦ The Old Testament in Byzantium, edited by Paul Magdalino and Robert Nelson. Translated into Greek in Hellenistic Egypt, the Greek Old Testament was copied widely in Byzantium. Peter Toth surveys the history of this important text.
Written in Hebrew between the 11th and 2nd centuries BCE, the Hebrew Bible, known as the Old Testament in the Christian tradition, is a very special product of the Ancient Near East.The Old Testament in Byzantium (Dumbarton Oaks Byzantine Symposia and Colloquia) From reader reviews: Helen Sullivan: Often the book The Old Testament in Byzantium (Dumbarton Oaks Byzantine Symposia and Colloquia) will bring one to the new experience of reading the book.
The author style to explain the idea is very unique. If you try to find.Lectionaries apportioned much of its contents over the course of the liturgical calendar; its narratives structured the experience of liturgical time and shaped the nature of Christian preaching, throughout Byzantine history.
A successor to The Old Testament in Byzantium (), this book asks: What was the New Testament for Byzantine Christians?


Western Cape Circuit
The Western Cape Circuit is a Community that welcomes all people, worship in spirit and truth and declares God’s saving grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
What is the goal of the Circuit?
The purpose and general task of the Circuit is to promote and enable all to carry out the mission of ELCSA as part of the Church of Jesus Christ and to oversee the total life of each Parish.
Christian Education & Stewardship Programs
Evangelical Lutheran Church
Most of our Congregation has Sunday morning service starting between – 09h00 and 10h00 am.
We also offer Special Services to Students ( ELCSASO at different times and venues)
Addresses of Congregations to visit:
- 01 Martin Luther Street Belgravia, ATHLONE
- 127 Barney Street, Kensington
- 32 Durban Way, Portlands, MITCHELL’S PLAIN
- 35 Street, ELSIESRIVER
- Corner of Lantana and Pointsettia Way, PAARL
- 36 Snell street, Scottsville, Kraaifontein
- Corner of NY94 & 97 Gugulethu
- Chestnut Way, Belhar
- Grassy Park Parish – 89 3rd Avenue, 7941 Grassy Park
*Contact us to visit the Parish closes to you.


by Jeffrey Oschwald, associate professor of Exegetical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri
"Don't think I have come only to bring peace," our Lord once told His followers. "I have not come to bring only peace, but also a sword" (Matt 10:34). For the world, proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been both suture and sword, mighty fortress and stumbling stone, the fragrance of life and odour of death, a word that creates one, holy, united people from all nations and a word that can set father against son and daughter against mother. Peace—and a sword. What was true in our Lord's day was true in the reformer's days and is true today.
Remembering that, we are not surprised not all welcomed the Book of Concord with shouts of "Gott sei dank! ("Thanks be to God!"). Book titles like Discord, Dialogue, and Concord and Concordia controversa remind us that it was the life-threatening lack of unity and agreement that called for the book's publication. And, like every confession of the Truth, it brought peace—and a sword.
Three points about the impact of the Book of Concord are particularly relevant in this 425th anniversary year.
First, it is the Book of Concord. In their fierce struggle to bring about concordia (harmony) among Luther's followers, men like Jacob Andreae, Martin Chemnitz, David Chytraeus, and Nicholas Selnecker did not simply produce a new confessional statement. They gathered in one volume confessional writings that had provided guidance and unity through some of the church's most difficult times (e.g., the creeds, the Augsburg Confession and its Apology, the catechisms of Luther) and confessional writings that could help the church address her current divisive issues. Moreover, these statements of faith point to the Holy Scriptures as the wellspring from which all true and pure confession flows. New challenges had not rendered old statements irrelevant; rather, the ongoing struggle for unity forced the church to return to these earlier statements of faith and, through them, to the Word of God. The Book of Concord was compiled in the Reformation spirit: this was no attempt to introduce a new teaching, but an attempt to understand and apply the self-revelation God gave the world in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Second, the unity sought by the Book of Concord was not simply an agreement among theologians but a true concordia among the people of God. The story of the Formula of Concord begins and ends with appeals to parish pastors and the members of their congregations. The divisions were serious and the issues literally of vital importance, but the problems could not be solved in the faculty lounges and administrative board rooms of the day. The battle for concordia had to be waged and won in sanctuaries and living rooms. Andreae's sermons and Fuger's "catechism" (A Brief, True, and Simple Report of the Book Called the Formula of Concord) are evidence that those working for unity and peace had realized this truth. In her study of Fuger's efforts toward unity, Irene Dingel notes: "Not only pastors and scholars were to support the new book of confessions, however. The 'simple folk' were also supposed to grasp that what was at stake here was the preservation of the truth of the gospel and defense against false teaching."
Robert Kolb makes a thought-provoking observation in an article on the Book of Concord's index, tracing the development in meaning of "body of teaching," in Latin, corpus doctrinae. The ten documents composing the Book of Concord were seen as a body of teaching which defined the public faith of a particular group of Christians in a particular place. In earlier times, the term had meant those documents in which a particular rule of faith could be found. Earlier still, the term simply referred to that rule of faith (analogia fidei), or interpretive principle, by which the Faith could be understood, taught and applied.
And that brings us to the final point, real concordia is a matter of the heart. These writings strive to bring about in readers a unity going far beyond simply saying, "We accept this and that." It is a unity brought about by making new hearts and transforming minds. It is a oneness coming from being born again and shows itself in a new way of thinking about and understanding creation, the history of the cosmos, the purpose of "it all," and, most importantly, God's Word. This oneness of heart and mind arises when we understand that all Scripture testifies of Jesus Christ. It is the oneness coming from believing and confessing that the message of the Scriptures expounded in the Confessions is that we are justified by grace through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Such unity can only come about through the reconciling ministry of the Spirit of Christ among us. In the closing decades of the sixteenth century, the Spirit brought such unity to thousands of Lutheran pastors and their congregations through the publication of The Book of Concord. But some could not accept this book immediately, and some could never accept it. The Lord's work to unite His people in a faithful confession of His truth would continue—and continues through us.
We give the last word to Martin Luther who closes a letter to Martin Bucer, sent from Wittenberg and dated 22 January 1531, with these words:
May the Lord Jesus enlighten us, and may he make us perfectly of one mind; for this I pray, for this I sigh, for this I long. Farewell in the Lord.


The Greatness Coach
Christopher has served as the founder and senior pastor of Zion Christian Ministries International, Inc. for 14 years and has birthed many other ministries as pastor. He is the team Chaplin for the MTSU football team and he is also the owner of The Greatness Coach LLC. located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He is also the visionary for Marriage Camp, The Church Plus Series, and Developer of the 3T Leader. He has authored four books; The Three T’s of Ministry, ManMade Men, A Life of Boundaries, and Pastor Plus.


THIS IS A DRAFT PROGRAM SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Thursday 6 September
4.30pm: Registration Opens
5.30pm: Opening Dinner (included in the conference cost)
6.30pm- 8.00pm: Opening Session
Mark DeYmaz, Rodney Woo, Mike Frost, Ray Galea, Mathew Kuruvilla
Friday 7 September
9.30am: Morning Tea
10.00am – 11:15am: (Session 1)
Topic: Biblical Mandate of the Multi-Ethnic Church
Increasingly our diverse population, and the diverse families it’s producing, is reshaping the face of the local church as people are beginning to recognize the power and beauty of walking, working and worshipping God together with others of different background. But more than a good idea, the multi-ethnic church is a biblical, first-century, standard with far-reaching evangelistic potential. In this session, Mark DeYmaz explains three foundational passages upon which the multi-ethnic church can be established.
Topic: Revitalizing a Declining Church
11.30am – 12:30pm: (Session 2)
12.30pm: Break for Lunch
1.30pm – 2:30pm: Workshops
Leadership in a Multi-Ethnic Church (Rodney Woo)
The 2 most visible areas of expressing and celebrating multiethnic ministry is worship and leadership. How a body of believers connect with the Lord in worship and who makes the decisions are critical in communicating the multi-ethnic vision. In this workshop, we will examine the nine non-negotiable character traits of a multiethnic leader. As the early church placed leaders with a Greek background to minister to the Greek widows in Acts 6, it is critical that the leadership reflect not only the diverse body of believers, but the vision as well. The traits will also help you identify potential leaders as God grows your church in this Rev. 7 direction as every nation, tribe, tongue, and people gather to worship the Lamb of God.
Nurturing and Sustaining a Multi-Ethnic Church (Mathew Kuruvilla)
The potential clashing of different ethnic worldviews make leadership in a multi-ethnic church different from other contexts. Come hear the story of Parkside church and uncover the Biblical strategies that helped the church to develop strong intercultural relationships among its members and to become a greater reflection of its community.
Turning a Mono-ethnic church to a Multi-ethnic church (Ray Galea)
We all long to see the faces of our community represented in our churches.
So often we have one or two dominant ethnic groups in our church (usually Aussie) and we battle to know even where to begin how to move from a mono-ethnic church to a multi-ethnic church. This workshop wants empower the leaders of such churches to know what practical and achievable steps to make this happen. You don’t have to be a non-Anglo- Saxon to run a Multi-ethnic church.
2.30pm: Afternoon Tea
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Q&A Session with the speakers (Mark, Rodney, Mike, Ray, David, Mathew)
7.30pm – 9:00pm: Multi-ethnic Youth Celebration
Saturday 8 September
9.30am: Morning Tea
10.00am – 11:15am: (Session 3)
Topic: Seven Core Commitments of a Multi-Ethnic Church
Early research by Dr. George Yancey, and published in his book One Body, One Spirit, identified general “principles of successful multi-racial churches.” Subsequent interaction with practitioners through the Mosaix Global Network led to the further examination of these principles, and to their refinement. From this process emerged the Seven Core Commitments of a Multi-Ethnic Church. Through personal stories and experiential insight, Mark DeYmaz will share these commitments and how to apply them in building a healthy multi-ethnic church for the sake of the Gospel.
Topic: Mission and Multi-Ethnic Church
11.30am- 12:30pm: Workshops
Topic: Homogeneous Unit Principle and Multi-Ethnic Church( Mark DeYmaz)
Mark DeYmaz challenges long-held, erroneous, assumptions concerning the Homogeneous Unit Principle. For decades, this principle has been promoted as the modus operandi for those who would plant, grow, or develop successful churches around the world, typically measured by numbers, dollars and buildings. But, we should ask, Is the Homogeneous Unit Principle biblical? … and if so, How Is It Best Applied Today?
Topic: The Joys and Challenges of Working with Different Cultures Together (David Boyd)
Building across the ethnic divide brings both challenges and great satisfaction. The joy of working with people from different ethnic background is finding that when we keep to the biblical pattern we find it works. The dynamics of a multi-ethnic church where each ethnic group is contributing is extremely satisfying, and when we reach these people we have the pleasure of helping them plant churches in their country of origin.
Topic: Resources and Ideas for Effective Multi-Ethnic Ministry (Mike Wilson)
There are churches that are endeavouring to embrace greater ethnic and cultural diversity. This workshop will look at some churches that in different ways are seriously trying to become churches for people from all nations. With reference to the experience of such churches we will consider some of the challenges encountered and look at viable resources and strategies for helping churches to meet such challenges.
12.30pm: Break for lunch
1.30pm- 2:00: (Session 4)
2:00pm – 2.30pm: Conference Concludes
5.30pm: International Celebration
(A spectacular night of International food, music, dance and cultural performances)
Speaker: Tim Costello


Come see what FBA is all about...read more
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First Baptist Academy is a college preparatory school. We are committed to excellence at every level of our PreK 3-12 grades...read more
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Our classes are designed to provide a rigorous academic program of studies to challenge and prepare our students to serve in the Kingdom of God.
Wednesday, November 22- 12:20- JV Girls vs. Naples HS; 7:00- JV Boys vs. Barron Colli... read more
4:00 Gateway Charter vs. PRHS; 5:30 pm Lely HS vs. Estero HS- FLC Gym; 7:00 pm FBA vs... read more
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S. John Paul II
Pro Sanctity is a worldwide movement rooted in Catholic traditions and dedicated to the universal call to holiness in everyday life.
Within a society that demands much and moves fast, Pro Sanctity strives to provide practical means for all people to respond to the infinite love of God, as we journey together toward heaven.
Our message is simple:
Feed the mind with knowledge of God.
Warm the heart with His Spirit of Love.
Use the hands in service to His people.
From the Founder
We must correspond with all of our strength, that is to the maximum, to this love of the Father and of Jesus, accepting and actuating the message received.
About the founder
Bishop Guglielmo Giaquinta was born in Noto, Italy on June 28, 1914. He was ordained a priest on March 18, 1938. He founded the Pro Sanctity Movement in 1947, and later founded the Institute of Apostolic Oblates (for lay women), the Institute of Apostolic Sodales (for diocesan priests), and the Ecclesial Organization of Social Animators (for lay men). He served as a priest of the Diocese of Rome, where he was Secretary of the Vicariate of Rome from 1948 to 1968. On November 1, 1968, he was consecrated a bishop by Pope Paul VI and charged with the pastoral care of the Diocese of Tivoli, just outside Rome. Bishop Giaquinta was very involved in the work of the Italian Episcopal Conference until 1984. Due to poor health, he retired in 1987. He died in Rome on June 15, 1994.


The Conscience – Evidence of Creation!!!
The key principle of evolution is “the survival of the fittest.”
As you may know, the altruistic notion of “thinking of others” and “sacrificing for others” is an evidence of a CONSCIENCE that would experience GUILT if it were self-seeking. Wouldn’t it be assumed that if the “fittest” people were the “selffish” people, the conscience would have been eliminated from the gene pool by now? Surely, all of the thoughtful people would have joined armies and given their lives for the sake of the selffish ones.
Why is the conscience continually with us? The Bible teaches that the conscience is a testimony of the Law of God given to all men. To some degree or other, our conscience either excuses us or accuses us – depending upon how sensitive or insensitive we are.
When we are born again, the Lord writes the Law of God upon our hearts afresh and renews the conscience.
The conscience is a testimony of God to all men of the reality of RIGHT and WRONG – and would not have been left for us to experience if we had evolved.
The conscience serves no “fit” or “self-surviving” purpose and defies the doctrine of evolution!


Come together, right now
Over meCome Together-The Beatles
Hello all! As some of you guys are practicing Easter/ Passover/ or some other religious activity. I think it will be fitting for this week to talk about religion.
In Cyprus, religion is more prominent in society then compare to the States. This can be seen with churches and mosque at every corner and typically secular places being religious (school, workplace, and parks). For most Greek Cypriots, they practice Greek Orthodox, not your common Christianity/ Catholicism/ or other Christian denomination. As a result, given some minor discrepancies with regards to calendar systems and other biblical events, they don’t celebrate Easter at the same time as most Christian denomination. In addition, Easter is not a set date every year, it varies. For this year, Greek Orthodox Christian celebrate Easter on April 19th
Before Easter Sunday, there is a weeks worth of holy gathering. This week goes as follow:
As the name implies, is the day when Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, was brought back from the dead
This a significant day when Jesus comes back into Jerusalem and the inhabitants declared him their king. This can be seen with religious figures holding olive branches to signified the welcoming of Jesus
Commemorates Joseph the Patriarch, the son of Jacob, and the cursing of a fig tree
Commemorates the Parable of the Ten Virgins
Commemorates the Bargain of Judas and the Parable of the Two Debtors. The primary focus of Holy Wednesday are of confession and repentance
Commemorates with the washing of feet’s and this was the day when the last supper occurred. Typically, on this day you will see people cleaning their homes and having stavrokouloura (cross-shaped buns) and dye their eggs red.
Good Friday or Great Friday:
For Orthodox Christians, this day represents Jesus death. In Cypriots churches, you will most likely see floral arrangement around the body of Christ called Epitafios
This day signifies the continued morning of Jesus. Most service is quiet, up until midnight were becomes loud with music and candlelight. In most Cypriots churches, you will see the burning of Judas in a huge bonfire. Judas was one of Jesus disciple who betrayed Jesus. On this day is the official end of Sarakosti lent period. This period last 40 days that goes from Green Monday til Holy Saturday. This period signifies the fasting of red meat and their products, and fish/seafoods. The purpose is to cleanse the soul. Christos Anesti is phrase that is commonly spoken which means Christ’s Risen in Greek.
Pascha or Easter:
Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. On this day, most Cypriots, have a luscious feast. Some of the major traditional dishes include red eggs, avkotes, fiaoutes, paskies, tiropites, and koulouria. This is one most celebrated holiday throughout the whole year!
As mentioned in the previous blog post, the island is ethically divide, but it’s also religiously divide. In the southern portion of the island, almost 90% of the population practice Christian orthodox. In the northern portion of the island, almost 99% of the population practice Sunni Islam.
In the northern side, most Turkish Cypriots practice Sunni Islam. Although, they don’t celebrate Easter, they have do similarly big holiday. This holiday is called Ramadan.
Ramadan varies every year, as similar to Easter. It’s primary determined by the lunar Islamic calendar. Ramadan last roughly a month. For this year, Ramadan is happening on April 23rd.
Participants of Ramadan primarily fast for roughly a month everyday starting from sunrise to sunset. In addition, most donate, pray, read the Quran, and abstain from bad deeds. The meal before sunrise is called suhur, well the meal after sunset is called iftar. Iftar is usually celebrate in a banquet setting.
The end of Ramadan is signified by Eid al Fitr. At the end of Ramadan, a three day holiday, Şeker Bayram, is followed
Common greetings during Ramadan include Ramadan mubarak and Ramadan kareem.
Anyways, Kalo Pascha (Happy Easter), Ramadan mubarak (blessed Ramadan), or for my other folks have a great week!


Serving The Community: Let’s Make A Difference
CPM partners with non-profit organizations locally and nationally to share the gospel and serve others through action.
Sistahs In Action
We have partnered with Sistahs In Action to help feed the homeless for Thanksgiving. We exist to serve God by serving others. We are passionate about helping people and bringing the church to the people. Donate today!
Christian United Outreach Center (CUOC)
CUOC is a local organization that provides basic needs of food, clothing, and other services to our community. We have partnered with them to aid in collecting breakfast items to feed the community. Canned meats, cereal, noodles pasta, and non-perishable breakfast items such as oatmeal, grits, pop-tarts, and peanut butter can be dropped off at Christian Provision Ministries in the church lobby.
We are about changing lives and building communities and serving our community.
Don’t do life alone!


A word about the foundress St. Claudine Thevenet, the foundress of the Congregation
of Jesus and Mary was born at LYOUS, France on 30th March 1774 during the French
Revolution. Claudine's two brothers were among those prisoners who were led to the
place of execution. They passed close to Claudine who had taken her stand on the
wayside to have a last glimpse of her brothers. As they passed, one of them managed
to whisper to Claudine "Forgive Glady, as we forgive". She certainly forgave her
brother's executioners but this young girl of 19 was never to forget the cruel scelle
of her brothers being clubbed to death after they were shot.
Claudine knew that ignorance of God, lack of love and a sense of insecurity were
the main reasons for the demoralization of men after the French Revolution. She
therefore started the work of caring for and educating unwanted children. Other
young ladies followed her example and joined her. By 1818, Claudine was chosen by
her companions as the first superior. She is thus the Foundress of the Congregation
of Jesus and Mary.
In 1841, a call came from distant .India, from the Bishop of Agra, Rt. Rev. Dr.
J.A. Borghi, to work in the mission field of Agra for the education of young girls.
The call was joyfully accepted and a brave of six nuns set out for India facing
many dangers on land and sea.
They left Marseilles on 28th January 1841 by ship via Alexandria, Cairo and the
Sinai desert and reached Bombay on the 15th of June the same year. Because of the
South West Monsoons, these nuns could not come to Agra directly by the land route;
they had to set sail for Calcutta which they did on the 15th June, reaching Calcutta
on the 27th of the same month. From Calcutta they went to Allahabad by steam boat
up the Ganges river. From Allahabad they travelled in bullock carts to Agra where
they arrived on the 11th November 1842.
The European and Indian Christian Communities with Bishop Borghi at the head, came
out to meet the "Brave Nuns". They were led to Akbar's Church where our girls sang
the Gregorian Hymn "Jesus Corona Virginium" and the Pontifical High Mass was sung.
The guns boomed the whole day in honour of the nuns.
After Mass the nuns were led to their Convent which was a spacious airy bunglow-once
the property of General Cartwright. The present convent at St. Patrick's Junior
College is still maintained in the same house.
The dawn of 1845 saw the inception of St. Anthony's. It was in the house of the
military chaplain in the Cantonment area that St. Anthony's made its humble beginnings.
It was the vision of our Mother Foundress to train the minds of young girls, so
that they could lead a life which was purposeful, positive and constructive, to
be able to live fruitfully and happily in society with others.
DECADES OF PROGRESS AND STRIFE
In 1902, the school shifted its premises to what had been the Alliance Bank (the
present Pre-Primary Block), a building on the Mall Road which was more suitable
in every way.
26th December 1926, a never to be forgotten date in the history of St. Anthony's,
as it got its recognition from the D.P.I. as a primary School, and the Institution
made a steady march towards progress.
The Government requested the closure of class V and VI. But as some parents did
not wish to send their children to a Boarding School, Classes V and VI continued.
By January 1927, the school had an enrolment in studies, music and dramatics. Efforts
were made to raise funds for the construction of Claudine Block, to suit the growing
needs of the school. When in 1942, Agra became the headquarters of the Central Command,
the school’s enrolment was 240 pupils. As the needs of the institution grew, the
Dina Block was constructed.
As Indian Culture received a strong impetus through music with traditional musical
instruments, by November 1949, St. Anthony's was fully equipped with a full Indian
Orchestra. Since 1942, music has a place of prime importance in the curriculum.
Independence brought an influx of Indian pupils of various family background, culture
and creed to St, Anthony's by 1952. The Josephine Block was constructed, which was
a set of four spacious rooms that relieved the difficulties of overcrowding at least
for a short time. Many interested visitors came to the school during the years of
expansion, including Archbishop Vanni, an, old friend of the school, who Had a tribute
of praise for the good work done, when He inaugurated the new building. The need
for more Accommodation for children and domestic staff was Imperative, and so the
“ annexe" (Dina Block), Renovation and extension and sanitary facilities were also
added. To meet the increasing demands for accommodation, the sisters decided to
build yet another block "The Marian Block" in 1980. In the same year, St. Anthony's
became an institution only for girls, to provide education in particular, to the
The year 1984 brought good news for the institution as it got its affiliation from
the I.C.S.E. Board New Delhi, and the institution sent up its first batch of I.CS.E.
Moving steps further, in 1986 the institution became a centre for the I.C.S.E. Board
Examination and in 1998 the institution sent up its first batch of I.S.C Students.
From a very insignificant beginning, the institution has grown by leaps and bounds
not only in terms of infrastructure, but also imparting quality education and discipline,
and living up to the homely values that were cherished by our Foundress, Claudine


Happy 100th Anniversary!
As part of our year-long celebration, there will be several events throughout 2017:
Please click on any of the items above to learn more. Remember to check back often for updates!
The Events Committee of St. Margaret Parish invite all to come to the Rectory after both the 8:00am and 9:30am mass for the Second Sunday Social which will be held on the second Sunday of each month. We Hope to see you there!
Thanks to all that made our annual Lenten Fish Fry on Friday, March 10th a success! Special thanks to our Events Committee for your hard work in organizing the event!
- Congratulations to the families of our students and adults from St. Margaret who were Confirmed this past Thursday, April 27th. God Bless You!
- We continue to collect new, unused, unopened personal care items to distribute in our community. Thank you again for your generosity and support. Suggested items include: Men's razors, shaving cream, body wash and deodorant, baby wash, powder, lotion, wipes and diapers, Q-tips, band-aids, toothpaste and toothbrushes, bar soap, and women’s body wash, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, hand cream, feminine care items, combs, brushes, and small Kleenex packs. Thank you for your support!
ADULT ALTAR SERVERS:
- St. Margaret's is in need of more adults to volunteer to serve as Altar Servers at Funeral Masses. Training would be provided. The servers are not only a help to the celebrant, but their presence at a Funeral Mass is also a source of comfort to our families in their time of sorrow. Please contact Fr. Joe at the rectory office or following any Mass if you have any questions or are able to help out.
Dash’s Store Receipts:
- We are still accepting Dash’s store receipts as a fundraiser for our parish. Donation boxes are located at the parking lot and Hertel Ave. exits of the Church. Thank you for your support!
St. Margaret Church
1395 Hertel Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14216


Phat Diem stone church, Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
The church was built between 1875 and 1898 in the province’s Kim Son District by the Vietnamese priest Tran Luc known as Father Sau, who designed the church without any training in architecture or painting. The most remarkable feature of the Cathedral is that it is made with marble and granite. Therefore, it is also known as the Stone Church. The church also includes a complex including several artificial lakes, churches, and artificial caves.


About Our Children’s Ministry
As a worshipping community, sharing in Christ’s mission to make all things new, Redeemer’s Children’s Ministry strives to be a place that encourages children to serve and renew the community of Memphis and beyond through the knowledge and application of the gospel of Jesus. We work toward this goal by cultivating an understanding of the story of scripture, guiding children in prayer and worship, and teaching them to live gospel centered lives.
Children’s Ministry Sessions
Sweet Peas Class
Newborns-23 months old children are cared for in our Sweet Peas nursery. Two trained caregivers love on our little ones every Sunday morning for the duration of worship.
Little Lambs Class
Two and three year old children are cared for in our Little Lambs nursery. Trained Redeemer members lead these children in a time of play, singing, a Bible story, a monthly catechism question, and coloring activity for the duration of worship.
Children age four through 2nd grade attend worship with their parents and are dismissed to Children’s Church prior to the sermon. Children are led by trained Redeemer members in singing, scripture memory work, and a Bible story. Children return to the sanctuary just before communion.
Each spring, Redeemer offers a Communicant’s Class for elementary aged children who are interested in making a public profession of their faith and being received to the Lord’s table. Please see the Director of Children’s Ministry if you are interested in further information.
Christian Education classes are offered seasonally at Redeemer for preschool through fifth grade children. This curriculum based teaching time is held on Sunday mornings and during Wednesday night community groups. Teaching is led by Redeemer members.
Worshipping with Sister Churches
When we as a church family join hands in worship with a sister church, our children have the opportunity to join us in experiencing the unity of the church across denominational and racial lines.
Serving Our City/World
It is a joy to see our children standing alongside our adults in service to Memphis through various church-wide service projects!


Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, preached a powerful sermon to the members of the council (4:8-12). The message that the apostles took to the world was one of great hope—the hope of a Savior; the hope of a Redeemer; the hope of a King who will establish the government of God on earth, one of truth and justice.This government will feature Christians bearing rule under Him, if … It … (i) Maimon. Instead, He indicated that the kingdom was still future as is further indicated in Acts 1:6-7. (Read Acts 1:15-26) The great thing the apostles were to attest to the world, was, Christ's resurrection; for that was the great proof of his being the Messiah, and the foundation of our hope in him. For the time being, the Jerusalem church is the leading church—the mother church—and it will keep that role for some time to come. ... ("Upon" is most commonly used to convey this meaning.) 3Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. The Day of Pentecost Chapter 2 10 4. The place, then, is Jerusalem—the home of the temple and the most conservative Jewish leaders—the priests, scribes, and Pharisees. Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven. It was the multitude (v. 5) who chose these seven men and set them before the apostles. “They threw him out of the city, and stoned him” (7:58 WEB), and he died as the first Christian martyr. At this very early stage, nearly all Christians were Jewish. In this instance, the laying on of hands indicates both approval and empowerment for the task that the seven have been chosen to do. Acts 1. All the believers were pleased—not just the Hellenists, who had felt neglected, but the Hebrews as well. • Of the seven men chosen in verse 5, only Stephen and Philip are mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament—and nowhere is either of them called a deacon. The kingdom had been for some time taken away from the Jews, Judea was reduced to a Roman province, and was now actually under the power of a Roman governor. When there is conflict in the church, our first order of business needs to be reminding each other of God’s call to love each other with agape love. (1) Legitimiz… “They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch” (v. 5b WEB). “because their widows were neglected in the daily service” (Greek: kathemerinos diakonia) (v. 1c WEB). Acts 16:7. Even his own instructions would not do it; and nothing but his being taken from them could direct their minds effectually to the true nature of his kingdom. When they, therefore, were come together — That is, after he had led them out of the town to the mount of Olives, and was come to that part of the mountain which was above Bethany, (see Luke 24:50,) being full of expectation, that he had brought them thither with a view to some remarkable transaction; they asked him, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? Learn more. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth” (Acts 1:8 WEB). The new believers have been like seeds scattered to the four winds—bringing Christ to their households and, in many cases, to their communities as well. The ability, the efficiency, the might to accomplish a task, to get a job done. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; 6whom they set before the apostles. Find Top Church Sermons, Illustrations, and PowerPoints for Preaching on Acts 1:6-7. 12 When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our forefathers on their first visit. But the answer of the Saviour shows that this was not the design of the question. 1. Really, very little is written about the apostles in Acts. Lightfoot thinks that this question was asked in indignation against the Jews. "THE BOOK OF ACTS" The Restored Kingdom (1:6-7) INTRODUCTION 1. They weren’t committed to winning an argument or defending their actions. Torah law included provisions to provide for the needs of widows and other poor people. The fact that the number of disciples has been growing in Jerusalem is significant. The book of Acts has reported several instances of church growth (see “The Broader Context” above), so this report is in keeping with those. Though absent as a character from the narrative of Acts after chapter 1 (though see Acts 7:56), the influence of Jesus throughout the rest of the narrative is profound." 7The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. Are all prophets? (3) We must fight before we triumph, and we must not search curiously after those things which God has not revealed. The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. Acts 1:6. Perhaps that is one of the problems in churches today. Rather, two of their number, Stephen and Philip, are presented as preachers of the Christian message. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? As noted above, these are all Greek names. (Aramaic is a Semitic language used by Jewish people in New Testament times.). meaning and speech acts easily from some device Page 2/3. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, His disciples asked a question... a. See Isaiah 1:26. Do all interpret? Scholars tend to agree that these Hellenistes were Greek-speaking Jews who had adopted elements of the Greek culture. Introduction We have all had the opportunity recently to watch a problem handled very badly. Acts 1:6 "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" 6 And these they brought before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. [⇑ See verse text ⇑] Jesus is promising the disciples that the kingdom of God is at hand (Acts 1:3). “a complaint arose from the Hellenists (Greek: Hellenistes) against the Hebrews” (v. 1b WEB). This seems astonishing, given that priests were among Jesus’ most intractable opponents. The disciples have been preaching in the temple, so these priests could have been convinced by listening to that preaching. Many instances where this expectation is referred to occur in the gospels, notwithstanding all the efforts which the Lord Jesus made to explain to them the true nature of his kingdom. Based on the use of the word diakonia (service) as well as the nature of the service to which these seven men were being called, the tradition in which I grew up taught that these verses from Acts 6 recorded the establishment of the office of deacon. Team management and coaching were being questioned. The word “baptize” meant to immerse a person in water or to deluge him with it (I. Howard Marshall, Acts [IVP/ Eerdmans], p. 58). Video Podcast. In Acts 26:10, Paul says I cast my vote against them, and the plain implication was that he had a vote as a member of the Sanhedrin. The book of Acts was also written to Theophilus (Acts 1:1) and provides additional information about the final moments that Jesus had with the disciples before He ascended to heaven. - Ac 1:6 b. After they were come to Mysia Another country in Asia Minor. 26 (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1992), Wall, Robert W., The New Interpreter’s Bible: Acts, Romans, I Corinthians, Vol. 7 And the word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith,” (Acts 6:1-7). It may mean, wilt thou now bestow the kingdom and dominion to Israel, according to the prediction in Daniel 7:27? Christians today need to take note of that. In (Colossians 4:14), Luke is … So it is important to honor the gifts that God has given us—and to be faithful to the calling to which God has called us. “These words pleased the whole multitude” (v. 5a WEB). At this time, the church was quite young, but growing rapidly. ), which the WEB has updated. What follows is an explanation of Jesus’ final words to the disciples. The disciples of Christ had imbibed the same notions, and were in the same expectation of a temporal kingdom to be set up by their master, as is evident from Matthew 20:21 and though his sufferings and death had greatly damped their spirits, and almost destroyed their hopes, see Luke 24:21 yet his resurrection from the dead, and his discoursing with them about the kingdom of God, and ordering them to wait at Jerusalem, the metropolis of that nation, for some thing extraordinary, revived their hopes, and emboldened them to put this question to him: and this general expectation of the Jews is expressed by them in the same language as here. And as they did not doubt now that he would restore the kingdom to Israel, they asked whether he would do it at that time? “The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables” (v. 2 WEB). Stephen will soon be martyred (6:8 – 7:60). To which they were told it was not for them to know the times or seasons - Ac 1:7 2. Acts 1 Commentary Acts 1:8 Commentary Acts 2 Commentary Acts 3 Commentary Acts 4 Commentary Acts 5 Commentary Acts 6 Commentary Acts 7 Commentary ... 2 Peter 1:6-7 Commentary 2 Peter 1:8-9 Commentary 2 Peter 1:10-11 Commentary 2 Peter 1:12-14 Commentary 2 Peter 1:15-18 Commentary 2 Peter 1:19-21 Commentary On that occasion, he is identified as “Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven” (Acts 21:8 WEB). Chapter five concludes by saying, “Every day, in the temple and at home, (the apostles) never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ” (5:42 WEB). When brought before the council, Stephen preached a lengthy and powerful sermon (7:2-53). Presumably, they did their administrative job well—otherwise, we would likely have heard more about the problem of the daily distribution. “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying” (v. 1a WEB). It is nevertheless an important issue, because (1) the church has an obligation to follow Christ’s lead in caring for vulnerable people and (2) the perception of discrimination has the potential to split the church if not dealt with promptly and fairly. The apostles were ordained, not to wordly dignity and dominion, but to preach Christ, and the power of his resurrection. A great persecution arose against the (church) which was in Jerusalem in that day” (8:1 WEB). Paul will visit his home in Caesarea (Acts 21:8). If a machine or part of the…. Definition of act on in the Idioms Dictionary. The officers went to get the apostles, but were careful not to use violence, “for they were afraid that the people might stone them” (5:26 WEB). Many people call Acts the Acts of the Apostles, but really, if you want to add to the name Acts, perhaps, a better name would be the Acts of the early church. However, I have come to doubt that, based on several considerations: • The word diakonos (deacon) isn’t used in this story—nor is there any mention here of establishing the office of deacon. Acts “The Beautiful, Amazing, Powerful, Weak, Dysfunctional Church” Table of Contents Scripture Passage Page 1. It has the main meaning of being totally identified with something, in this case, the Holy Spirit. Let us begin by exploring the implications of these texts for us, and then conclude by considering how these two parts of chapter 6 fit together to teach us an important lesson. They, the Hellenist counterpart of the Twelve, are active in the ministry of the word. Do all have gifts of healings? A Short Introduction 4 2. This solution is reminiscent of the story of Moses and Jethro, Moses’ father in law. Also, men often faced greater physical risks—in military service or protecting livestock against wild animals. Acts 13 is the thirteenth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.It records the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas to Cyprus and Pisidia.The book containing this chapter is anonymous but early Christian tradition uniformly affirmed that Luke composed this book as well as the Gospel of Luke. Many of these were Jews from other countries—Jews of the Wilt thou at this time ... - The apostles had entertained the common opinions of the Jews about the temporal dominion of the Messiah. The Allen Bradley Micrologix 1400 is a powerful small PLC with awesome options for communications and expandability. If there had been any rivalry or dissention, they were all glad to hear a proposal that would enable them to rectify the error and to put the matter behind them. “Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business” (v. 3 WEB). However, the Greek believers thought that the church was discriminating against their widows in the daily distribution. Judea was formerly governed by its own kings and laws; now, it was subject to the Romans. Prayer and the ministry of the Word (verse 2), define the highest priorities of church leaders. The first (Acts 6:1-7) describes how the apostles dealt with the inequities that existed in the treatment of the widows. To Israel - To the Jews, and particularly to the Jewish followers of the Messiah. See more. The Choosing of the Seven - In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. This speaks well of their faith and faithfulness. The apostles have been engaged in powerful healing and preaching ministries (3:1-26; 5:12-15). There were many widows, because young girls often married older men. Nesara act meaning How to make a soy milk mordant. Naturally, they interpret this to mean He will fulfill the hint of glory they saw at the triumphal entry (Mark 11:1–10), free Israel from Rome, and reign as David's heir (2 Samuel 7:8–13). On the day of Pentecost, three thousand souls were added to the small band of Jesus’ disciples. The ASV, which is also in the public domain due to expired copyrights, was a very good translation, but included many archaic words (hast, shineth, etc. Speech act - Wikipedia Speech act theory is a subfield of pragmatics that studies how words are used not only to present information but also to carry out actions. (2) that such prejudice will survive the plainest proofs to the contrary. The Hebrews would have been Aramaic-speaking Jewish Christians who would not have been assimilated into the Greek culture. 1Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. Once we begin to focus on doing that, resolving the conflict is likely to get much easier. Who were the Hellenistes? They beheld him with them; they were assured that it was the same Saviour; they saw now that his enemies had no power over him; they could not doubt that a being who could rise from the dead could easily accomplish all his plans. It certainly does not mean that Saul wasn’t old enough to be a member of the Sanhedrin. (WEB). Neither would the seven men have been doing God’s will if they rejected the call to administer the distribution of food. On the day of Pentecost, three thousand souls were added to the small band of Jesus' disciples. The word "restore" also may include more than a reducing it to its former state. But ye shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you: WHAT IS POWER? Where, before the reception of the Spirit itself, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers. Many of these were Jews from other countries—Jews of the Diaspora who had come to Jerusalem to celebrate Pentecost (the Diaspora was Jews dispersed or scattered among the Gentile nations). Act definition, anything done, being done, or to be done; deed; performance: a heroic act. Both proclamation and administration were important. In this scripture, Jesus gives us a method that the believer is to follow to share his witness and spread the Gospel. They had to be careful lest the administration of the daily distribution crowd out their primary calling—preaching. But Peter responded by saying, “We must obey God rather than man” and preaching a short but pointed sermon (5:29ff). “Restore again the kingdom to Israel”: The apostles still believed the earthly form of the kingdom of Messiah would soon be re-established (Luke 19:11; 24:21). This expectation was checked, and almost destroyed by his death Luke 24:21, and it is clear that his death was the only means which could effectually change their opinions on this subject. They, therefore, after they were come together, asked Him. Are all miracle workers? See “The Context” above for information about those events as well as the multiplication of the disciples. The Bible Teacher's Commentary Paul J. Bucknell The Kingdom Plan and Purpose Acts 1:6-11 Kingdom Plan | Acts 1:6-8 Plan | Acts1:8 Power| Acts 1:9-11 United. And the nation in general was in great expectation, that upon the Messiah's coming they should be delivered from the yoke of the Romans, and that the son of David would be king over them. From these expectations of the apostles we may learn: (1) That there is nothing so difficult to be removed from the mind as prejudice in favor of erroneous opinions. The next morning, the council sent officers to bring the apostles before the council, but the officers found the cell empty. The law also made provision for the next of kin to redeem land sold by a relative (Leviticus 25:25), and required families to support indigent kin (Leviticus 25:35). Scripture: Acts 1:1-14. Written By Caitlyn Irwin. Acts 1:6 implies that some time has elapsed since verses 4-5 when we read, “So when they had come together.” So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 1. 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. “But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word” (v. 4 WEB). But earnestly desire the best gifts. X (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), Walaskay, Paul W., Westminster Bible Companion: Acts (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1998), Williams, David J., New International Biblical Commentary: Acts (Paternoster Press, 1995), Willimon, William H., Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching: Acts (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1988), “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. Philip will preach and heal in Samaria—and baptize the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8). “A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (v. 7b WEB). That number dropped to eleven when Judas committed suicide, but rose again to twelve when Matthias was chosen to replace Judas (Acts 1:15-26). Acts 1:6 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Acts 1:6, NIV: "Then they gathered around him and asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?'" The thrust of agape love is giving, not getting. When Jethro saw that Moses was trying to handle everyone’s problems, he recommended that Moses “represent the people before God” and “teach them the statutes and the laws, and …show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do.” Then he suggested that Moses appoint “rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. The kingdom - The dominion; the empire; the reign. of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you. 13 On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph’s family. It’s always a good idea to mordant cellulose (plant) fibres before dyeing with them; this will allow the dye to adhere to the fibre. Acts 1:6-8. Then they need to do it. The highest calling to which God has called us is to love one another with agape love (1 Corinthians 13:1ff). Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom? The prophets emphasized concerned for the poor and condemned ill treatment of widows and orphans (Isaiah 1:17, 23; 10:1; Jeremiah 5:28; 7:6; 22:3; Malachi 3:5). You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth”, All Rights Reserved | © 1997-2020 Richard Niell Donovan. Treason is the crime of attacking a state authority to which one owes allegiance. What did Jesus mean in Acts 1:6-7? Act on - Idioms by The Free Dictionary. In this case, the church had established a kathemerinos diakonia—a daily distribution—to provide for widows. The New Testament mentions this Philip twice again. (Zambia) The Disciples were asking Jesus about the restoration of the Kingdom of natural Israel – when the Jews would no … Agape love involves concern for the other person without thought of repayment. One day there will also be a … It shall be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge themselves” (Exodus 18:18-22 WEB). Christians need to discern what God is calling them to do. • As noted above, except for Stephen and Philip, we know nothing further of these seven men. Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Acts 6:1-7 EXEGESIS: THE BROADER CONTEXT: At this time, the church was quite young, but growing rapidly. 4. The apostles stated three criteria to be used in selecting the seven men: • First, they were to be “men of good report.” Their integrity would be of utmost importance, because they would be handling significant sums of money and would assume responsibility for the welfare of a large number of widows. (3) that it will often manifest itself even after all proper means have been taken to subdue it. This typically includes acts such as participating in a war against one's native country, attempting to overthrow its government, spying on its military, its diplomats, or its secret services for a hostile and foreign power, or attempting to kill its head of state. Meaning, Speech Acts, and Communication 6 It is an act of a distinctive sort, the very sort (promising) named by the performative verb. It won’t be until Acts 10 that Peter sees a vision of a great sheet holding all kinds of animals and hears a voice commanding, “Rise, Peter, kill and eat!” (Acts 10:13 WEB). Watch our overview video on the book of Acts, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. They did not ask whether he would do it at all, or whether they had correct views of his kingdom; but, taking that for granted, they asked him whether that was the time in which he would do it. Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? (59-60) Stephen’s last words. On the first occasion, Philip proclaims the Messiah in the city of Samaria, exorcizes unclean spirits, and heals many people. Without the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, these seven men would likely make serious mistakes. The inquiry of the apostles evidently was, whether he would now free them from the bondage of the Romans, and restore them to their former state of freedom and prosperity, as in the times of David and Solomon. Commentary, Acts 1:6-14 (Easter 7A), Mikeal C. Parsons, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2014. Erroneous opinions thus maintain a secret ascendency in a man's mind, and are revived by the slightest circumstances, even long after it was supposed that they were overcome, and in the face of the plainest proofs of reason or of Scripture. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 5These words pleased the whole multitude. POSTSCRIPT: Immediately after our text, Stephen, one of the seven men chosen to administer the daily service, was arrested on trumped up charges (6:11). Acts 1:6-7. Browse Sermons on Acts 1:6-7. Yet, though his death checked their expectations, and appeared to thwart their plans, his return to life excited them again. “whom they set before the apostles” (v. 6a WEB). Acts 1:4-8 records the final conversation. "the days of the Messiah will be the time when , "the kingdom shall return", or "be restored to Israel"; and they shall return to the land of Israel, and that king shall be exceeding great, and the house of his kingdom shall be in Zion, and his name shall be magnified, and his fame shall fill the Gentiles more than King Solomon; all nations shall be at peace with him, and all lands shall serve him, because of his great righteousness, and the wonderful things which shall be done by him; and whoever rises up against him God will destroy, and he shall deliver him into his hands; and all the passages of Scripture testify of his and our prosperity with him; and there shall be no difference in anything from what it is now, only "the kingdom shall return to Israel" (i). Paul uses the metaphor of the parts of the human body to emphasize the validity of the gifts and callings of individual believers (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). John the Baptist had prophesied that Jesus would baptize His followers with the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:16; John 1:33). It is hard to imagine that the Jerusalem church would allow the establishment of the office of deacon without having at least some representation in that group. Acts 1:6 NIV Acts 1:6 NLT Acts 1:6 ESV Acts 1:6 NASB Acts 1:6 KJV Acts 1:6 BibleApps.com Acts 1:6 Biblia Paralela Acts 1:6 Chinese Bible Acts 1:6 French Bible Acts 1:6 Clyx Quotations NT Apostles: Acts 1:6 Therefore when they had come together they (Acts of the Apostles Ac) Ticket sales and attendance at the games were equally as bad. The priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees arrested Peter and John and tried them before … There is no indication here that the apostles felt that the administration of the daily distribution was unworthy of their concern, but they had been called to a different form of service—proclamation. Acts. 50 Days Chapter 1 6 3. Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. they asked him, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? Providing for them shouldn’t be a problem, because the believers had pooled their resources, so that none were in need (4:34). Another five thousand people heard and believed (4:4). The morale of the fans was no better. Church leaders prayed for courage to proclaim the Gospel in the face of opposition (4:29). In our text, Luke has described two situations. act on phrase. The text doesn’t tell us whether that was true, but if the charges proved incorrect, I believe that the account in Acts would tell us that. The Jerusalem Church Begins to Act Chapters 3&4 13 5. If it was inappropriate for the apostles to allow themselves to be diverted from their task of proclamation of the word, the multitude of verse 5 would not have appointed Philip the apostle to serve on this committee. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. Jewish authorities, hoping to stifle the new movement, responded by arresting Peter and John and bringing them before the council (the Sanhedrin, the ruling body in Jerusalem). In Acts 1:6-7, the disciples asked Jesus when He was going to restore the kingdom and Jesus essentially said, “You will have to wait.” Conclusion. Just prior to his ascension, Jesus had told his disciples, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. “The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly” (v. 7a WEB). Hellene means Greek. Landowners were required to leave the edges of their fields unharvested so that poor people could glean the fields and obtain enough food for survival (Leviticus 19:9-10). Acts 1:8. In any case, after Stephen and the others are chosen, they are never presented carrying out the task for which they were appointed (Acts 6:2–3). • The Philip mentioned here is not Philip the apostle, who was mentioned frequently elsewhere (Matthew 10:2-4; John 1:43-46; etc.). • This is the Jerusalem church, but all seven men have Greek names. In this instance, these Hellenistes were also Christians—although the word Christian won’t appear until Acts 11:26. The twelve apostles were not to be bothered with anything, except the spiritual needs of the people. Acts 6:4 "But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." “When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them” (v. 6b WEB). The apostles were the highest authority in the church and were easily accessible. 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Late Bishop Victor Gnanapragasam, OMI
A Tribute to the late His Excellency Rt. Rev. Dr. Victor Gnanapiragasam, OMI, who is a long-time colleague, companion and friend of S.M. Selvaratnam, OMI “From the age of twelve until we got ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 26, 1966, Victor and I grew together, studied together, played together, had fun together, travelled together, got scolded by the superiors together, and we laughed at the scolding together, and we got scolded again for laughing at the scolding. After ordination we parted our ways. Victor ministered in Trincomalee for a couple of years, and to my surprise, he opted to go as a missionary to Pakistan, where he spent the rest of his life until he breathed his last on Saturday the 12th 2020. Victor’s simplicity of life was his greatest gift. Did this come from his family or ‘was he born with-it?’ It needs little research. He never aspired for any position. He was contented as a parish priest serving his people as he got transferred from parish to parish in Pakistan. The scripture passage became alive in Victor’s life. “Well done, good and trustworthy slave you have been trustworthy in a few things , I will put you in charge of many things” (Mt.25; 21b). Yes, Victor was appointed by his then Superior General as the delegation Superior, and later, he was called to be the Bishop of Quetta. Even though, he was raised to the bishopric, power never got to his head. It’s amazing that he remained simple all his life.
A second quality in Victor was that he had a great capacity to relate to all people. As Jesus said of Nathnael, in Victor “there is no deceit in him”Jn.1:47.
A third gift of his was a knack for languages. Even as young seminarian, he learned to speak Sinhala very well. Later he learned Urdu, and adapted himself to the culture of Pakistan.
I would like to return to his simplicity of life. Religious commit themselves to three vows, namely Chastity, Obedience and Poverty. This word poverty is a bad word, for poverty is evil. Poverty is caused by exploitation of the poor by the rich, the powerful, the corrupt politicians and the business men and women. Poverty needs to be eradicated. We should not glorify poverty by committing ourselves to poverty. Today, I see the vow of poverty as a commitment to self-emptying. In this self-emptying process, simplicity of life emerges. Self-emptying can be seen as detachment from all our attachments.
I see in Victor’s life, this detachment when he left his family of origin, his friends, his country and went to a different country where he worked and died there. The Dominican mystic said: “Detachment is more important than love. For detachment gives freedom to love.”
Some of us come from good and cultured families, and when we enter the seminary, we are slowly and steadily introduced or should I say dragged into a new culture called clericalism. Clericalism is another evil in the priesthood. Some spiritual writers are of the opinion that the scandals in the priesthood are mainly due to this clericalism. Pope Francis said that clericalism needs to be eliminated in the priesthood. I do agree. I asked myself was Victor absorbed by clericalism? I do not know. However, I am sure that clericalism and simplicity of life cannot live together.
The master who invited Victor to be ïn charge of many things’ eventually on Dec. 12 of this year has called him to enter into the joy of the Master.”
Dear Bishop Victor, enjoy the gift of ‘being in God’ as you entered your Master’s joy.
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The Partners Program of Christian Student Fellowship came into being August of 2014. CSF believes that the college campus is one of the most strategic mission fields we have, and that the college age stage of life is one of the most influential times in a persons life.
The Partners Program was created to work with the local church to reach more college students on more college campuses with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Partners Program goes across the Midwest to partner with churches by raising up, training, equipping, and coaching their people to do college and campus ministry.
We are currently partnering with churches in ministry at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, NE; Wayne State College in Wayne, NE; South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD, and Bellevue University in Bellevue, NE.
CSF Partners also has a summer Camp Team that goes to church camps across the Midwest to minister to high school students and help connect them to campus ministries and local churches wherever they are attending college in the fall.
For more information on the ministries of any of our campuses or on camp team, click the tabs on the menu.


If you would like to support the Grounded Teen Center, please consider giving a monthly or one-time gift! By donating to Grounded you are keeping a safe space for teenagers open, keeping the lights on, providing snacks for hungry kids after school, & helping us provide fun activities and events for high schoolers. In addition, you are supporting Grounded Moms, which reaches out to young moms in the Flathead Valley. Grounded Inc. is a non-profit organization, completely run by volunteers, so your financial support is greatly appreciated, and we couldn't do this without you! No amount is too small, it all comes together and helps us make this possible, and is GREATLY appreciated. Thank you for helping us love teens from Bigfork and beyond!
Everything you donate is tax deductible, and will be completely used to further what God is currently doing through our ministry in the Flathead Valley. If you have any questions about how we use your gifts, please don't hesitate to contact us.


Regan Wilds is originally from the plains of Oklahoma and loves being there with her family as often as possible. She is also quite at home in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. After completing graduate school in Philadelphia, PA in 2003, Regan ventured to Asheville where she met her husband, found her local and church community, and got to know her amazing neighbors and friends.
“When I am not working a task or in a fireside chat with a friend, I love hiking, running, reading, adventure, and camping. I feel most at rest when I am surrounded by the quiet of the outdoors, and inspired when I see folks of all walks of life meet the challenges and adversities of everyday life with courage, even in the face of fear and doubt.
I am regularly encouraged by what I learn from family, friends, my faith, and my professional life. I am challenged and compelled by the way Jesus taught to selflessly respect and love all people– especially those on the edges of their own lives, and/or on the margins of society. I want to continue learning how to set that kind of commitment, love, and respect into motion in the details of my life and work.”
Regan has been providing counseling for over a decade, and counts it a privilege to experience the challenges and progress of the people who walk with her through the therapeutic relationship and process.
REGAN WILDS, LPC, NCC
• M.S. Community Counseling, Western Carolina University
• MDiv, Westminster Theological Seminary
• B.S., Family Relations and Child Development, Oklahoma State University


The Bible Series- The Resurrection
How appropriate was The Bible on The History Channel last night for Easter?
Not only did it focus on the crucifixion, which I found absolutely gripping, but the resurrection was perfect for Easter night.
However, despite the awesomeness of the episode last night, the greatest thing of the entire series, I believe, was the focus on the ministry that was started after the death of Jesus. To include Paul was unique and brilliant. Personally, I have never seen any film or show focusing on Paul, usually ending only after Jesus’ resurrection. To see the disciples, as well as Paul, in the episode brought the life of Jesus AFTER his death to life for the viewers.
Those who don’t know very much about the Bible are introduced to how the Bible came to be. Watching Paul write his letters was crucial in ending the episode because it not only shows the impact of Jesus through the transformation of Paul, but it allows those who have never picked up the Bible to understand that it is filled with Paul’s letters. Both the intimidation of picking up the Bible for the first time and the confusion of where the verses came from are cleared up for the audience.
What did you think about last night’s episode?
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