This is a very productive site for those who wish to follow the persecution of Christians around the world. Follow the website descriptions at:
May
05
David Wilkerson impacted the life of Nicky Cruz and the gangs of New York, but he did much more, all because he was obedient to God’s whisper. If you want to change the world for the better, you might want to read this story about David Wilkerson’s journey of faith:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/aprilweb-only/rememberingdavidwilkerson.html
May
03
The question of origins is as controversial inside the Church as it is outside of it. There is an intense debate among believers about how to interpret the Creation account of Genesis. This debate raises many practical questions: Does the Creation controversy cause doubts about other aspects of the Christian faith? How should Christians explain the Genesis account to skeptics, who think it doesn’t agree with modern science? How can Christian parents help their children navigate through this controversy without compromising their core beliefs or appearing intellectually naive? Find more on the topic at this website:
May
03
I’ve been pondering the significance of Osama bin Laden’s death ever since it was first announced. I was immediately struck by the celebratory mood of most Americans who rejoiced at the news of bin Laden’s demise. I didn’t feel quite the same. While I understand the reasons for America’s rejoicing, I also felt a sense of sadness. As you know from a previous post (Pray for a Terrorist), I’d been praying for Osama bin Laden since 9/11. I was praying that God would raise him up and turn him around, that Jesus would reveal himself to bin Laden and use him to reach out to the Muslim world in much the same way Saul (later Saint Paul), after Jesus revealed himself to Saul on the Road to Damascus (see Book of Acts in the Bible), was used to minister the message of Christ to the Jewish, and later, the non-Jewish world. Upon hearing the news of bin Laden’s death, I felt an almost immediate sorrow for here was a man who, barring some unknown conversion, went into eternity without Christ, and consequently, without hope. Beyond that, this was a man who might have been used by God in wonderful and almost unimaginable ways, someone who could have made a difference in the eternal destiny of many people. I don’t know whether the grace of Jesus Christ ever became a reality in bin Laden’s life, but I do know that any hope of him having a positive impact for the Gospel is gone, and that saddens me greatly. This was not the way I wanted things to work out. I know, however, that God, in his eternal wisdom, will use even this tragic event to build hid kingdom.
Some additional thoughts on the death of Osama bin Laden can be found at:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/mayweb-only/osama-justice.html
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/mayweb-only/osama-celebration.html
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/mayweb-only/osama-bible-twitter.html
Feb
25
Want to do something to fight terrorism? Pray! I just found this website that talks about what I’ve been doing since 9/11, praying for terrorists. If you’ll recall, back in the day, Saul (Paul the Apostle) was nothing more than a terrorist. He was intent on uprooting Christianity and persecuting Christians all over the Middle East. Saul was responsible for the death of Stephan and was, in fact on his way to Damascus to root out more Christians when Jesus revealed himself to the terrorist (Acts 22:1-17). That event changed the world. Saul became Paul and took the message to the Jews and then the rest of the world. There must have been a lot of people praying for Saul! God can do the same with Osama Lin laden, Mullah Omar, and all the rest of Al Qaida. My prayer since 9/11 has been that God would reveal himself to these men and that they would, in turrn, take the gospel of Jesus Christ to place that the rest of us could never venture. God is at work. Pray for the revelation of Christ to all those who misguidedly believe they are serving God through terrorism, persecution, and murder. Pray for their education and discipleship in Christ. Pray for an Ananais to teach them the truth of Jesus’ message Acts 9:10 – 17). Find the site at:
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/25/adopt-a-terrorist-for-prayer-site-urges/?hpt=C2
Feb
17
The numbers are staggering, not just abroad, but right here in the US! Declare WAR on sex trafficking everywhere. Find out more about Women at Risk, an outreach to women forced into human trafficking at:
Feb
16
Here are some really thought-provoking videos on Christian living by Shane Clairborne. Well worth the watching.
Shane Clairborne – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPANKUHabx4
Best Sermon Ever – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzbQzn9-_Xk&feature=related
Another way of Doing Life – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfOGLXwtyCU&feature=related
Jesus for President – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfLdVazh33E&feature=related
Christianity and Homosexuality – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkWk1ATYHno&feature=related
Jan
31
Find out more at this website:
http://www.evolutionnews.org/2011/01/a_one_hundred_year-old_challen043161.html
Jan
24
Ever wonder about whether Jesus really rose from the dead? I’ts the central question in the Christian faith. If you have wondered but not known where to look for answers, begin your search at this website:
http://www.y-jesus.com/body_count1.php?gclid=CO_s2M_T06YCFQTNKgod1G0AJA
Jan
11
Fearlessly expanding the feminine voice in our churches, communities and culture.
Dec
28
listen to some of the songs I like (from Playlist.com)
Nov
17
A sobering reflection on what it means to be a Christ follower can be found at:
Nov
17
A very interesting Christian “12 Step” form of recovery program. CR has developed 8 principles that are based on the Beatitudes. They are as follows:
CELEBRATE RECOVERY’S EIGHT RECOVERY PRINCIPLES
The Road to Recovery
Based on the Beatitudes
Realize I’m not God; I admit that I am powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and that my life is unmanageable. (Step 1)
“Happy are those who know that they are spiritually poor.”
Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to Him and that He has the power to help me recover. (Step 2
“Happy are those how mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ’s care and control. (Step 3)
“Happy are the meek.”
Openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust. (Steps 4 and 5)
“Happy are the pure in heart.”
Voluntarily submit to any and all changes God wants to make in my life and humbly ask Him to remove my character defects. (Steps 6 and 7)
“Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires”
Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others when possible, except when to do so would harm them or others. (Steps 8 and 9)
“Happy are the merciful.”
“Happy are the peacemakers”
Reserve a time with God for self-examination, Bible reading, and prayer in order to know God and His will for my life and to gain the power to follow His will. (Steps 10 and 11)
Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and my words. (Step 12)
“Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires.”
Find the larger website at:
Nov
15
The Open Table provides an interesting model for helping to restore individuals and communities. Find their site at:
Sep
23
Shariah: The Threat to America is a report by the non-partisan Center for Security Policy that details the threat of Islamic Sharia Law to the United States. This is a VERY important document about a threat that has not been appreciated by most Americans. Their website is at:
Sep
14
Thoughts about sex outside of marriage:
Sep
13
Who has taken the greater “Leap of Faith,” Christians or Hawkings?
Sep
04
Come to the Christian Community Development Association Justice Film Festival at Park Community Church here in Chicago, September 8 – 10th. Films and contact information can be found at:
Sep
01
Kiva is a wonderful organization that changes lives and influence destinies:
Aug
31
Esperanza is the largest Hispanic faith-based evangelical network organization and is intimately involved in all the issues having to do with the American Hispanic community. A good resource for everyone connected issues facing our Hispanic brothers and sisters. Find their website at:
Aug
27
This site might prove to be a helpful resource for people having problems with internet pornography. Its an internet pornography accountability site, one of the best around. It has potential uses for men, women, children, teens, and parents. Find the site at:
Their blog is found at:
Aug
11
Classes offered at the National Gang Crime Resource Center Convention in Chicago, Illinois (Westin Hotel, August 16 – 18).
Aug
11
An organization dedicated to working with gangs and at-risk youths throughout the Chicago area.http://www.chicagopartnerswithyouth.org/
Jul
06
A collection point for all sorts of information on gangs and gang life. See the website at:
Jul
05
A great story about using soccer to fight gang violence in South Africa. Go to:
Also go the following ABC Nightline link:
http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/soccer-bars-south-african-prison-soccer-team-turns/story?id=11064441
Jun
15
A very active prison ministry that has had great success in taking the Gospel to the incarcerated. See their website at:
http://www.kairosprisonministry.org/templates/System/default.asp?id=23761
Jun
14
An inspiring video about leading people to the cross and to Jesus
Jun
10
Saved by Her Enemy: An Iraqi Woman’s Journey From the Heart of War to the Heartland of America by Don Teague, Rafraf Barrak, Rafraf Barrak, Ann Curry . This is a fascinating look at the lengths God went to in order to save this particular Iraqi woman. A truly amazing story.
Jun
10
The Rage Against God: How Aethism Led Me to Faith by Peter Hitchens is an interesting, if not illuminating, look at one man’s journy from disbelief to belief, from atheism to faith. The following article also refers the reader to a variety of reviews on the book that are also interesting.
http://www.continuumbooks.com/books/detail.aspx?BookId=134250
