tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47212184512703055142024-03-05T12:50:11.126-05:00rebecca fisher live!Making it Plain Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-40197286166620049662015-09-05T23:58:00.000-04:002015-09-05T23:58:13.405-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My soul is exhilarated by the thought of reading, hearing,
or uttering scripture from the Bible. Perhaps it is because I have spent
considerable time over the last twenty years reading, gleaning, learning, and
teaching lessons from the Bible. Although I have formal education in the Bible,
my experience and initial feasting from the reading and hearing of the scripture
goes back as far as I can remember. My grandmother and uncle taught bible study
when I was growing up. Bible study happened in Sunday school with teachers that
were laity. Wednesday evening and Thursday noon Bible study was taught by the
pastor. Studying the scripture was a part of life not just something to do, nor
was it a chore. Studying was not simply reading, it was also speaking, hearing,
and being. As youngsters, we were taught not to just recite scripture on
special Sundays like Easter, we were expected to recite it as though we were
conveying the very Words of God. We were asked to recite with clarity of speech
and as if we believed it. These experiences formed my personal exegetical
identity to seek God through the Word of God and in the act of doing so, God would
accomplish His Word in me. The teachers and preachers were story tellers and
made the scripture come alive. As the preacher or teacher would describe the
context of the scripture, often referred to by the preachers as the “backdrop”
or the “scene” using illustrations from inner city situations to help give us
an idea of what it might have been like—we were transported into the feelings
and passions of the persons in the Bible. There were many enactments, skits,
plays that helped us to remember. My soul rejoices in the rich heritage of
learning. <br />
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In my scripture
learning experience, there was an expectation that God was present and that the
scripture and God’s personal message in and through the scripture would reach
into the persons present and make an inward difference that would produce
healing, deliverance, grace, strength, provision, transformation, and
revelation even to those who didn’t want to hear because it was always taught
to us that “God’s Word would not return void,” a direct reference from Isaiah
55:11 wherein God says through the prophet, “So will My word be which goes
forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what
I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” (NASB) Our
teachers reasoned with us with their rapid-firing cross references: “The grass
withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever"(Isaiah
40:8) and in the same breath teaching Trinitarian theology by quoting Jesus
words in Matthew “Heaven and earth will
pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Whether the hermeneutical principles were
adequate or not, the apparent affect was noticeable in the lives of those
teachers personally and also in me. As I
reflect on those times, I ponder what instances were eisegetical and which were
exegetical. Nevertheless, it is my observation upon reflection that similar and
admirable methodology was used to exegete the text as was stated in the Osborne
text(The Hermeneutical Spiral)—to deal with the text which would include the
syntax and etymology or linguistics, the context—time, people, land—and the
intent of the writer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My
approach to scripture is not just what I learned in Bible College nor seminary
but reaches back into the crucible of my formative years. It includes prayer, attention
to the text first, the context, and partaking of the Spirit of God’s movement
through that time with the Word and thus with God personally. I learned to do sentence diagramming—although I’m
not an expert—it did always help me to dig deeper not only with myself but with
those I taught. I can sometimes work in one passage for months. When I go to
the Caribbean, I find myself without distractions. As a result, I take my time
and come back refreshed when I commune with God through the scriptures. My
workbook is full of sentences and words with blocks and circles and arrows
showing word relationships, synthesis to timeless principles and notes. The challenge
in my life now where it relates to my scripture feeding disciplines is that of
swift transitions, trying to meet the expectations of others, and managing my
own time. My desire is to be immersed in
the scripture and the application of such truth manifest in my life every day.
I find myself making renewed commitments every three months. I also belong to a
couple of covenant groups as well. I am reminded that this is a journey and in
that I do find hope and grace.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Eat
This Book, Peterson stated, “...every part of the revelation, every aspect,
every form is personal—God is relational at the core—and so whatever is said,
whatever is revealed is also personal and relational.” I greatly appreciate the
grace-filled opportunities the relational aspect of life, love, and God afford.
If relationships are part of the key to
Organizational Leadership, exegetical studies can reveal new insights, timeless
principles, and key learnings that would be beneficial in assessing
Organizational Leadership best practices particularly since context will differ
in how leadership is understood, and since every organizational leader has a context
in which she or he has developed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-61565717428604442992014-09-28T10:54:00.002-04:002014-09-28T10:54:41.072-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">ON MY WAY TO IOWA</span></h2>
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I am embarking on a new thing. God is doing a new thing. I must look forward with God's love and grace as my guide! In reflecting, I was reminded of this message from my archives. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">"A New
Beginning"</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Scripture: </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">II Corinthians 5:14-21<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Key
Verses: </span></b> <b><sup><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4 </span></sup></b><sup><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Either way, Christ’s love controls us.<b> </b> Since we believe that
Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.<b>
15 </b>He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no
longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and
was raised for them. <b>16 </b>So we have stopped evaluating others from a
human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point
of view. How differently we know him now! <b>17 </b>This means that
anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a
new life has begun! <b>18 </b>And all of this is a gift from God, who
brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of
reconciling people to him. <b>19 </b>For God was in Christ,
reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against
them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. <b>20 </b>So
we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for
Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” <b>21 </b>For God made
Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could
be made right with God through Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></sup></div>
<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Key Idea: A new
beginnings is possible through the ministry of reconciliation and with God's love and guidance. </span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How
do I actualize a new beginning?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="*" height="11" src="file:///C:/Users/Rebecca/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="11" /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">By understanding that there is an avenue to
receive Jesus Christ or to move forward in Christ that does not require
anything but opening up to receive the gift of new life. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="*" height="11" src="file:///C:/Users/Rebecca/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="11" /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">By encouraging yourself to and giving others the chance
to move forward. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Think
About This: </span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> We have a hard time letting go of hurts, pains,
frustrations, offenses so it becomes difficult for us to forgive, forget,
etc…We have a hard time with reconciliation. But letting go opens your hand and life to new relationships, new ministries, a new you! </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Good
News: God has given us new life through Christ and we have been given the high
call to the ministry of reconciliation! With it, we CAN make a difference! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Let
Go & Let God! </span></span></b></div>
Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-71394661319206644752013-04-30T13:32:00.001-04:002013-04-30T13:32:19.141-04:00rebecca fisher live!: What's Love Got to Do With It<a href="http://rebeccafisher.blogspot.com/2013/04/whats-love-got-to-do-with-it.html">rebecca fisher live!: What's Love Got to Do With It</a>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-83959022586843874702013-04-30T13:30:00.001-04:002013-04-30T13:30:40.650-04:00What's Love Got to Do With It<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8ZRbInSxTgQlbRwA2vlNTYSNiuB7CJLEWTBSKS2RE5MVD9ybywUfHT_aMDAVcXfMHS5vEykd-2HEpuCr9oi1X3_GmRbHDUwqkoD36yJcyAmEXaMbkqhOhJujMRJPqzwc6smKHhwiD8c/s1600/Whats-Love-Got-To-Do-With-It.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8ZRbInSxTgQlbRwA2vlNTYSNiuB7CJLEWTBSKS2RE5MVD9ybywUfHT_aMDAVcXfMHS5vEykd-2HEpuCr9oi1X3_GmRbHDUwqkoD36yJcyAmEXaMbkqhOhJujMRJPqzwc6smKHhwiD8c/s200/Whats-Love-Got-To-Do-With-It.jpg" width="151" /></a><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<b>What's Love Got To Do With It</b>" </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">is the second <a href="http://www.ask.com/wiki/Single_(music)?qsrc=3044" style="background-image: none; color: #5a3696; text-decoration: none;" title="Single (music)">single</a> released from <a href="http://www.ask.com/wiki/Tina_Turner?qsrc=3044" style="background-image: none; color: #5a3696; text-decoration: none;" title="Tina Turner">Tina Turner</a>'s fifth solo album <i><a href="http://www.ask.com/wiki/Private_Dancer?qsrc=3044" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #5a3696; text-decoration: none;" title="Private Dancer">Private Dancer</a></i>. It became Turner's most successful single. <span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> The song ranked #309 on</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><i style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="http://www.ask.com/wiki/Rolling_Stone?qsrc=3044" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #5a3696; text-decoration: none;" title="Rolling Stone">Rolling Stone</a></i><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">magazine's list of "</span><a href="http://www.ask.com/wiki/The_500_Greatest_Songs_of_All_Time?qsrc=3044" style="background-image: none; color: #5a3696; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" title="The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time">The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">". It also ranked #38 on</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><a href="http://www.ask.com/wiki/Songs_of_the_Century?qsrc=3044" style="background-image: none; color: #5a3696; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" title="Songs of the Century">Songs of the Century</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">. It was the 17th best-selling single of 1984 in the UK. In 1993, the song's name was used as the title for</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><i style="line-height: 1.5em;"><a href="http://www.ask.com/wiki/What%27s_Love_Got_To_Do_With_It_(film)?qsrc=3044" style="background-image: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #5a3696; text-decoration: none;" title="What's Love Got To Do With It (film)">What's Love Got To Do With It</a></i><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">, a biographical film about Tina Turner's life. It was originally recorded by UK pop group</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><a href="http://www.ask.com/wiki/Bucks_Fizz_(band)?qsrc=3044" style="background-image: none; color: #5a3696; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" title="Bucks Fizz (band)">Bucks Fizz</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">, whose version remained unreleased until 2000. </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">In 2012, "What's Love Got To Do With It" was inducted into the</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><a href="http://www.ask.com/wiki/Grammy_Hall_of_Fame?qsrc=3044" style="background-image: none; color: #5a3696; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" title="Grammy Hall of Fame">Grammy Hall of Fame</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">. (Wikipedia.com) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.5em;">When we listen to the song lyrics, love is described as a </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.5em;">"second hand" emotion</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 1.5em;">--an emotion that comes after physical attraction. The lyric describes a person who is afraid of the fact that her perception and proclamation is not the ideal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Young Adults Gathered</span></b> on 4/28 and we had a great time discussing AGAPEO Love. We studied and discussed Matthew and Mark located in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. We asked the question, <b><i><span style="color: magenta;">What's love got to do with it?</span></i></b> God, Life, our own Spiritual Maturity, the Church? So we inviting you to join in the discussion. Please post comments regularly. Here is the basic format: </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Informing Our Minds: </b></u></span><br />
<br />
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: BSTGreek; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">agapao</span></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">/agapeo /<i>ag-ap-ah'-o/love www.crosswalk.com</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Definition</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<td style="height: 15.0pt; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;">
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">of persons : </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">to welcome, to entertain,
to be fond of, to love dearly</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">of things: </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">to be well pleased, to be
contented at or with a thing</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">New American Standard Word Usage - Total:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 143</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">beloved 8, felt a love
for 1, love 1, love 75, loved 38, loves 20</span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>Preparation for Spiritual Understanding</b></u></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Read Aloud</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew 5:43-44; Matthew 5:46; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew 6:24; Matthew 19:19; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matthew 22:37; Matthew 22:39 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mark 10:21; Mark 12:30-31; Mark
12:33 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Discuss for Understanding and Application:</span></u></b></div>
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How is agapeo described? What characterizes its behavior?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What is challenging about how Jesus describes the way we
should love? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is it possible for you to love this way? Do you want to? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Share some practical ways we can demonstrate agapeo all the
time? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How will you be accountable? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is my sincere prayer and hope that you will grow as you read, discuss/process, and find ways to grow spiritually. If you have yet to connect with a group of young adults in Bloomington, we invite you to join us. We meet 1x a month but may do some leisure activities spontaneously. Most of us go to Fairview Church on 6th St but some who come do not--so feel free to join us. There is plenty of food and plenty of room. And--Pastor Rebecca is the Chef! If interested e-mail: rebecca.fisher@inumc.org and we'll get ya involved. </div>
</div>
Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-45917387956250229042012-11-06T11:19:00.002-05:002012-11-06T11:19:18.502-05:00"We Don' Talk about Religion nor Politics"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEorKAtxWp9kHfQ-Pg7a7-zqpHMIlNMYgeVEJbQ9TlFwF5dJMl-x751ya_9wLr7fK7HnbXibczQHo8-THu2tKuzVSM7WbFKdy5lycdVXYVGGJX-SmV55rK3rGuI49ZfTRZaBaSg3xWqJA/s1600/multicultural+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEorKAtxWp9kHfQ-Pg7a7-zqpHMIlNMYgeVEJbQ9TlFwF5dJMl-x751ya_9wLr7fK7HnbXibczQHo8-THu2tKuzVSM7WbFKdy5lycdVXYVGGJX-SmV55rK3rGuI49ZfTRZaBaSg3xWqJA/s200/multicultural+people.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
When I was growing up, I was told by some that "We don't talk about Religion nor Politics." The advice was given me to insure that I would avoid personality and agenda clashes and "be friends" with everyone. Another saying was, "Can't we all just get along?" These were spoken by well intended folks who desired for relationships to be amiable and easy. Yet, breaking ceilings and barriers rarely is amiable or easy. <br />
<br />
So, over the years, I avoided these discussions in the name of peace. I soon discovered that religion is about doing things religiously and politics is about how a group of people utilize power to make decisions--neither of which I am a fan. I figured out the thing about religion--I am about a relationship with God not religion so I tend to upset religious structures to make room for new people, new ideas, and new stuff. But for the politics thing, I studied the issues to find that many of the decision made by existing power structures that affect daily life are rooted in some kind of moral understanding which in essecnce is "right" and "wrong." Cross-cultural experience helped me to understand that "right" is not "right" everywhere and neither is "wrong." Realizing that where you come from, how you were raised, and bottom line what you believe informs your politics helped me to put the politics thing in perspective. Here is what I learned: <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">When faith
meets politics the existing "power" is transformed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>Question: How do we do our part to transform the
existing power structures? <o:p></o:p></strong></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><img alt="*" height="13" src="file:///C:/Users/Rebecca/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="13" /><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>When we stand in
the Holy Spirit ready to publicly practice our faith. <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><img alt="*" height="13" src="file:///C:/Users/Rebecca/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="13" /><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>When we realize
that our personal salvation means little without personal responsibility to
others. <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><img alt="*" height="13" src="file:///C:/Users/Rebecca/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.gif" width="13" /><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>When we make the
shift from favoring those with power and begin speaking truth to power. </strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong><o:p></o:p></strong></span>And, this is why I vote--to speak truth to power, to take responsibility, and to publically practice my faith. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
What do you think? </div>
</div>
Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-43569531184909208902012-03-06T12:54:00.004-05:002012-03-06T12:54:24.468-05:00Family<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb14yuj6llQNUCp9kbGqAgBOQhshLRR3bA09Gco2j9MLBe0V3Pd5Q5e3asUTAa7C-ANE76L8uQCn8Dd8HB6IHyjkkINnCtpTchObZnqBPNQoJiSBRpwKTjn6Buxr5xCLYUfkn44Ozu7Gs/s1600/Tulips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb14yuj6llQNUCp9kbGqAgBOQhshLRR3bA09Gco2j9MLBe0V3Pd5Q5e3asUTAa7C-ANE76L8uQCn8Dd8HB6IHyjkkINnCtpTchObZnqBPNQoJiSBRpwKTjn6Buxr5xCLYUfkn44Ozu7Gs/s200/Tulips.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I want to just express my sincere thanks to God who with infinite wisdom gave me the privilege of being in the family I am in. I know that everyone may not experience the depth of love that I do in my family so my heart goes out right now to those who are lacking. Yet, I do know that great earthly family or not, God gives us a spiritual family that shines for the glory of God in the time of need. Each one of us can shine the light into someone's darkness every day. I pray to shine like my family shines as a beacon of God's grace to me. I pray that you shine like the Son! Be someone's spiritual family today. </span></div>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-80578982584898080112011-09-08T16:10:00.001-04:002011-09-08T16:11:13.476-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}" style="font-size: x-large;">A
WORD FOR YOU TODAY ...Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables,
that he may run that readeth it.For the vision is yet for an appointed
time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait
for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:2-3</span></h6>
</div>
Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-57499910612354415152011-08-29T12:00:00.002-04:002011-08-29T12:12:30.958-04:00Weds Night Bible Study Assignment Due August 31, 2011We've studied Jonah, and my oh my how God blessed us to learn more than we ever have in those short 4 Chapters! God pursues us and uses us sometimes even though we don't want to be used! Although we ca be stubborn and disobedient, God's is full of grace! God shows so much grace towards us and grants us blessing on top of blessing and we don't deserve it at all. Perhaps that is one of the functions of grace--unmerited favor or pardon. WOW.
<br />
<br />Last week, you reflected on the messages you received from God through the study in Jonah. Here's what you said:
<br />
<br />*Don't Let Emotions Keep You Out of the Will of God
<br />*We Are Not in Control, God IS
<br />*God is Not Going to Give Up on Us
<br />*God Gives Second Chances
<br />*We Have Our Idea of Right, God Has His
<br />*Let Yourself Be Used By God
<br />*Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice
<br />*Follow the Path of God
<br />
<br />
<br />So, the assignment was to write down five practical applications pertaining to what we've learned about. I look forward to hearing how you are planning on living out what you've learned or been reminded of through our time in God's Word.
<br />
<br />Keep loving and learning,
<br />
<br />Pastor Rebecca
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-46024868372474144012011-08-29T11:52:00.004-04:002011-08-29T11:59:58.770-04:00What Does the LORD require of You?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiADOWB7xg7ZSdKRtdn9wSbDTgNkDnD2greAr-uS3bekJkTpJQfqWir06ML0r8ZKcsQrrw4MtNU2O83yr1HOW_7CHIWkYCFjYHswqgzCDVihpZwg7beN8JDnN0iaAoBVgZi4IMGUlGsA/s1600/OCOB_logo-2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 135px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiADOWB7xg7ZSdKRtdn9wSbDTgNkDnD2greAr-uS3bekJkTpJQfqWir06ML0r8ZKcsQrrw4MtNU2O83yr1HOW_7CHIWkYCFjYHswqgzCDVihpZwg7beN8JDnN0iaAoBVgZi4IMGUlGsA/s200/OCOB_logo-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646307083644306786" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Excerpt from July 2011 Newsletter </span>
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</b:PtlvOriginEx> </b:Page> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults ext="edit" spidmax="3075" fill="f" fillcolor="white [7]" strokecolor="black [0]"> <v:fill color="white [7]" color2="white [7]" on="f"> <v:stroke color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:left ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:top ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:right ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:bottom ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> <o:column ext="view" color="black [0]" color2="white [7]"> </v:stroke> <v:shadow color="#ccc [4]"> <v:textbox inset="2.88pt,2.88pt,2.88pt,2.88pt"> <o:colormenu ext="edit" fillcolor="blue [1]" strokecolor="black [0]" shadowcolor="#ccc [4]"> </o:shapedefaults><o:shapelayout ext="edit"> <o:idmap ext="edit" data="1"> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" >Greetings Faith Family,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" ><span style=""> </span>What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love kindness/mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" >Micah 6:8. In July, we had been studying Micah Chapter 6 verses 1-8 We got a glimpse of the importance of the following in order to discern God’s next steps for us as a church and as a individual:<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-indent: -18pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" ></span><span style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; color: rgb(165, 0, 33);font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" >1.</span><span style="width: 9pt;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" >Listening to God Both the Good Stuff and God’s Complaints</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-indent: -18pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; color: rgb(165, 0, 33);font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" >2.</span><span style="width: 9pt;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" >Remembering What God Has Done, So We Don’t Forget What God Can Do</span><span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" ></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-indent: -18pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; color: rgb(165, 0, 33);font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" >3.</span><span style="width: 9pt;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" >Acting Justly Especially Opening Doors for Those With No Voice </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-indent: -18pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; color: rgb(165, 0, 33);font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" >4.</span><span style="width: 9pt;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" >Practicing the love of Mercy/Kindness Starting at Home, Church, Community</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-indent: -18pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="direction: ltr; unicode-bidi: embed; color: rgb(165, 0, 33);font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" >5.</span><span style="width: 9pt;font-size:130%;" > </span><span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" >Practicing a Humble Journey/Walk with God </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" > We have discovered that we need to improve our listening skills, improve our remembering skills, examine our actions of advocating for justice, practicing kindness, and living out God’s will not our own. It has been fruitful for us because each of these areas are true steps for accurate spiritual discernment as a church and as individuals. If you or I, our church, or other groups really want to understand how to know what God requires, Micah 6:8 can help us with getting the answers we seek. The hard part is actually doing these 5 steps.<span style=""> </span>Are you willing as a person? Are we willing as a church? How shall we hold each other accountable? Yeah, I know that accountability IS the hard part, it requires humility huh?
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" >Keep loving and learning,
<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: rgb(165, 0, 33); font-weight: bold;font-family:Calibri;font-size:130%;" lang="en-US" >Pastor Rebecca
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<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="" lang="en-US"> </span></p> Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-85927766477466681132011-07-12T22:09:00.004-04:002011-07-12T22:14:38.490-04:00The Divine Pursuit<div class="post-headline"> <h1>Hello everyone, we'll be studying Jonah for the next several weeks:<br /></h1><h1>The Divine Pursuit</h1> </div> <table style="text-align: left; width: 600px;" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center; width: 205px;"><img style="width: 150px; height: 232px;" src="http://www.thestubbornservant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/DivinePursuitCover-lg.jpg" alt="The Divine Pursuit by Nicole Unice" /><br /><a href="http://www.thestubbornservant.com/the-divine-pursuit/whoo-hoos-reviews/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-493" title="button_reviews" src="http://www.thestubbornservant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/button_reviews.jpg" alt="reviews" height="23" width="75" /></a> <a href="http://www.thestubbornservant.com/bookstore/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-485" title="button_bookstore" src="http://www.thestubbornservant.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/button_bookstore.jpg" alt="bookstore" height="23" width="75" /></a></td> <td class="tss_promo" style="width: 734px; vertical-align: top;"><strong>Have you ever felt stuck<br />…between God and a hard place?</strong><br /><strong> </strong> <p><strong>Have you ever known what<br /></strong></p><p><strong>God wanted you to do, but refused to do it?<br /></strong></p><p><strong></strong><strong>Have you run from Him, physically,<br /></strong></p><p><strong>emotionally or mentally?</strong><br /><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Do you wonder why obedience is hard,<br /></strong></p><p><strong>resistance is real, and the idea of<br /></strong></p><p><strong>being transformed by God doesn’t<br /></strong></p><p><strong>come easy?</strong><br /><strong> </strong></p> <p><strong>Take heart. You’ve got a friend in Jonah.</strong></p></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Discover God’s pursuit of you and his purpose for your life in this six-week study of Jonah, The Divine Pursuit.</p> <p>Author and counselor Nicole Unice invites you to identify the true Nineveh places of your heart: those unexpected (and sometimes unwanted) people and circumstances God calls you to love. In the process, you’ll follow the story of a struggling prophet while recognizing and overcoming your own resistance to change.</p> <p>Perfect for individual or group study, this workbook includes:</p> <ul><li>A short, daily guided study through the book of Jonah that goes deep but doesn’t take all day</li><li>An available leader guide with creative and thought-provoking questions and exercises.</li><li>Web-based video instruction for each week.</li><li>Access to an on-line group facilitated by Nicole (Jan 2011)</li></ul> <p>The workbook will also provide:</p> <ul><li>Encouragement for those who wonder if their disappointments, failures or stubbornness<br />disqualify them from living a life of freedom and purpose.</li><li>Understanding of the surprising people and circumstances that God uses to spur on a relationship with Him.</li><li>An opportunity to understand your own spiritual rhythms by reflecting on Jonah’s choices.</li></ul> <p>In <em>The Divine Pursuit</em>, you will discover a God who invites you to follow him on a surprising heart journey. Destination? A life of freedom, purpose and passion.</p>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-48724052642073849002010-09-28T15:04:00.005-04:002010-09-28T15:14:11.768-04:00Resisting the Grace of God<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEzolGC8qi7g_NRp494MGwjjthqFoPDRICHxVFtEOgZCvNsCmMneeKL4EdDswCJmMgDYLPhFUCxwIhfZ0kn5lL57jL95Tpo1MgEjFxJ_ZVa17YH_daKpmUDafrxnl8PlASgslTWiJcRQ/s1600/Animated+Candles+%26+Flowers.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEzolGC8qi7g_NRp494MGwjjthqFoPDRICHxVFtEOgZCvNsCmMneeKL4EdDswCJmMgDYLPhFUCxwIhfZ0kn5lL57jL95Tpo1MgEjFxJ_ZVa17YH_daKpmUDafrxnl8PlASgslTWiJcRQ/s200/Animated+Candles+%26+Flowers.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522043401307422706" border="0" /></a><br /><h6 class="uiStreamMessage"><span style="font-size:130%;">"Can a person successfully resist the grace of God?" At first, my thoughts moved into the theoretical, the hypothetical, and the theological. However, as I prayed and meditated, I found myself asking God to clear all my thoughts so that I could hear what I needed to hear. Before long, I found myself asking not about Calvanism nor Arminianism, not even Rebeccaism, but I began to ask, "God what really is your "grace." Is it favor? Is it mercy? Is it kindness? Is it empowerment? Is it understanding? Is it beauty even? What if its all that??? Is it possible to resist it? reject it? be hardened by whatever --life-- so much that I reach for it and somehow can't seem to hold on to it? By experience, I would have to assert that sometimes I can see, feel, and hear "grace" pursuing me but that has not always been the case. In my past, I didn't know how to "let" grace in. I wanted to, but my mind, soul, spirit, and actions were somehow unexplainably separate from that grace. Grace was there, but I didn't know how to hold on to it. Thank-God, it held on to me. </span></h6>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-26741193486756662662010-09-11T20:10:00.003-04:002010-09-11T20:15:24.931-04:00Remembering 9/11 We All Cried Out to God<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-S7FJxi1XjVikpX4TGQx2zDvq0elLV-UIBxHSr2WfMpgv7devyat-0OEyDLU9XOD6KhUdguKuUt1ZrRSHjpDwKXJShg3mZzORcs07fUBmxWmE2U4hLXPCuyogC7a_tswmh66YuZgI1Ig/s1600/acts17_27_cevtitle.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-S7FJxi1XjVikpX4TGQx2zDvq0elLV-UIBxHSr2WfMpgv7devyat-0OEyDLU9XOD6KhUdguKuUt1ZrRSHjpDwKXJShg3mZzORcs07fUBmxWmE2U4hLXPCuyogC7a_tswmh66YuZgI1Ig/s400/acts17_27_cevtitle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515813251685044146" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="status-body"><span class="status-content"><span class="entry-content"><span style="font-size:180%;">Remember that on 9/11 Americans lost their lives, not any particular faith group. It was no question that we all needed God. The Cry to God was loud and helpless. We all reached out with great compassion, love, and respect and helped each other. Let's remember that and learn from it.</span><br /></span></span></span><div style="display: none;" id="YontooInstallID">9334DED8-F2A9-FA9C-ABB5-D6BE723586E5</div><div style="display: none;" id="YontooClientVersion">1.03.01</div>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-25586352206108397872010-02-03T16:38:00.003-05:002010-02-03T17:01:07.645-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiI0LzXGWNDhcDOnCHcr_5g9Vs5e3CGmzWeCzwKUl4SnPH-lSfZjgc7gNW5QbkSB0lunLir186vU1g1y9FmIrrltGO53v6sJobIliWQKoB2cMlRDH5QjEL4x__55O7jRBAQCKwcfUvIE4/s1600-h/9780687654031.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 122px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiI0LzXGWNDhcDOnCHcr_5g9Vs5e3CGmzWeCzwKUl4SnPH-lSfZjgc7gNW5QbkSB0lunLir186vU1g1y9FmIrrltGO53v6sJobIliWQKoB2cMlRDH5QjEL4x__55O7jRBAQCKwcfUvIE4/s400/9780687654031.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434137847975188082" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Series: What's In the Bible & Why Do I Care?<br />January's Lessons: What's in the Bible & How Do I Use It?<br />Jan 27 - Feb 3 Chapter 2 History<br /><br /><br />Please be in prayer for Pastor Rebecca. She is currently has a mild infection. On today, Feb 3, Megan Manning will fill in on Chapter 2.<br /><br />Stuff you should know: Be able to recite the books of the Bible from Genesis through Esther. We will go over this on February 10. Be able to explain the difference between General Revelation and Special Revelation. Seek to notice and understand the various literary forms used in the Bible. Put at least 1 Bible fact to memory.<br /><br />Blog On here with your comments and questions.<br /><br />Ponder this: How do I become more consistent with my spiritual disciplines? Bible study? Prayer? Fasting? Fellowship? Church attendance?<br /><br />Love you all, Pastor Rebecca<br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-80664168808819649802010-01-22T09:49:00.004-05:002010-01-22T10:28:20.107-05:00What's In the Bible & Why Do I Care?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVfCtovOF4BSUbqTipzX7vSyQ2INJsjKZSCHafMpBYKpIAfpaCT3elwTCzOXhQg1JStCgRgTSo4jVPIhl_kQylJLt9RAYl_3NTY75K2jHHzCRtKFl33dWbwNFr6QxW_12_AXMIvjudlc/s1600-h/9780687654031.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVfCtovOF4BSUbqTipzX7vSyQ2INJsjKZSCHafMpBYKpIAfpaCT3elwTCzOXhQg1JStCgRgTSo4jVPIhl_kQylJLt9RAYl_3NTY75K2jHHzCRtKFl33dWbwNFr6QxW_12_AXMIvjudlc/s400/9780687654031.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429583646693747730" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Series: What's In the Bible & Why Do I Care?<br />January's Lessons: What's in the Bible & How Do I Use It?<br />January 20 -January 27 Chapter 1 How to Use the Bible<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Greetings!<br /><br />We studied this week about revelation. There is <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">General Revelation<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Special Revelation. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">This week we concentrated on <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">General Revelation. <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">General Revelation <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">is related to natural ways in which God reveals God's existence. We experienced "Aha" moments as we each personally read from these scripture and learned that God revealed Himself through Creation, History, & Humanity: <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Creation:</span> Ps 19:1; Ro 1:20; Acts 14:15-17; <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">History:</span> Job 12:13-25; Ps 98:2; Is 40:5; Acts 4:15-17 <span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);">Humanity:</span> Acts 17:22; Ro 2:14; Ps 19, Mt 5:45, Ro 1:20.<br /><br />We also learned about differing Bible translations and paraphrases, about the Apocrypha, and how to find a reference in the Bible.<br /><br />We learned the 1st 5 books of the Bible known as the Books of Moses and the Law/the Torah/the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy <br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Your assignment: </span><br />1.Re-read the scripture regarding General Revelation above.<br />2.Write in your journal how God reveals something new to you?<br />3. Jot down any questions you may have and also write any comments or questions in the comment section here.<br />4. Memorize the 1st 5 Books of the Bible.<br />5. To be prepared for class, read Chapter 1 and the next section on your handout entitled "God has revealed Himself through Special Revelation." Look up all related scripture and jot down notes and questions.<br />6. Look up any words you don't recognize.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Remember</span> that you are on a journey. Right now you are learning to how to strengthen your legs so that you can walk a long way. Remember that God loves you regardless of your past, present, and future!<br /><br />With the love of Christ,<br /><br />Pastor Rebecca<br /><br />( I am especially looking to see your comments here.) So BLOG ON!<br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-33136612874402145162010-01-22T09:32:00.003-05:002010-01-22T09:47:53.456-05:00Haiti<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyOHaVpHJ53FD_Ah7xPOW_skf78XeAQJlTybDQ482cBM67LvrD3oEUoHi434R5shVbEQP203Ixeg4q4Mfdfjw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-23006751703912598382009-12-14T14:18:00.004-05:002009-12-14T14:22:50.094-05:00From Humbug to Hallelujah<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTJ78jmQFxNbyWvoHVpWucK7oaCmoOPDNG7keaYQzrkNl8A2O4Odxvna8EE-b-5nmEIG490CeLwjd8rV2y0SEVO8g5bC7m7mHg_965h9EzZKH6MjQidySw9GJskQsRC3LC8BTDm8Dap8/s1600-h/TS-01.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 252px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTJ78jmQFxNbyWvoHVpWucK7oaCmoOPDNG7keaYQzrkNl8A2O4Odxvna8EE-b-5nmEIG490CeLwjd8rV2y0SEVO8g5bC7m7mHg_965h9EzZKH6MjQidySw9GJskQsRC3LC8BTDm8Dap8/s400/TS-01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415174113904019346" border="0" /></a>
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mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">During this Advent season, we have been preparing our hearts, changing our thoughts, and working to break chains we've forged in life in order to experience the manifest presence of God this Christmas.<span style=""> </span>We have found that we have focused on the wrong stuff at Christmas time and so we are rekindling the joy and expectancy of the coming of the infant in a manger. We even did a little couples dancing at the end of our service this past Sunday! WOW! What an expression of the joy we have inside.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As we have prepared, we've learned some lessons from Charles Dickens story, "A Christmas Carol" which is about a miserly old business man named Ebenezer Scrooge who responds to the festivities of the Christmas season with a hearty, "Bah Humbug." To Scrooge Christmas is " a time for paying bills without money, a time for finding yourself another year older and not an hour richer." Yet, he is confronted by his nephew, Fred, who is filled with Christmas cheer. <span style=""> </span>His idea is that Christmas is all about giving it away. It is a time of forgiveness, a time of charity, a time when people open their closed hearts to other people. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I encourage you today, to decide to place the focus this Christmas on Christ, not presents--not money--not problems. Remember that Jesus came as a babe, grew up, proclaimed the Kingdom of God, died at a young age, was resurrected, ascended to the heavens, and is coming back! Because we have this good news, we can break chains, mend relationships, sing as if no one is listening, dance like there is no tomorrow, and live our lives in service to others. We can express an inner joy that no one on this earth nor in hell can suppress! For God has always been there for us, will always be there, and one day we'll see him face to face! Whoa! I am getting all excited just writing about it! My Jesus, Oh what a wonderful child! New life, new hope, new joy he brings! No Humbugs---Shout Hallelujah instead. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">May the Spirit of the Living God fill you with joy as we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 1in 10pt 0.5in;">The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pastor Rebecca </p> Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-54986709022689848642009-09-15T11:17:00.003-04:002009-09-15T11:43:02.825-04:00Allow God to Rescue You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmKcplFZ-42x7uqPpDzgWxspDgWEak5KF0Nd36kjjE_hgJ7CKZ6nhlzlTtts3WCUFoTaGIbdTF_Xc0mF8-UeLwWYZH52DPs3JvKbZtBkV13_mNTWs_bBYea1tLO_k1KLU6rPzEBcaoB0/s1600-h/Jesus+paid+it+all.despair.addiction.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcmKcplFZ-42x7uqPpDzgWxspDgWEak5KF0Nd36kjjE_hgJ7CKZ6nhlzlTtts3WCUFoTaGIbdTF_Xc0mF8-UeLwWYZH52DPs3JvKbZtBkV13_mNTWs_bBYea1tLO_k1KLU6rPzEBcaoB0/s400/Jesus+paid+it+all.despair.addiction.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381717734188534930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">In order to win the battle in our minds and lives, we must allow God to work in us--to rescue us.</span> Many times we have trouble being honest about our own struggles. We are in denial about the battle waging in our minds. Further, we try to win with our own strategy and refuse God's rescuing, delivering, and saving power. But, how do we get passed it? How do we come out of depression, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">despair</span>, and bad decision making. How do we overcome and heal from hurts and disappointments?<br /><br />Here are some steps that might help you or help you help someone else.<br /><br />1. You must finally admit that you are loosing the battle on your own.<br />2. You must identify that there is a war going on in your mind.<br />3. You must allow God to rescue you.<br /><br />I humbly pray to the all seeing and all comforting God of grace and mercy, that you will be healed and set free by the power of Christ.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Romans 7: 21-25A</span><br /></div> <sup class="versenum" id="en-CEV-24672">21</sup>The Law has shown me that something in me keeps me from doing what I know is right. <sup class="versenum" id="en-CEV-24673">22</sup>With my whole heart I agree with the Law of God. <sup class="versenum" id="en-CEV-24674">23</sup>But in every part of me I discover something fighting against my mind, and it makes me a prisoner of sin that controls everything I do. <sup class="versenum" id="en-CEV-24675">24</sup>What a miserable person I am. Who will rescue me from this body that is doomed to die? <sup class="versenum" id="en-CEV-24676">25</sup>Thank God! Jesus Christ will rescue me.(Contemporary English Version)Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-61600570730205231452009-08-24T14:23:00.002-04:002009-08-24T15:58:20.074-04:00What is Your Gift or Worship<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyNetN1X1Nf2cyCGHVbZUvAr7HnlUFmgWseJqNcWJn3ky1bPgo6_i4dmeay8kU5JajpRF41iF9suPBJfz9UWg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-70612571964999023422009-08-06T13:40:00.002-04:002009-08-06T13:41:29.392-04:00OFF THE CHAIN BLOCK PARTY<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxehotXELjfHIQfSJvJEOyUaeYEK6sPtrYEh2YbVBZDJ-ehstKi2wl0LS8Ac1Nvv1CywhZEbLxmkrG6wVyTqcD4edY7qp8B4GkKJj71uR31WA5jAFfCaSwqMCZd9a60Lljf3V99sMoxI/s1600-h/FUMCblockParty.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxehotXELjfHIQfSJvJEOyUaeYEK6sPtrYEh2YbVBZDJ-ehstKi2wl0LS8Ac1Nvv1CywhZEbLxmkrG6wVyTqcD4edY7qp8B4GkKJj71uR31WA5jAFfCaSwqMCZd9a60Lljf3V99sMoxI/s400/FUMCblockParty.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366907269523754530" border="0" /></a>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-20738244625088410792009-08-03T21:03:00.012-04:002009-08-05T23:30:34.356-04:00"OFF the Chain" Block Party @ Clinton & Dewald St Fort Wayne, IN<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdl4Veh2_EJSZ1ZXpZTviKqSkL5BuwArM95T71bbNiFnEPWuoE4HKQexCkFdp5_g0KVvEqRLV3SjxeCs_dxPzqnW-8UgFcA1UPcmv6Fsfe33apnU2rkOhHr34yEA6HGPVI4rCbjJs0Mc/s1600-h/ty+causey.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 146px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdl4Veh2_EJSZ1ZXpZTviKqSkL5BuwArM95T71bbNiFnEPWuoE4HKQexCkFdp5_g0KVvEqRLV3SjxeCs_dxPzqnW-8UgFcA1UPcmv6Fsfe33apnU2rkOhHr34yEA6HGPVI4rCbjJs0Mc/s200/ty+causey.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365908165238913298" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:courier new;" ><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Come to this "Off the Chain Block Party" @ the corner Clinton & DeWald St </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">in Fort Wayne, IN on Saturday August 6, 2009! 12 noon until 8 pm</span><br /><br />You don't want to miss: The <span style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);">FOOD</span>, The <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 255);">CLOWNS,</span> the <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);">FUN</span><br /><br />Featuring Fort Wayne's very own :<a href="http://www.myspace.com/tycauseymusic"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> TY CAUSEY</span></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQm51lRi-Wu4boSSmSrFzgRIXzsJZu2CC_-xofRdGnyD13vNJYvKCDZnifhRQ0NIs6699AES-WlUhGkM3DBkMY07lLKSiM1ZqHPXrc7PxB7sjMQdvv5QaXRzDQC7QgA5f42ITEkJd8Qg/s1600-h/Cross+over.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQm51lRi-Wu4boSSmSrFzgRIXzsJZu2CC_-xofRdGnyD13vNJYvKCDZnifhRQ0NIs6699AES-WlUhGkM3DBkMY07lLKSiM1ZqHPXrc7PxB7sjMQdvv5QaXRzDQC7QgA5f42ITEkJd8Qg/s200/Cross+over.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365910567226839106" border="0" /></a><br />Evening Music with Christian Rock Band: <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><a href="http://www.myspace.com/crossoverrock">CROSS OVER >>></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Encouraging message from: </span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Pastor Rebecca Fisher<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">If you are seeking to connect with God and have fun, come on out!<br /><br />PS. Click above on artist's name to go to the artist's myspace.<br /></span></span></span>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-17719828756310388862009-07-27T22:52:00.001-04:002009-07-27T23:00:29.400-04:00Faith of African Americans<span class="contentheading_home"><span class="contentpagetitle_home">How the Faith of African-Americans Has Changed</span></span> <span class="contentpaneopen_home"><p><img class="top left" alt="alt" src="http://www.barna.org/images/stories/2009-07-27-home.jpg" width="280" align="left" height="186" />From the earliest days of America’s history, a deep-rooted spirituality has been one of the hallmarks of the black population in the country. A new study released by The Barna Group underscores that the passage of time has not diminished the importance of faith in the lives of African-Americans. The study examined the religious beliefs and behaviors of the black population, today and in comparison to 15 years ago, as well as comparing the faith of blacks to that of the U.S. population as a whole.</p> <p> <b>Religious Beliefs</b></p> <p>The research explored 12 religious beliefs. The current data indicates that among the four largest ethnic groups in the nation – whites, blacks, Hispanics and Asians – blacks had the highest score on 10 of the 12 belief indicators.</p> <p>Survey respondents reacted to nine statements regarding faith. Blacks were highest among the four ethnic groups in relation to eight of those nine statements. Those were as follows:</p> <hr /> <table style="width: 429px; height: 379px;" align="center" border="1" bordercolor="#999999" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr align="center" bgcolor="#ffffff"> </tr> <tr> <th class="buth">Belief</th> <th class="buth">U.S.</th> <th class="buth">Blacks</th> <th class="buth">Whites</th> </tr> <tr> <td class="butd">the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches</td> <td class="butd">49%</td> <td class="butd">66%</td> <td class="butd">46%</td> <td class="butd">*</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="butd">have personal responsibility to tell others your religious beliefs</td> <td class="butd">34</td> <td class="butd">46</td> <td class="butd">32</td> <td class="butd">*</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="butd">your religious faith is very important in your life</td> <td class="butd">72</td> <td class="butd">86</td> <td class="butd">70</td> <td class="butd">*</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="butd">Satan/devil is not a living being but is a symbol of evil</td> <td class="butd">39</td> <td class="butd">46</td> <td class="butd">38</td> <td class="butd">*</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="butd">when He lived on earth, Jesus Christ committed sins</td> <td class="butd">43</td> <td class="butd">54</td> <td class="butd">32</td> <td class="butd">*</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="butd">single, most important purpose of your life is to love God with all your heart, mind, strength and soul</td> <td class="butd">66</td> <td class="butd">85</td> <td class="butd">63</td> <td class="butd">*</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="butd">God is the all-powerful, all-knowing, perfect creator of the universe who rules the world today</td> <td class="butd">70</td> <td class="butd">84</td> <td class="butd">69</td> <td class="butd">**</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="butd">your highest priority in your life these days is your faith</td> <td class="butd">11</td> <td class="butd">18</td> <td class="butd">11</td> <td class="butd">***</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="butd"><b>number of persons interviewed</b></td> <td class="butd"><b>9232</b></td> <td class="butd"><b>1272</b></td> <td class="butd"><b>6038</b></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p> </p> <center>* = answered “strongly agree” with the statement posed<br />** = chose this description from several options<br />*** = gave this response (i.e., “faith”) without prompting or options to choose from<br /><span class="butableheadersource">(Source: The Barna Group, Ventura, CA)</span></center><hr /> <p> The only faith statement for which the African-American response was similar to that of the U.S. average was “if a person is generally good, or does enough good things for others during their life, they will earn a place in Heaven.”</p> <p>There were three other belief oriented results in the survey, and African-Americans were the highest ethnic group on two of those three. Specifically, blacks were the group most likely to be born again Christians (59%, compared to a national average of 46%) and were the ethnic segment most likely to consider themselves to be Christian (92% did so, versus 85% nationally). However, they were no more likely than average to qualify as evangelical Christians.</p> <div> </div> <div><b>Religious Behavior</b></div> <p>The Barna study examined 13 religious behaviors. Again demonstrating their spiritual uniqueness, African-Americans ranked highest among the four ethnic groups on eight of those 13 indicators and lowest on two of them. In all, blacks differed significantly from the national average on nine of the behaviors.</p> <p>Compared to the other three ethnic groups, blacks emerged as the most likely to engage in each of five church-related activities in a typical week (attending church services, participating in a small group, attending a Sunday school class, praying, and reading the Bible). They were also the most likely to have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is still important in their life and to have an “active faith” (i.e., attend church services, pray to God and read from the Bible during the week). They also had the lowest proportion of unchurched adults and were the ethnic group least likely to be Catholic.</p> <p>Religious behaviors and choices among blacks that occur at levels equivalent to the national average are being “absolutely committed to the Christian faith” and having shared one’s faith in Christ with others during the past year.</p> <div> </div> <div><b>Changes Over Time</b></div> <p>The Barna study compared current statistics for African-American faith with that measured 15 years ago and found substantial change during that period.</p> <p>Six of seven measures of belief had changed significantly. Blacks today are more likely than they were in the early 1990s to believe that the principles taught in the Bible are totally accurate; to say that their religious faith is very important in their life; to have a biblically orthodox understanding of the nature of God; and to be born again. They are also less likely to strongly affirm that Satan is symbolic, not real; and to contend that a good person can earn his/her way into Heaven.</p> <p>The measure that had not changed was the sense of personal responsibility to discuss their beliefs with others.</p> <p>Three of the five behavioral measures that were evaluated both recently and 15 years ago showed substantial change. Those efforts included an increase in the proportion of African-Americans who have made a personally important commitment to Christ, church attendance, and Bible reading. The measures that reflected no movement were Sunday school attendance and affiliating with the Catholic church.</p> <div> </div> <p><b>American-American Faith in Context</b></p> <p>The African-American population is presently about 15% of the national population. Other research conducted by Barna has indicated that spirituality is generally a more central element in the lives of blacks than in the lives of people from other ethnic groups. That spiritual emphasis accounts for some of the higher levels of religious activity and the more biblically-oriented beliefs registered within the black community.</p> <p>While the beliefs and behaviors of America’s white population have changed little since the early 1990’s, the new research underscored that the faith of African-Americans is dynamic, generally moving in a direction that is more aligned with conservative biblical teachings.</p> <div> </div> <div><b>About the Research</b></div> <p>This report is based upon telephone interviews conducted by The Barna Group among nine nationwide random samples of adults. In the course of the 9,232 interviews conducted, each respondent was asked if they considered themselves to be black or African-American. These surveys were conducted between January 2007 and November 2008. In total, there were 1,272 adults in the African-American category. The range of sampling error associated with the total sample of adults is between ±0.2 and ±1.0 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The range of sampling error associated with the sub-sample of African-Americans is between ±1.3 and ±2.8 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. These allowances do not include other types of error (known as non-sampling error) that can occur in surveys, such as errors arising from question wording, question sequencing, and the recording of responses.</p> <p>“Born again Christians” were defined as people who said they had made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that was still important in their life today and who also indicated they believed that when they die they will go to Heaven because they had confessed their sins and had accepted Jesus Christ as their savior. Respondents were not asked to describe themselves as “born again.”</p> <p>The Barna Group, Ltd. (which includes its research division, The Barna Research Group) is a private, non-partisan, for-profit organization that conducts primary research on a wide range of issues and products, produces resources pertaining to cultural change, leadership and spiritual development, and facilitates the healthy spiritual growth of leaders, children, families and Christian ministries. Located in Ventura, California, Barna has been conducting and analyzing primary research to understand cultural trends related to values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors since 1984. If you would like to receive free e-mail notification of the release of each new, bi-monthly update on the latest research findings from The Barna Group, you may subscribe to this free service at the Barna website (<a href="http://www.barna.org%29/">www.barna.org)</a>. Additional research-based resources, both free and at discounted prices, are also available through that website.</p> <div>© The Barna Group, Ltd, 2009.<br /><br /><strong>Copyright Disclaimer: All the information contained on the barna.org website is copyrighted by The Barna Group, Ltd., 2368 Eastman Ave. Unit 12, Ventura, California 93003. No portion of this website (articles, graphs, charts, reviews, pictures, video clips, quotes, statistics, etc.) may be reproduced, retransmitted, disseminated, sold, distributed, published, edited, altered, changed, broadcast, circulated, or commercially exploited without the prior written permission from The Barna Group, Ltd.<br /></strong></div></span>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-87143710415247433802009-06-17T19:57:00.005-04:002009-06-17T20:04:57.478-04:00<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Century Schoolbook;font-size:100%;" ><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img style="width: 415px; height: 97px;" alt="" src="http://www.umc-gbcs.org/atf/cf/%7b689fea4c-8849-4c05-a89e-c9bc7ffff64c%7d/gbcslogo_webanima2.gif" border="0" /></span></span></span><table style="width: 418px; height: 651px;" bgcolor="#567eac" border="1" cellpadding="9"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"></tr><tr bgcolor="#ffffff"><td> <h1 style="font-size: 95%; color: rgb(0, 85, 179);">Join the Movement to Reform the Criminal Justice System!</h1> <p style="font-size: 95%;"><span>On <strong>Thursday, June 18 at 2 pm EST</strong>, people of faith from across the country will be taking part in a <strong>National Faith and Criminal Justice Reform Conference Call</strong> to discuss much-needed reforms in the criminal justice system.</span></p> <p style="font-size: 95%;"><span>Here are the call-in details:</span></p> <p style="font-size: 95%;"><span>Phone: 800-920-7487<br />Code: 76723736. </span></p> <p style="font-size: 95%;"><span>O</span><span>ur focus for this call will be on specific issues that directly impact the African American community. June 19 is the day we celebrate <strong>Juneteenth</strong>, which commemorates the final announcement of the end of slavery in the United States. </span></p> <p style="font-size: 95%;"><span>We will hear a reflection on this historic day and its relation to our current situation with the criminal justice system and strategic programs to reduce what is a disproportionate contact between minority groups and the criminal justice system. </span></p> <p style="font-size: 95%;"><span>We will also hear legislative updates on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act and <a title="http://www.umc-gbcs.org/c.frLJK2PKLqF/b.3634159/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?aid=11882" target="_blank" href="http://www.umc-gbcs.org/c.frLJK2PKLqF/b.3634159/siteapps/advocacy/ActionItem.aspx?aid=11882">ending the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine</a>. These important pieces of legislation are ready to move and <strong>we need your help.</strong></span></p> <p style="font-size: 95%;"><span><strong>I hope you and members of your faith community will call in Thursday June 18 at 2 pm and be a part of this important call!</strong></span></p> <p style="font-size: 95%;">In Christ,</p> <p style="font-size: 95%;"><strong>Bill Mefford<br />Director, Civil and Human Rights</strong></p></td></tr></tbody></table>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-87708412293325936112009-05-14T13:39:00.003-04:002009-05-14T13:50:14.215-04:00Truly Happy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKp4CgOHC55LlF3_RNbtAttQvW4EOk9FXdLpS3F5oUTqJbUOTOwfD6yOfX1ioQ_gq4L4hFsxXNSnJ1FxuKNjnOnmmRhBlMbEeXM-uz9ZytRSC8fSSlJ1E1V6yKbvh0C_adeYoOEo3_aM/s1600-h/Waterfall.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335738258529886658" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKp4CgOHC55LlF3_RNbtAttQvW4EOk9FXdLpS3F5oUTqJbUOTOwfD6yOfX1ioQ_gq4L4hFsxXNSnJ1FxuKNjnOnmmRhBlMbEeXM-uz9ZytRSC8fSSlJ1E1V6yKbvh0C_adeYoOEo3_aM/s200/Waterfall.jpg" border="0" /></a> I can honestly say that I am truly happy. Filled with joy is even a better expression of my life. I have always wanted to feel a sense of satisfaction in life--to know I was fulfilling my purpose. I believe that I am fulfilling my purpose. It is so very refreshing not to struggle with hoping one day I'll figure it all out or "find myself" somehow. What is really profound is that the more I untied my ID from my own expectations and wrapped my ID in God's purposes, the more satisfied I became. That inner statisfaction frees me to be filled with and to openly express joy. This is the kind of joy that transcends my situation, the economy, my relationships--everything. This inner peace is truly an anchor. It isn't shaken or stirred--just steady. What about you? Truly Happy? Satisfied? Filled with Joy?<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-19542354909202269682009-03-11T11:26:00.003-04:002009-03-11T11:43:32.231-04:00What Do We Accomplish During Lent<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjPwEx9qB8Bnu4A-VNDw16IE8dtjM5wXXyk9WZekJJyrq476lkFeQ2q3TdAOFjO6Ob4dwosr_Iy0pbU0LOK-eNpU2LjVSEGkskyyBdSqsNQPi_4GYfEX-WzSPolUTibW4t9lDYmj4d2Y/s1600-h/jesusonthecross02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjPwEx9qB8Bnu4A-VNDw16IE8dtjM5wXXyk9WZekJJyrq476lkFeQ2q3TdAOFjO6Ob4dwosr_Iy0pbU0LOK-eNpU2LjVSEGkskyyBdSqsNQPi_4GYfEX-WzSPolUTibW4t9lDYmj4d2Y/s200/jesusonthecross02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311956097144558002" border="0" /></a><br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Rebecca/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" />We are in the season of Lent which is a time or preparation, reflection, and discovery. We walk with Jesus during this time and meditate on the <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Journey to the Cross</span>. We engage at a deeper level inwardly and we really <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">Go Deeper</span> within to address areas in our lives that we need to surrender to God. To break that down a little bit--During Lent, we seek to change things in our lives and mostly in our hearts that we know need to change in order to be all that God wants us to be.<br /><br />One way you can do that is by keeping a journal. In your journal, write each day the things you have done and said that you sense are pleasing to God and those that you wish you could change. If you see a pattern of particular difficulty, begin to develop and action plan that will help you to change in that area of your life.Look at that time as a time to <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Journey to the Cross. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You will be in essence working to put whatever issue you have to death once and for all. </span></span>As you do, look toward Resurrection Sunday as a time of Revival!<br /><br />I invite you to Go Deeper in this season!<br /><br />Pastor RebeccaPastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4721218451270305514.post-79456134048984960642009-01-19T20:00:00.004-05:002009-06-17T20:03:27.669-04:00Keep Hope Alive in 2009!This marks a time when we can be filled with hope. Let's join the nation is supporting the new president, Barak Obama.Pastor Rebeccahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02800711040171319442noreply@blogger.com1