September 2021
by Alistair Begg Pastor, Chagrin Falls, Ohio What does it look like to live as a Christian in a society that increasingly does not like what Christians believe, what we say, and how we live? Or to put it another way: What do we do when we realize that the place we are living is less and less like Jerusalem, and more and more like Babylon? For centuries in the West, and perhaps particularly in the United States, Christians have enjoyed being in the rooms where things happen. But now the wind of society is less at our backs and more in our faces. For the first time, perhaps, we need to learn how to live well in Babylon. And
cross them. we find the resources to do so in God’s word. The experience of most of God’s Resolve to Draw the Line people for most of the Scriptures was We cannot overstate the pressure that of living as a minority in a Daniel and his friends society that at best did not understand them, and We have much Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were under when at worst actively to learn, for they arrived in Babylon: opposed them. instance, from their nation defeated, We have much the first exiles of their temple destroyed, to learn, for Israel — Daniel and now living in the instance, from the first exiles of Israel and his generation most glittering and powerful city in the known — Daniel and his world. They were enlisted generation. And one in the service of the king of lesson of Daniel for our Babylon — and they accepted it. Their increasingly post-Christian day education was that of Babylon — and is this: know God and his word, know they accepted it. Their names were where to draw your lines, and don’t
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changed to be those of Babylon — and they accepted it. Their food was to be that of Babylon — and Daniel and his friends drew the line there. “Know God and his word, know where to draw your lines, and don’t cross them.” “Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank” (Daniel 1:8). Daniel said, I can do this, and I can absorb that, but I cannot go any further. I have drawn a line; I will not cross it, and I am taking my stand here. A dead fish flows with the current; it takes a live fish to swim against the stream.
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INSPIRATION
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Hard Reset by Paula McBride The post-vacation laundry was in the washer along with the detergent when I pressed the power button. Nothing! I unplugged the washer and plugged it back in. Nothing! I got an extension cord, plugged it in to a different outlet, and got one washer load to work. When I tried to start the washer for the next load, again I got no power. I plugged the toaster into the washer outlet, and eliminated the possibility that it had failed. Since I didn’t know what else to do, I checked with Siri. She came through with the fix: hold the power button in for five seconds, then try again. Whew! Who would have thought all my washer needed was a hard reset? Now that summer is waning and school has started, much of life has needed a hard reset. Morning has reset into waking early and rushing into the day’s routine without lingering over that second cup of coffee. Lazy afternoons in the pool are reset into time for homework and soccer practice. The relaxation of vacation has reset into new pressures at work. This all may sound depressing, but resets are good; they are a time for renewal and fresh beginnings. The prophet Jeremiah knew where to go for his reset. In Lamentations 2, he wrote, “I remember my affliction…
bitterness and the gall. My soul is downcast” (vss. 19, 20). Then he turned his mind to the Lord. “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning” (vss. 22,23). When a reset is needed because we are saturated with all that is negative in the world or in our lives personally, we can focus each morning on all the newness that is available in Christ. The New Testament is filled with the celebration of newness that is found in Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul celebrates an entirely new creation for anyone who is in Christ Jesus. “The old has gone, the new is here!” he writes in II Corinthians 5:17. Paul writes to the Ephesians that we can be made new in the attitude of our minds and put on a new self (vss.
23, 24). If our love tank needs to be reset, the apostle John writes, “This is how love is made complete in us…we love because He first loved us” (I John 4:17, 19). As if this wasn’t enough to be excited about, John writes that everything will be reset. As he absorbs all he is seeing in his revelation, John hears the One who was seated on the throne saying, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5). Imagine that! A new everything! What a day that will be! In order to get my washing machine going again, I had to push the power button. It was a choice I made, an act of my will. Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given you,” (Matthew 7:7). I have chosen to ask God to reset my whole self every morning. Will you join me?
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The Ambassador is a free, monthly publication promoting unity and revival among the local Yuba-Sutter area Bible-believing churches. The Ambassador has a circulation of 5,000 - 6,000 and is distributed in local churches and businesses in the community. The purpose of The Ambassador is to pursue the great commission of Christ by making disciples and to encourage, inform, challenge and connect the local body of Christ. We believe in the inspiration and authority of the Bible as the written word of God. We believe that God exists as One, in three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that the atoning work of Christ (His death) on the cross and His resurrection is the ONLY means of salvation and the only way to Eternal Life in Heaven. We welcome editorial content from anyone wishing to promote the mission of The Ambassador. All articles and advertisement content is subject to the approval of the editor. View expressed in The Ambassador do not necessarily reflect those of our sponsors or advertisers Editor/Publisher - Seth Halpern
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When The Love Notes Are Written In Dust by Christy Boals www.gracefilledpurpose.com I don’t know about your house, but by the end of summer my house is a disaster. I have so many active, busy, creative kids that over the summer we usually put the housekeeping aside in favor of more fun activities. There is play-doh smashed onto my front patio, bits of craft paper fluttering across the family room floor and art projects displayed on the table and counters. I think the wake-up call to me that it might be time to do some end-of -summer cleaning though, was this morning when I saw that my daughter had written, “I love you Mommy,” in the dust on top of the coffee maker! The funny thing is, for me, this lack of concern over housekeeping is actually a huge growth step. Yes, every now and then over the past two months I have had a freak out day and had the kids blitz-clean the house. But for the most part, I have been far more relaxed. I wish I could have been more relaxed when my older children were young. There were far too many evenings that I would stay up late, after putting them all to bed and frantically clean my house. This really didn’t accomplish anything other than wearing me out. The house would get just as messy the next day,
and ‘Good Housekeeping’ magazine never showed up once to photograph my house! I am so grateful that Jesus keeps working on our hearts, not leaving us in our messes. He has worked so much on my heart in this area of performancebased works and filled my heart instead with grace and compassion for myself, my husband, and my children. I am by no means perfect, but I know He is going to keep teaching me and leading me. I know as we approach the fall and all that it entails for us as parents, either getting our kids back to school or beginning homeschooling again, we can easily fall into performance thinking. My prayer is that we can all take a deep breath and remember that
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INSPIRATION - - - UNIQUE - - by Jon Skillman The other day while attending the memorial service for my friend Joey, I found myself searching for the most accurate word to describe him and the word “unique” settled into my consciousness. Joey was indeed a most unique individual, and I mean that in the most complimentary way. In fact, it was his uniqueness that drew me to him. As I sat there in remembrance I recalled the words of Psalms 139:13, 14: “For you created my innermost being, You, knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” What a marvelous statement. Think about it; each and every one of us has been Individually knit together by the very hands of God Himself, directed by the distinct pattern of our unique DNA. There is not another human being on earth with the exact same physical features, personality traits or mannerisms. Mindboggling! Can you imagine if God had merely set up an assembly line and cranked out a population of, Jon clones? Perish the thought…what a boring place this would be if we were all like me or any other person for that matter. God created us individually with certain
gifts and talents to fill certain purposes He created us to do, as spelled out in Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” To further expand this…dare I say the word…diversity, we are also given the sometimes blessing, sometimes curse, of free will. And, along with free will we are also given a conscience. Both free will and our conscience are formed and influenced by our life experiences, environment, ego, desires and sinful nature all of which seldom adds up to righteousness which is God’s will. God’s will is for everyone to be saved. God’s will is for everyone to come to a saving knowledge of Him and His promise of eternal life with
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CALENDAR Ongoing Events ROAD TO RECOVERY - Sundays, 7:00pm Christian 12 Step support group Crossroads Community Church - 445 B. St. Yuba City GRIEF SHARE; GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP - Wednesdays, 6:00pm, For those dealing with the loss of a loved one. Crossroads Community Church - 445 B. St. Yuba City LADIES BIBLE STUDY - Tuesdays 5:30PM Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Rd (Building 500, Rm 206 - Live Oak, CA 95953 (530) 671-3160 - info@churchofgladtidings.com Join us for Ladies Bible Study as we dig deep into The Word. Check out our GT Calendar for events at www.churchofgladtidings.com PRAYER FOR THE NATION - Every Tuesday Night 7PM - 8:30PM Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Rd (Building 200) - Live Oak, CA 95953 (530) 671-3160 - info@churchofgladtidings.com EMBASSY HOUSE OF PRAYER - Every Thursday Night 7PM - 8:30PM Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Rd (Building 200) - Live Oak, CA 95953 (530) 671-3160 - info@churchofgladtidings.com "My house shall be called a house of prayer." (Matt. 21:13). The church today is in an all-out war against the evils of darkness. The body of Christ is called to step up and be aggressive in their prayer life. GT LIFE RECOVERY & SUPPORT GROUP - Every Friday Night6PM Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Rd (Building 500) - Live Oak, CA 95953 (530) 671-3160 - info@churchofgladtidings.com Discover the road to recovery, paved with God's promises through this Biblically based program. BETHESDA HEALING WELL - 3rd Saturday of the Month 10AM - 12PM Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Rd (Building 200) - Live Oak, CA 95953 (530) 671-3160 - info@churchofgladtidings.com Come to receive prayer and be refreshed while soaking in an atmosphere of worship and praise. Sorry, No Childcare.
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• Prayer List for September 2021 • 2-Sep 3-Sep 4-Sep 5-Sep 6-Sep 7-Sep 8-Sep 9-Sep 10-Sep 11-Sep 12-Sep 13-Sep 14-Sep 15-Sep 16-Sep 17-Sep 18-Sep 19-Sep 20-Sep 21-Sep 22-Sep 23-Sep 24-Sep 25-Sep 26-Sep 27-Sep 28-Sep 29-Sep 30-Sep
Pray for the eradication of Covid-19 and its variants!! Pray for the vaccines to be effective with only minor side effects! Race relations in our nation- Pray for understanding and collaboration between races and an ease of racial tension Afghanastan- Pray that God intercedes to protect the people (especially Christians) from the Taliban Unemployed/small business- Pray for financial stability and resources Veterans- Let's pray for, honor, and thank all of those who served our country in the military Restore America! Pray against the divisiveness and violence in this nation Seniors and Elderly- Pray for renewed physical and mental strength Mental Illness- Pray for those who dealing with Mental Health issues or suicidal thoughts 9/11 - Pray for Responders- Pray for safety Israel- Pray for safety from violence, and for the Peace of Jerusalem Singles, Single Parents, Divorced , Widowed- pray for those experiencing loneliness and overwheliming burdens Revival- Pray that our global chaos would lead multitudes to repent and follow the Lord!! Unity of Churches/Global impact- Pray for churches to unite and influence the world! Marriages- Pray that relationships would grow and families would seek the Lord together President- Pray that God would show Himself to Pres. Biden and he would radically change his life and leadership Local Ministries- Pray for continued financial support and volunteers to meet needs (see page 3) California- pray for God's will in the upcoming recall election and that the results be a blessing for His Glory Sex Trafficking- Pray for the freedom, healing and restoration of survivors and for traffickers to repent Local city/county leaders- Wisdom for leading our community back to "normal" 40 Days for Life begins- Pray that Planned Parenthood in Yuba City be shut down! Schools- Pray for the students, teachers and staff to continue to focus on learning during confusing times Father's and Household Leadership- Pray for dads and single moms or grandparents to be the family leaders that God calls them to be Homeless- Safety, health and provision- REST program, Twin Cities Rescue Mission, other local homeless ministries Addicted- pray for those under the control of substances that they would surrender and get the treatment they need Health Care Workers- Pray for physical protection and endurance Pastors- That God would give them strength, courage and wisdom to speak the truth from the pulpit Disabled- that they would receive the assistance and support they need Economic Recovery- for the ability to recover and for businesses to reopen
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Special Events
ISAIAH 61 CONFERENCE October 25 - 29 Begins Monday at 6 pm Ends Friday 12 noon Embassy of Heaven Campus, Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Rd., YC 530-671-3160 Register online: www.churchofgladtidings.com The Isaiah 61 Conference on spiritual warfare and deliverance by Pastor Dave Bryan. This conference has been taught all over the world. The Isaiah 61 Conference was birthed from an intense desire to see the full benefit of the work of salvation take place in our lives. To see the work of hell defeated and to see all God’s people walk in freedom from the bondage of sin.
CELEBRATION OF HEROES Crossroads Community Church, 445 B St. Yuba City Saturday September 18, 10AM-2PM Join us as we honor our men and women in uniform. There will vehicle and equipment displays from local law enforcement and fire departments. We will have Macharia in concert. Sheriff Brandon Barnes and Yuba City Mayor Marc Boomgarden will be speaking. There will also be booths from various vendors and civic organizations. COMMUNITY BBQ Gray Ave. Church, 1524 Gray Ave, YC Saturday, September 18th, 11am Come on out and enjoy a free lunch on us! Church or unchurched, we are seeking to bless the community.
JOSHUA HOUSE FALL FUNDRAISING DINNER Crossroads Community Church 445 B St. Yuba City Thursday, October 21st, 6:30pm. HARVEST FEST 2021 Gray Ave. Church, 1524 Gray Ave, YC October 22nd, 6pm-9pm Join us Friday, October 22nd for an alternative to Halloween. We'll have games, candy, hot dogs, and more. It's all FREE! Appropriate costumes are encouraged! See you there!
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31ST ANNUAL WESTERN ROUND UP AND BBQ DINNER Crossroads Community Church, 445 B St. Yuba City Saturday, October 16th, 5PM Join us for some down-home fun. Western worship and preaching followed by out of this world BBQ.
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TO TANZANIA WITH LOVE Crossroads Community Church, 445 B St. YC September 12th, 5:00 Spaghetti Dinner; 6:00 Concert and Program Benefit for Samaritan Village Orphanage, Tanzania, Africa Wonderful evening featuring internationally known missionary and singer, Dan McCraw. There will be a free spaghetti dinner at 5 followed by Dan McCraw in concert at 6. A Love Offering will be taken to benefit the orphans at Samaritan Village Orphanage. Come join with us – an evening you’ll never forget!
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LIFE MATTERS presented by Yuba-Sutter Right To Life "40 Days for Life Fall Campaign" My Name is Maureen Guth and I am a leader of the 40 Days for Life here in Yuba City. Many of you have participated in these campaigns, but far too many have not. 40 Days for Life brings churches together in a beautiful display of Christian unity and action by praying in front of an abortion business for the end to abortion. Here in Yuba City, we pray at 430 Palora Avenue on the sidewalk of the small plaza where the Planned Parenthood facility is located. Why PP you say? “They have all sorts of health services!” Well, that’s their cover, to try to make them look respectable. But their overwhelming source of income is from abortion. In the fall of 2017, Wynette Sills, JC Carpenter, Liz Cooper and others joined as a team to recruit volunteers from many Churches to pray at Planned Parenthood. As a result, we know of 30 babies who have been saved in our city and their mom’s have been spared the aftereffects of an abortion. This Fall will be our 8th campaign and we are determined to end abortion here in Yuba City. We also
pray for the workers at PP that they would have a change of heart and leave the abortion business. The ministry of “And Then There Were None” started by Abby Johnson (a former PP Manager whose life story is depicted in the movie “Unplanned” has exposed the abortion industry for what it is – a business) helps former abortion workers make the transition to a world away from this hideous industry, finding another job and get a new life. Personally, I never thought I could pray at an abortion facility. It seemed pretty extreme to do something like that and I was scared. I was asked to drive some women to Sacramento to pray at the PP on B Street where they performed surgical abortions. I had no excuse not to and so I agreed. Once we arrived and began to pray, I felt the peace of the Lord fill me and I knew that this was His will for me. Then I heard one of the
sidewalk counselors call out “the Doctor is here". My heart sank and tears filled my eyes - the reality that soon a little life would be ended awakened in me the importance of being there to pray for these moms and babies. Do you know that many women go for an abortion because they are being pressured? They think this is their ONLY option. Our 40 Days Trained sidewalk counselors lovingly approach those going to PP and offer information on all their options. We offer help and truth even for those who share they have already had an abortion. We listen and offer help with postabortion healing information, for men as well as women. And for those going for other services, we give a brochure with resources here in town that perform all those other services, but do not perform abortion. Former abortion workers have said that up to 75% of women
never show for their abortion appointment when we are there praying! God only knows how many moms changed their mind and went home because they saw someone praying on the sidewalk. Won’t you be a prayer warrior and come to the sidewalk this campaign? We need you ….. The babies and their mom’s need you! Please take a look at the flier with this campaign’s information – Then give us a call, text or email and we will place you on the schedule. Thank you, Maureen Guth
God’s Word on Honoring the Aged “The glory of the young
is their strength; the gray hair of experience is the splendor of the old.” - Proverbs 20:29
David A. Shaw and Susan P. Growney. Securities offered through HD Vest Investment ServicesSM, Member: SIPC, Advisory services are offered through H.D. Vest Advisory ServicesSM, 6333 North State Highway 161, Fourth Floor, Irving, Texas 75038, (972) 870-6000. Shaw & Associates is not a registered broker/dealer or registered investment advisory firm. Official voting results based on Appeal-Democrat online public survey conducted in July, 2018.
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God’s love = Unconditional Yes, but…. I agree completely that God’s love is unconditional. And I (like you) am grateful for that. However, His promises are conditional! Why do I feel it is necessary to address this point? Because certain verses are often repeated out of context which will give false hope to the believer. For example: You will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Sounds great but what precedes that sentence is the key to – 1. Knowing the truth 2. Being set free Here is the verse in its entirety: John 8:31–32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” For those who choose to walk in clear, defiant disobedience to the Word of God, truth and freedom will not be available to them. Another example: All things work together for our
good. Romans 8:28 says in its entirety: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” What determines our love for God? Jesus gives us the answer in John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command. In addition, the verse concludes with “according to his purpose.” Which means not necessarily our purpose. Let me illustrate with one last verse which speaks clearly to both His unconditional love for us along with a condition packaged within it. John 3:16“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son (unconditional love), that whoever believes in him (conditional) shall not perish but have eternal life.” To only speak of God’s unconditional love without addressing the conditions for the blessings and benefits leaves people frustrated and confused. So, let’s grasp this reality as believers and then we will be better equipped to boldly declare this to unbelievers.
David Kugelman is the president of the Christian Business Alliance which meets each Tuesday at noon at various locations. Dave welcomes your questions or comments on this article at drkug@comcast.net
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ACIP Energy - David & Michelle Vincent - (530) 777-ACIP After Hours Notary - Bill Sluder - (530) 777-8667 Caldwell’s Custom Countertops, Inc. - Kathleen Caldwell - (530) 821-5845 David Greenetz Construction - Dave Greenetz - (530) 682-9602 Elite Group - Pat & Doreen Maher - (530) 713-9420 Gaiser Pets - John Gaiser - (530) 751-8155 Ed Han - “The Aflac Man” - (209) 298-6102 Hilbers, Inc. - Kurt Hilbers - (530) 673-2947 Holycross Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc - David Holycross - (530) 751-7000 Jenine L. Tanabe, MD Dermatologist- Jenine Tanabe - (530) 743-0301 Proforma by Kug - Dave Kugelman - (530) 742-2423 Richard’s Tree Service - Fred Cox - (530) 673-7993 Shadd Janitorial Supply - Roger Shadd - (530) 673-0083
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The Jewish High Holy Days by Pam Duey As we enter the Autumn season many of us will start to plan and make preparations for our upcoming Thanksgiving dinner. Hopefully we will be able to share it with a few more people than we have in the past 2 years! At this same time, the global Jewish community will prepare to enter their Season of High Holy Days. There are three of these special days, each one celebrating a unique aspect of God’s provision for and preservation of the Jewish people; Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. 1-The first of these Fall celebrations, Rosh Hashanah, is often called “The Jewish New Year”. Tradition says that it is on this day that the world was created. This is a time of gathering and feasting with friends and family, and the meal usually includes apples dipped in honey, or other honey-laden treats, as everyone wishes each other a “sweet” New Year. The 10 days of this celebration are called “The Days of Awe”, and each person sets aside time
for reflection and repentance, preparing their heart to seek God on the second Holy Day, Yom Kippur. 2-Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, is the most solemn of the High Holy days. Instead of being celebrated with feasting, this day is observed with a 24 hour fast and seeking God’s forgiveness. As described in Leviticus 16, this was the day when the High Priest offered up burnt offerings and sacrifices to atone for the sins of the past year- first for himself and the other priests, then for all of the people. Two male goats were used. One goat was slaughtered, and the other goat,
the “scapegoat,” was taken into the wilderness to die, taking with it all the sins of Israel. Now however, with no temple and no way to offer sacrifice, Jewish people rely on prayer, devotion and acts of kindness to receive God’s mercy and forgiveness. 3-Sukkot, known as the Feast of Booths or the Feast of Tabernacles, begins 15 days after Rosh Hashana and 5 days after Yom Kippur. This is an 8-day celebration of Joy, and many people set up temporary shelters or “booths” outside of their houses and eat (and sometimes sleep) in them for the full week. This feast is held in
remembrance of God’s provision and dwelling with the children of Israel in the wilderness wanderings, and is commemorated with festivities, singing and the reading of the Torah, the five books of Moses. Many believers agree that each of the Jewish Holidays is a shadow of past and future events. As the Spring Festivals (Passover, The Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of First Fruits and the Feast of Weeks) were all realized in the First Coming of Jesus Christ, so the Fall Feasts will be fulfilled by His Second Coming. Rosh Hashana points to the day when the trumpet sounds and the Saints are gathered together in the last days. The prophetic fulfillment of Yom Kippur will come with the Great Tribulation – also known as “the time of Jacob’s trouble”. And Sukkot will be fully realized in the Millennial Kingdom, the New Heaven and Earth, and the eternal life to come. All in all, the Jewish festivals and holy days unveil a spectacular picture of God’s matchless love, grace, faithfulness and provision for the Jewish people and the rest of mankind.
• JEWISH HIGH HOLY DAYS • 1. On Rosh Hashanah, the ram’s horn is blown how many times? A. 100 B.. 70 C. 8 2. Eating this on Rosh Hashanah expresses a wish for a sweet year ahead. A. Bread without yeast. B. Parsley with water C. Apple and honey 3. Yom Kippur is often referred to as the______________ A. Day of Atonement.
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B. Jewish New Year C. Purim
4. Yom Kippur is observed with ________ A. Singing B. Feasting C. Fasting 5. Rosh Hashanah is often called the ___________ A. Passover B. Jewish New Year C. Talmud
6. Tradition says that the _________ 9. The 10 days leading up to Yom Kippur are considered the______ was created on Rosh Hashanah A. Days of Awe A. Sun B. Sea B. Exodus C. Covenant C. World 7. Yom Kippur occurs _____ days after Rosh Hashanah A. 10 B. 3 C. 7 8. The Jewish High Holy Days usually occur during _____ A. Winter B. Spring C. Autumn
10. The shofar is a _________ A. Bull Horn B. Ram’s horn C. Book of Moses
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Bible Trivia
Word Search
John the Baptist
1.
Who was John the Baptist's father? a). Thaddeus c). Zechariah b). Joseph d). Malachi
2.
Who was John the Baptist's mother? a). Mary c). Martha b). Elisabeth d). Rachel
3.
What kind of clothes did John the Baptist wear? a). Camel's hair c). Buffalo hair b). Sheep skin d). Woven cloth
4
John the Baptist was how much older than Jesus? a). 2 years c). 6 months b). 1 year d). He was younger
5.
The relationship of Jesus to John the Baptist was: a). Brother c). John was Jesus' Uncle b). Cousin d). Jesus was John's Uncle
6.
What is the name of the river in which John the Baptist baptized people? a). Euphrates c). Jordan b). Nile d). Tigris
7.
John the Baptist was put in prison for declaring that Herod had broken the Law? a).Lying c). Violating the Sabbath b) Murder d). Adultery
8
Who asked Herod for the head of John the Baptist? a). Herodias c). Sapphira b). The daughter of Herodias d). Candacel
9.. When Jesus heard that John the Baptist had been arrested, where did he go? a). Jerusalem b). Nazareth
c). Galilee d). Bethany
Answers on Page 16
Answers on Page 16
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5 Ways To Pray For People In Afghanistan
1. Pray that God would protect Afghan Christians and give them wisdom as they decide what to do. Even more than before, Afghan Christians are about to be under
Belz stated that she was aware of at least one letter that an Afghan Christian received from the Taliban, stating, “We know where you are, and we know what you’re doing.” Such a troubling future for Afghan believers is difficult to fathom. Please pray that Christians would be strengthened in their faith to withstand persecution. Pray that God would meet their practical and physical needs. Pray that they would remain hidden from the Taliban.
immense pressure. Joshua Youssef, president of Help the Persecuted, outlined three main possible outcomes. First, some Afghan Christians may succumb to the pressure and return to the Muslim background many of them converted from.
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2. Pray for the safety and preservation of women and girls in Afghanistan. The Taliban is notorious for its oppression of women and girls. Fortunately, many young women in Afghanistan today grew up without the abuses of Taliban fighters and life under strict Sharia law. Yet, that time has come to an end. The Taliban has returned, and Afghan women and girls are rightfully
Second, Afghan Christians could be forced to pay some sort of penalty. “Some people call it a tax, but it’s really a penalty to remain a Christian, a dhimmi, under Islamic rule,” Youssef says. Third, it is possible that Afghan Christians will be hunted down and killed by Taliban fighters. Youssef says, “that’s the concern that a lot of people have … that there will be violence.” WORLD magazine reporter Mindy
Continue on page 15
God’s Word on Honoring the Aged “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” - Proverbs 17:6 Professionals Dedicated to Protecting and Preserving Your Growing Investment Serving Our Neighbors Since 1957
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by Arielle Del Turco (Christian Post) The scenes coming out of Afghanistan are horrific. People are so desperate to flee that they would cling to the exteriors of airplanes as they are taking off, with some tragically falling to their deaths. A young woman in tears dreading the Taliban rule says, “No one cares about us. We’ll die slowly in history.” Being confronted with such tragedies ought to drive us to our knees in prayer. Faced with the worst-case scenario, the people of Afghanistan need a miracle. Here are several ways we can pray for Afghanistan.
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Continued From Page 14: "5 Ways To Pray For People In Afghanistan" scared. It was not all that long ago that Malala Yousafzai, now a famous human rights advocate, survived an assassination attempt at the hands of the Taliban in Pakistan. In 2012, Taliban fighters tried to kill 15-year-old Malala for asserting her right to simply go to school. Malala wrote this week in a New York Times op-ed: “Afghan girls and young women are once again where I have been — in despair over the thought that they might never be allowed to see a classroom or hold a book again.” Now, the Taliban is trying to claim that Afghan women will “be happy to be living within our framework of Sharia.” But years of repression and violence have proven the Taliban to be far from trustworthy. Under the Taliban’s previous control of Afghanistan, women and girls were prevented from being educated, leaving the house without a male guardian, and working outside the home (with a few exceptions). Pray that women and girls in
Afghanistan would be protected and kept safe. Pray that they would find hope for the future and be allowed opportunities to grow and thrive. Pray that this new regime would be more open than the last time the Taliban was in power. 3. Pray that the Taliban would cease their violence and repression and that evil plans would be thwarted. Jesus instructed His followers to “pray for those who persecute you” (Matt. 5:43). Pray that the Taliban would turn from their evil ways and be restrained from committing acts of terror and instituting an oppressive regime. Pray that God would radically change their hearts the way He changed the heart of the Apostle Paul (Acts 26).
4. Pray that world leaders would have the courage and understanding to aid the victims of this humanitarian crisis and make a positive difference. The decision to swiftly withdraw troops without a sufficient contingency plan has unleashed an immense humanitarian disaster. American leaders, and those of other Western countries, should be developing solutions to help. Pray that world leaders can identify practical and meaningful ways to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people. Pray that the United States would find a way to swiftly facilitate visas for those who worked for the American military and may now face repercussions from the Taliban. Thousands of U.S. citizens remain
trapped in Afghanistan without a way to get out. Pray that American leaders would quickly find a solution to allow them to return home safely. 5. Pray for the future of Afghanistan. As precious persons made in the image of God, the people of Afghanistan deserve so much better than the cultural and political turmoil they are experiencing. Many are already mourning the loss of their dreams. Pray that the people of Afghanistan would continue to have hope for the future. Pray that a better future would quickly be realized for them. Pray that they would one day have a strong, stable, and free representative government. Watching events unfold in Afghanistan is deeply saddening. Yet, we are not without hope, and neither are the people of Afghanistan.
God’s Word on Honoring the Aged “Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is obtained by following a righteous path”. - - Proverbs 16:31
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Continued From Page 1: "Where We Draw the Line" Daniel and his friends drew their line, and they would not cross it, whatever the consequences. This is faithful living in ungodly surroundings — otherwise known as the Christian life. It is what Peter called his first readers to do: “Live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God,” he wrote — even though, he warned, those around you “are surprised when you do not join them . . . and they malign you” (1 Peter 4:2, 4). Given the pushback of twenty-first century secularism, you and I are going to face challenges. The crises will come; the moments will arrive when we are called to go with the flow of our culture rather than obedience to our God in the workplace, or on the sports team, or in how we raise our children, or in what we say from our pulpits, and so on. Those crises will reveal what is inside us. Don’t assume you’ll stand firm in those moments. Equally, don’t assume you will have to give in. Resolve now. Think through where to draw the lines you will not cross.
Learn Where to Draw the Line How do we know where to draw those lines? Sometimes, it is straightforward. When God’s word tells us to do something, we obey our King. But sometimes, it is not so simple. After all, compromise is not always wrong. There is a hill to die on, but not every hill is that hill. Daniel allowed himself to be taken into the service of the Babylonian state, to be educated as a Babylonian, and to be renamed with a Babylonian name. Each would presumably not
have been his preference — but he did not refuse. Why, then, draw the line at eating Babylonian food? And why, as an old man decades later, refuse to stop praying in plain sight (Daniel 6:10)? In the Old Testament, one of the distinguishing features of God’s people was the rules they followed about what they would and would not eat and drink. Dietary choice for God’s people was not just an external manifestation of nothing much; rather, it was an external outworking of their deeply held convictions about what it meant to
Continued From Page 12: "Jewish High Holy Days" Answers
Continued From Page 13: "John the Baptist" Answers
Continued From Page 13: "Wordsearch" Answers
A-100 C-Apple with Honey A-Day of Atonement C-Fasting B-Jewish New Year C-World A-10 C-Autumn A-Days of Awe B-Ram’s horn Created by Pam Duey- see also p. 12 for more on the Jewish High Holy Days.
1. (c)..Zechariah Luke 1:11-20 2. (b)..Elisabeth Luke 1:13 3. (a)..Camel's hair Matthew 3:4 4. (c)..6 months Luke 1:26-28 5. (b)..Cousin Luke 1:36 6. (c)..Jordan Matthew 3:5-6 7. (b)..Adultery Matthew 14:4 8. (b)..The daughter of Herodias Mark 6:21-25 9. (c)..Galilee...............Matthew 4:12
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
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Study to shew thyself approved... 2 Timothy 2:15
belong to God. Apparently for Daniel, to give up control of his diet was to go against his conscience and compromise on his identity as a follower of the one true God, in a way that the name change did not. When it came to his praying, Daniel was facing direct intimidation — and he refused to bow before it. The edict the king made was not aimed at the public good, but at the exaltation of his name above God’s (Daniel 6:6–9). And Daniel drew the line at giving the impression that he was in agreement with the edict and that his allegiance to God came second to his obedience to the king. And so he continued to pray, as before. What do we see? The line is to be drawn where we are told to disobey God; it is also to be drawn where we are asked to compromise on a matter that our conscience tells us will undermine our identity as a Christian. We cannot be intimidated to quietly accede to something that will elevate man over
Continue on page 17 God’s Word on Honoring the Aged “But the godly will flourish like
palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the LORD’s own house. They flourish in the courts of our God. Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, “The LORD is just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!’ ” - Psalm 92:12-14
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Continued From Page 16: "Where We Draw the Line" God. This is how we avoid the pressure to completely privatize our faith while also resisting the temptation to overly politicize our faith. Time for Both The New Testament also recognizes the need to think wisely about how to draw our lines. Romans 13 commands us to submit to the governing authorities, but Acts 4–5 shows God’s people refusing as well. There is a time for both. This means that we will not necessarily all draw all our lines in the same places. To take one example: recently the churches in my home nation of Scotland challenged the Scottish government because they had been told they could not gather for worship at all. I think at that point we had moved into the realm of Acts 4–5, and the line needed to be drawn. At the same time, the mandate in my home state of Ohio was that if we gathered in public spaces like a church building, we should wear masks and keep physical distance. We submitted to that, for that seemed like a Romans 13 moment, and did not seem, for the time, like a place to draw a line. (Not everyone would agree, of course!) It is worth asking ourselves: What am I naturally inclined toward? Some of us will be more tempted to draw lines and take on fights when faithfulness doesn’t require it. Remember the apostle Paul’s charge: “So far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). “At times the lines may be drawn in different places, but drawn they should be, and crossed they must not be.” Others, perhaps especially those used to living in a nation whose moral codes have been broadly Christian, will be tempted to keep our heads down and
make compromises when faithfulness looks like drawing a line and gently but firmly refusing to cross it. Those of us inclined this way may need to learn to say “no” regardless of the cost to reputation, bank account, or even freedom, for “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Whatever our disposition, we do need to remember that brothers and sisters will draw the lines in different places than we will, and that this does not necessarily make them wrong. Sometimes it is straightforward to see where the line must be, but not always, and our unity depends on humbly recognizing the difference. Delivered Through the Fire What does it look like to live as a Christian in a society that does not like what Christians believe, what we say, and how we live? It means knowing God as Daniel did — that God is in control, that he will keep his promises. He may at times deliver his people from the fire, but if not, he will always deliver us through the fire. If we know God in this way, we will be willing to draw a line. We will be ready to wrestle with exactly where to draw that line, asking him for wisdom. At times the lines may be drawn in different places, but drawn they should be, and crossed they must not be. That is how we live faithfully in Babylon as we walk forward toward our home in the New Jerusalem. Alistair Begg is the senior pastor of Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio, the Bible teacher at “Truth For Life,” and the author of Brave by Faith: GodSized Confidence in a Post-Christian World. He is married to Susan, and together they have three grown children and five grandchildren.
Continued From Page 5: "...Love Notes Written In Dust" Jesus is holding it all, including us, in His hands–even on the days when the love notes are written in dust.
“…Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with His finger.” John 8:6
Continued From Page 5: "Unique" Him, but he does not mandate it. Just as God did not populate the earth with a bunch of clones, He didn’t produce us as robots either…and especially robots preprogramed with His will. No, God desires us is to freely and willingly except His Gift of Salvation. At some point we find ourselves in conflict between His will and our own, between the world and God. Something
is needed to move the scale from our will to God’s, and that something is called faith. “For it is by Grace you are saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8 We need to be careful not to allow all those things that makes us unique, to keep us from God. I know my friend Joey didn’t.
Continued From Page 12: "The Jewish High Holy Days" Through them we can better understand and love the Jewish people. And through them we can better love and
worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and His Son, our wonderful Savior, Jesus the Messiah.
If you would like to experience the peace and transformed life that God can provide through Jesus Christ and you are willing to commit your life to the only one who can truly set you free from your sin, you can pray to the Lord right now and ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Because of what His Son, Jesus, did by dying on the cross, your sins will not be held against you by God anymore. You can experience freedom for the rest of your life on earth and then have a life in Heaven with God for eternity. God’s part of the deal is already done. Your part is to confess your sins, repent (or change your ways) and believe that He is Lord. If your life is out of control, let Him take over control. For help, questions, or more information, contact us at The Ambassador or any of the churches listed on page 3.
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17
HEADER OP/ED FROM THE ARCHIVES
Originally published in The Ambassador (September 2011)
Sept 11: Have You Forgotten? On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, most of our lives changed forever. Do you remember where you were that Tuesday morning? Like those that worked at the Pentagon and World Trade Centers, most were on their way to work or school. Moms and dads kissed their children goodbye at the daycare center, promising to, "see you soon." Wives kissed husbands and passed them their morning coffee with no knowledge that they would not be home for dinner that night. For the thousands of lives lost to the tragedy of 9/11, remember that most of them were just like me and you-middle-class Americans going to work, making a living and taking care of their family. There is much to be passed down to those who don't remember the events of 9/11.Think of the unborn children who never knew their fathers who died on 9/11. Some children were still so little that they ask each year, " What happened on September 11?" As painful as it may be, (even I cannot view the video without breaking down, see sidebar), do it anyway. Tell the story every year just as the Israelites retell the stories behind Passover and Hanukkah and Christians retell the stories behind Christmas and Easter. Teach the children and generations to come that this is a country that is built on, " In God We Trust." There's been a lot of hype over the pastor in Florida who planned to burn
Korans in order to "send a message to Islam." Remember what Jesus told us while He walked this earth, "But I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" Matthew 5:44 (NIV). "But I tell you who hear me: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" Luke 6:27(NIV). Nothing will be overcome through hatred. Burning Korans will just create more hate. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13:6-8 that "Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." This is what all the men and women who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 taught us. We as Americans, all became one that day, unified in the fact that Islamic extremists considered us all unworthy and wanted to destroy us all. For the victims of 9/11, there was no distinction between race, creed, color or religion. It was out of LOVE for life and for fellow man that all the victims of 9/11 helped one another, even unto death. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13 (NIV). Ten years later, would you do the same today, if faced with that choice? Have you forgotten? - Amy Wingfield
God’s Word on Honoring the Aged “Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old”. - Job 12:12 The Ambassador accepts opinions and editorials (op-ed's) as long as they are well-written and less than 450 words. Op-ed's will be published purely at the discretion of the editor. If you would like to submit your op-ed, please email it (written in MS Word) to editor@ambassadornewspaper.com. The deadline for submission is the 15th of the month for the next issue.
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When Helping Isn’t Helpful My wife and I recently tried to help someone who was in a bad situation. We could see that her living situation was not good; there was an unhealthy co-dependent relationship with a roommate, and it was obviously destructive to both. We tried to find alternatives for this person and spent a great deal of time and energy around her needs. The Lord opened opportunities which we believe would have served her better than her current situation. We were feeling good. The problem, which we had not expected, was that she didn’t want to change. Even though it could be physically dangerous in her condition to stay in that environment, she did not want to make it better. What was worse for us was that we felt that those in leadership and those who were supposed to be closest to her (immediate family) didn’t seem to care either. “What’s wrong with everybody? Don’t they see what’s happening?” These were the questions I asked aloud to myself and my wife. Then a good friend told me something that seemed profound. It also seemed heartless- at first. He said, “You can’t help people who don’t want help”. I pondered that for quite a while. I know, it’s seems like a “no-brainer”! Although
Seth Halpern - Editor I didn’t take it as a rebuke from my friend, I did feel the sting from the Holy Spirit! It was as if the God was saying to me “Seth, I appreciate that you’re trying to do the ‘right thing’ and help her, but don’t think that YOU are her savior. That’s my role, not yours” I had developed a sense of pride and arrogance as if I knew what was best for her. No one else could see the need and no one else was sacrificing to give her what she needed. But I was mistaken. I don’t know what is best for her. I usually don’t even know what is best for me! Yes, we are called to do good to others, to help them and serve them. But there is a time when we may try to do more than we should or more than we can. Listen carefully to the voice of the Lord. Sometimes what seems right to us may not be what the Lord wants for the situation. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death” Prov 16:25
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