January 2014
June 2012
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY By Seth Halpern Editor
A
few weeks ago a reality show star and committed Christian gave an interview with a secular magazine. It was a recipe for a media firestorm. No doubt you have heard that Phil Robertson, patriarch of the wildly successful “Duck Dynasty” show was suspended and later restored by the A & E network after granting an interview to GQ magazine and making statements regarding homosexual marriage. The Robertson interview launched a media frenzy because he made disparaging remarks about gay men and their choices. He began by paraphrasing I Cor 6 but added some colorful comments about men’s and women’s anatomy and personal preferences. GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) immediately responded with outrage. A & E briskly suspended Robertson in order to save face with gay supporters. Christians and political conservatives defended the statements as the right to free speech
and biblical values. Duck Dynasty merchandise was pulled from stores and everyone voiced their opinion. Facebook and Twitter were ablaze! At the time of this writing, the merchandise has been re-stored and “Papa Beard” has returned from his “indefinite hiatus” without ever leaving. A&E issued yet another statement of support for the gay community, while ambiguously rescinding the suspension. Every one is still talking but not sure if this is over. As editor of a Christian newspaper, I did not offer a single post, tweet, or comment about the issue on social media. Yet, I feel somehow that I need to speak on it, albeit reluctantly, so here are my thoughts for what it’s worth. First, I am not a Duck Dynasty viewer. We ran a cover story on the phenomenon of the show several months ago because when a show about a bold and vocal Christian family is the number one rated tv show in the history of cable television…well, you just have to talk
about it. That issue has been the most popular issue in the eight years we have printed The Ambassador. The show is about a family that does things in a humorous but clean way. They pray at the end of each episode and seem to love each other in spite of their idiosyncrasies. I personally don’t watch it for the same reason I don’t watch Honey Boo Boo, the Kardashians, Braxton Family Values or any other “real life” family on TV. Frankly, I don’t think it’s any of my business what another family does at home whether they bring in cameras to film them or not. As for the controversy, I find it interesting that the principle people involved (the Robertsons and A&E particularly) didn’t see this coming. This self-described redneck family from the bayou says things that offend a certain demographic from the big city in a magazine that wants to sell copies. Really??
“Lessons from a Cat” p. 4
“Religious Freedom in 2014” p.9
“Bible Heroes on Big Screen” p. 12
Cont. on p.7
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THE AMBASSADOR 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 6,000 - 7,500 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. Views expressed in The Ambassador do not necessarily reflect those of our sponsors or advertisers
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INSPIRATION Lessons from a Cat By April James I could learn much from my cat on persistence and pursuing the desires of the heart. When she sees me, she comes close, rubbing against my leg, nudging my hand, wanting to experience the pleasure of her master’s touch. When she does not feel my touch, she doesn’t give up, she becomes more persistent, more aggressive, nudging even harder my hand or arm. If I am silent, not speaking or responding, she begins to softy call out, then turns more vocal as if crying out in desperation. When she does not see me, she searches the house, then sensing I am on the other side of a door, she works at the door to open it so she can enter the room where I am. She is not easily discouraged from her pursuit to be near the one she desires; she is resolved to be in my presence, to feel my touch, and is not content until she obtains what she seeks. How much more should I be pursuing my Master’s touch, my Creators presence, the desire of my heart? How easily I tend to give up after five minutes of prayer if I do not sense His presence. Instead, I should be pressing in. Deuteronomy 4:29 says he who seeks with all their heart will find Him. When my cat claws (her way of knocking) at the door I respond by opening to let her in, our Lord is the same way. To seek implies going in search of something or
someone. It doesn’t say He is not to be found or not there, but there is an action needed on our behalf. How much do we really want the Master’s touch? Is it just a whim or a quick feel good fix, but not one we want to put forth much effort in and quickly move on to other pleasures? Or is it a deep heartfelt desire where we are willing to put forth an effort to obtain a prize most worthy of our pursuit? One that will satisfy the deep longing of our soul! How much more valuable is our God’s touch to us, than mine is to a cat. In our Master’s right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psalm 16:11). In His touch there is life and healing. In His touch is strength and reassurance. In His touch is pure love. I may become annoyed at times with my cats persistence, not wanting to be bothered; but the Lord is never annoyed, He is always delighted when we earnestly pursue Him. In the end my cat knows, she has her faith, that she will obtain what she was pressing in for, the touch of the master’s hand. We also can rest assured that if we pursue and press in, not quickly giving up, that we will encounter the reward of our Master’s touch. As we begin 2014, let us resolve to pursue the presence of our Master with all diligence, not being easily swayed or distracted.
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10 New Year's Resolutions Every Christian Should Make By Eric Corpus Christian Post With Christmas now behind us, ‘tis the season for hoping to live a better, more fulfilling life in the following year. I’ll save you the work of coming up with a list of resolutions for 2014. Here are 10 New Year’s Resolutions Every Christian Should Make: 1. Resolve to stay faithful to Jesus Christ. He is the one Truth, Way and Life. There’s no reason to look elsewhere. 2. Resolve to not let anything – a career, a significant other, social media, a house – become an object of worship. 3. Resolve to watch your language and not speak any destructive talk, especially involving the name of God. 4. Resolve to prevent burnout by putting aside work one day a week. Trust God to provide for your needs that day and just enjoy the time He’s given you. 5. Resolve to talk to your parents on a regular basis, and show them love and respect. 6. Resolve to be angry less. Channel any feelings of rage, which Jesus said are as severe as murder, into worshiping God and serving others. 7. Resolve to honor your commitment to your spouse. Whether in thought or in deed, stay pure and loyal in the union God made. 8. Resolve to not take anything that’s not yours, including stuff you can hold and put in your pocket, and plenty that you can’t, like music downloads, streaming movies and hours on your timecard. 9. Resolve to speak about others only with truth and love, not gossip. 10. Resolve to be content with what you have, and not worry about that others are amassing. If these sound familiar, good! SHARE these New Year’s resolutions to encourage people to live a life that honors God.
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INSPIRATION
Let Me Learn
With Jesus I Am Saved
by Paula McBride
The commercial dishwasher was pushing out dripping serving bowls, cereal bowls, glasses, and pitchers faster than I could keep up with drying them. Seeing my dishtowel flailing, a whitehaired lady approached and asked if she could help me. Usually visitors to the mission don’t help with dish duty, but this lady was willing, so I accepted her offer gratefully. We worked quickly and caught up with the rest of the crew. When we were nearly finished, an enormous stack of serving bowls remained on the counter. “These go in the kitchen,” I told her, and reached out for them. “Let me,” she said, gently pushing my arm away. “I want to learn.” Then she set off toward the kitchen to find where to put the bowls. I stood there and shook my head in wonder. “Let me learn,” she said. Have I ever in my life heard someone say those three words? And they came from such an unlikely source. Let me tell you about my dish-drying partner. Her name is Heike Schnoor. She still speaks with a thick German accent even though she has lived on Vancouver Island, Canada, much of her life. At eighty years old, she chose to accompany her son and daughter to the mission for a short time of ministry. Because there are few visitors during the holidays, Heike and her family were unable to join a group traveling down in a rental van. They had to fly to San Diego, walk across the border, then take the bus to the mission. (Their return will reverse that order.) After my encounter with Heike during dish duty, I saw her several more times around the mission. She was always energetic, cheerful, and serving—living out the example of Christ in sacrifice and service with joy. She’s in Canada now. I wonder what new thing she’s learning? Reality tells us that we learn something new every day, but do we face those life lessons with a sense of dread and foreboding or a sense of eager expectation? Are we like Jonah who fled his challenges and learned the hard
way, or like Mary who is commended for sitting at Jesus’ feet and learning from Him? I’m learning that my attitude toward learning needs a booster shot of eager willingness. What if, instead of rushing through my Bible-in-a-year passage, I slowed down and asked the Holy Spirit to let me learn and apply a precious truth? What if prayer became a dialog in which the Father let me learn more of Him in fellowship? What if I learned Christ-like responses to irritations? What if I learned to share my faith effectively? What if I learned a new skill that I can use in ministry? This new year, 2014, will find me stepping into new territory as I work with kids in the mission’s school for children with disabilities. But that’s material for next month’s article! What new thing will you be learning this year?
With Jesus, I Am Saved As the world goes on around me I sit inside my cell, Knowing this is a punishment deserved For a life I’ve lived in hell. With so many faces And so many lies, I can’t help but wonder “Could I have made a difference in someone else’s life?” With all the gifts that God has given me I’ve just turned and walked away. And now, as I count my days to freedom, “I’m sorry, is all I can say”. But I’m not sorry for the mistakes I’ve made If I can say, “I’ve truly learned”. For it’s not the bridges that I come to It’s the ones I may have burned. And When I count my days to freedom I’ll see my road is paved, For alone I’m just a sinner, And with Jesus I am saved, Yes, with Jesus I am saved. By Dale Burns (written from San Quentin)
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CALENDAR CHRISTIAN BUSINESS ALLIANCE LUNCHEON Every 1st Tue @ Noon Bonanza Inn, Yuba City Join us for Lunch, Fellowship and God’s Word! For info contact Dave Kugelman 530-632-9292
Info:530-671-6069 www.YubaSutterMarriage.com A Divorce Care group is a special place of encouragement, information and sharing. Weekly meetings provide you with an ongoing “support team” as you deal with the issues surrounding your separation or divorce
RIGHT TO LIFE MONTHLY MEETING 1st Wed., 7pm (1st Wed of every month) St. Isisdore’s Community Parish Hall Conference Room. Business Meeting open to the all interested in pro-life issues. For more info, visit www.ysrtl.org
CELEBRATE RECOVERY Praise Chapel Church Sun. 6:30 p.m. Join us for great worship and open share group. For more info call 530-923-7204
FREE KARATE CLASSES First Baptist Church of Olivehurst Mon 5:30pm FREE karate classes taught from a Christian perspective. 743-1831 for info, Pastor Miguel.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY Crossroads Community Church Mondays at 6:30pm We are a Christ-Centered recovery group that provides a safe place to share your struggles, experiences, victories, and hopes with others who are also going through a Christ-Centered recovery. For more information contact Scott McCoy at 530776-7602 or Follow us on Facebook @Celebrate Recovery Crossroads Community Church
ONGOING EVENTS
CELEBRATE RECOVERY Loma Rica Community Church - Moy Hall. Fri., 7pm. Call church office for more information 743-5435. CROSSROADS CLOTHES CLOSET Crossroads Community Church, YC Shop at our - FREE Clothes given away! Open Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm AWANA Wed’s, 5:45-7:45 PM during the school year Evangelical Free Church 3785 Olive Hwy., Oroville For information please call 533-6866 Awana is a boys and girls club consisting of small group time, games, large group time. PRAYER VIGIL FOR LIFE! Last Wed of each month, 4-5pm Yuba-Sutter Right to Life is hosting peaceful, prayerful vigils in front of the Yuba City Planned Parenthood. All you need to participate is one hour and the desire to pray for LIFE. Please contact Heather Pugh at 751-9349 if you are interested. KNIT & CROCHET WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP First Baptist Church of Olivehurst, 1777 - 8th Ave. Mon 10am - Noon Practice your yarn craft or learn a new one with us. Knifty Knitters are welcome. Bring your own project or work on a charity item that we donate to those in need in the community. Email yarncraftersforchrist@hotmail.com for info. SAMARITAN VILLAGE MONTHLY MEETING Call 329-6619 for location 3rd Tue of each month, 6:30pm This meeting is open to all who are interested in helping with an orphanage in Tanzania. For info call Tara at 329-6619 DIVORCE CARE Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30pm Hosted at: The Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Road, YC
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GUITAR LESSONS (NEW!) Twin Cities Rescue Mission 940 14th St Marysville, CA 95901 Mondays at 4:45pm-6:15pm We are offering free guitar lessons led by Cliff Martin. Beginning and experienced guitar players of all ages are welcome. We practice chords as well as learn some Christian worship songs. All you need is a guitar! We hope to see you there. Bible College (NEW!) Twin Cities Rescue Mission, in dining room 940 14th street, Marysville Starts January 7th on Tuesday and Thursdays at 8:30am-12:30pm We will be starting up our free Bible College again! Ephesians and James taught by Charlie Woods, 1st and 2nd Corinthians by Frank Weger, Gospel of John by Nancy Deeds, and 2nd Samuel by Roger Vaca. Ace Overcomers (NEW!) Twin Cities Rescue Mission in dining room. 940 14th Street, Marysville Mondays, starting January 6th at 10am-11am This class will be taught by Joe Grinnell. The purpose is to overcome emotional, physical, and spiritual effects of abuse and dysfunction through biblical principles. Learning skills to help evaluate our strengths and vulnerabilities. Being able to control our emotions and have self-worth that no one can take away. Being able to trust God and rest in His promises. AHOP (ASCENDING HOUSE OF PRAYER) Resumes Jan 14th Tues, Wed and Thurs - 6PM Nightly Bldg 200 Embassy of Heaven Campus 1179 Eager Rd., Yuba City (Hwy 99 @ Eager Rd.)
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530-671-3160 www.churchofgladtidings.com We are a place of Ascending and Contending prayer for the release of an inception of another Jesus Movement in California, a Righteousness Movement for awakening in America and another wave of prayer and missions to transform cities and nations across the globe. Everyone is welcome to participate. SATURDAY NIGHT SERVICE (NEW) Word Of Life Church 1229 Buchanan Street, Marysville 6:30pm Contemporary Worship led by Leanne Whitley & Robbie Jellsey Relevant & Anointed Preaching- Pastor Stan Reynolds ENCOUNTERING GOD (NEW) January 14 9:30 - 11:30 AM Every Tuesday Morning Embassy of Heaven Campus 1179 Eager Rd., Yuba City (Hwy 99 @ Eager Rd.) 530-671-3160 www.churchofgladtidings.com Our Tuesday morning meetings begin with a time of worship. Afterwards we rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us to minister to each other, encourage each other, and build our hunger and desire for the things of God. Childcare is provided. WOMENS CLOTHES CLOSET (NEW) Twin Cities Rescue Mission, 940 14th Street, Marysville Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10am4pm We now have a womens clothes closet at the mission! It is free and available to everyone. We accept donations Monday-Sunday of women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing! BETHESDA HEALING WELL (NEW) Jan 18th Third Saturday of each month 10AM - Bldg 200 Embassy of Heaven Campus 1179 Eager Rd., Yuba City (Hwy 99 @ Eager Rd.)
530-671-3160 www.churchofgladtidings.com Gathering for a time of soaking in God’s presence and then spending time to receive focused prayer for healing.
SPECIAL EVENTS WORLD’S FINEST CHOCOLATE SALE AT FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL 2620 Colusa Hwy. and 3105 Colusa Hwy. in Yuba City January 16-February 4, 2014 $2.00 Chocolate bars, caramels, mints, and almonds available from your favorite FCS elementary student and in the office at both campuses. Proceeds benefit the FCS Scholarship Fund. BOBBY CONNER Jan 24-25 Friday - 7PM Saturday - 10AM & 7PM Embassy of Heaven Campus 1179 Eager Rd., Yuba City (Hwy 99 @ Eager Rd.) 530-671-3160 www.churchofgladtidings.com Bobby has an extensive ministry as he ministers in a high level, proven prophetic anointing. He believes his calling is to equip the Body of Christ to hear and discern God’s voice in these times. Bobby’s dynamic capacity to release outstanding demonstrations of the miraculous -- healings, signs and wonders -- reveals the very heart of the Father toward us! FAITH CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL SPIRIT WEEK-HOMECOMING 3105 Colusa Hwy. in Yuba City January 27-31, 2014 Homecoming activities throughout the week during school hours and Homecoming basketball games Friday night- King and Queen will be crowned after the Varsity Boys game. All are welcome. Admission: $5.00 general, $3.00 seniors, children, and active duty military, FCS Students & Alumni free.
If your church or ministry is having an outreach activity that you would like to promote in our calendar, please send your item via email to editor@ambassadornewspaper.com by the 15th of the month for a listing in the following month’s issue.
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GLAAD VS. HAPPY Cont. from Cover The issue of the first amendment and free speech comes up a lot and it seems that people are very sensitive about it (as we should be with a government that is more and more overstepping its bounds). Phil Robertson has every right to say what he wants. Whether he is quoting scripture or offering his own opinion. He did and some people were offended by it. So what? He didn’t go to jail. It was not the government that initially suspended Robertson. His boss, the company of A&E, suspended him because they thought they would lose MONEY from sponsors of the show. It was about MONEY. That is the same reason why the “indefinite hiatus” lasted all of nine days- because they thought they would lose MONEY with out him. Some were offended. GLAAD wasn’t very HAAPPY about what Robertson said. So, they called up all their friends (or rather tweeted) and told them
not to play with the boys with the beards. Come on folks. This is just how it’s done nowadays. If you don’t like something, you boycott it. The problem for the church is that there are a lot of people supporting gay rights (most of them straight, by the way) and they don’t want to see the underdog get pushed around. The funny thing is that the gay rights movement is no longer the “underdog”. In fact, they have become very much the movement of influence. We have all seen it. Dare say anything against homosexual marriage or LGBT rights and you will find a blockade at your door. It is a strategic plan and has worked wonders for their movement. So, how should we Christians respond? Don’t we have rights anymore? I believe the answer to that is both Yes and No. Sounds a little like an A&E flip flop, doesn’t it? Frankly, as Americans, we do have rights. We have a Bill of Rights and a Constitution. We have the right to
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speak freely and cannot be arrested for it (with the caveat of inciting violence). On the other hand, as Christians, we have surrendered our rights just as Jesus our Lord did. He even told us in Jn 15:18 that “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” Jesus does not need us to defend Him. In point of fact, He, the King of Kings, could have defended Himself, but chose not to do so. He asked the Father to “forgive them for they know not what they do”. It is our job as Americans to fight for our constitutional rights so that the government does not assume authority over its citizens. It is our privilege as Christians to lay down our rights in hopes of sinners like us in need of a Savior may have the opportunity to hear of Him. That is ultimately what Phil Robertson was trying to do in the GQ interview. He goes on to state the following: “We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ‘em, give ‘em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ‘em out later, you see what I’m saying?”. Unfortunately, these statements didn’t get much notice because they are not as scandalous and again that is what sells magazines. Perhaps, the real mistake Phil made was to think that an interview with the mainstream media would focus on God’s love for sinners. I think we could all use wisdom and
discernment with our words and with whom we share them.
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IN THE NEWS... Cal Public Schools to Comply With Transgender Student Rights Law Beginning January 2014 Group Gets Over 620,000 Signatures for Ballot Against Calif. Co-ed Bathroom Bill
bathroom and in walks a boy? What are they going to do? Scream? Run out?” Bill AB 1266 is set to go into effect Jan. 1, 2014, but since the Privacy for All Students group gathered more than 600,000 opposing signatures last month, which met the 505,000 minimum requirement to possibly get the initiative on the ticket, the state has been given a Jan. 8 deadline to determine if the legislation qualifies for a majority vote, which could suspend the bill just days after its launch. In order to challenge the law through a ballot measure, each of California’s 58 counties will verify that the overall count of signatures is correct, they will then conduct further verification through random sampling to ensure they are legitimate. After that, the state could possibly order a full review of each signature. The group aims to overturn the bill if it gets on the ballot and is optimistic that most voters will side with them. “The coalition has conducted polling that shows AB 1266 would be soundly rejected by voters,” said the group on their website. “We are busy recruiting volunteers and raising funds to qualify the referendum for the ballot so that voters have the opportunity to debate the issues.” Privacy for All Students has
By Jessica Martinez, Cp Reporter
California public schools are currently preparing to enforce a law that will allow K-12 transgender students to participate in sex-segregated sports programs and use restroom facilities consistent with their gender identity. However, if a referendum brought forth by a coalition of conservative groups is approved, the law’s enactment will be postponed until it qualifies to get on the November 2014 general election ballot.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen when kids come back from their holiday vacation,” said Republican state Sen. Steve Knight, who voted against the law, according to NBC. “Are there going to be 15-year-old girls talking in the
Cont. on p.12
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Hey Kid, Put Down That Imaginary Bow And Arrow! By Bob Kellogg OneNewsNow.com After pulling back an imaginary bow and shooting a make-believe arrow at a classmate, a Pennsylvania fifth grader was suspended and charged with a weapons violation.
Ten-year-old Johnny Jones and his friend were suspended for one day by school principal John Horton who described the incident as a “serious offense” under South Eastern Middle School’s zero-tolerance policy. John Whitehead of the Rutherford Institute thinks the punishment
was preposterous. Knives, firearms, and nunchucks are prohibited by the school’s zero-tolerance policy, which Whitehead says he has reviewed. “Imaginary bow and arrows don’t fit in the definition,” he says. Whitehead says the Institute is asking the school to completely clear Johnny’s record because the principal’s actions were an “overreaction.” “I don’t want him going around the rest of his life with a weapons charge,” says Whitehead, who is asking the school to expunge the boy’s record and rescind the suspension. A Rutherford spokesperson says school attorneys are working with their attorneys to resolve this matter, hopefully early in 2014.
After pulling back an imaginary bow and shooting a make-believe arrow at a classmate, a Pennsylvania fifth grader was suspended and charged with a weapons violation.
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summer to drop the group’s ban on open homosexuals. The hope is that Trail Life USA can use the state-of-theart facility as a regional hub for training leaders and to hold regional meetings for boys. There are also many Christian camps throughout the country that can be used for outings. The end result is betterequipped young citizens. “We want to instill in them not only values of leadership and character, but also Christian values,” Bolen says of Trail Life USA. “We want them to be able to see that God plays a part in their lives no matter where they go.”
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We Didn’t Choose This Battle, But . . . Religious Freedom in 2014 By: John Stonestreet Breakpoint.org
By Charlie Butts OneNewsNow.com As the Boy Scouts of America officially allows open homosexuals as members, a new organization has been birthed based on Christian values. Cory Bolen is music associate at Harrisburg Baptist Church in Tupelo, Mississippi, where he has taken a leadership role in the new group, Trail Life USA. He explains why the Tupelo church, a long-time host for the Boy Scouts, decided to part company. “Our church could not support an organization that chose not to stand on their original principles and not to stand on the [biblical] principles that we value,” he tells OneNewsNow. At Harrisburg church, church members have a newly built facility that was started as a Boy Scout building. “It’s something that’s been years in the making,” says Bolen, until the Boy Scouts voted during the
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The future of religious freedom in the United States may well be defined during 2014. On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the Supreme Court agreed to hear Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby, the challenge to the HHS mandate brought by a Christian-owned family business based in Oklahoma. It’s also agreed to hear a related case, Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Sebelius, which involves the issue of whether a business, as well as its owners, has a right to religious freedom under the First Amendment. While most commentators have treated the news as part of the larger story about the legal challenges to the Affordable Care Act, the far more important story is the battle for religious freedom. Two thousand and fourteen is shaping up to be a momentous, perhaps even defining, year when it comes to religious freedom in the United States. What’s at stake in these cases goes far beyond healthcare—it’s about what we mean when we say “freedom of religion.” The trend over the past decade has been to equate “freedom of religion” with “freedom of worship,” that people are free to believe—or not believe— whatever they want. And with a few exceptions, they may also practice with other like-minded people whatever rituals they think their belief requires of them, provided these rituals remain private. Once they cross the threshold of the church or their home, however, the ability to put their beliefs into action is increasingly circumscribed. As a New Mexico Supreme Court justice wrote this past summer, for religious believers, compromising “the very religious beliefs that inspire their lives” and “[channeling] their conduct, not their beliefs, so as to leave space for other Americans who believe something different” is the “price of citizenship.”
It should be noted that the requirement to “leave space” and “channel conduct” only flows in one direction: nonbelievers are under no similar obligation. And so, we’ve arrived at a point where what once was considered the “first freedom” is now, at best, a second-class right that can be set aside at the behest of the currently-favored interest group. That’s why the upcoming Supreme Court cases are so important. The Court can either solidify religious freedom’s second-tier status or, hopefully, arrest its slide. It can either sign on to the fallacious distinction between belief and conduct or insist that the First Amendment requires reasonable accommodation to “the very religious beliefs that inspire [people’s] lives.” Needless to say, we must be in prayer about this momentous issue, not only concerning the cases, but more importantly, our response to this challenge. As Chuck Colson said concerning another important Supreme Court case, “the Supreme Court justices don’t live in a sheltered cocoon. They read newspapers, editorials, and letters-to-theeditor. So Christians ought to be talking publicly about what’s really at stake.” Folks, nearly all of us grew up in a society where there was little, if any, conflict between the requirements of faith and the requirements of citizenship. We didn’t need television networks and activists of various stripes to teach us about tolerance. We fully knew that people disagreed with us on some, if not most, issues and yet we—and they— could treat each other with respect. This kind of tolerance has been replaced by a relentless scrubbing of an ever-growing public square of any dissent from the reigning secularist orthodoxy. “Secularist,” in this case doesn’t mean “non-sectarian,” as it does, for example, in India. It means hostility to religion itself, especially when it escapes the confines of worship services. This is the landscape in which the
Cont. on p.12
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Current members: A-1 Carpet Cleaning - (530) 673-3634 - www.a-1clean.com Kathy Baum - Operation Christmas Child - (916) 747-2212 Ron Brasier - A Hand Up Ministry - (530) 671-1360 Marty Brown - KCYC-LP FM - (530) 674-5296 Kathleen Caldwell - City of Live Oak - (530) 695-2112 Fred Cox - Richard's Tree Service - (530) 673-7993 Chuck David Brent Davis - Brent Davis Insurance - (530) 671-2764 Carol Dodds - A Woman’s Friend - (530) 741-9136 Bill Eberley - Digital Direct - (800) 824-4246x10 Dennis Gable - Operation Christmas Child - (530) 695-1495 Bob Gilbert - www.yourbettertomorrows.acndirect.com - (775) 722-1212 Pamela Givans Marcos Gonzalez - Ultimate Business Maintenance - (530) 671-1564 John L. Guth - Attorney/Estate Planning - www.johnguthlaw.com James Halpern - Remembrance Video Tributes - www.remembrancetributes.com Seth Halpern - Ambassador Newspaper - editor@ambassadornewspaper.com David Hobbs Painting - Cont. Lic#880562 (530)742-2428 David Holycross - Holycross Memorial – 530-751-7000 Cassandra Hoon- A Better Yard Care - 530-673-3722 Brad Indelicato - Dolco Packaging - bdi26@comcast.net Dean Ingraham - Retiredand54@syix.com Bill Jens - Yuba Sutter Healthy Marriage Project - (530) 671-6069 Sandi Juri Dave Kugelman - Proforma by Kug - (530) 742-2423 Clay Maynard - Consultant - (530) 790-6611 Carmel Mooney - Pawsitive Solutions - pawsitivesolutions.com Jerry Munz - JM Construction Co. - (530) 682-5316 Jared Nunes - Sutter Health Chuck & Miriam Page Ronda Putman Darrell Sayles - Love Unlimited Body of Christ - luboc2004@yahoo.com Roger Shadd - Shadd Janitorial Supply - 530-673-0083 Robert Stark - Sutter county Auditor/Controller - suttercountyauditor.org Dwayne Tanabe - Taylor Accountancy Corp - dktanabe@yahoo.com Jenine Tanabe - Jenine L. Tanabe, MD Dematology - (530) 743-0301 Bill Weeks - Larry Geweke Ford-Kia - www.geweke.com Kim Worthy - Stretch-A-Buck - 530-674-2275 Rich Fellowship, Powerful Prayer, Refreshing Presence of God! We meet at the Bonanza Inn the first Tuesday of the month from noon – 1pm.
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CAUGHT SERVING
Above: CBA/Ambassador CHRISTmas Party with gifts for Twin Rivers Crisis Center
Above: Sandi Juri & Machalea Krizek ringing the Salvation Army bells Above: Steve & Cash Gilliss spreading Christmas cheer outside of Sam’s Club Below: Pamela Givens and Carol Dodds bringing joy on a cold night
Below: Jerry Munz & Mary Hilbers serving on a cold day in December
Above: Roger Shadd & Seth Halpern seeking donations for the needy
If you "caught" someone living out the Gospel by blessing others please email a high-resolution photo to editor@ambassadornewspaper.com. (please, just get their consent!)
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RESOURCES Bible Heroes Scheduled to Hit Big Screen as Christianity Takes Over Hollywood in 2014 By Jeannie Law BREATHEcast News Reporter
“Noah”, starring Russell Crowe, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Watson, and Jennifer Connelly is on horizon for release Biblical movies are taking over in 2014. The film is based on the story of the Big Screen in Hollywood for 2014 Noah’s Ark. Noah receives visions of an with a stream of movies featuring the apocalyptic downpour and takes measures Bible’s most prominent characters set to to protect his family from the coming flood be released over the coming 12 months. judgment. Directed by Darren Aronofsky Throughout the years moviegoers and written by Aronofsky and Ari Handel, have seen films based this star-studded film is on Biblical themes do sure to be a massive hit exceedingly well at and is set to be released the box office. Some in theaters on March 28, of the most successful 2014. Bible-themed films of “Exodus” will be all time include “The another major biblicalTen Commandments” based movie coming starring Charlton Heston, out in 2014. This will as well as Mel Gibson’s be another retelling of box office shattering the story of Moses, and “Passion of the Christ”. with the project being Other Christian-themed led by acclaimed director films to have come out Ridley Scott this is in recent years include sure to be another big DreamWorks animated blockbuster. According film “The Prince of to moviepilot.com it is Egypt”, as well as “The said to focus on aspects of Nativity Story”, which Moses life that have not Movie Poster for Noah film featuring Russlle Crowe was a New Line Cinema yet been brought to the film. cinema. The movie will particularly focus However, it appears as though on Moses’ relationship with Ramses, the year 2014 could be the biggest yet and the pharaoh. It is further rumored to for Bible-based movies, as a cluster of be more in the vein of 300 than The Ten Christian films are destined to make blockbuster history over the coming year.
Cont. on p.13
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TRANS LAW Cont. from p.8 taken a stand to repeal the law because they fear that the bill will violate the privacy rights of students and they argue that the legislation is a “poorly drafted, one-size-fits-all approach that contains no standards, guidelines or rules.” However, California School Board Association General Counsel Keith Bray, says privacy is an issue that has been considered. “We did strike a balance between the sensitivities associated with gender identity, not only for those students who experience a change in their gender status but the students who would be in the same facilities, in the same classrooms and on the same teams,” said Bray, reports NBC. Supporters of the law argue that it will help reduce bullying and discrimination against transgender students. However, if the legislation is reversed, California already has existing anti-discrimination bylaws that benefit transgender students. One of them is enforced by the California Interscholastic Federation, which oversees sports, and mandates schools to allow athletes to participate in sports teams that would generally be closed to them because of their biological sex. AB 1266 is the first of its kind in the nation and was signed into law by California Gov. Jerry Brown in August. The passing of the ground breaking legislation also coincided with a landmark lawsuit decision earlier this year in which the United States Justice and Education
departments determined that a Southern California school district violated the rights of a student born as a girl who identified as a boy, in not allowing her to use school facilities, according to her gender preference. In a similar case, a 6-year-old first grader, who identifies as a female but was born as a boy, won a Colorado civil rights case to use the girls’ bathroom at a public elementary school, which transgender advocates hailed as a major victory toward equal rights.
Cont. from p.8 battle for religious freedom will be fought this year. It’s a battle we didn’t choose, but it’s one that we have no choice but to wage. So may God be with us. Come to BreakPoint.org and see our briefing kit on religious freedom and the HHS mandate—a collection of resources, videos, readings, and stories that will bring you up to speed. And use this to join the conversation about the future of religious freedom.
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HOLLYWOOD Cont. from p.12 Commandments. The film stars big name actors Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Aaron Paul, Ben Kingsley, and Sigourney Weaver, and is scheduled to be released December 12, 2014. Another sure-fire hit will be “Son of God,” which will be roughly based on Mark Burnett and Roma Downey’s 10-hour miniseries The Bible. This will hit theaters February 28, 2014. This major movie event brings the story of the life of Jesus from his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate resurrection to audiences of all kinds. It is starring Diogo Morgado, Roma Downey among other stars. Another lesser-known about film that has managed to stay under the radar but will be released in 2014 is “Day of War.” A multi-million dollar production telling the epic battle of King David. The film is based on the book series “Lion of War” by author Cliff Graham. No official release date has been announced yet but Breathecast had the exclusive heads up on the film. The cinematic action movie is based upon the biblical characters of King David and his elite warriors known as the Mighty Men. This is a live action, in your face, gritty, major motion picture. David and Goliath, one of the most well-known stories in all of history will be presented to the big screen like never before, according to those behind the film. (Editor’s note: The Ambassador is not giving a general endorsement of all these films at this time. Hollywood has been known to use inaccurate accounts of biblical stories. Therefore, we recommend using discernment when choosing to view any of the above)
RESOURCES 7 Tips to Read the Bible Through in One Year Ron Edmondson Ronedmondson.com Are you up for a challenge? How about reading the Bible through this year? I’ve heard so many people who would love to read the Bible through in a year, but never completed the task. It’s nearly impossible for the pastor to preach through all of it, so you are going to miss something unless you study on your own, but most believers haven’t read all the Bible. Some of the best nuggets of truth I discovered on my own, reading through the Bible in a year. Here are 7 tips for reading the Bible through in a year: 1. Pray – Ask God to give you the motivation and strength to accomplish this goal. You can’t read the Bible like any other book. You need God’s Spirit to help you.
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2. Pick an easy to read version – Currently I’m using the Holman Christian Standard. (Editor’s note: the New Living Translation or The Message are other options). 3. Find a plan – You could simply read three chapters a day and do fine, but I have found having a printed checklist helps keep me disciplined. It may seem mechanical to some, but it will keep you on task. You Version has many plans to follow. There are more than you can imagine. The key is to find one. I like the balance of reading some Old and New Testament each day, but choose one that works for you.. (Personally, I’ve chosen the ESV Study Bible plan available through YouVersion at www.bible.com) 4. Find a place - Choose the time and place that works best and that you will most likely stick with through the year. I find mornings work best for me. I travel frequently, so I can’t have just one place, but when I’m home, I have a
certain chair. I’m moving this year to the dining room table, because I know I’ll be less distracted. For me, I need to turn off everything else and simply concentrate on the Bible reading. 5. Document your reading – I’ve found I get more out of my reading if I journal along the way what it’s saying to me. Even if I don’t understand it completely, writing the questions I have down helps me process them later and eventually something else I read seems to help answer my questions. 6. Discipline yourself – It will likely take you on average about 15 minutes per day to complete this. Once you’ve done it consistently for 30 days or so, you’ll be well on your way to having a habit formed. 7. Catch up when needed – If you miss a day, don’t sweat it…and don’t quit. Spend a little extra time and play catch up on what you missed. Of course, if you do this too many times you’ll eventually give up, so the key is discipline, but extend grace to yourself as you move through the year. Also, if you didn’t start on the first, start on the 2nd, or the 22nd, and go through the same time next year. You can begin today. There’s no legalism here… just encouragement! You can do this! Keep the goal in front of you and follow through. This time next year you’ll be glad you accomplished your goal.
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COMMUNITY Bridges To Housing New Ministry in Yuba Sutter! Many people in the community think that Bridges to Housing is a part of Hands of Hope. However, it is in fact a separate non-profit that was organized in Marysville at CRLA by the Community Action Team concerned about the plight of homeless folks in 2006. That concern fueled many discussions after church at St Andrew Presbyterian in 2004 by several who wanted to provide the homeless folks in our community with the most basic needs that we all take granted; a place to clean up, wash their clothes and rest in a safe place for awhile. After many starts and stalls, Hands of Hope was created and housed at 909 Spiva Ave, YC. The board members were Mike and Sue Mannshardt, Dave and Donna Perry, Evelyn Cosner, Eric Anderson, Peter Crowson and Arlene Hite. We knew God was in charge and that kept us going during the building and growth of Hands of Hope when we felt there was no way we could proceed for lack of professional help or just grunt work. When those needs were filled, we knew it was a “GOD THING”. Soon after opening Hands of Hope resource center in 2009, we realized that some of the folks who were guests there could afford rent but could not get ahead enough to pay the deposit required. Bridges to Housing in Marysville was contacted. It was a perfect fit for them to
be housed in the tiny office that Hands of Hope provided. Board members at that time were Michael Paine, Anne Fletcher, Christina Billeci, Barbara Jones, Jeni Bobadilla and Arlene Hite. We started putting families into homes with money donated by Sutter Yuba Association of Realtors, St Andrew Presbyterian Church, Century 21 Select Real Estate, many private parties. Every time we were out of money a check came in, another real God thing. Very soon the demand grew as we received referrals from churches, Salvation Army, and many other social service organizations. We knew we had to reorganize and apply for funds in other ways. An expanded board of directors was created including a grant writer. Another GOD THING and what a blessing! We received Community Service Block Grants from Sutter and Yuba counties. We grew from housing 9 families in 2010, 20 in 2011, 22 in 2012 and 44 families so far in 2013 and a goal of 50 by year end. Clients are referred to the Mentoring Program at Hands of Hope. A Bridges to Housing committee follows up with the clients and the landlords after they are in housing which gives us 95% retention. The deposit cost per family is an average of $450. We help them with a plan to do as much as they can on their own. They are required to provide proof of sustainable income, identity, past
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM history of housing. We are successful because of the faithful board of directors, Aherne Del Pero, Anne Fletcher, Christina Billeci, Diane Leighton, Rebecca Haun, Rahma Krambo, Maggie Walker, Lanay Gouailhardou and Arlene Hite. One of the requirements to receive county grants is to prove we
can operate without the grant. So we are looking for funding continually. If you would like to help provide a home for children to go to after school instead of on the streets this is your chance to make a real difference. Contact us at bridgestohousing@worldpress.com or call at 530 755-3414.
What Does It Take To Help Restore A Survivor of Sex Trafficking? By Meredith Curry Restoration Railroad “If she has the opportunity to get out, why wouldn’t she?” This is one of the most common questions posed to me about survivors of sex trafficking. A girl is taken off the streets, away from her pimp, away from the thousands of men who have bought her, raped her, used her, exploited her. She is given counseling, she is re-enrolled in school; perhaps other opportunities become a part of her journey to healing as well: art therapy, volunteer work, a small group welcomes her. And then she chooses to run. Where? Perhaps straight back to the streets, to the pimp, to the men who exploited her, to “the life”. What is she running from? Perhaps fear. Perhaps away from the hard work of learning after a multi-year absence from school. Perhaps away from the dark truths surfacing during
counseling. Perhaps away from the success she is beginning to experience outside the life. People begin to question their support, they begin to question her integrity, they begin to question if there is any way to help her restore her life, they begin to question if her life can be restored. They become disillusioned. And the fight is only just beginning. This is the very time to re-draw the battle lines, to stand firm, to say, “Not on my watch.” To wait patiently while she works through her trauma, until she hits bottom again and she returns. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13). “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight
Cont. on p.15
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RESTORE Cont. from p.14 with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). We stand firm in the knowledge that she is created in the image of God to be his daughter, that she is God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for her to do; and most importantly that God is patient, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ. For while we were still sinners, still lost, still afraid, still alone, Christ died for us. So we pray that she will turn from her trafficker, her fear, her strongholds, and trust the God who created her so that she, too, will be made a new creation in Christ, become God’s adopted daughter and have
His strength to stay on her journey to restoration. As we stand firm in this knowledge, we fight with the weapons that have divine power to demolish strongholds: truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the sword of the Spirit (God’s Word!), and prayer. And we pray constantly, with thanksgiving, presenting our requests to God, presenting her to God. We pray with the authority of Christ, as His adopted children, for her salvation from her trafficker, from the men who use her, from her own fear, from her sin. And we wait. (Look for part 2 in the next issue of The Ambassador) For more information, see our website at www.restorationrailroad.org or contact us at info@restorationrailroad.org
Church Briefs News in the Yuba-Sutter Christian Community Crossroads Appoints Pastor for Hispanic Ministry
New Spanish Service (in spanish)
Dr. (Rev.) Frank and Rev. Mirta Garcia are the new Spanish Outreach Pastors at Crossroads Community Church in Yuba City. They have recently joined our family to oversee the outreach ministry to the Latins of Yuba City and the surrounding communities. They have been in the ministry since 1978. During that time, they have founded and pastored four churches (two English and two Spanish) and have evangelized throughout the US and Puerto Rico. Their Spanish services are at 11:00 a.m. Sundays and 7:00 p.m. Fridays. Services are conducted at 529 Plumas, Suite B in Yuba City. All Spanish speaking are welcome.
Dr. (Rev.) Frank y Rev. Mirta García son los nuevos pastores españoles en Crossroads Community Church en Yuba City. Ellos se han unido recientemente a nuestra familia para supervisar el ministerio de alcance a los latinos de Yuba City y las comunidades circundantes. Ellos han estado en el ministerio desde 1978. Durante ese tiempo, se han fundado y pastoreado cuatro iglesias (dos en inglés y dos españoles) y han evangelizado en todos los EE.UU. y Puerto Rico. Sus servicios españoles son los domingos a las 11:00 am y las 7:00 pm los viernes. Los servicios se llevan a cabo en 529 Plumas, Suite B en Yuba City. Todos hablan español son bienvenidos.
If your church or ministry has news to share with our readers about a new ministry, pastor, achievements or other significant news, please email a brief article (100 words or less). We will print as many as space allows (one per church/ministry)at no charge. To assure being included and/or needing a longer story or pictures, please email editor@ambassadornewspaper.com. All submissions must be received by email before the 22nd of the month for consideration. Please note that events or activities will be listed in the Calendar and not in this section.
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COMMUNITY Samaritan Village Orphanage Tanzania, Africa Can You Sponsor Jacqueline?
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(DOB: Aug 8th, 2001)
Jacqueline’s mother, who was mentally ill, attempted delivery in the road because she could not find the hospital. Passersby found her and brought her to the hospital in Arusha. At the hospital, she gave birth to twins, Jacqueline and Jackson. But then, the mother disappeared. Both Jacqueline and Jackson stayed at the hospital for three months, and then were transferred to Samaritan Village because no one came to claim them. Both Jacqueline and her twin brother Jackson now attend Lady of Mercy School and are doing very well. A gift of $60 monthly will provide for Jacqueline’s care at Samaritan Village Orphanage. A monthly sponsorship for a child is $60., but any amount - either one time, monthly or even yearly is greatly
appreciated. You may follow us on Facebook @ Samaritan Village Orphanage, on our website @ http://www. samaritanvillageorphanage.com/ and through our quarterly Newsletter. The all volunteer Board and friends of Samaritan Village meet monthly and you are invited to attend the meetings to learn more about this life saving work. Please call Tara @ 530-329-6619 for information and meeting information. To sign up for our Newsletter, please drop us a note at the address below and include your name, mailing address and email address (if available). As always, we solicit and covet your prayer partnership for these little ones whom God has placed in our care. Samaritan Village Orphanage, Inc. P.O. Box 444 Yuba City, CA 95992 Tax ID#68-0214955 501c 3
“...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matt 25:40
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Prayer Calendar for
January 2013 3-Jan Local officials and community leaders 4-Jan Caregivers of elderly and disabled 5-Jan Homeless/Poor - Twin Cities Rescue Mission, A Hand Up, R.E.S.T 6-Jan Adoptive families & birth moms - Lifetime Adoption (p.3) 7-Jan Marriages, Restoration and Strength 8-Jan For boldness & protection to stand for Truth without compromise (see p.9) 9-Jan Jacqueline & other orphan children- Samaritan Village (see p. 3) 10-Jan Military, All armed forces & their families. 11-Jan Addicted, Rehab ministries- Feather River Mens Center, Joshua House, Celebrate Recovery 12-Jan LGBT individuals- for God to reveal truth (p.8) 13-Jan Pray for homeless ministries-Twin Cities Rescue Mission, A Hand Up, Bridges to Housing (see p. 14) 14-Jan Area Youth-Local Youth ministers /Youth groups 15-Jan Ambassador Radio Show /KCYC 104.7 for listener impact 16-Jan Jobs for unemployed/underemployed 17-Jan Christian Businesses-Ambassador Sponsors & others. 18-Jan Sick/Afflicted, Healing and Comfort 19-Jan The Ambassador Newspaper-Increased readership and Impact 20-Jan MLK Day- for race relations & end to bigotry 21-Jan Global Persecution-Safety/Courage of Believers 22-Jan Area Schools Students and Teachers 23-Jan Middle East - For the peace of Jerusalem 24-Jan Sex Trafficking - pray for victims and their victimizers (see p.14) 25-Jan A Woman’s Friend - Unborn children/Pregnant Women 26-Jan Local ministries (see p. 3) 27-Jan Children and Children’s Ministries 28-Jan Marketplace Ministries-Opportunities to share 29-Jan Unity among churches 30-Jan Singles, Single Parents, Divorce healing 31-Jan Teen Depression, Suicide
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Keep The Gate Closed by David Kugelman Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. This sign read, “Keep the Gate Closed” and was posted on the gate to the entrance of a swimming pool at a resort in Palm Desert. The pool is surrounded by a fence with a locked gate for an obvious reason. It is there to protect and prevent young children from accidentally falling into the pool which could result in serious injury or death. Young children do not understand the danger of getting to close to the edge of a pool and are unaware of the deadly consequences of falling in. Even though the pool is surrounded by a fence that protects 98% of it’s perimeter, it ultimately serves no purpose if the gate is left open. The sign on the gate is an important reminder to “keep the gate closed” so that unsuspecting children remain safe from the hazards of drowning. The sign itself is useless if ignored.
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As you begin a new year, how are you doing at “keeping the gate closed” to your heart? What do you watch, listen to, read and whom do you associate with? These are important questions for genuine followers of Jesus to ask themselves. Do you pay attention to the signs that protect you from the dangers that surround you each and every day? If you want positive improvement in your life, start by honestly evaluating yourself in these key areas. Let the following verse guide you; Philippians 4:8 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Too many believers allow crude entertainment and/or ungodly relationships to be negative influences in their lives. Positive change can start today. The question to ask yourself is this; how bad do you want it? 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
Join us from noon to 1pm at the Bonanza Inn the first Tuesday of every month for a time of encouragement, fellowship and prayer with the
Christian Business Alliance. All are welcome!
Geri Moore, Director 530.755.3850
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EDITORIAL
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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VIEWPOINT
AS WE SEE IT
THOUGHTS ON CRITICAL THINKING By Jon Skillman
I’ve been reading a lot about the concept of Critical Thinking. It seems that Critical Thinking, along with something call Common Core Standards have been transforming the thinking of our public school students. But the more I read about Critical Thinking, the more critical I think of it. You may be asking yourself, “What the heck is Critical Thinking?” Well, you might want to have some Excedrin handy because your mind is about to be severely manipulated. According to Dr. Richard Paul (the C.T. Guru) Critical Thinking is: “Thinking about your thinking while you’re thinking in order to make your thinking better by using skills and standards by which one appropriately assesses thinking.” But wait, there’s more: “Self improvement in thinking through standards that assess thinking.” Uh-huh, I guess that makes
sense. Question: Who exactly writes these standards and defines appropriate assessment? I know, I know, don’t bother me with the details. Moving right along, Doctor Paul explains one of the main aims of Critical Thinking as follows: “To impose discipline and restraint on our thinking by intellectual standards to raise our level of thinking to perfection not obtainable by natural or likely in undisciplined, spontaneous thought.” Sounds like we’re being put back into that box we were told to think outside of…it also sounds a little brain-washy, and a whole lot scary.
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I mean if you dictate how to think don’t you also control what you think? What about innovation and creativity? Can they be found in intellectual standards, appropriate assessment and disciplined thought? Dr. Paul further explains, “While not synonymous with good thinking, Critical Thinking is a pervasive and self-rectifying human phenomena.” Oh my, where’d I put that Excedrin? I don’t know about you, but good thinking sounds…let’s see, what’s the word I’m looking for? Oh yeah…good! Pervasive, self-rectifying human phenomena…ah… not so much. Well here are some of my undisciplined and spontaneous thoughts on the matter: Critical Thinking and its “intellectual standards and appropriate assessment” as defined by whoever, will, by necessity, reach the desired conclusion of that same whoever. Critical Thinking cannot entertain any notion or “assessment” of belief or faith because it is all about the mind…not the spirit or the heart. It is cold hard logic locked in a mind closed by intellectual standards and disciplined thought. And this is exactly why atheists, skeptics and seculars simply love Critical Thinking. Their overwhelming endorsement of Critical Thinking in our public schools is illustrated on The Atheists of Butte County website: “We feel that the best way to ensure our future is to teach critical thinking skills at a young age.” We are in a war folks, a war over the minds, hearts and souls of our children. Critical Thinking and Faith are as contrary as the world and God’s Kingdom. But God says it best in Isaiah 55:8,9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” So…what do you think?
A Blessing from “Inside” I have received many letters from correctional facilities in the years we’ve printed The Ambassador. Many of the writers ask for help. Some need help with a place to stay when they’re released. Others request an endorsement or help with their case. Some request literature, Bibles or a pastoral visit. Some even criticize me, an article, or what we believe. I recently received a letter stamped “Inmate Generated Mail” and I confess my first thought was “What does this person want from me?”. Instead, I was blessed with a letter that seemed to be sent with the sole purpose of encouraging me! On page 5 is a poem written by the letter writer. Additionally, he wrote the following in his letter: “Your magazine helped change my life for the better. I’m now free on the inside. God bless you Seth, 4ever.”
Seth Halpern - Editor and hurt, I am now a child of God, searching for a better way…I was raised by a strong momma and she led me to Jesus at 3 or 4 years old. But I always new love because of her… You are life changing, so is Kug, and Pastor Jim at Crossroads and Joshua House.” I share this not for kudos to me (as you can see, God used others probably more than me and The Ambassador). God can and does do amazing things in the hearts of people. I’ve always believed that while signs and wonders are awesome, there is no greater miracle than when he changes a stone-cold heart! Thank you, DWB, for your encouragement and the courage to share it.
A few more of his comments were, “After a lifetime of drugs, pain,
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MLK Day Matinee Mon. Jan. 20 • 2pm Tickets on-sale now at the Sleep Train Area Ticket Office, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 800-745-3000!
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