The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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To get to my favorite coffee shop here in Louisville, I pass a lot of bumper stickers intended to make people like me angry. One of them says “Born Okay the First Time.” Another says “If You Don’t Like Abortion, Don’t Have One.” And, of course, there are several of the Darwin fish, those metallic signs with the early Christian symbol sprouting legs. These bumper stickers have spawned an entire industry in American evangelicalism, countering these arguments, with “right back at you” ridicule. I understand the temptation, because some of those bumper stickers used to rile me up too. I would roll my eyes and think how stupid the argument was in front of me. Why does the Wicca devotee really need to tell us, “My Other Car Is a Broom”? Why does the anti-procreation guy have to announce, “My Labradoodle Is Smarter Than Your Honors Student”? But, it seems to me that Jesus never seemed all that outraged by ridicule. Yes, Jesus would engage, and banter back and forth with his critics. Yes, Jesus would sometimes use some pretty stout sarcasm. But Jesus never seemed to be personally offended. Even when his critics suggested he was demon-possessed (Mk. 3:22-27), Jesus simply turned the conversation around, saying, in effect, “Come on, do you really believe that? Satan vs Satan?” Why does Jesus seem so relatively free of outrage? I think it’s for the same reason Jesus didn’t verbally spar point-by-point with the Sanhedrin or Pontius Pilate. Confident in his Father ’s future vindication, Jesus didn’t need to be seen, in the now, to be right. How different that is from our typical contemporary Christian polemics. It is hard to argue with political
Responding To Unbelief
scientist Alan Wolfe’s contention that the “culture wars” as we know them are mostly an illusion. The heated rhetoric of
evangelicals in the political and media spheres, Wolfe asserts, is often directly related to the ineffectual nature of Christian distinctiveness in our own living rooms and pews. Of evangelical conservatives, Wolfe writes: “Their inability to use their political power to lower abortion and divorce rates, instill a sense of obedience and respect for authority among teenagers, and urge courts and legislatures to give special recognition for Christianity’s power role in American religious life creates among them a perpetual outrage machine.” Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying we shouldn’t confront culture. Jesus did, as did the prophets before him and the apostles after him. If we are, as Jesus said, “fishers of men” then we’ll understand that the eco-system in which the fish live matters. But we defend the gospel; not ourselves. We confront culture willing to be, as Paul said, “wronged” and “defrauded” (1 Cor. 6:7).
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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 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.Views expressed in The Ambassador do not necessarily reflect those of our sponsors or advertisers
Editor/Publisher - Seth Halpern Advisory Board - Sean Blount & Dave Kugelman Design - Martin Virtual
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The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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Lamb Song
Making A Difference
Elizabeth Hexberg
By Elizabeth Hexberg
What can I give Him, poor as I am. Just another sinner, just another lamb. What have I to offer, cobwebs, dust and dirt. How can I make a difference, in such a world of hurt. but……Jesus said ,'Come Hither, just the way you are I will not let you wither, I am the Bright and Morning Star. I am the snow capped mountains. The rivers running free. Star full skies, new born cries. All are born of Me. I am the glow of Sunrise. The silver in the dew. The fragrance of the flowers, and I have need of you. Not because your pretty. Not because your smart. Just because you hear me, and Love lives in your heart.
Recently I ran across a handful of friends, trying to really make a difference. This is not a 'Church' group, or a large organization with money to spare, but 100% Volunteers, and for the most part all funding has come from their own pockets and life skills available. Their Mission Statement reads: ‘Our Mission is to 'make a difference' where no one else will, in the lives of those less fortunate than we are. Cartagena is a place where unemployment is at a staggering 83%. Human beings living in totally unacceptable living conditions, day in and day out. We are here to initiate an example template so to speak. Of putting our resources together and showing the world that 'people helping people' is what we need more of in this world today. Our f o u n d a t i o n i s n o t s o much about philanthropy, but more a selfless attitude in helping 'changing lives'. Even if it is just 'one person at a time.’ This weekend I viewed photographs of just how these people live, with no water for washing or cooking, and homes stuck together with only sticks and mud, just waiting for the first torrential rains to wash them all away. Projects are underway, with more planned, dependant on funding.
More information, about Cartagena, and how to help is available here: http://www.lifeint.org/ or bydirect contact: Tel: (949) 307 1337 davekerby@lifeint.org
‘Life International Children's Foundation', is a real and noteworthy example of how ordinary people, really can change lives, and make that difference, even if only a little at a time. God Bless them. Elizabeth.
Anonymous Comments: I always enjoy the Ambassador. Good content. Well written articles that bring important issues to light - things that are left out of main stream media. I read EVERYTHING from the Ambassador, knowing that it will give me a different perspective than what the Appeal gives.
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Holy Experiment Day
Seeing The End From The Beginning
By Paula McBride
John Imler
If March 4 has come and gone by the time you read this article, I regret to inform you that you missed Holy Experiment Day. No worries, though. You can try your experiment any day. Holy Experiment Day really exists according to holidayinsights.com. Although their research found no creator or origin of the day, the webmasters did a good job of encouraging people to try an experiment while keeping in mind that God is not a divine vending machine and that His ways are often not our ways. What if we tried a holy experiment? An experiment must have a purpose and an expected result. If the purpose is to get something from God, our intent may be less than holy. Cain found that out when he offered his own idea of what God wanted as a sacrifice. If our purpose is to glorify God, the result deepens our faith and shouts His majesty to others. If an experiment has a purpose and an expected result, what does the holy part mean? When we say God is holy, we mean He is set apart--completely other than we can imagine. When He calls His children to be holy, He asks that they be separate, easily identified as His and set apart from the self-absorbed culture around them. So a holy experiment would be something we intentionally do that will result in our being more closely woven into the character of Christ. Daniel's holy experiment before the officials of Babylon resulted in his
personal prestige and position to the glory of God. He and his friends resolved not to defile themselves with the king's food. After eating vegetables for ten days, they looked healthier and better nourished than the young men who ate the royal food (Daniel 1:8-20). Eric Liddell's experiment in the 1924 Paris Olympics tested the young man's commitment to his heavenly and earthly kings. Liddell chose to remain set apart for God by keeping the Sabbath Day holy. He chose not to run the race he was favored to win because it was scheduled on Sunday. Later, as he took his place for the 400 meter race which he was not expected to win, he was handed a slip of paper on which was written I Samuel 2:30: "Those who honor me, I will honor." Clutching that paper in his hand, Liddell stunned the world by not only winning the race, but by breaking the previous record. The fame of many Olympians has faded, but Eric Liddell's story is still told today to the glory of God. We may not influence earthly kings with holy experiments, but we can enrich our lives and magnify God by refining areas of compromise. March 4 will pass away, yet each day can be lived separated from the world and bound to Christ. Philip P. Bliss wrote, "More holiness give me," and William D. Longstaff wrote, "Take time to be holy." May these be our desire as we live a grand Holy Experiment for Jesus.
In Isaiah 46:9-10 we find these words: “I am God, and there is none like me, I make known the end from the beginning.” For years the late Paul Harvey broadcast The Rest of the Story giving interesting details of events and peoples’ lives. The end of the stories was often more important than the beginning. That would seem to be true of our lives–of our own stories. As human beings, we know our beginning: God created our inmost being in our mothers’ wombs (Psalm 139:13). We also know our end: “man is destined to die once and, after that to face judgment” (Heb. 9:27). Foolishly, we may gamble with God, thinking that we will cross that bridge when we come to it. However, we must remember that that time, that hour, is one over which we have no control. So, to journey through this life without keeping an eye on the end—that time when we will leave this life and enter into eternity—seems unwise, no matter what
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we believe about that place or time. God has been faithful in giving us an abundance of warning signs about that day throughout the Bible. Even if we ignore those in His Guidebook for our daily living, He reminds us through the deaths of our friends, family, and associates. He does not remind us as a harsh Judge who we all must some day face but as our loving Creator and Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ told us this about his Father: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17). So, as we journey through this life, let us live with our eyes on its ending, keeping in mind that God has not only posted reminders along the way but also has provided a way to live that will bring us peace when that time comes (1 Cor.15:4555). Your comments or questions are welcome at john@faithrescued.com or under comments at the conclusion of this article.
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LIVING The Work of Our Hands By Nita Fochs In a recent discussion about the weight of our current workload, I suggested to a colleague that I felt like I was digging a hole in the sand and the more I dig out, the more there is that falls in. Being totally unaware of how profound his next words would be, he said; “Then add a little water to it. When you wet sand it sticks together and then you can dig a big hole.” That’s it! The missing ingredient was water, living water. How often we try to take on the world in our own strength and how routinely we find ourselves spent with our world still spinning out of control. It is not in our own strength that we find success. The scripture says; “…Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord almighty.” Zech. 4:6 It is pride that convinces us that we can do mighty things in our own power, but the word of God is clear on this matter: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 And yet, we toil day after day, powered by our own might, determination and strength and we remain
frustrated and exhausted because the fruit of our hands, driven by our might, is dust. Father, help us to remember to seek you first, before any undertaking, and to ask for your guidance in all matters, great and small. Thank you that you are our provision and our strength, and that we have only to listen and obey. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Now, that is when His living water begins to flow and the sands come under authority. That is when get things get done!
The Ambassador Ministry would like to thank the following people for their Individual Sponsorship Hope Ithurburn Kay Andrus Sandi Juri Michael Barrett Sue Kochi Sean Blount Jim & Darlene Myers Marty Brown Maria Paras Warren & Lucy Campbell Wendell Prine Chuck Dexter Pamela Givans Bud & Linda Preston David Hobbs Mimi Robarge John Imler Jon & Pat Skillman Brad Indelicato Art & Mary Ann Whitten Kerry Iskikian Harry & Marilyn Wilkinson
God Bless Each of You for your support of this ministry and our community
If you would be interested in supporting The Ambassador as an Individual Sponsor ($15 - $20/month) please contact Seth Halpern at: editor@ambassadornewspaper.com or call 530-933-1385 or visit us online at www.ambassadornewspaper.com
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TRUTH cont. from cover We know our ultimate vindication comes later. We need not then respond back to unbelievers with sarcastic barbs and slickly packaged campaigns. We have the right to religious liberty, and we ought to protect it. But we don’t have, and we shouldn’t want, the right to be free from ridicule. My outrage at the Darwin fish in front of me often has little to do with persuading the Darwinist that there’s a more excellent way. Instead, sadly, my zeal is motivated by the very same factors that cause me to bristle when someone bashes the New Orleans Saints or tells a Mississippi joke. I consider it to be an attack on me. When that is my response to revulsion at the gospel, that becomes satanic. We ought to be willing to be ridiculed and scoffed at because our audience isn’t this present band of spectators. We can listen to our “opponents,” love them, and bear their objections with patience precisely because we are convinced the gospel is true. I am not outraged when my children wake at night afraid of a goblin in the closet, because I know there’s no goblin. Our “opponents” aren’t children, but we aren’t threatened by Darwinism or hedonism or nihilism or any other proposed alternative to Christianity for the same reasons.
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Yes, I’ll talk to my non-Christian neighbor about how not even he really believes the universe is random and meaningless and amoral. I don’t rage against my son as “stupid” for crying about the goblin. And I don’t rage against my unbelieving neighbor’s unbelief. He’s held captive, as I was, to a mind-blinding snake (2 Cor. 4). So let’s stop being irritated with unbelievers. Let’s pray to see those Darwin fish and witchcraft bumper stickers in our church parking lots as our neighbors seek to ferret out just why we don’t seem to believe in the survival of the fittest or the sovereignty of the ego. There are some things more important than whether we’re proven right, things like truth and hope and grace and, above all else, love. Adapted from Russell D. Moore's weblog at russellmoore.com. Dr. Russell D. Moore is the Dean of the School of Theology and Senior Vice-President for Academic Administration at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He also serves as a preaching pastor at Highview Baptist Church, where he ministers weekly at the congregation’s Fegenbush location. Dr. Moore is the author of The Kingdom of Christ and Adopted for Life. Russell D. Moore - Christian Post Guest Columnist. Copyright © Christianpost.com. All rights reserved.
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A Peek At My Bookshelf Recommended Reading by Deena Peterson
“Life Without Limits" by Nick Vujicic I want you to pause for a moment, and think of someone in your life...someone who is struggling in some area. It can be any area: emotional, physical, mental, spiritual. Now, I want to ask you to pray for that person, and then consider buying him or her a book as a gift. Buy this book. Seriously. "Life Without Limits" is more than an autobiography or a memoir. This is a book of inspiration from someone who, logically, should have given up on life. Nick Vujicic (pronounced 'voy-a-chich) was born without limbs--no arms, no legs. Just a small 'chicken-foot', as he calls it. Nick has more than overcome the obstacles that life presented him as a disabled person...he has thrived and become an internationally renown motivational speaker. But Nick doesn't just motivate and encourage...he shares a powerful message of faith everywhere he goes. In "Life Without Limbs" you'll read Nick's emotional story and about his growing up years. You'll read about moments when he was so down he thought about just giving up in the ultimate way. And then you'll see how Nick gave himself the best pep talk and pressed on. Independent, optimistic and energetic are three words that capture the spirit of Nick Vujicic. His love for God and for people is contagious. And he doesn't stop with his own story... ...nope. He shares story after story about others he's read about, encountered or heard of. People who've overcome
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obstacles, triumphed over tragedies and high-stepped over hurdles to be their best selves as they were created to be. Like Bethany Hamilton, the young surfer who lost her arm to a shark attack but didn't lose her spirit...or her desire to conquer the waves. And the story of another young boy, born without limbs...a young life Nick was able to mentor because he himself stayed in the game of life. Nick doesn't shy away from his faith in Christ, but he has a gentle way of presenting his relationship with Jesus and how it has impacted his own life. His witness is a true draw to want to examine faith and I'm so proud to call him my brother in Christ! As expected, photographs are
included, and Nick has some of the coolest...a photo of his surfing experience with Bethany (oh yeah, he caught a wave!), photos from childhood, and pictures of some of his world travels. I think one of my favorite chapters was "The Ridiculous Rules" (a close second was "An Equal Opportunity Hugger"!). This is the fun side of Nick--the practical joker. His encounter with an overhead luggage unit on a flight was priceless! Nick's message isn't just about surviving...it's about thriving. Life is a journey, and Nick Vujicic is enjoying every step. Isn't it about time we all did? Just listen to these chapter titles: 'If You Can't Get a Miracle, Become One', 'No Arms, No Legs, No Limits', and 'Don't Let Your Face Plant Grow Roots'...just to name a few. I'd heard of Nick through YouTube videos, so when I saw his book at a local bookstore I immediately asked my husband for it. I'm SO glad I did! No matter what life has given you to work
with, you can overcome it, thrive and be an inspiration to others. You truly can live "Live Without Limits". So buy this book for someone in your life who needs to hear Nick's message...and don't forget to get yourself a copy! I'm grateful to my husband for purchasing my copy, and eager for you to enjoy Nick's story...which is still being written. "Life Without Limits" is published by Doubleday and available at bookstores everywhere, as well as at Amazon.com and other online retailers. I'm giving this book five out of five bookmarks with a happy face as a charm...can't get enough of Nick Vujicic's smile and his beautiful eyes. You know, I can see Jesus in Nick's eyes! Happy Reading! Deena Peterson An Independent Reviewer Totally Dependent Upon Jesus!
For more book reviews by Deena visit deenasbooks.blogspot.com
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Ten Differences
Grace Christian Academy & Preschool
Jonathan Ekeland and Bob Walton Public Schools
Christian Schools
Purpose of Education: To prepare citizens for a humanistic society that tolerates all lifestyles
Purpose of Education: To prepare citizens for the Kingdom of God who are equipped to spread the Gospel
Content of Education: Humanism - no values are absolute and no truth is final
Content of Education: All of life is studied in submission to the Word of God and its precepts
Control of Education: The State determines the content and methods of education
Control of Education: The school functions in loco parentis, reinforcing and supporting parental values
Science: Naturalism - everything comes from matter, time, and chance
Science: God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things; science involves knowing God through knowing His world
History: Controlled either by autonomous man or by an impersonal process
History: Controlled by an omnipotent God who knows the end from the beginning
Math: A tool that is useful because it seems to work in manipulating the natural world
Math: A reflection of the mind of an orderly God who has made us in His image to understand His world
English: Literature must be representative of all cultures, which are seen as having equal value, and has no inherent meaning
English: Students are exposed to a variety of quality literature, which is appreciated as a demonstration of common grace and interpreted in the light of God’s Word
Teachers: Varied backgrounds - Christianity or some other religion, humanism, atheism; may be straight or gay
Teachers: Born-again, committed believers seeking to model Christ before their students
Rules: Determined by state and federal laws and guidelines
Rules: Determined by God’s Word and its moral standards
Peers: Varied religious backgrounds, often receiving little moral instruction or values at home or church
Peers: Students from Christian homes who are there because their parents support Christian values
8 The Ambassador
source: discoverchristianschools.com
Quality Staff Hot Lunch Uniforms Sports Program
Computers Quality Curriculum am/pm Extended Care Family Atmosphere
*DARE TO COMPARE* High SAT Scores Lower Tuition
Curriculum
Preschool - Ages 2 thru 5
Academy - Grades K thru 12
High School classes now available A ministry of Grace Baptist Church
What will your kids do this summer??? How About a Great Summer Camp, Performing Arts and Ministry Opportunity that is Loads of Fun and Christ-centered? Faith Christian Schools and the Award-Winning FCS Players 14th Annual Young People’s Summer Theatre Program Hit the Stage with One of Two Great Productions:
Doctor Dolittle! -OR- THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE!
For 14 Years the Sacramento Region’s Premier Summer Drama Camp!
Daily Theatre, Voice and Dance Training! Classes: June 13 - July 16, 2010 Monday – Friday, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Produced by Paul and Anne DeMeritt w Ages 7-18 w All Levels of Experience Welcome! w Lots of Great Parts for Boys and Girls! w Quality Musical Theatre Training from Dedicated Professionals! w Theatre Games! w Daily Devotions and Snacks! w Safe, Supportive Christian Atmosphere! w Be a part of an Exciting, Professionally Produced Production in July!
Performances: July 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 - 7:30 pm Saturday Matinee, July 16 - 2:00 pm Spaces are filling fast! Call 530-674-5474 for More Info, Or Download an Application at www.fcsplayers.com!
The Ultimate Reason for a Christian School Education John Fedele – Discover Christian Schools
In these ever changing times I find it interesting to read the variety of “reasons” given to parents in considering a Christian School education. The fact that Christian schools have weekly chapels, memorize Scripture, study the Bible, or that our schools are safe places for kids, or that there is a positive learning atmosphere, those things are all important, but they are not the essence of a Christian school education. They are good, things, but they do not fully represent in my opinion what a Christian school education is really about. The first and most important thing that you’re going to find in a Christian school is an education that is presented from an eternal perspective, meaning, students are taught about the reality that there is a God, and His will for each young person is to know him personally as Savior and then, to begin learning how they can become totally devoted disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s an education about having children understand the need for a personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe, and how that Creator can profoundly impact and interact with their lives right here, right now as well as for the rest of their lives. It’s not just about the sweet bye and bye or punching a ticket for heaven, but it’s coming to a deep awareness and a knowledge that a student’s life can make a difference right here, right now
and that they are being equipped to impact God’s kingdom and ultimately, to influence the world in which they live. It’s not about students learning to adjust or adapt to the culture, but rather having students learn how they can change the culture and ultimately the world wherever they go. It is not about getting an education that prepares students to get into the best college, to get the best job, to make lots of money, so they can buy “stuff” and be happy. Getting a good education is important, don’t get me wrong, but if that is the end goal and the only goal, and our children are not equipped or prepared to live lives of meaning and service, to live lives that make a difference in the lives of others, then we have failed in our mission to truly educate them. James Braley, noted Christian educator said it best, “It’s changed lives, changing lives!” It’s the impact of a teacher’s changed life, changing the individual lives of his or her students. And those students going out and doing the same. Christian parents, isn’t that what you really want for your son or daughter? To have them grow in relationship with their Creator and live a life of purpose and meaning, having them being able to discern and discover God’s will for their lives and to have access to His blessings, goodness and favor, and not just simply “grab the gusto?” That’s what students will receive at a Christian
"I am afraid that the schools will prove the very gates of hell, unless they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures and engraving them in the heart of the youth." ~ Martin Luther
school, an education that is from an eternal perspective based on a personal relationship with God that will be lived out in some kind of service to the kingdom of God and to others. It is an education not only of the mind, but
of the heart as well, to love God, and to love and serve others. An education for an eternity! The ultimate reason to consider a Christian school education!
*Preschool - 8th grade *Traditional calendar *Music & Sports *Bible-based *Family-friendly
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(530) 533-2888 The Ambassador
9
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
POLITICS/CULTURE Conscience Trampled By The Regime
How Do We Know Heaven And Hell Are REAL?
By R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
By Christian Biscotti
The Obama administration has revoked nearly all of the conscience protections put in place by the administration of President George W. Bush. The policy change came just today, and was released as a new rule from the Department of Health and Human Services. As Rob Stein of The Washington Post reports, “The Obama administration rescinded most of a federal regulation Friday designed to protect health workers who refuse to provide care they find objectionable on personal or religious grounds.” In this case “most” means almost all of the previous rule has been rescinded. Stein described the action by stating that the Obama administration had “eliminated nearly the entire rule.” All that remains are protections put in place previously covering medical personnel who object to abortion or sterilization. Gone are all protections for those who object by conscience to abortifacient drugs and “emergency” contraceptives, the treatment of gay men and lesbians, and prescriptions for birth control sought by single women. In these cases, medical personnel have objected that their conscience and understanding of medical ethics do not allow them to facilitate acts and behaviors that are both immoral and unhealthy. The Obama administration said that the Bush era rule was “unclear and potentially overbroad in scope.” Rob Stein explained the concern this way: The Bush regulation, if enforced, would have cut off federal funding for
thousands of entities, including state and local governments, hospitals, health plans and clinics, if they did not accommodate doctors, nurses, pharmacists or other employees who refused to participate in care they felt violated their personal, moral or religious beliefs. That wording implies that the normal expectation should be that health programs and providers should not “accommodate doctors, nurses, pharmacists or other employees who refused to participate in care they felt violated their personal, moral, or spiritual beliefs.” In other words, the Obama administration is now ready to use the coercive power of the state to force medical personnel to perform acts they consider to be morally wrong and unhealthy for their patients. One obvious implication of this is that the state now finds it necessary to force medical professionals to do what they by conscience do not think is right. Allowed to act by conscience, these medical professionals clearly would not do what the state now requires them to do. Just imagine how our nation’s founders would consider such a tyrannical trampling of individual conscience by the power of the state. From a Christian perspective, this should serve as a clear alarm for those who suggest that it is paranoid to believe that the state will use similar force to require other acts against conscience. The logic is right here for all to see, and only the willfully blind can deny what this new policy means.
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10 The Ambassador
Jesus spoke in detail about heaven and hell, specifically in Matthew’s gospel, chapter 25. To say that heaven and hell are not real, we would have to prove that Jesus is, as Josh McDowell stated in his book, Evidence That Demands A Verdict, a liar, a lunatic or that Jesus is telling the truth. Because we live in Western Civilization, the supernatural is not as real to us in comparison to the rest of the world. Ironically, 90% of the world’s population believe in God and/or have a spiritual ideology. A majority of the religions of the world believe in an after-life. Why does there appear to be a “God conscience” placed within the human soul that points us to the spiritual world? This reality itself is empirical evidence supporting the existence of heaven and hell, like a tracking beacon felt by billions of people worldwide, helping us set our minds on the things above. God did not abandon His creation but “desires all men/women to be saved” (I Tim. 2:4), so much so that He became a man and “dwelt among us” (John 1:14) to show us “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). In America, like other developed nations, we have unfortunately elevated reason above revelation. Heaven and hell, according to Scripture, are eternal (Matt. 25:46), they were created before/during the foundation of the world (Gen. 1:1, Matt. 25:34), and they are places where God Himself lives (Deut. 26:15, Zech. 2:13, 1 Kin. 8:30, 39,43,49) and where the devil and his demonic angels will live with unbelievers who choose to go to hell instead of receive the free gift of grace
through Christ Jesus (Matt. 25: 41, John 3:16). This life we live is temporary and in the view of eternity, this life is a vapor that rises and disappears in a split second (James 4:14). When we receive Christ, we enter into eternal life that is now and not yet (John 10:10). As Christians here on earth, we experience a glimpse of eternity which we will fully enter into when our physical bodies die and our spiritual being and personhood is instantly escorted to heaven where our REAL home is waiting for us. Heaven and hell, according to Scripture, are far more real than this life we cling to. Thus, we need to live with an eternal perspective and focus. Jesus said,
“Do not let your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you… I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-3).
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
ONGOING EVENTS
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
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
ME Dessert (Marriage Educators) Mon 6:30-8PM (Monthly 2nd Monday) @ The Cookie Tree, YC 1st timers Welcome! Have a cup and a cookie while listening to what others are & planning to do to strengthen relationships and families. If you have an interest in strengthening relationships, we can fan your flame. Call Robbie @671-6069 or visit www.YubaSutterMarriage.com
WISE (Women In Search of Excellence) Bible Study Cornerstone Church Tue. 7pm
FREE Karate Classes First Baptist Church of Olivehurst Mon 6:30pm FREE karate classes taught from a Christian perspective. 743-1831 for info, Pastor Miguel.
DIVORCE CARE Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Road off Hwy 99 Wednesdays 7 - 8:30pm A Divorce Care group is a special place of encouragement, information and sharing. Divorce care groups meet weekly, providing you with an ongoing "support team" as you deal with the issues surrounding your separation or divorce. Info: 530671-6069 www.YubaSutterMarriage.com
Weekly Recovery Groups Crossroads Community Church Sunday 7-8pm, Thursday 6:30-8:30 We also offer a Grief Recovery Group on Wednesday Evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information, please call Joyce Jordan at: 674-3441.
Celebrate Recovery Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church Tues 7pm - 674-9210
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. Awards are given for Bible verse memorization and handbook achievement. For ages 2 through the eighth grade. Prayer Vigil for LIFE! Last Wed of each month, 4-5pm Join us as we gather with people of faith throughout our area, as we peacefully pray on the sidewalk at the Yuba City Planned Parenthood. We meet on the last Wednesday of the month. For more info, please contact Heather Pugh (530)751-9349. WestWord Riders Motorcycle Ministry Gridley Grill, 484 Hwy 99, Gridley Mar. 19th, 8:30am The WestWord Riders motorcycle fellowship meets the 3rd Saturday of each month. Meetings are followed by a planned ride so dust off that helmet and join us! For any other information contact Willy Alongi at 701-1045. FREE YARN CRAFT Class First Baptist Church of Olivehurst – 1777 8th Ave, Olivehurst Monday’s, 10am. CELEBRATE RECOVERY Hope Point Nazarene, 600 N. George Washington Blvd, Yuba City Wed, 6:30pm Hope Point Nazarene, 2727 Fir Street, Live Oak Fri, 6:30pm Join us for this Christ-centered recovery group that provides a safe place for you with people who will love you through your pain, and celebrate with you during your victories. The group meets weekly, so visit us any time. Contact Jim Myers at 635-4688 for more information. Knit & Crochet Women's Fellowship First Baptist Church of Olivehurst, 1777 - 8th Avenue 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. Contact Vivian 530-3019841 for further information. Couplehood Begins March 16th Wednesdays 6:45 - 8:45pm Church of Glad Tidings www.YubaSutterMarriage.com How can we protect our relationship from becoming another statistic? What can we do to keep our love energized? Couplehood teaches how to protect, nourish and transform your relationship into an enduring and fulfilling connection. Info: 530.671.6069
Mark Your Calendars!
CALENDAR JEFF & SHERI EASTER in Concert Crossroads Community Church YC Thursday, March 3rd, 7pm – Jeff & Sheri have been nominated for numerous Dove Awards and won five, as well as a Grammy nomination. Sheri has been named the Singing News Favorite Alto eleven times and the Singing News Female Vocalist four times. You’ve seen them on the Gaither Homecoming Videos. It’s a FREE concert. -751-9168 POTTER’S FIELD Crossroads Community Church – YC Saturday, March 5th, 7pm Michael’s ability to communicate visually with clay, combined with Pam’s musical gifts, create a living parable further illustrated by humorous stories and poignant vignettes. The ancient truths of the Bible are brought to life, making our relationship with the Master Potter a tangible reality. Don’t miss this free presentation. CAMPERSHIP SPAGHETTI DINNER First Presbyterian Church, 1945 Sampson Street, Marysville March 12, 5pm This is a great way to help raise money for kids to go to Camp. Monies raised will also help send folks interested in going to retreats and training classes throughout the year. Tickets will be sold at the door. Suggested donation of $7.00 for adults and $3.00 for children under 12. Take out is also available. FAITH CHRISTIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE Elementary Campus at 2620 Colusa Highway in Yuba City Tuesday, March 15, 7pm. Open house for existing elementary school families; visit the classroom, fellowship with other families, visit with teachers and view student art, projects and classroom work. Bring the whole family. FAITH CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL’S FCS PLAYERS PRESENT “A NEW BEGINNING” First United Methodist Church - 3101 Colusa Hwy., Y.C. March 23-26, 7:30pm performances every night and one Saturday Matinee at 2pm on the 26th A celebration of Spring, Easter and the journey to America in story, dance and song. General admission $13, Seniors, Students & Active Duty Military $11 For more information visit www.fcsplayers.com Women of Purpose Fellowship Del Wayne Estates Clubhouse 3120 Live Oak Blvd, YC Fri, March 25, 6pm We would like to invite all ladies to our Women of Purpose Fellowship. This will be a time of worship and sharing Gods word. Come and join us, dessert will be served. “Going Beyond” Women's Event w/Priscilla Shirer North Valley Calvary Chapel 613 Bogue Rd. in Yuba City
(Going Beyond cont.) Fri, April 1st & Sat April 2nd. 6:30pm on Fri & 8:30am on Sat. Priscilla Shirer will be giving tools for women to read and study the Bible on their own. She is also going to talk about her book "Life Interrupted." Anthony Evans will be leading worship for this women's event. Tickets are for sale at NVCC for $10. Please call the church at 530-674-5296 for details. Don't miss it!!
20TH ANNUAL FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL AUCTION & DINNER, “CATCH THE WAVE” Hope Point Nazarene Church at 600 No. George Washington Blvd. in Yuba City Friday, April 1, 5:30 p.m. Live and Silent Auctions, drawings throughout the evening, dinner and live music. This school and community event benefits the Faith Christian Schools Scholarship Fund. Admission $30 (seating limited to first 200 reservations). Business and event sponsorships are available. Go to www.faithchristianschool.com or call (530) 6745474 for details. FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS SPRING CONCERT & ART SHOW First United Methodist Church at 3101 Colusa Hwy. in Yuba City Monday, April 4, 2011 - 7:00 p.m. Concert Band, Jazz Band & Orchestra will perform a wide range of music and High School fine art will be displayed. This event is open to the public and admission is free. Everyone is welcome. For details call (530) 674-5474
Comedy Night at Hope Point Nazarene April 15th Mark Your Calendar – You'll need a little comic relief on April 15th so plan on joining us for a night of comedy and music. Watch next month for more details. WEEKEND TO REMEMBER April 15-17 Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Incline Village www.familylife.com You will receive marriage-changing principles that you can take home and apply to your daily lives that will strengthen your marriage. Whether you are newly engaged or been married 50 years, you will find value in the tools provided. PREPARE/ENRICH Training Friday, April 29th 8:30am - 4:00pm Church of Glad Tidings www.YubaSutterMarriage.com The New Customized version of PREPARE/ENRICH is the most advanced couple assessment tool available and designed to help facilitators learn how to use the PREPARE/ENRICH Program with premarital and married couples. For Marriage Educators, Clergy and Laity. Info: 530.671.6069
The Ambassador 11
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CHORAL CELEBRATION Benefit Concert For Regional Emergency Shelter Team (REST)
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Sponsor Spotlight Stephanie Helms
Five Local Community Churches Band Together To Raise Funds For The Winter Shelter Program Providing Support To The Local Homeless. Five Community Churches, 1st United Methodist, 1st Presbyterian, Bethel AME, Christ Temple, Kingdom Message Christian Center Churches and Saxophone Soloist Spencer Clark provided the music for the 1st Community Choral Celebration Saturday January 29th, 2011 at 4:00 pm which was hosted at the 1st Methodist Church located at 730 D Street in Marysville. There were two selections where all the choirs were massed together to bring a rendering of the Battle Hymn of the Republic and You Raise Me Up; directed by Spencer Clark accompanied by Keyboardist Zennova Brokenbraugh from Bethel AME Church and Pianist Joan Everett from 1st Methodist Church. The Choirs and Praise teams brought forth one song selection each during the evening. The Master of Ceremony Deacon Greg DeCastro kept things moving in a timely manner introducing the Choirs, soloist and guest speakers Pastor Vivian Page from Balanced Life Ministries who told about her own story of being homeless with four children and Reverend Chris Kersting who is the Coordinator of the Regional Emergency Shelter Team (REST) program. Rev Kersting explained what REST does, who it benefits, gave statistical data for last years program 2009-2010 and what the program has
WE NOW RAIN DO ALSO TTERS GU
accomplished thus far 2010-2011. In an hour and a half the musical celebration managed to raise over $1035.36 for the REST program, there were several pledges for assistance to the program as well. At the end of the evening the audience, musicians, and choir members gathered in the fellowship hall to enjoy refreshments. All production costs were incurred by the coordinators Carol Kern from the 1st Methodist Church, Pastors Larry and Flora Montgomery and Rhonda Cameron from Kingdom Message Christian Center. Cookie refreshments were provided by members of the choirs for fellowship that followed the Musical Celebration. The Community Choral Celebration was born from a dream Trust Hilton told to friends gathered together to celebrate his birthday and departure for college in August 2010, which was to see all the church families to come together to do something in the community. October 2010 the committee was formed to raise money for a cause within our local area. REST was selected and invitations were sent out to church leaders and community choirs to join us for the January Celebration. If you would like more information about the event, pictures or would like to interview the coordinators of the event please contact Rhonda Cameron at 530/870-2085 or email camrhon007@gmail.com
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12 The Ambassador
Years in Business: 4 years Years in Yuba-Sutter Area: 4 years Slogan: Simply said “we work for each customer to feel beyond blessed with our creations” Hobbies: Baking, kayaking, fishing and creating new desserts, and fundraising Favorite Quote/Verse: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Mathew 19:26 Inspiring Persons: I have to say my mom. Because she did it all and made it look so incredibly easy. "Hot Button"/Passion: Baking and creating items out of Chocolate & Sugar & Fundraising. Home Church: Glad Tidings Church Why do you support The Ambassador? The Ambassador provides a unique platform to encourage thinking in political and everyday life areas and refine them back to the beliefs in the Bible. Message to the Community/Other Comments: I believe strongly in supporting those who want to seek freedom from addictions. I actively support The Feather River Men’s Center, and Chateau de Grace. Both are Christian residential recovery centers. I know that putting God in the center can destroy the work of the enemy and heal those who were afflicted. After all with God all things are possible.
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The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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Testimonies of God’s Grace
“My name is Veronica. I started using meth when I was eighteen years old. It wasn’t until my first marriage ended that I became addicted. I had two young children and I thought I could maintain being a mom, along with my drinking and drug use, but as we all know that is impossible. The drugs took control over my life. After that I found myself pregnant with twins and my life continued to spiral down. Eventually my two older children went to live with their father who has raised them because I was selfish and chose drugs over them. I lost my home, my job, and my self respect. I then entered into a relationship with my current husband, Brandon. Our whole relationship was built on drugs, domestic violence and criminal activity. I was doing things I never thought I would see myself doing. In 2006 we were on the run from the feds, homeless, staying in drug dens with no electricity, dragging my twins through the drug world and the deepest parts of hell. It was like we both died and we weren’t even alive inside anymore and the only thing I had left was my twin boys and a dark soul. We ran to Utah where I had family. We were able to clean up and I became pregnant with my fifth child. When I was five months pregnant we decided to come back to California so that Brandon could turn himself in but as soon as we got to California the feds busted us and he was sentenced to five years in prison. I continued to stay clean during my pregnancy and lived at home with my
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Compromised or Committed? by Dave Kugelman
mom but when my baby was six months old I started using again and this time it was worse than before. What brought me to my knees was waking up in an abandoned office building in downtown Sacramento with my three boys. I cried out to God for the first time in my life, and within two weeks God walked me through the doors of Teen Challenge with my three boys. Going through the program with my two six-year-old boys and a two-year-old was not easy. I had to pray daily that the Lord would give me the strength to make it through another day. I had to face all my giants drug free and ask God to give me a solid foundation in Him. I completed the live-in part of the program in September 2010, and my husband was released from prison and then from a halfway house in October. Since then we have our own apartment together. I just became an intern at the Twin Rivers Crisis Center in Yuba City. When I left the program I continued to grow spiritually and serve the Lord with all my heart and that drew my husband to the Lord. Now by the grace and mercy of the Lord we are serving Him together with our whole hearts. I give my God all the glory in my life and I thank him daily for the changes he has not only made in me but also in my husband and my three boys. He has restored my family and He is restoring my two older kids to me as well. I’m so grateful to everyone who had a part in giving my family and I a new start in life with Christ.”
I have often been accused of being repetitive when it comes to challenging lukewarm Christians to sell out to Jesus Christ. Honestly, I cannot help myself. God has given me a heart for struggling Christians. I know what it is like to flounder because of my own sinful choices and I know what it is like to experience the victory that comes from being totally committed to Christ. It doesn’t take a professor of theology to recognize that we are living in extremely difficult times that the Bible describes will happen in the end times. And I believe that they will only get worse. With that said, it’s time for people who claim to be followers of Christ to choose whether they are going to faithfully serve him or not. Many Christians stumble and struggle over unforgiveness, simple offenses or discouragement because they feel God has let them down in a particular area of need. Working in ministry I grieve over the number of Christians that backslide or completely fall away. I tie the end-times scenario to struggling Christians because if we have
Listen to
a difficult time trying to follow Christ in times of peace and religious freedom, we will never be able to follow Him when real opposition to stand for Jesus Christ comes our way. So please take a moment or several moments to honestly evaluate your commitment to Christ. Please read the following passage of scripture from Matthew 7:24-27 to evaluate the foundation of your life. 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” The CBA meets from noon to 1pm each Tuesday. What will God do at the next meeting? Join us and find out!
The
Ambassador Radio Show Hosted by Seth Halpern NEWS INTERVIEWS DISCUSSION
Fri. 5pm repeated at 9pm and Saturday at 7pm
KCYC
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Thurs. 5pm
E N C O U R AG I N G W O R D R A D I O
repeated at 9pm and Saturday at 5pm
Taking Back Christianity with Sean Blount & Dave Kugelman
Discussing important issues of faith and culture Listen to Bob Fromm on The Encouraging Word weekdays at 9:01am & 7:05pm
The Ambassador 13
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
OPINIONS WHO'S LYING - Family Radio or Jesus? by Lisa Shoemaker
By Seth Halpern
THE END OF THE WORLD IS ALMOST HERE! HOLY GOD WILL BRING JUDGMENT DAY ON MAY 21, 2011.
If this were true, I might feel worried. I mean what makes me so special to fall into that iota of 3% of the planet's population. Family Radio.com is basically claiming that the Bible gives these exact dates and numbers, all you need to do is decipher them. Just as they have. As a former practitioner of the occult, I immediately recognized their “deciphering method” as numerology. Numerology is an occultic divination method using numbers for prediction purposes. I don't know about your Bible or beliefs, but numerology falls into the sorcery category in my Bible. God did tell Moses in Leviticus 19:26: “You shall not...practice divination...” In Mark 13:32 Jesus says: But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
So was Jesus lying when He said this? If only the Father knows the day and hour, then why is Family Radio boldly stating that they also know? Jesus also said in Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing... Does Family Radio want you to think Jesus was lying when He said this, too? Apparently they think He is lying when He said “only the Father knows”. All I know is what I believe and that is, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, my Lord and personal Savior, is not a liar. So please remember that only God the Father knows the exact day and hour. Jesus said so! And Jesus doesn't lie. So from now on when I'm surfing on the radio, I'm going to surf right past Family Radio. Please also note that these are my own personal views and opinions. I'm not saying that it's impossible for the second coming to happen on May 21, 2011. It could happen before I exhale my next breath. It could happen today, tomorrow or years from now. The point is that no one knows except for God. So, who do you think is telling the truth?
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14
The Ambassador
AS WE SEE IT
Marysville Bok Kai or Black Eye?
Family Radio is claiming that “Judgment Day AKA The Rapture” is happening on May 21, 2011. Family Radio.com states:
They also state: We learn from the Bible that Holy God plans to rescue about 200 million people (That's about 3% of today's population.)
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It seems that every December there is a big commotion about whether or not Jesus and the Gospel story should be allowed in some festival or parade. Perhaps you are like me and getting tired of the annual conflict ( seems ironic to have to force Christ into the very holiday that bears His name!). The church/state debate rises up every year. But every March for the past 130 years, Marysville has celebrated Bok Kai. The perennial festival of Bok Kai will be held in Marysville this year on March 5th. This festival has a long history including some say the nation’s longest running parade. It brings together many from the community. . And a great time should be had by all! It is said that this is a “cultural” celebration The only problem with this “wonderful”, folksy celebration is that it is in honor of a FALSE GOD! I’m sorry but no matter how one tries to spin it, the Bok Kai festival and parade is not simply a cultural experience, but rather an honor to a foreign god. A brief look at the Bok Kai website reveals that Bok Kai is the Chinese God of Water. To quote the official website: “…the sacred Bok Kai Temple sits on the bank of the Yuba River. Dedicated in 1880, this building replaced the first temple that had been built in the 1850s and was destroyed by floodwaters. Serving as a meeting hall, court, and a place of worship, this new "Palace of Many Saints" was built with its main altar facing toward the river. It has been the responsibility of Bok Eye to ward off any evil and protect the
Seth Halpern - Editor community of Marysville and its inhabitants. Bok Eye is considered the god of the North and is said to be the Chinese god of water whose powers have successfully prevented Marysville from being flooded when all surrounding communities have sustained near-ruinous flooding as recently as 1997. Bok Eye's powers include overseeing waterways, water systems, irrigation and rain.” The City of Marysville is a primary sponsor for this event. I’m not sure why the church/state issue is not considered. I’m fairly certain that government sponsored Easter parade with Jesus walking with a cross would be protested anywhere in our state. Sure a Christmas parade (or more appropriately a “Christ-less Parade”) is fine as long as Santa and his reindeer are the stars. Bok Kai, however is symbolized by dragons, which is exactly what its faith teaches. Please understand- I encourage freedom of religion, but this is sponsored by the city. My call to my Christian brothers and sisters is this. I’m not saying you shouldn’t have your fortune cookie at the end of your Chinese meal and I don’t want to “rain on your parade” (pun intended!) but please consider if you are investing in a false religion. Whether it is a monetary investment or an investment of time, make no mistake, this is a “religious” activity. “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Cor. 10:14 Source: www.bokkaifestival.com
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