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July 2009 Vol. 6 Iss. 7
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CREATION VS. EVOLUTION The July issue focus -
Look for Creation scriptures throughout
Where did we come from? The Creation vs. Evolution debate rages on.
WHAT ARE THE FACTS? INTELLIGENT DESIGN For Dummies
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Marcia Segelstein - Guest Columnist Let me state up front that I fully admit to coming late to the table on the topic of Intelligent Design. Science was never my forte, and heated debates over Darwinism, evolution, creationism and Intelligent Design never piqued my interest. As far as I was concerned, all that mattered was my belief that God created the universe and everything in it. How He did it, when He did it, and what complex processes were involved were beyond my extremely limited understanding. They still are. And what continues to matter most to me is that God get the credit for creation. But reading an interview in SALVO magazine with a man named
Brian Westad made me understand how the predominance of Darwinism can be a stumbling block to faith, even for believing Christians. Westad started out as a science major at a Christian college. In one of his courses he was taught what he calls the “supposed evidence of evolution and how life could come about by purely natural means.” Because of his Christian background and his unwillingness to take God out of the picture, he became what he calls a “theistic evolutionist.” God somehow sparked life, and unguided evolution then took over. But after transferring to a secular school, he took what he refers to as a “pro-atheism” philosophy course. That, along with his continuing study of biology and chemistry, made it more and Cont. on page 2
Newsflash! - The in-depth teaching on the Book of Revelation is underway and it has started off with a bang! In just two short weeks we have received several testimonies from people who have been blessed by the teachings. This is the 14th time that Pastor Jerry has covered the Book of Revelation bringing insight and understanding to all who attend. “This study course will be totally different from my previous study methods and teachings. The Lord has given me a whole new and exciting way to present this book to you,” said Pastor Jerry. “I guarantee that I will bring clarity and a higher level of comprehension to you within this Book of Revelation that you had never thought possible. With all that is happening in the world today we truly believe that we are in the last days and you won’t want to miss these ‘end time’ messages. The in depth ‘Bible Study’ will take several weeks to complete, but if you have a strong desire to grow in the word of God it will be worth every minute!” Mountain View Christian Center is located at 5000 Amaryllis Street, Oakley, CA 94561. Service times for the ‘Book of Revelation’ Bible study: It will be taught both Sunday morning services and then continue every Wednesday as well. Sunday church service times: 9:00AM, 10:45AM. Wednesday church service: 7:00PM. For more information, call the church office at 925-625-9570.
Carrie Prejean’s Miss California Title Stripped by Trump AGN-TCL Newswire Rev. Austin Miles AGN-TCL Newswire 6/15/09. Sacramento, CA Bowing under obvious pressure, Donald Trump yanked the Miss California title from Miss USA Runnerup, Carrie Prejean, who had stood by her belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. One month earlier, Trump had refused to strip her of her crown over this issue. But the pressures mounted. Full story page 7
‘Don’t ever quit’ on your troubled teen Mark Gregston - Guest Columnist I have seen many parents wonder what in the world happened to their family. They seemingly woke up one morning to a teen who completely changed overnight. Their loving, kind and thoughtful kid is now a person they no longer recognize. It’s easy for them to feel they are not prepared for all of this – but who is? No matter how good a parent you are, there are forces at work in our culture trying to send your kid spinning off in a direction that you could never imagine. The teen culture is bent on undermining the values you have tried so hard to instill into their lives. Should you ever wonder if your teen’s troubles have something to do with what you did or didn’t do as a parent, remember this truth: There are no guarantees or perfect formulas in parenting! Every parent struggles with one adolescent or another. If you haven’t, you probably will. Most of the kids who have ever come to live with us and be counseled here at Heartlight were from great Christian homes, with loving and caring parents. Some are from the fami-
lies of well-known Christian leaders. They were just as shocked as you are that their child took a turn away from them, from God, and from everything they hold dear. So, it’s a mistake to believe that Christian families are safe. Christian kids are just as susceptible as any other. But I can guarantee you that God loves your family as much as you do, and more -and there is hope. There is a way through the difficult teen years, and there are tools that we have developed to deal with difficult teens. While it can be hard work, it is worth it. A word from the Publisher............ 3A World News Briefs ..................... 7A Special Needs in CC County ........ 9A School of Theology .................... 11A
Perhaps you’re going through a difficult time with your child and you’re trying to find the meaning of “what just happened?” Or you wonder if you’ll ever make it to the other side. Or maybe you see something coming and you want to prepare yourself. In all of this, I say, “Don’t quit!” Cont. on page 6 Trinity Christian School ............... 12A Sports .....................................................13A Women of Worth ...........................14A Events Calendar ...........................20A
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America’s Good News
Intelligent Design cont. more difficult to defend his belief in God. Eventually, as he told SALVO, “I decided to simply keep my mouth shut and go along with the Darwinist doctrine that appeared inescapable.” He started work on a project with a graduate student in science who, much to Westad’s surprise, was a Christian. It was this fellow student who introduced him to the theory of Intelligent Design. He watched a DVD called Unlocking the Mysteries of Life (which I highly recommend) and read a book by Michael Behe called Darwin’s Black Box. Those two resources gave him scientific arguments to counter Darwinism, and, as he puts it, changed his worldview. Darwin argued that all life was the product of purely undirected natural forces: time, chance and what he called natural selection. His theory, spelled out in On the Origin of Species, set in motion a fundamental shift in scientific thinking. But starting in the 1950s, knowledge of the complexity of cells began to explode. Thanks to high-powered microscopes Darwin could never have dreamed of, whole new worlds were being discovered within single cells. One cell in particular caught the attention of Dr. Michael Behe: the bacterial flagellum. This single cell is a complex machine, much like a motor. What fascinated Dr. Behe was the fact that the bacterial flagellum could only function when all its components were present simultaneously. Thus was born the theory of irreducible complexity.
Considering that scientists have now determined that a full complement of human DNA contains over three-billion individual characters, and that the information storage capacity of a single DNA molecule is larger than that of the world’s largest super computer, proponents of I.D. say that it’s reasonable to infer that intelligence is behind that.
According to Behe, “Natural selection has to find something that’s working, at least a little bit, and then improve it a little bit, and then select that in the next generation.” But that theory doesn’t explain the bacterial flagellum because it is a mechanism that only works when all its parts are intact and functioning. In his book, Darwin’s Black Box, Behe posits that Darwinism could not explain the origin of this particular cell because it is an “irreducibly complex” biological system. Perhaps anticipating future scientific strides, Darwin wrote the following: “If it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down.” Another problem for Darwinism was the discovery of DNA, and the intricately encoded messages it contains. As one scientist puts it in Unlocking the Mysteries of Life, “The specific genetic instructions required to build the proteins in even the simplest one-celled organism would fill hundreds of pages of printed text.” Intelligent Design began to make more and more sense to more and more scientists. They realized science simply could not rule out intelligence as being responsible for the complex molecular systems now known to exist. Another scientist on the DVD likens it to archaeologists discovering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. They wouldn’t assume that wind and sand just happened by sheer
chance to create such symmetrical, complicated markings. It would be reasonable to assume intelligence was responsible for them. Considering that scientists have now determined that a full complement of human DNA contains over three-billion individual characters, and that the information storage capacity of a single DNA molecule is larger than that of the world’s largest super computer, proponents of I.D. say that it’s reasonable to infer that intelligence is behind that. I.D. scientists believe that natural selection takes place. But they don’t believe, as Darwin did, that it is the explanation for life. Another scientist puts it this way: “Natural selection can explain the survival of the fittest, but it cannot explain the arrival of the fittest.” Intelligent Design is science, not religion. Its proponents maintain that life was designed. They do not attempt to explain how or by whom. According to Phillip Johnson, a leading I.D. scientist, Intelligent Design is important because it poses a strictly scientific challenge to “the materialist philosophy that took control of biology in the 20th century.” Belief in God is based on faith, not science. Intelligent Design is science that presumes a designer, and thus does not preclude belief in God. Brian Westad now works for an organization called IDEA, Intelligent Design and Evolution Awareness Center. Intelligent Design is gaining ground, but is not widely accepted by the scientific com-
munity. In fact, Westad says that many Darwinists harbor what he terms “extreme vitriol” towards I.D. “The level of anger, and in some cases – dare I say it – hate, that I’ve observed in the Darwinists since I started working at the IDEA Center is astonishing. To me, it says they’re replacing evidence with emotion, and that they’re not very objective about analyzing the issue.” Westad’s job is to assist students form IDEA clubs, which promote discussion of Intelligent Design at high schools and on college campuses. His goal is to help students who “want to find the resources to challenge the Darwinist paradigm that is forced upon them every day.” After all, he’s been there. After ten years as a producer for CBS News, forty-something years as an Episcopalian, and fifteen years as a mother, Marcia Segelstein (mvsegelstein@ optonline.net) considers herself a reluctant rebel against the mainstream media, the Episcopal Church (and others which make up the rules instead of obeying them), and the decaying culture her children witness every day. Her pieces have been published in “First Things,” “Touchstone: A Journal of Mere Christianity,” and “BreakpointOnline,” and she is a contributing editor for Salvo magazine. This column, originally published on April 7, 2009 at OneNewsNow.com, is printed with permission.
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America’s Good News
Publisher of America’s Good News
Pastor Jerry Hanoum
Every Sunday and Wednesday Pastor Jerry will be teaching on the
Book of Revelation
WHERE: MVCC 5000 Amaryllis Street, Oakley, CA 94561 DATE: Beginning Sunday June 7th TIME: SUNDAY’S 9:00AM & 10:45AM WED’S 7:00PM 925-625-9570
Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"
Mountain View Christian Center is located at 5000 Amaryllis Street, Oakley, CA 94561. Service times for the ‘Book of Revelation’ Bible study: It will be taught both Sunday morning services and then continue on Wednesday’s as well. Sunday church service times: 9:00AM, 10:45AM. Wednesday church service: 7:00PM. For more information, call the church office at 925-625-9570.
America’s Good News
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Praying Judge Captivates CCMC
Coming to the Contra Costa Ministers Conference in July Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 The Nines at Brentwood Golf Course 100 Summerset Dr., Brentwood 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM Cost $20.00 Phil Waterford Owner of Phil Waterford’s Manteca Ford Mercury
Reported by The Fly on the Wall Brentwood, CA Considered by the capacity crowd gathered at The Nines as the best CCMC meeting yet, anticipation filled the room as the Contra Costa Minister’s Conference (CCMC) got off to a strong start with Chaplain Harold Albert of Bay Area Chaplains opening in prayer and then leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Pat and Ron Reagan, considered by many to be our own version of George and Gracie, greeted the gathering. Pat asked how many enjoyed last month’s meeting. Only a couple of hands went up. She got the last chuckle...there was no meeting last month. A tribute was paid to Brentwood’s Citizen of the Year, Gene Clare who, exhibiting a fine voice sang, “Thankful.” That was more than a song for Clare who almost lost his life this past Christmas when he fell from the second floor roof of his house while putting up Christmas lights. Pat Reagan then introduced all pastors present and VIP visitors. Deena Foley of Birthright, did a very effective cameo appearance regarding the right to life. It is ironic that not too long after this meeting, an abortion clinic in Philadelphia honored late
“When God puts something heavy in your heart, you get things done.”
term abortionist, George Tiller (who was shot to death), by offering free abortions in his honor! A real highlight of the luncheon was keynote speaker, Judge Lois Haight, Presiding Superior Court Judge in Contra Costa Juvenile Court. She received a long introduction telling of her accomplishments. When she took the podium she quipped that giving such a long resume of her would give away how old she is. Her delightful sense of humor along with her love of the young people who come before her was touching, inspirational and informative. She revealed her Christian faith and how she often prays while on the bench. Nobody wanted Judge Haight’s talk to end. She received a standing ovation. Ron Reagan gave a call to action followed by the closing prayer by Geannine Mijares, Principal of Trinity Christian School in Oakley. Jordyn Foley, who played Gretel Von Trapp in a production of The Sound of Music that performed at the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch, closed out the program with a flourish. Ed. note: The elusive Fly still has not been identified.
CCCS is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization
Learn Chinese on Saturdays
Please RSVP by July 24th
We Will Beat Any Auto Glass Price! (925) 427-9999 (925) 427-5111 Open 7 Days 8am-8pm 1187 RAILROAD AVE., PITTSBURG www.autoglassexpress.us or www.windshields1.com You’re Paying Too Much!
Matthew 13:35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.”
Pleasant Hill DVC Campus (925) 837-5888 cccsregistrar@gmail.com www.CoCoCs.org
R E J O I C E! Women’s Lifegroup
In His Presence
If you are in ministry or in any area of community outreach and would like to attend, contact Ron or Pat Reagan at 925-240-1242 or email Pmreagan11@ comcast.net
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Contra Costa Chinese School * Language Classes: 1:00pm - 2:50pm Pre-K to 12th grade. 10:00am - 11:50am, Pre-K to 1st grade. * Cultural Classes: 3:00pm - 3:50pm Chinese calligraphy, painting, folk dance, martial arts, Chinese yo-yo, abacus & more. * 33 years of Excellence in Education. * Choice of Simplified or Traditional Chinese Characters. * High School Foreign Language Credit. * Online Registration Begins May 2nd, 2009.
The owner of the Manteca auto dealership had just returned from Washington D.C., where he was honored with one of the highest business awards in the nation. Phil Waterford received personal recognition from the President of the United States for providing the highest customer satisfaction of any Ford, Lincoln, Mercury dealership in the country. Although humbled by this great honor, Phil was eagerly looking forward to the Memorial Weekend event in Manteca, called Not Forgotten. There, he would have an opportunity to honor veterans, the “wounded warriors” who had paid a great price for our liberty. In anticipation of the event Phil said, “There were three things that God put in my heart to convey to them; to thank them for their sacrifice, to let them know we are proud of them and to convey that they are loved.” After hearing their testimonies of God’s miraculous grace in time of war, Phil’s heart was moved to provide more than words. He gave one veteran a new Ford Fusion, learning that the vet’s car had worn out on the trip to Manteca, and Phil wrote sizeable checks to others who are undergoing countless surgeries after being severely wounded in Iraq. Mr. Waterford credits much of his success to the strong family values that were imparted to him by his Mom and Dad, as they reared their family in a poor Chicago neighborhood. He says, “It’s like that old saying, ‘The Family that Prays Together Stays Together!’”
Spiritual covering by Shiloh church in Oakland
A Night of Praise & Worship Join us on July 10th & July 24th 7pm-9pm Let us Pray as one
Holiday Inn Express Conference Room 8820 Brentwood Blvd. Brentwood CA (925)634-6400 Hotel (925)200-5671 Contact Info
“Love God, Love people” Philippians 4:4 (NIV) Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Mark 10:6 But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’
America’s Good News
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God, Science and... Evolution? by Rev. Austin Miles One of the hottest topics in academia-Science vs. Creationism (or religion, or God) has spawned passionate debates among scholars on both sides of the issue. The scientific community presents no balance in these discussions. Science is fact, religion is fiction....period. It is precisely this lack of balance on this topic that has stunted the growth of science. Bullheaded theologians and scientists are equally at fault for retarding knowledge that could give a total explanation of the origin of the earth and its inhabitants. The theologians because they are more interested in blindly arguing a point, with or without facts to support their beliefs, and the scientists who have violated their most important tenet, honest scientific research. While scientists dispute the creationist biblical account, nowhere have I read where diligent research with scientific investigative skills were applied to the Bible, or, more disturbing, to Biblical Archaeology, a growing and important field which has received highly respected notice. Donald L. McEachron, a co-author of the paper, Teaching Theories, states the Evolution-Creation controversy goes to the heart of the matter of anthropology in determining that evolution by natural selection is a valid scientific theory because it and its underlying assumptions have been tested and validated by observation and experiments. Indeed, the validity of science, according to Mr. McEachron and others, is that science can be tested while Creationism, according to his theory, is invalid because it cannot be tested. To combat Christian thought through deceit, scientists try to arbitrarily bring God into the discussions. One of those, George Smoot, an American astrophysicist said this to appease the strong religious feelings of readers; “If you’re religious, trying to put things in perspective, this is like looking at
God.” Noted physicist Stephen Hawking, gave this statement of hope to the faithful; that “someday humankind will truly know the mind of God.” However as the article progresses, we detect quite clearly that scientists’ referrals to God is metaphorical. The idea of God in the scheme of creation falls short of helping prove this point. The question then raised is: Is the universe a product of intelligent design (God), or a spontaneous combustion of gasses, out of which came life-giving creatures with a perfect bodily system? Does the evolution theory, along with the discovery of scientifically tested fossil remains, give us certainty that we are only separated by a period of evolution from our primate ancestors, or our fish relatives as espoused by others? Is our closest ancestor the chimpanzee, as suggested in college anthropology class lectures? Are feathered creatures direct descendents of the ill-fated dinosaurs as preached by Carl Sagan in one of his films? Indeed, shall I guard against stepping on a cockroach or other creature fearing the trauma of squashing a relative? One of Sagan’s films show a map where this creature “then suddenly appeared,” and another one suddenly appeared over there. This is an example of secular science. Carl Sagan, whom this writer once met, was a humanist. As in the case of most humanists and atheists, excellent scientific skills are often misappropriated in order to
try and prove that God had nothing to do with creating life, because God does not exist.(!) They appear to be more anxious to prove their atheistic non-beliefs than in finding the truth, which is tragic. Science and God do go together. In a class lecture at Los Medanos College, Professor Gail Bouchet showed the class that anthropology has discovered that the earliest homosapiens were vegetarians. This is totally compatible with the Bible, which states in Genesis 1:29: “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every ~ Rev. Austin Miles tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.(verse 30) And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat; and it was so.’ – KJV (See also Daniel 4:20) Therefore, in the beginning, both man and beasts were vegetarians. Herbs were their meat, not flesh. Anthropology and archaeology eventually came to recognize by discovery and investigation what the Bible knew and documented over 6000 years ago. This is but one example. And what about evolution? A species cannot evolve into another species! If that
Science and God do go together. In a class lecture at Los Medanos College, Professor Gail Bouchet showed the class that Anthropology has discovered that the earliest homosapiens were vegetarians. This is totally compatible with the Bible
In memory of George Tiller “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” ‘A Murder in the Church’
by Lindasue Sizuela (NIV John 8:7). At dawn in the temple courts, the above statement is what Jesus said to the people, the teachers of the law, and the Pharisees (strong religious leaders) when they demanded justice, wanting to stone a woman to death for the crime of adultery. People were no different back in the biblical day than they are today. We all want justice. However, I ask you is it ever okay to do evil to bring about good— is that even possible, can we justify evil? The bible says, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” (NIV Isa 5:20) Let us reason together, do you believe that it is possible for us to decide (as a people) what is right or wrong behavior and then sit in judgment of that behavior—even unto death? I have a friend who will argue yes: “Live by the sword and you will die by the sword.” (NIV Matt. 26:52) No! That is my answer. We are not qualified, most of the time, to sit in judgment because of our clouded emotions so we must turn to God’s Word to find a deeper meaning and discover the difference between good and bad/evil. That is the only place we will find our answers: the guidelines for living a good and righteous life according to God’s standard. We, as a nation of believers, must carefully observe the distinction between good and evil
because destruction will follow evil deeds every time. If we do not follow the standard for living and judging that is written in the Word of God, we may find that we have become bitterly confused as to what truly is good and honest because we judge by human standards and personal emotions that have proven ineffective in accordance with God’s view. You see God is a God of rehabilitation; which is, He changes a person’s heart and tames their soul while carefully turning their life around to bring glory to the Father. God often chooses the worst of the worst, the lowly, and the ones that society has turned its back on: killers, prostitutes, drug addicts, alcoholics, liars, thieves, and even a murderer of babies like George Tiller. Unforgivable sin you say. Yes, I agree that it does seem so (in our eyes), but how about in God’s eyes? You say sin is sin and George Tiller is guilty. I say not all sin is equal or necessarily punishable by death because God has placed a higher standard on the Christians. We cannot judge with a hardened heart, under any circumstances . . . even if we believe we are justified, to do that is in itself a sinful act. There is no “Justifiable Homicide” in the bible folks. We (ourselves) will be judged severally one day for taking delight over the murder of a man worshiping in God’s House because we are God’s children and He expects more from us, (NIV Luke 10:12-14). Well, what about an eye for an eye, you ask? (NIV Exodus 20:24). That is no longer valid, done
away with when Jesus died on the cross for the sins of every man, woman, and child who believes in Him who died for us—including George Tiller. Our Creator is a God of forgiveness; His arms are open to receive anyone who repents (feel the deep sorrow & pain of the sin while turning from it). “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (NIV Rom. 10:13) I don’t know that George Tiller repented or asked for forgiveness. I do know that he was in the House of God (Church) when he was killed according to the publicity and some of us were delighted. God has given me the power of suggestion here and I would like to speculate that this man must have been under serious scrutiny by the Lord God and under great conviction. My thoughts are that those tiny, fragile, innocent faces on those bloody, dismembered and discarded little bodies had to have plagued his mind day & night. I believe that God was in the process of doing a very mighty and powerful work in George Tiller’s life. Who is better qualified to speak against the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of abortion than a man who was the hit man for over 60,000 aborted babies? Can you say that my theory has no bearing? Look at Paul the great missionary who wrote many of the letters in the New Testament (NIV Acts 13:9). At one time Paul hated and persecuted the followers of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, God convicted Paul and changed
were true, why do Rev. Austin Miles we not see creatures in a state of evolution now, since all those species from which they say we came from are still in existence? If evolution is a valid theory, then why did Charles Darwin fake a vertebrae to try and prove his theory of evolution? His fakery was exposed on the front page of the New York Times, back when it was a legitimate newspaper. Using deception to support a theory proves that the idea is not legitimate. Truth will stand on its own. We can now draw some important conclusions. Most important of these (according to science itself), is the fact that scientific theories can never be proven absolutely. Therefore science is not, truth. At best it is the unending search for truth. The conclusions reached by science are only contingent truths--truths contingent upon man’s limited knowledge of himself and the world around him. Religion doesn’t have it all either. By stripping away bias and working together, perhaps science and religion will eventually be able to show us without reservation where we came from and why. Even so, this unworthy Australopithecus does indeed have the answer to that one without question or doubt...and with good reason. Rev. Austin Miles has been a college instructor, certified by the State of California, is presently a teacher and Dean of Students for the School of Theology in Oakley and is currently working toward two Ph. Ds. He is listed in the International Who’s Who Historical Society and is a certified chaplain and counselor.
Mark 12:30,31
his life around forgiving Paul and using Paul to do miraculous and super natural wonders, like healing the sick, church planting in foreign land, and evangelizing the Blood of Christ Jesus the One who rose from the dead on the third day; he preached unto his own death. We will never know what God might have done in George Tiller’s life because some misguided soul listened to the wrong voice. Had the killer known Christ he would have been aware that the Word says, “Thou shall not murder.” (10 Commandments; NIV Exodus 20:13) We (Christians) live by a higher law than man’s law. Our commands come down from a higher power that instructs us how to behave and conduct ourselves in a foolish world. He has given us a guide for living under God’s authority as God’s people and its purpose is to produce better understanding of God and our commitment to Him and He requires obedience above all else. 1 Corinthians 13 will tell you what is required of God’s people. (I especially like NIV 1 Cor. 13:11) “When I was a child, I talked like a child; I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me . . .” In other words, some of us need to grow up—spiritually speaking of course. I will end this message with a scripture from God’s Word for meditation, (NIV Proverbs 15:14). The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds folly.
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‘Don’t Ever Quit’ cont.
• Don’t quit -- when your efforts to intervene in your teen’s terrible choices fail. • Don’t quit -- when family time disappears, and your teen turns his back on your relationship. • Don’t quit -- when your teen stays out without permission, and you have no idea where they are or what to do next. • Don’t quit -- when you draw the line and say “Honey, we’re not going to live like this anymore.” • Don’t quit – when you enforce consequences for improper behavior and your teen is upset. • Don’t quit – when your teen says they hate you or threatens to run away. What do I mean by saying, “Don’t quit”? I mean, don’t give up your parental role. Don’t try to befriend your teen instead of parenting them, and don’t ever give in to their disrespectful or self-destructive behaviors. It’s hard being in the leadership role, but that’s exactly where you need to be -- for in the absence of leadership, there is anarchy. In the midst of your darkness, God will come in the light of time with a promise of His presence and companionship.
Your relationship with your teen several years from now and for the rest of their life may be affected by how you handle their struggles right now -- so don’t quit, and don’t forsake your relationship or your love for them, no matter how they act. Whatever your situation, you need to understand that God is still there...He hasn’t abandoned you. When there is confusion and darkness, God is still there. He promises to turn your “ashes into beauty,” “sadness into joy,” and “mourning into dancing.” These are not empty promises. They are truths about God that reflect His power, and they reveal His ability to help those facing difficult times. They are for parents of teens who are struggling through things they never thought they would. Your relationship with your teen
presence, and again, don’t ever, ever quit. And if you’re ever tempted to quit, please call me. I’ll help you work through it. Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, national radio host, and the founder of Heartlight, a residential counseling opportunity for struggling adolescents, which is located in East Texas (Telephone: 903-668-2173). This column is printed with permission.
several years from now and for the rest of their life may be affected by how you handle their struggles right now -- so don’t quit, and don’t forsake your relationship or your love for them, no matter how they act. Ask God for help, rest in His
CAMINANDO A LA NUEVA JERUSALEM En Pena de Muerte Primera Parte by Juan Prieto “Ahora esta turbada mi alma; Y que dire? Padre salvame de esta hora? Mas para esto he llegado a esta hora.” JUAN 12:27 En que Usted querido lector este leyendo estas paginas no es una coincidencia, pues quizas lo que va a leer impactara su vida y atravez del Espiritu Santo tome una decision que puede salvarle la vida, fisica y espiritualmente. Al terminar de un largo viaje de mas de ocho horas, y al arrivar a casa en la medianoche, hubo un impulso inexplicable de encender el televisor. Un programa especialmente dedicado al Cancer de Pulmon estaba siendo presentado, enfatizaban como un gran sinumero de actores, actrices, asi como musicos renombrados de todo el mundo, han sucumbido ante esta terrible enfermedad y como otros estan batallando en estos mismos momentos para mantener y seguir con vida. El objetivo de este programa era sacudir nuestras mentes, despertarlas y reconocer, que no importa edad, estado social, o area geografica, puede el Cancer afectar a cualquier persona. De acuerdo a la Organizacion Mundial de la Salud, los niveles de cancer en los paises en desarrollo estan alcanzando los mismos niveles de los paises industrializados, dado por el aumento en la edad de la poblacion, en control de otras enfermedades y el aumento del uso del tabaco. Los canceres mas comunes en el mundo son el de estomago con 670,000 nuevos casos detectados cada ano, cancer de pulmon 660,000 y
el cancer de pecho 570,000. La mortalidad en el cancer de estomago para Australia, Chile, Finlandia, Francia, Japon, Suecia, Inglaterra y Estados Unidos de America a bajado dramaticamente, dado el cambio en las tecnicas de preservacion en las comidas y resultados en el cambio de la dieta. El cancer de pulmon esta aumentando mas en todos los paises y especialmente en las mujeres y quiza sera el cancer que domine en el mundo entero al final de la decada. La prevencion del cancer de pulmon requiere legislacion comprensiva y educacion con el fin de controlar el uso del tabaco. El cancer de pecho a disminuido al informar al publico la importancia de la deteccion temprana y tratamiento a tiempo. Pero en realidad que es el cancer?, de acuerdo a la definicion dada en articulos de medicina, dice que no solo es una enfermedad, pero un grupo grande de casi mas de cien enfermedades. Las dos caracteristicas principales son: Crecimiento incontrolable de las celulas del cuerpo humano y la habilidad de estas celulas de emigrar de un sitio original y diseminarse o irse a otras partes del cuerpo. Y, si no es controlado puede causar la muerte. Una de cada cuatro muertes en Estado Unidos es por cancer, ocupando el segundo lugar, despues de las enfermedades del corazon como causa de muerte. 1.2 millones de americanos son diagnosticados con cancer anualmente y mas de 500,000
mueren cada ano. En si el cancer puede atacar a cualquiera. La incidencia del cancer aumenta a la par como va aumentando nuestra edad, la mayoria de los casos vistos son en adultos que estan en la edad media o un poco mas viejos. El 60% de los canceres son diagnosticados en personas mas de 65 anos de edad. Los mas communes son: cancer de piel, pulmon, colon, pecho (en la mujer), prostata (en el hombre), rinon, ovarios, utero, pancreas, vejiga, recto, sangre y linfaticos (leucemias y linfomas), son los 12 canceres mas frecuentes en los Estados Unidos. Para cerrar la definicion de cancer dada por los eruditos, dicen que es una enfermedad de los genes, el gene es una parte de DNA, el cual es el alma o motor de la celula. Los genes producen proteinas, que en ultima instancia son los caballos de trabajo de las celulas, estas proteinas son las que permiten a nuestros cuerpos llevar a cabo muchos procesos que nos permiten respirar, movernos, pensar, etc. Atraves de toda nuestra vida, las celulas en nuestros cuerpos estan creciendo, dividiendose y remplazandose por ellas mismas. Muchos genes producen proteinas que estan envueltos en controlar el proceso de crecimiento y division. Una alteracion o cambio llamado mutacion en el DNA en la molecula, puede alterar los genes y producir proteinas con fallas. Esto hace que la celula se vuelva anormal y pierda la cualidad de pararse, de crecer en una forma
normal. Las celula anormal empieza a dividirse en una forma incontrolable y eventualmente forma un nuevo crecimiento, conocido como “tumor” o neoplasma (termino medico para cancer conocido como nuevo crecimiento). En un individuo sano por lo general el sistema immune puede reconocer las celulas neoplasticas y destruirlas antes de que tengan la oportunidad de dividirse. Como sea algunas celulas mutantes pueden escapar la deteccion inmune y pueden sobrevivir y llegar a ser tumores o cancer. En gran manera muchos de nosotros llegaremos a ser parte de estas estadisticas, o muchos de nosotros ya somos parte de estas estadisticas. Quien podra ser? Usted, un amigo, un familiar, un vecino, un companero de trabajo o un desconocido? Pero… podremos resistir la noticia inexperada?, que haremos?. Relacionara cancer igual a sentencia de muerte? Podra tener la fuerza, el coraje de asirse de todos los recursos? Podra entrar a la batalla y ganarla? Cual es el cancer mas agresivo y mortal de todos los conocidos? Contestaremos estas preguntas en la segunda parte, en nuestra próxima publicación. “No seas sabio en tu propia opinion; teme a Jehova, y apartate del mal; porque sera medicina a tu cuerpo, y refrigerio para tus huesos.” PROVERBIOS 3:7-8 MARANATA
America’s Good News
World News Briefs School Boots 2nd Grader Over Her Faith Little Town Again Thrust Into National News AGN-TCL Newswire Staff Report (AGN-TCL News Wire) June 12, 2009-Oakley, California. This little suburb farm town in Northern California has received a lot of recognition and has become a world destination place for many reasons. For one, there is now an elegant mansion here that will host many world-wide events as well as serving as a retreat for ministers from all over the globe who have been hurt or who are just plain exhausted. Oakley was also the scene for an international event, a debate between a Palestinian and a Jew regarding the middle eastern conflict, an event that scored international news stories. And Oakley is the setting for one of the biggest Easter Egg Hunts in the nation. This last one pulled in 60,000 visitors. Unfortunately, Oakley is again in the national news over something that never should have happened. A seven year old girl was blocked from performing in a school talent contest because she had “chosen a religious song,” according to Vintage Parkway Elementary School in Oakley. The second grader, Bette Quellette, wanted to perform sign language to the song which was one of her favorites. Bette auditioned for this after-school talent show and was rightfully praised for her talent. However, school officials insisted that she could not perform at the talent show because the song she chose was Christian! Bette’s father, Brent, called Pacific Justice Institute. PJI staff attorney, Mathew McReynolds, sent the school a legal demand letter this week. The letter cites several legal authorities condemning censorship of student expression, including a nearly identical case in New Jersey where a school’s attempts to ban a religious song from a talent show were ruled unconstitutional. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are not seeking money. “All we want is an apology and a promise that this won’t happen again,” said Brent Quellette. He added, “There are a variety of religious views within our own household, but we respect each other and don’t try to silence anyone. We think the school should be the same way.” PJI President and lead counsel, Brad Dacus, commented, “Common sense and the federal courts both tell us that school talent shows are clearly student expression protected by the First Amendment. Censoring one student’s expression based on religious content is therefore unconstitutional. We are hopeful that these straightforward principles will be quickly recognized by the school.” It is ironic that in the public schools, a student can sing songs with vulgar lyrics while twisting the body and talking about sex, but a Christian song or music selection will not be tolerated. Little Bette was the only student to try out for the talent show and be cast away from it; a little girl who had practiced and thoroughly prepared to take part in the talent show. And she proved to be a very talented little girl who was rejected soley because she is a Christian.
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Trump Yanks Carrie Prejean Title Behind The Scenes Plotting Exposed AGN-TCL Newswire Rev. Austin Miles AGN-TCL Newswire 6/15/09. Sacramento, CA Bowing under obvious pressure, Donald Trump yanked the Miss California title from Miss USA Runner-up, Carrie Prejean, who had stood by her belief that marriage is between a man and a woman. One month earlier, Trump had refused to strip her of her crown over this issue. But the pressures mounted. Prejean had won every category of the Miss U.S.A. contest and was considered the new Miss USA. Then judge, Perez Hilton, as he calls himself, asked her if every state should follow Vermont in allowing gay marriage. She answered honestly that it is wonderful that we live in a country where we have choices, but that in her country, and in her family, she was taught that marriage should be between a man and a woman. An angry Hilton immediately gave her a zero which cost her the contest but placed her in runnerup position. The canons began firing and the gay rights organizations demanded that she be stripped of any recognition. After careful plotting, they came up with the convoluted charge that Miss Prejean failed to make obligated pageant appearances: clearly “contractual violations.” However, Ms. Prejean’s attorney, Charles LiMandri challenged pageant officials and told FoxNews that she “has been in constant contact with pageant officials seeking to fulfill her obligations.” Emails between Prejean and officials [that] have been retrieved verify that fact. Ms. Prejean told CNN’s Larry King (Friday June 12th) that she did refuse to fulfill three appearances; One of them, was to pose for Playboy Magazine. Another was for her to be sent to Costa Rica to be in a reality show. Considering the devious behind-the-scenes plotting to destroy her over her failure to support ‘gay’ marriage, it is highly suspected that the intention was to get her out of the country to be on that show, then issue press statements that she was not liked by the participants and then she would be voted off the show making her look like a shrew. Nice try. And the other “contractual” appearance she refused to do was for her to go to a “premiere” of a “gay” movie promoting ‘gay’ marriage. Even more bizarre, Keith Lewis, state pageant executive director, also an outspoken homosexual, instructed her to go incognito, wearing a hat so as not to be recognized, then come out with a statement to the press the next day saying that she had attended a gay movie premiere. Carrie Prejean said that she couldn’t believe that she would be asked to do these things. The whole issue is over the fact that Ms. Prejean does not support ‘gay’ marriage. She was dethroned and replaced by Tami Farrel who was the runner up for Miss California. She now is the reigning Miss California and Miss USA runner up. Ironically, the next day she stated to the media that she too believes that marriage is only between a man and a woman. Perhaps a fund raiser should be organized to purchase tranquilizers for Perez Hilton.
Defiant Display of Faith Thumb in Eye for ACLU AGN-TCL Newswire Staff Report AGN-TCL Newswire 6/12/09. Pace, Florida. One thing to be learned, never try to tell a teen-ager what they CAN’T do. The ACLU learned that in a sensational object lesson that proved to be an effective thumb-in-theeye for an organization that has declared war on God. The problem had started six months before. During a dinner event at Pace High School, according to Bob Unruh of WorldNetDaily, Principal Frank Lay, a Christian asked the athletic director to bless the meal. The ACLU immediately appeared and threatened the school, warning the principal that if they were ever to repeat this violation, he would be sued. A teacher at the school, Michelle Winkler, also was threatened by the “civil liberties” organization, claiming that her husband, (who is not a school board employee), offered a prayer at an awards ceremony. The faculty and teachers of Pace High School initially drew the ire of the ACLU, for talking about their beliefs. The school was sued and as part of the discussions over that dispute, the school’s separate counsel had agreed to a consent decree that “essentially bans all Santa Rose County School District employees from engaging in prayer or religious activities,” according to Liberty Counsel who represents Principal Lay and teacher, Winkler. As preparations were being made for the 2009 graduation, the ACLU demanded the school censor students from offering prayers or saying anything religious. As a result, two student leaders traditionally allowed by the school to address the graduates were banned from doing so! Again, never tell a teenager what he or she cannot do; especially when they know what is right in their hearts. The graduates, totaling about 400 marched in. Principal Lay asked everyone to be seated for the ceremony. Instead of sitting down, the graduating seniors remained standing and in unison, recited The Lord’s Prayer. Parents, family and friends joined in the recitation and applauded the students when they were finished, according to WND who talked with Mathew Staver, President of Liberty Counsel who is representing the students and school without charge. Staver added that many of the students also painted crosses on their graduation caps to make a statement of faith. “Neither students nor teachers shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate,” said Staver, who is also dean of Liberty School of Law. “The students at Pace High School refused to remain silent and were not about to be bullied by the ACLU. Schools are not religion-free zones, and any attempt to make them so is unconstitutional.” Even though this incident happened several days ago, there has been virtually no coverage by the ‘mainline’ media. We are grateful to WND for getting on this story when the secular media almost totally ignored it. In the meantime, the ALCU is pacing in Pace trying to figure out what to do next. AGN-TCL is the combined newswires of America’s Good News and The Connecting Link. Watch for our website that is about to debut.
‘Car-camping’ program for homeless City officials in Springfield, Oregon, are considering whether to let homeless families camp in recreational vehicles in church parking lots. It would be similar to a program in nearby Eugene that’s run by the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County. That program allows homeless people to live in their vehicles for up to three months. Springfield City Manager Gino Grimaldi says only one RV per church parking lot would be permitted, and there would be fewer than a dozen churches taking part. All families would be members of St. Vincent de Paul’s overnight parking program, where they’re assigned a case manager and screened for drug use and criminal backgrounds. Terry McDonald, executive director of the non-profit that assists the poor, says his organization would oversee the homeless camping program in Springfield, as it currently does in Eugene. “There is a car-camping program in local faith communities that they can take advantage of where they can legally camp,” he explains, “and in that program we provide an onsite porta-potty and garbage service, and a tie-in to homeless services. “It’s a three-month program, and you can extend it if you’re working on a case plan on how you’re going to be able to move your life forward and not have to be relying on your car for a home,” McDonald adds. “But it is a process that we go through and make sure that people are not just staying there forever.” The city would evaluate the program after six months. Courtesy of onenewsnow
America’s Good News
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The Miracle of the Big Bang! Psalm 139:14; “I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well.”
by Rev. Austin Miles The existence of this earth with its vegetation, people and animals, along with the extraordinary function of the universe with its billions of planets, stars, moons and sun as they crisscross and circle each other in the vast sky with perfect timing and without crashing into one another, represents incredible planning that is amazing to try and comprehend. What a miracle that it all came into place by the existence of a precise moment when gasses suddenly came together and exploded, resulting in the Creation of the earth and all living things. Even those gasses must be considered miraculous since nobody knows how they came into being. In the beginning, living creatures were all animals that over a period of billions of years evolved into...us. According to the expert scientists and anthropologists of the day, our ancestors are gorillas, fish and the planets themselves. Three separate learned opinions to explain our origins. And those three different origin stories came from...one scientist...Carl Sagan, who obviously had a tough time making up his mind. So we can take our choice as to which ancestors we want to call our own even though Charles Darwin seems to favor the apes as our closest kin. Could be. Beyond scientific knowledge, I checked the ultimate authority, The Bible, and found this in Psalm 139:14; “I will praise thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well.” We humans are indeed, fearfully and wonderfully made. Humans are walking miracles. On the 18th day after conception.. a baby is 1/10th of an inch. The first parts to be developed are the ears and eyes. On the 25th day, when the baby is 1/4th of an inch, its heart and tongue were developed. As the baby grows, her eyes (like ours) will have 100 million receptors. She will then have 50,000 touch receptors. Her ears will have 24,000 fibers...she will have 500 muscles...200 bones...7 miles of nerve fiber...60,000 miles of blood vessels...her heart will pump 1,600 gallons of blood every day and her mind will think 800 words per minute. (Little boys no doubt think and speak less words per minute--when there are girls present). The birth of a baby is a miracle, as is all human life, for two people to become parents is a Divine miracle and sacred trust from God. A baby is the combination of the mother’s and father’s flesh and both are an equal part of this new life. That is what the Bible means about marriage, and a man and woman, “becoming one flesh.” While this is indeed a miracle, the biggest miracle of all is the revelation of scientists that a spontaneous combustion of gasses with origins nobody can trace, resulted in life. To grasp this fully requires incredible faith. Rev. Austin Miles is on the pastoral staff of Mountain View Christian Center as well as a teacher and Dean of Students for the accredited School of Theology in Oakley, California.
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Whether it’s a story about prayer in public schools, workplace restrictions on Christians or battles for biblical truth within our denominations, the American Family News Network (AFN) is here to tell you what the newsmakers are saying. AFN is a Christian news service - with more than 1200 broadcast, print and online affiliates in 45 states and 11 foreign countries - that exists to present the day’s stories from a biblical perspective. We not only feature the latest breaking stories from across the United States and around the world, but also news of the challenges facing Christians in today’s society. At OneNewsNow.com, you will get your news from reporters you can trust to give the latest news without the liberal bias that characterizes so much of the “mainstream” media. For a refreshing and informative change in where you get your news, log on to OneNewsNow. com.
Not Just a Cell STAND: Young Adult’s Ministry (College Age) by Jordan Koester To think that my “ancestors” were once randomly swimming in a primordial pool is preposterous. The debate of creation vs. evolution has been going on since Darwin brought about his work On the Origin of Species in 1859. His scientific studies brought many theories about the age old question of man. How were we created? This would cause the largely accepted belief of that time to be challenged. No longer would the majority of man hold to a trusting faith in the Word of God to explain creation. Instead mankind needed more solid proof, through study of what was known, to create a theory. Man just has to know how, when, and why they were created. The truth of the matter is that neither side truly knows. Now, before you get mad at that statement let’s consider the following. Evolution at its core does not explain the initial birth and creation of our existence. Its teaching describes moreover the change of an organism over time. Darwin himself states that he did not know how life started. In fact, the only information describing his attempt at this subject was a letter he wrote to Joseph Hooker. The letter states that “if we could conceive, in some little pond, with all sorts of ammonia and phosphoric salts, light, heat, and electricity present… such matter would be instantly devoured.” (Illustra Media’s, Intelligent Design - Unlocking The Mysteries Of Life DVD) This statement is alluding to the proposed theory that all life was formed from a pond with precisely the right chemicals and conditions for the first cell to be formed. Alexander Oparin further examined this theory in efforts to successfully demonstrate how such a chemical reaction could be possible. Ultimately, you still end up with something being created from something already existing. The truth leaves mankind in a place where they still do not fully know. The more the scientific community studies and expounds these theories, the more they are led back to what they call intelligent design. Due to the discovery of complex machines found in nature, like the motor-type propeller on the flagellum bacteria, and the intricacies of DNA, science has found itself with the compass still pointing in the direction of the unknown and faith driven realm of an intelligent and purposeful creator. On the other side of the spectrum you have an exact account given in the book of Genesis detailing the beginning of creation. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”(Genesis 1:1) Does this verse need much explanation? It is plain and easily understood that God created the earth. As far as the creation of man Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created man in his own image…” Notice the bolding point that God created man. Very clearly stated, right? Many will choose not to accept this as reality because it can only be taken with faith, despite the plain way in which it’s stated. Upon further reading of Genesis we are told that God created the earth in six days and rested on the seventh. Some people are known to believe that the lengths of these days were not necessarily 24 hours periods. Either way the point is that God is the one who created the earth. This is brought out many times in the scriptures and even in the New Testament when Jesus speaks that, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”(Matthew 4:4) This is a profound scientific statement. Science describes the energy that holds molecules together in what is called “forces of nature”. While these forces are defined, they are not completely understood. These “forces” at work are the tangible proof of the continual spoken Word of God. It is His constant speaking that holds things together. “He himself existed before anything else did, and he holds all things together.”(Colossians 1:17) The Bible clearly states the answers to the questions that plague man from birth. God does not hold back the explanation of where we have originated from as humans. He presents it plainly so that all can accept, but to accept this will still require faith. There are simply details that we may never know. Therein lies the mysteries that even science will have great difficulty explaining. So which side is right? Ultimately it is up to each person to decide what they feel is the truth. In one way we are plainly told of creation and in the other way we have sought the proof from experiments and much study. The most interesting thing of all is that both will require great faith to accept. Both require the harsh acceptance of not knowing. People will not cease in trying to figure it out for themselves, but the person who is of spirit will find rest when they can place their trust in the creator. Such a person would not worry about the exact details but rather allow the one who has created all to reveal His mysteries as He saw fit. I prefer to be this type of person. I prefer to stand up and to uphold the way of faith. What type of person do you want to be? A cell or a glorious creation made in the image of the creator?
Jordan Josiah Koester j.koester@calltocourage.com Call to Courage (Men’s Ministry) STAND: Young Adult’s Ministry (College Age) Sold Out Soldiers in Christ (High School and Junior High)
America’s Good News
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Empowering Parents with a Special Needs Kid in East Contra Costa County By Diana Dobbie Are you aware that there are well over 5000 disabled children residing in East Contra Costa County? Did you know there are minimal resources available to these children and their parents? Have you met or talked with Lisa McBride a wonderful mother and teacher who is raising an autistic son and is dedicated to making changes in our neck of the woods? Lisa McBride is the Founder and President of the Special Kids Foundation, whose mission is to promote the education, awareness, and success of all families with children who have special needs. The organization provides support and friendship to these incredibly challenged families. The main purpose of Special Kids Foundation is to provide families with the resources to navigate the difficult road of raising these “Special Kids” to be productive, happy, successful adults, regardless of their disabilities. The goal of the organization is to serve the whole family and to aid in the preservation of each family as a working, functioning unit. Although the Special Kids Foundation started with a vision of hope for the future from Lisa, her well thought out vision is not a single mom’s mis-
sion but it is a collaboration of many hands. Since the foundation’s inception, the volunteer army has grown to 11 board members and approximately 126 member family support group. As the word gets out that there is help in East Contra Costa County for special needs kids, people, projects and resources are becoming available. One of the foundation’s main projects is partnering with Mt Diablo Delta YMCA to build a new universal abilities playground in Oakley. The YMCA is also constructing a new building in Oakley which will facilitate many of the special needs services. Every city should be following Oakley’s example and start a partnership with the Special Kids Foundation. If everyone contributes just a little bit of time and resources great things can be accomplished. If any business, family or individual feels a tugging at their heart to support this cause, there are a couple of opportunities for you to donate time, money or supplies. On Saturday, July 25, 2009, Special Kids Foundation will be hosting its first annual golf charity event. The money raised in this event will go towards the building of our all inclusive,
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all abilities playground for children with special needs. So join us for golf, food, prizes, music, raffle and a silent auction. There will also be a chance to win $10,000 in our hole-in-one challenge! If you want to join us for just the dinner portion of the event, that’s fine too. You can buy dinner only tickets as well. Sign up today online at Lone Tree Golf & Event Center’s website. Or contact David Chuey (650-703-0511) Lisa and Jake McBride on June 6th at his Baseball or Tammy Young Game. Jake has Autism. (925-695-6062) for more information. needs resource manual will be an inIf you are interested in participatvaluable resource to empower families ing in a special summer project, the and give them a starting point. Special Kids Foundation has a need You can reach the Special Kids for supplies to compile a resource Foundation at 925.516.9690 or www. manual. You can volunteer your time, spkids.org or donate binders, copy paper, pocket dividers and free copying. This special
America’s Good News
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Brentwood Resident Accepted Into “People To People” Academic Program Justus Rivera, a student at Cornerstone Christian School in Antioch, has been accepted as a delegate into the People to People World Leadership Forum. Justus will join a select group of students from all over the world in Washington, D.C. next summer, to study leadership and explore some of the United States’ most prominent monuments and institutions. From Capitol Hill to the Smithsonian Institute, and from historic Gettysburg to the National Museum of American History, Justus will examine the characteristics of American leadership during times of national challenge and prosperity. Forum delegates will also participate in small-group discussions and exercises to experience firsthand how successful leaders develop strategies, make decisions, build consensus, and foster change. Justus was accepted for this honor based on outstanding scholastic merit, civic involvement and leadership potential. This program was coordinated by People to People Leadership Programs to fulfill the vision President Dwight D. Eisenhower had for fostering world citizenship when he founded People to People International during his presidency in 1956. For additional information please visit: peopletopeople.com/leadership. Congratulations Justus!
Fellowship of Christian Athletes FCA Speed Camp JULY 18-19 LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL SATURDAY the 18TH 1:00 pm– 4:00 pm SUNDAY the 19TH 9:00 am– 12:00pm FREE FOR ALL HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES Wear comfortable athletic wear and shoes. Snacks and drinks provided Competitive Edge Sports (CES) ran by Chip and Zach Smith brings you this unique speed camp. CES has been a leader in elite level sports performance training for both pro and amateur athletes. With over 250 athletes drafted into the NFL, and over 900 NFL players trained in the last 15 years CES can teach you to train like a pro. The speed training program includes the development of running mechanics, change of direction, quick feet skills and core training. Acceleration training will improve your 40 yard dash, pro agility, foot quickness and game speed. This camp will also feature many former NFL athletes sharing what God has done in their lives, on and off the field. Sponsored by ‘Chapter 42 Ministries.’ For Sponsorship and more information please contact James Phone: 925-457-5920 E-mail: jameshodgins@yahoo.com
About FCA
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is touching millions of lives... one heart at a time. Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has been challenging coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is the largest Christian sports organization in America. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. The FCA Vision To see the world impacted for Jesus Christ through the influence of athletes and coaches. The FCA Mission To present to athletes and coaches and all whom they influence the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church. The FCA Values Our relationships will demonstrate a steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word through Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence.
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Healing brokenness with God’s Word
Genesis 1:21 So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
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Pick up a copy today, and smile.
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Oakley Discovery Bay Pittsburg
Allie Martin - OneNewsNow A non-profit ministry has launched a program for children who have a parent behind bars. Crossroad Bible Institute has unveiled a Bible study titled “Manga Messiah.” The program allows children of imprisoned men and women to study Bible lessons in an easy-to-understand format. According to Dr. David Schuringa, president of CBI, about 40,000 men and women are taking the Bible courses while in prison. The initiative, he explains, is meant to curb what is often a generational pattern. “Eighty percent of people in prison grew up without a father in the home,” he says. “Now that’s not always the case. Sometimes kids who had a perfectly great Christian upbringing go wrong and you have prodigal sons and daughters, right? “But eighty percent of people in prison didn’t have the kind of upbringing that many did -- and they have broken homes, they didn’t have fathers, they didn’t have the guidance that they needed.” CBI provides a biblically based re-entry education to men and women in prison. According to the U.S. Justice Department, one-and-a-halfmillion children have at least one parent in prison.
Psalm 148:5 Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. Isaiah 40:26 Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
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FAMILY BBQ FOR EVERYONE COME JOIN IN ON THE FUN JULY 4TH AT VETERAN’S PARK (Brentwood)
Caring For Others Are we doing good deeds for others? Are we showing to them that we care? Do we show to them real kindness? Or walk around with our nose in the air. Do we have a forgiving Spirit, when people we know do us wrong? If we do, the battle’s half over, when we forgive, the LORD makes us strong.
Families on Fire is having the Fourth of July Freedom Celebration at Veteran’s Park on Saturday July 4th. There will be a color guard, a pie bake off, games, B-B-Q, volleyball, bocce ball, horseshoes, and swimming. The time is from 11 am until 4 pm. The tickets are $8 for swimming and admission, or $5 for admission to the B-B-Q only. Open to the public, everyone’s welcome to come join us for Food, Fellowship and Fun! For tickets call Colter Andersen at 925-408-6261. WHAT A DEAL!!! ONLY $8 FOR SWIMMING AND A BBQ!!! CALL TODAY!!!
Do we love that one who is lowly? Do we help with their burden to bear? Do we take time to tell others we love them? Do our actions really show that we care?
Jerry G. 6-09-09
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America’s Good News
SPORTS The Coach’s Clipboard By Coach Mike Are the truly great teams made... or are they created? Creation vs. Evolution? You can argue it both ways. If it all just comes together because a coach or GM has assembled or signed the best players in the hopes of “creating” a great team, very few teams would make the grade. That’s because it’s never about talent alone. In my opinion and experience, the truly great teams are built. About a year ago, Northern State’s (SD) Men’s Basketball Coach, Don Meyer, pictured top right, was nearly killed in a car accident. Among his many injuries, the lower part of Coach Meyer’s left leg had to be amputated. In the course of the treatment that followed, doctor’s discovered cancer that had it gone a bit longer undetected, would have proved fatal. Coach Meyer is now coaching again and he describes that near fatal accident, including the amputation of his lower leg and foot, as one of the greatest blessings of his life. He also has said that most of all his faith sustained him through his painful ordeal, (followed by family, friends, and fitness). Seems fitting that a man with this positive perspective also has a history of building truly great teams. It’s no coincidence that he ranks
ARE GREAT TEAMS “CREATED,” OR BUILT? Add the Love of God, above all, and you will have not only a great team, you’ll have one that is unbeatable!
“Ouch!” from the left field cheap seats?) I’ll step out on a limb here and state that no team can truly be a great team without adhering to the above principles. Add the love of God above all, and you will have not Coaches and Players with Great Team only a great team, you’ll have one that is Attitudes... unbeatable! By now, you’ve probably figured this 1. Listen to each other. isn’t just about sports anymore. 2. Are courteous to each other. GAMEPLAN: 3. Show concern for each other. Ask yourself if you are living out the 4. Help each other out – share the load. team attitudes as stated by Coach Don 5. Say what they feel, but watch how Meyer, in your workplace, within your they say it. family, sports team...and yes, even in 6. Don’t put each other down. your church. You know the playing field 7. Celebrate success. 8. Don’t talk behind each other’s backs. – Satan wants your house, your team, your business, your church... divided. 9. Praise each other. 10. Treat everyone’s opinion as important. And you are either part of the building 11. Treat mistakes as learning experences. or the dividing. So where do you stand? Are you ready to get in the game, to help build that great team? Wow. That also sounds like a list of “team attitudes” for building a strong HOW GOD SEES IT: family or church! Coincidence? Think Romans 12:5 - “We are many parts about it... If any of the above is lackof one body, and we all belong to each ing, isn’t it clearly visible... whether it’s other.” a team, family, and yes, even a church? Galatians 3:28 - “For you are all one (Do I hear a big “Amen”- how about an “great team attitudes” as keys to his teams’ successes. He has a little handout card that he gives to coaches and players that reads:
Coach Don Meyer with the team. Photo courtesy of Northern State University
in Christ Jesus.” Phillipans 2:1-4 – “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too.” Great teams don’t “evolve” on their own, and, they are not “created” with talent alone. It takes work, real effort in how we value and encourage our teammates at all times. Every great team has that quality. By the way, Don Meyer is currently the winningest coach in NCAA basketball with 910 wins. No coincidence there either. Coach Mike Ketchel writes on sports issues from a Christian perspective. He may be reached at 925-392-3835, or mikeketchel3@comcast.net
2009 East Bay All-Star Invitational
Basketball Skills Camp
July 17-18-19
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities— his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Ephesians 1:4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
IT’S TIME TO ELEVATE YOUR GAME! The 2009 EAST BAY ALL-STAR INVITATIONAL BASKETBALL SKILLS CAMP will feature Coach Dave Taylor as guest head instructor. Coach Taylor is the Adidas National Camp Director & director of the Adidas Junior Phenom program which identifies the most promising young players emerging onto the national and international basketball scene. Open to boys and girls entering grades 6-7-8 in the fall of 2009. CAN ONE WEEKEND CHANGE YOUR GAME AND CAREER? YES! Limited to 100 players. DISCIPLINE - DRIBBLING - PASSING FOOTWORK - SHOOTING - TRANSITION COMPETITION - DEFENSE & REBOUNDING VIDEO SESSION - GUEST SPEAKERS BONUS - COLLEGE RECRUITING SEMINAR CAMP HOURS: FRIDAY 6 PM–9 PM; SATURDAY 9 AM–6 PM; SUNDAY 9 AM–4 PM. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JULY 12 Trinity Titans Basketball, 3027 Castle Rock Loop, Discovery Bay, CA 94505 DIRECTOR’S EMAIL: Mikeketchel3@comcast.net PHONE: 925-392-3835
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America’s Good News
Women of Worth Pictured below -Women of Worth Pastor Kim Moreno and Shelby Seeley
by Gina Dacus How do you define humility? After attending the Women of Worth evening in June, the word humility became so much more alive than ever before. Even speaking the word humility brings about an opportunity to conduct a self assessment of the inner man. Humility is often mistaken as an outward reflection. Yet, it is clearly an inner quality that reflects from the inside out. In looking up the word humility, Encarta Dictionary defines humility as modesty or respectfulness. When humility reflects from the inside, outward conditions are not able to override the inner process. When you don’t possess humility from the inside and you believe yourself to be humble, you are simply wearing a disguise. Humility is not a superficial layer. It has the denseness and reflection capabilities of a diamond. As you evaluate your spiritual state, ask yourself if humility exists on your spiritual resume? At the WOW event, Pastor Kim Moreno challenged the audience with thought provoking questions. Do you possess humility in your
WOW: Humility – The Road to Success
spirit? Do you understand it or have a hard time walking in it? She ended her questioning by stating, “The choice you make will determine the way you look at life and the decisions you make.” The illustrative biblical passage that Pastor Kim used to parallel humility was about King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:5. Her message echoed along the continuum of challenges that have flowed throughout the year from the WOW ministry to the women of the Delta Region. While the challenges have been like a two-edged sword, the room was packed as each woman waited on the edge of her seat for the next assignment. The story of King Uzziah was
comparable to the life of Christians. King Uzziah was made king at the young age of 16. When Uzziah first became king, he sought the counsel of the Lord for his every move. As he sought the Lord, God was faithful and King Uzziah became very powerful. Yet, as King Uzziah grew older and continued in his reign, he began to seek counsel from sources outside of God. Pride soon replaced humility and King Uzziah became unfaithful to the Lord. His unfaithfulness and lack of humility led to his fall. As a result, he became angry and leprosy afflicted him until his death. As Pastor Kim shared, when we were first saved, we submitted and asked God for everything. As part of that process, we experienced the fruit of humility and became blessed by God ordering our steps. Yet, there may have been a time where we were like King Uzziah. We stopped asking God for His guidance. We thought we could walk on our own and didn’t need Him to order our steps. We sought a word that didn’t line up with God’s word. Yet, when the fall came, we became angry and upset. We tried to justify the leprosy experience.
Author Gina Dacus Yet, God is waiting for you to accept this challenge of humility and make it personal. This is strictly about you and Him. It is time to evaluate your spiritual state before decisions outside of God result in lifelong impacts. While times may be difficult, you have to hold onto your relationship with Christ. Go back to your first love, which is Jesus Christ. No matter what decisions you may have made up until now, there is yet time for you to remove the disguise from your exterior to allow God to reach your inner man. Be Blessed!
Author and Creator of the F.U.N. Principle Finally Understanding Newness 925.565.0494 www.ginadacus.com www.girlfriendrevival.com
Unity in the Family by Andrew Pate “As goes the family, so goes the church. As goes the church, so goes the nation,” Jentzen Franklin. We are living in the last days and we must present a unified front to the world if we are going to effectively spread the Gospel. To do this we must first be unified with God in our daily lives. Philippians 2:5 tells us, “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” Paul precedes this statement with what it means to have the same attitude. In Philippians 2:3-4 it states, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” It is God’s ultimate goal that we will be made like Jesus Christ. By being likeminded in Christ, we will be able to achieve daily unity with God. It is this unity with God that will allow us to bring unity into our homes. Today we look at the second piece of the puzzle; unity in the family. Marriage was divinely instituted by God. It was created so that we would be joined in both power and purpose so that we would create Godly children. I can only imagine what God must be thinking when He looks down and sees the state of marriage here in the United States; a nation founded on His principles. In the year 2000, the number of divorces finalized were 957,200. Statistics show that these numbers are climbing. Polls show that the divorce rate between families in the church and families in the world are about the same. What kind of message are we sending to the world? There are Biblical
reasons for divorce, but it has become far too easy to forsake our vows, deciding that it’s not going to work, and move on. In 2008, Proposition 8, which was drafted to reinforce that marriage was between only a man and a woman was passed, but only by a very small margin. If we are not diligent, we will lose this battle in the next couple of elections. In Genesis 2:24 the Bible states that, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” Our marriage, or our relationship with our spouse, is a direct reflection of our relationship with Jesus Christ. Divinely instituted, every successful marriage has three solid foundations that mirror our walk with God. The first is a public proclamation. When a man marries, he leaves his mother and father, and in a public act, proclaims his life to his wife. When we begin our walk with Jesus Christ, it begins with a public proclamation of our life to Him. Remember, Jesus said in Matthew 10:32-33, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.” The second foundation is the joining. When a man marries, he and his wife are joined together by taking responsibility for each other’s welfare. They make a commitment to each other to love each other above all others. In the same way when we ask Jesus into our hearts, we are joining together with our creator and creating a
relationship where we take responsibility for each other’s welfare. We agree to live in the word of God, which will aid us in bringing His Will to earth as it is in Heaven, and God agrees to take care of our needs. We also make a commitment to love Jesus Christ above all others. In John 14:23, Jesus tells His disciples, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and come to him and make our home with him.” The third foundation is the two becoming one flesh. When a man and a woman marry, the joining of the flesh is the intimacy and commitment of sexual union that has been reserved only for marriage. In the spiritual realm, we join our spirits with Jesus Christ, becoming likeminded in purpose. We are to constantly renew ourselves in the Holy Spirit, drawing Him closer to us as James tells us in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” We would like to take a moment and invite you to Families on Fire at Mountain
View Christian Center. We meet every Sunday at 9:00am in room 14. Through curriculum, biblical application, and practical lessons we learn how we can unify our families in these troubling and confusing times. You will find couples from every walk of life that bring their unique experiences which will help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles. Families on Fire also offers pre-marriage, marriage, and family counseling. Please contact Pastor Joe Seeley at Mountain View Christian Center for more information. 925-625-9570
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WHEN THE CREATION VS. EVOLUTION DEBATE GOES NOWHERE… is it time for intelligent design? by Will Byrns A Big Bang?! How can something come from nothing if it weren’t created? Ok, so there was absolutely nothing and then… bang! A big explosion and the universe was formed. How can an explosion take place if nothing existed? Doesn’t that seem harder to believe than the theory that there is an almighty God who created this magnificent universe? Evolution is a theory and evolutionism is the belief in the theory that life on Earth and the creation of the universe is a result of random, natural processes. Creationism on the other hand is the belief that the universe was formed and created by God. The most widely recognized view of having one creator comes from the Bible.
Darwin & Genetics
On February 12th, 2009 the world celebrated what would be Darwin’s 200th birthday. Many celebrate it as “an international celebration of science and humanity.” On the same day ‘Academic Freedom Day’ was celebrated. Their mission is to gather students to exercise their right to debate Darwin’s theory of evolution. When it comes to the evolution theory, why should our taxpayer dollars fund only one theory that is taught in our public schools and exclude all other possibilities? For thousands of years intelligent humans have been selectively breeding plants and animals to develop varieties which are of special value to man. So there are 150 varieties of dogs, scores of varieties of roses, many different varieties
of cattle and sheep, of apples and potatoes, etc. But they are still dogs, roses, cattle, sheep, apples and potatoes. There is much variation under artificial selection. Also, there is much variation in nature in the wild. But the changes are always limited. Genetics teaches that there are barriers through which genetic change cannot go. Species of plants and animals exist in groups of species which are separated from all other such groups. And this is just what the Bible teaches in Genesis 1 where Moses tells us that God created the “kinds” of plants and animals to reproduce each one “after its own kind.” Genetics gives the deception to Charles Darwin’s notion that, given time, genetic variation has been unlimited, so that an amoeba could evolve into a university professor in 3 billion years.
Intelligent Design
Is Intelligent Design a better way to convey the message that there is a Creator of the universe? Intelligent design believes that the universe and all living things are best explained by an intelligent cause and not by natural selection. The concept of intelligent design originated in response to the 1987 United States Supreme Court Edwards v. Aguillard ruling involving separation of church and state. The court ruled against a Louisiana law which required creation science to be taught in public schools along with evolution. The court stated that creation science promoted certain religions and
said that it was unconstitutional. But the court noted that “teaching a variety of scientific theories about the origins of humankind to school children might be validly done with the clear secular intent of enhancing the effectiveness of science instruction.” Seventy two Nobel prize-winning scientists supported Aguillard and several other scientific organizations filed amicus briefs stating that the creation theory had foundations stemming from various religious tenets. So if not creation, what would be the ‘variety of scientific theories’ to be taught to enhance the instruction? Thus, Intelligent Design is born into existence. This scenario seems to be right out the movie ‘Expelled - No Intelligence Allowed,’ which was the #1 documentary in 2008 created by Ben Stein. Neo-Darwinian theory contends that life is the result of a random, purposeless process. Neo – Darwinian Theory is taught in schools as if it is the only plausible scientific explanation of how life originated and developed. Yet Intelligent Design theory has recently emerged to challenge neoDarwinian theory. Both are scientific theories, and the debate is therefore legitimate. Why is the debate being suppressed? ‘Expelled –
No Intelligence Allowed’ tackles this issue head on and asks scientists, ‘if evolution is a theory then why not explore other theories.’ While the Intelligent Design Theory does not presume to identify the source of intelligence (whether it be God or UFOs or something else), the vast majority of Intelligent Design theorists are theists. They see the appearance of design which pervades the biological world as evidence for the existence of God. Intelligent Design’s leading proponents, all of whom are associated with the Discovery Institute, a politically conservative think tank, believe the designer to be the God of Christianity.
Is Intelligent Design a better way to convey the message that there is a Creator of the universe?
References - gotquestions.org
Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. The Bible clearly and repeatedly claims that God made the heavens and the earth and everything in nature. Psalm 95:1-7 - The Lord is the great God and King above all gods. He made the sea and His hands formed the dry land. Worship the Lord our Maker, for He is God. Isaiah 45:18 - For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it: “I am the Lord, and there is no other.”
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MEN OF VISION AND PURPOSE
Photos courtesy: Tim Vaughn
LOYALTY
By Will Byrns Oakley, CA You could hear the worship team from outside the building singing, “SHOUT unto God with a voice of triumph, SHOUT unto God with a voice of PRAISE!” When a sanctuary full of men sing these proclamations loudly and with conviction, the enemy must back up! This set the tone for June’s ‘Men of Vision and Purpose’ meeting held in Oakley at MVCC. Pastor Jerry Dellinger opened the men’s meeting by sharing a heartfelt story of him speaking life into his 5 year old granddaughter. He first showed her a beautiful wall mural of God’s hands with vines and branches growing from his wrists and hands. The mural is 12 feet tall x 28 feet wide and adorns one of the walls in his barn. He covered the scriptures from John 15, which tells of ‘The Vine and the Branches.’ He told his granddaughter that Jesus said to remain in me and remain in my word. Jerry then told her that God is the Gardener. She then said, “God is the gardener?” And he said, “yes… God is the gardener.” He ~ Pastor Jerry Hanoum repeated, “who’s the Gardener,” and she said, “God is the gardener.” Then he told her the vine is Jesus. So he said again, “who is Jesus” and she said, “the vine.” Then Jerry flips it, “who is the vine” and she says, “Jesus.” He then proceeded to tell her about the branches and how they are connected to the vine. Without any instruction he asked her, “who do you think the branches are?” She said with a big smile, “me?” He said, “who is me?” she said, “the branch.” Jerry said, “At 5 years old she understood it, so I took her back to her dad and I asked her those same questions in front of her father and she answered them all correctly and it just blessed me. So for you and your kids, it shouldn’t matter if they are 8 years old or 18 years of age they all need to understand who they are in Christ.” Pastor Dellinger then invited every man and his family to his ranch for the upcoming Saturday. He informed the men that children will be ministering at the early morning breakfast. Then each family member will have the opportunity to place their painted hand prints on the mural at the end of the branches which are connected to the vine, which are connected to the gardener- God’s hands. “It will be called ‘Hands of Faith,’” said Pastor JD. Pastor Jerry Hanoum was the keynote speaker for the evening. His message focused on ‘Loyalty.’ “As men of God, we should be loyal to our Heavenly Father; we should be loyal to our families; loyal to our employer and walk with integrity in all that we do. What failure is to man and what failure is to God are two different things. I’m going to take you to a place of the flesh and then to a place of where the greatest failure is, and that is the area of the Spirit,” said Pastor Jerry Hanoum. “We can be profoundly pleasing to God as a group of men and as an individual. In your body you will fail God, but in your Spirit be loyal! You want to walk tall with God? Then get on your knees. You’ll never be taller with God than when you are on your knees. When you love people and when you care about people, that’s what makes a big difference to God,” said Pastor Jerry. Pastor continued to speak about our loyalty to others and spoke of the relationship that Jonathan and David had in the Bible. Jonathan was loyal to his father Saul and also to David. David was loyal to Saul and also Jonathan, even though Saul was out to kill him. “God doesn’t care about who is smarter or who is stronger. He cares about our heart,” exclaimed Pastor Jerry. “David was a man guilty of adultery and murder, but yet he repented with a pure heart and God forgave him. God knows your future already and gives you free will. I think the Father hurts for us when we sow bad seeds that will hurt us for years to come. It’s no different when your children make a wrong choice. It hurts us knowing that they will be affected by their bad decisions for a season of time.” “What pleases God?” said Pastor. “Go with me to Philippians 4:4. It says to rejoice in the Lord always! It doesn’t say rejoice in the Lord only when things are going your way. When we talk about loyalty men, we’re talking about the loyalty that supersedes the best you can do in your flesh. You can be perfect in your flesh but if you don’t do this God doesn’t receive you. All you are is a sacrifice that is wood, hay and stubble. That is a place where men judge men. God doesn’t want us to be that way and we will never reach men for the Glory of God. What makes all the difference to God is when you know that there are 600 against you and you say… if He is for us, we will WIN!” Men of Vision and Purpose meet the third Monday of each month at MVCC – 5000Amaryllis Street Oakley, CA 94561. For more information call 925-625-9570.
Pictured below L to R -Tom Graham, Michael Rayo and Ramone Jackson
“God doesn’t care about who is smarter or who is stronger. He cares about our heart,”
Pictured above L to R - Pastor Jerry Dellinger and Pastor Jerry Hanoum, Co-founders of Mountain View Christian Center
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Pictured above - The beautiful 12 x 28 foot Mural by local artist Michele Tripp
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Mark 12:30,31
the lost, the vilest the better! I’m not too was at a restaurant with my wife in weak to save the homosexual or even the Pacifica California many Sundays ago. We promiscuous heterosexual. I see no degree, sat at a beautiful table ready to enjoy dinner, no difference between the sins of men. our table faced directly towards a floor-toYou’ve questioned my judgment? You ceiling plate glass window. On the other want me to withhold grace for judgment side, less than 100 yards was the Pacific on those you choose? There already exOcean pounding the surf. The sun finally ists an appointed time of judgment for the broke through at about 6:00PM. Beautiful, rebellious, the coward, the unbeliever, the majestic; our hearts filled with praise and faithless, and the murderer, those who love gratitude towards God. Outside, slightly to our right, were fisherman casting into the surf to live a lie. But, it is not now! I have my their lines and bait. Suddenly, one of the fish- “Grace Agents” all over the world, commissioned to seek and to save all the lost. You ermen caught what looked like a 30-pound suffer from Jonah-itis! You think you can striped bass! Awesome, praise God! What a sit comfortably beneath my heaven, waiting catch! Several minutes later, another large for judgment to fall on the unrighteous? You bass! All this beauty; a gift from God! are on the wrong team! You’re cheering The table to our right was seated with two men, one man slightly older than the oth- for judgment? I don’t know you, because er. I could tell; it was their first date. As their you don’t know me! You lost touch with my heart! You better draw near; you better conversation carried into our booth, I was annoyed, angered and critical! My wife could search me out, humbling yourself and repent from your wicked bout. sense the tension and change in my attitude. You’re correct about one thing; judgSuddenly, beauty faded; gratitude left, praises ment is coming, it’s nearly here. The world, ceased. My sense of awe dwarfed into awfulness. What are “they” doing here! God, and yes, even the United States will get a taste of what’s near. But this judgment is their soaking up and wasting all this beauty! not for the lost, GOD…the beauty, the ocean, the sunset is being lavished on I want your obedience, the homosexual adulterer, not them! Do something! Judgment and not just your sweet “I or for the murderer rose within me. They are “those love you Lord!” You’ve or thief, liar or people” who are bringing God’s It’s coming judgment on us all! I tried to sat too long in those cush- cheat. for you! You, block them, ignore them; wish iony pews. You’ve basked who call yourthem gone, hoping they’d finish by my their meals and leave. Then, it hit in my presences long selves Name, who reme! Yea, it shouted from inside my mind: “I want; no, I can’t wait enough! Now, GET UP! fuse to say “good for God’s judgments on ‘those GET OUT! Ask me for my evening gentlemen” or hello people,’ there’re destroying our heart and my eyes, and I neighbor. You, country!’” Then a voice inside me said; will give them to you that who are amazed by my amazing “This is My time of grace for you may thrive! grace, only to the Lost!” His Spirit touched my keep it hid, and heart and immediately He gave selectively gracing only the attractive and me insight and the grace to see my sin. He well dressed; the sinless and smell-goodcontinued: “My Grace comes for the Lost, even the vilest sinner; yes, even for those two people. It’s the people who attend my Sunday men, who for a moment were by my choosworship services, raising their hands in awe, ing, your neighbor. I lavished them with my lowering their heads in sweet repose, singing glory, the works of my hands; my breath me “love songs” of sweet devotion, and givover the waters that they may see the mighty ing such melodic lip service. You can sing waves pound the surf I made. I hooked those and worship all you like. I want your obedigreat fish to those lines that they too might ence, and not just your sweet “I love you see that I provide. I, not you, broke through Lord!” You’ve sat too long in those cushiony the clouds, and at just the right moment, pews. You’ve basked in my presences long displayed my splendor and majesty to the enough! Now, GET UP! GET OUT! Ask crowd. me for my heart and my eyes, and I will give And you, my dutiful son, did not lift them to you that you may thrive! one finger to welcome, or even offer a “good Then once again you will remember; evening gentlemen.” You, my son, are lost. you’ll feel what I feel and see what I see, You’ve so easily forgotten the depth from and cry for the lost sons and lost daughters. which I drew you; the vileness of your own You will no longer see homosexuals or sin; which let me remind you, has been fully prostitutes, murderers, adulterers, liars and pardoned and atoned! Should I not have cheats. You will see the lost and hurting, compassion on those whom I chose? You’ve forgotten I came not for the righteous; I came broken and the needy. Let me unveil somefor the sinner! I came not for the well, neither thing new to you, “repentance with action,” yes righteous deeds will only revert my day the well-to-do nor the do-gooder. I came for
of disaster! Stop your prim and pose services, your judgments and stingy hording of grace! If you recall, Jonah’s sailing companions were fearful and terrified Christianizing our politics or change our of the sea’s great fury! They feared for their Nation’s future by “born-again-and-againand-again” candidates. We’ve forgotten lives and prayed in a hurry. Only finding that God appoints the rulers we deserve Jonah a sleep in the hull, they shouted and according to our righteousness, then His roused the man of God from his slumber; judgment will swerve!” “What have you done, and what god have You say; the homosexual, the you angered?” “I serve the Lord God, said transvestite, the tattooed and the pierced; Jonah; God said I must go to Nineveh and the thief and robber the liar and cheat have preach all over. But the people of Nineveh brought us Katrina, Northridge and Ike. The are vile and sinful, said Jonah. They’re earth shakes and quakes undeserved of God’s The world cries for a because the sinners are grace, so I’m off to Tarshish after this Savior and we cry for a unrighteous? No! We’ve got it wrong! The earth nine-day-cruse, for heaven. We spend dollars shakes and quakes, rumbles some rest and some peace. I know this and hours prettying our and floods; becomes hotter or colder because God who chases me, sanctuaries, staining our we’ve left things undone! turning up the seas and bringing you to stained-glass-windows, and Judgment is coming because the righteous your knees. He thinks tuning our instruments. practices unrighteousness. I’m not smart or wise to his ways, if I go to We Christianize our music, It’s because the sin of We’ve omitted Nineveh, he’ll forgive our cars and our shops. “omission!” God’s grace from our and he’ll save! So We invent new ways to neighborhoods, schools why should I bother market place. We’ve and upset my vacation heavenize everything we and omitted God’s grace from plans, if the sinners touch! our downtowns, uptowns go unpunished, why and the lowdown; from the save and heal the land? down-and-outers, underachievers and Your disobedience and running is meat- eaters; from our dinner tables, family threatening our lives, you, not we have brought God’s judgment to light; here cast in rooms, boardrooms and horse stables. Grace can’t be found, not because sin abounds, your lot and let’s see if it’s so! The lot fell but because we want judgment to fall down to Jonah, and they tossed him over the bow, against the unrighteous! We yearn for the he hit the water sinking to depths far below. rapture, “operation-rescue!” and Christ No prayer could be heard, no pleading was yearns for a victorious and triumphant bride! pled, he sternly and steadily held in his Her beauty and brightness is her righteous head, no confession, and no repentance to acts and deeds! bring change to his dread. He hits bottom, Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for surrounded and tangled in seaweed and mire, he offers a faint cry, higher and higher; you to be angry because the plant died?” “Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry a great fish appears, swallowing him whole enough to die!” and entire. The wayward prophet calls Then the LORD said, “You feel sorry out to God; “When my life ebbed away I about the plant, though you did nothing to remembered you Lord, and my prayer rose put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. to you, to your holy temple. Those who But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that living in spiritual darkness, not to mention could be theirs.” all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for O Church, wake up! You’re asleep in such a great city?” Jonah 4:9-11 (NLT) the light! God’s anger is coming, but not for Should we be angry that sinful people the lost. We’ve been headed in the wrong flourish? Or shall we feel what God feels, direction! The world cries for a Savior and see what he sees and offer them Christ in us, we cry for a heaven. We spend dollars and their only Hope and glory? hours prettying our sanctuaries, staining God heal us from our Jonah-itis! our stained-glass-windows, and tuning our Pastor Tom Koester, Mountian View instruments. We Christianize our music, our Christian Fellowship and Call to Courage cars and our shops. We invent new ways to Ministries heavenize everything we touch! We think we can vote in morality by
‘Final Four’ coaches receive audio New Testaments Allie Martin - OneNewsNow Top college basketball coaches were able to get audio copies of God’s Holy Word, thanks to a New Mexico-based ministry. This past weekend, Faith Comes By Hearing provided hundreds of coaches at the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in Detroit with free audio drama New Testa-
ments. Roger Holien is a representative with the ministry and a 10-year sports chaplain with the University of New Mexico Lobos football team. He said coaches have a tremendous amount of influence on the life of a young person. “Coaches are very mobile -- like athletes are, like most Americans are....We
have a brochure printed that says ‘the greatest game plan ever written -- the Bible’ -- and a quote from Dr. Billy Graham [that says], ‘One coach will impact more people in a year than the average person does in a lifetime. So who’s coaching the coach-
es?’” he asks. Faith Comes By Hearing partnered with Nations of Coaches for the outreach, through which the ministries hope to inspire coaches to lead their teams from a biblical perspective.
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America’s Good News
John 1:1-5 The Word Became Flesh In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
Worship Services
If you are interested in having your church listed on the Worship services page, call Ron or Pat Reagan at 925-240-1242 Bread of Life Community Church
Rev. Edward L. Riley 1923 Delta Road, Knightsen 925-625-9081 - www.bolcc.net email: edwardriley@sbcglobal.net
Church on the Rock
Pastor Lin Goodyear 9:30am Traditional 11:00am Contemporary 50 Walton Lane (off Lone Tree) Antioch, CA 94509 925-706-2842
The Light Ministries
Pastor Larry Roper 405 West 6th Street Antioch, CA 94509 925-778-1639
Agape Bible Fellowship & Ministries Inc.
Pastor: Dr. John Ojewole Pizzazz Event Center 640 W. 2nd Street Antioch, CA 94509 Tel. 925-265-1134/ 848-6240 Email: info@agapebm.org Website: www.agapebfm.org Sunday Bible Study: 10:00AM Sunday Worship: 11:00AM Prayer fellowship: Tuesdays 7PM Youth Ministry: Fridays 6:30PM
Our Father’s House
Apostle Larry Johnson 2980 Railroad Ave, 2nd floor Pittsburg, CA 925-457-3358 Fridays 7 pm, Sundays @ 10 am & 5 pm
New Lifeline Ministries 4246 Empire Ave. Oakley Sunday service 10am Wed. Bible Study 7:30pm 925-625-1982
Destiny Christian Center
Bishop Gregory Bell Sunday 10:30am Service Wed Worship & Study 7:30pm 132 O’Hara Av. Oakley 925-679-1361
Mariner’s Church
Byron Middle School Gym 9 am Children/Teen Sun Sch. & Nursery 9:15am Adult Sunday School ~ 10:30 am High School “Hang Time” ~ 6:30 pm Tue. Bible Study ~ 10 am Wednesdays Pastor Jim Kraft ~ 634-0800 Office: 5545 Drakes Ct., Discovery Bay
Live Oak Community Christian Center
5471 Live Oak Av. Oakley 925-625-2556 Worship Services Sunday 10am Marriage Bible Study Mon 7:30pm Kingdom Men Tuesday 7:30pm Ladies Bible Study Tue 7:30pm Youth Group Wed 7:00pm Home Cell Groups Fri 7:30pm Saturday Morning prayer 8am
His Presence
Christian Worship Center Location: Hilton Concord 1970 Diamond Blvd 94520 Sunday’s 10:00am starting Tuesday bible study 7:30 pm Mail to: 1145 2nd St. Ste A #161 Brentwood, CA 94513 ph# 925-265-2070
Grace Bible Fellowship Pastor Kirkland Smith Sunday 8am & 11:15am Tues 7pm Prayer Wed 6am 913 Sunset Dr. Antioch, CA 94509 925-522-2017
The Carpenter’s Shop Int’l Prs. Jerry and Penny Slavens P.O. Box 2083 Antioch, CA 94531 925-778-0800 925-778-0804 fax carpenters.shop@sbcglobal.net www.thecarpentershop.org Saturday Service 11am - 1pm
Immaculate Heart of Mary
Catholic Church 500 Fairview Ave Brentwood Saturday Vigil 5:00, 6:30[sp] Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:00 and 12:30 Spanish 10:45 and 2:00 pm Daily 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM 925-634-4156 email: ihmchurch@sbcglobal.net
Unity on the Delta
Pastor Robert Waldon Sunday Service - 10:00am 50 Sand Creek Road, Ste. 140 Brentwood, CA 94513 Ph - 925-754-5343
Lighthouse Christian Center 1210 Stoneman Ave Pittsburg, Ca 94565 (925) 432-3808 Pastors Jason & Peggy Younger Sundays 9:30 & 11:15am Wednesday: Prayer & Healing Service 7:00pm
Fountain of Life Church
Pastor: Ronald Mixon 111 W. 10th St. Antioch, CA 94509 Next to Antioch City Park on A St. (925) 755-8779 E-mail: ronmixon@sbcglobal.net www.thefountainoflifechurch.org Sunday Worship:10:00AM Wednesday: Intercessory Prayer: 7-7:30PM Bible Study:7:30-8:30PM
ADVERTISING SPONSORED BY CONTRA COSTA MINISTERS CONFERENCE
Faith Worship Center
Anthony E. Blackman, Sr. Pastor 2170 Harbor St. Pittsburg, CA 94565 Service - Sundays 10:00am Wednesdays 7:00pm 925-427-0976
Christ Temple Full Faith Ministry Inc. Pastor Damon Pierson Worship service 1pm 101 West 9th St.Antioch CA 925-978-6273 Crossroads Christian Center Heritage High-Multipurpose Rm. 101 American Ave. Brentwood 925-516-7795 Sunday Service 10:30am Tuesday Bible Study 7pm Pastor Andrew G. Miley
Calvary Chapel Crossroads Pr. John Snoderly 1771 Vineyard Dr., Antioch Phone 925-778-2011 Services: Sundays at 10 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 7 PM
www.cccrossroads.org email: church@cccrossroads.org
Calvary Fellowship
Pastor Dave Perata Discovery Bay Elementary School SundayService10:00AM 1700 Willow Lake Road 925.626.3525
Mid week Bible Study Thursday 7PM 1555 River Lake Road in Discovery Bay
The Orchard Church
Heritage High School Theater 101 American Ave Brentwood Service at 10am Sundays Pastor Steve (925) 325-5020 theorchardchurch.com
The East Bay Pentecostals 605 Harvest Park Drive Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-2012 Pastor Joel R. Bryant Sunday Services 10am & 5pm Wednesday Bible Study 7:30pm Friday Youth 7pm International Christian Ministry
Grace Lutheran Church 195 Alvarado Ave Pittsburg, CA 94565 Rev Tuma Johnson 550-5573
Mountain View Christian Center
5000 Amaryllis Oakley Ca 94561 925-625-9570 SERVICES Sundays 9am & 10:45am Sundays 5:00pm Spanish - Bilingual Wednesdays 7pm Soldiers in Christ - Jr. High Wed 7pm Souled Out - High sch. Wed 7pm
Rejoyce Christian Center
Pr. Kenny Ogunfunmi Sunday Service 10:30 AM 90 Village Dr. Brentwood 94513 925-628-5589 - 925-513-4535 fax pastor@rcconline.net - email
Gateway Church
Pastor Joe & Danille Hernandez Sundays 10AM Life Groups Youth and Kids Ministry 847 Arnold Dr. Martinez, CA 94553 925.335.9519 www.gatewaychurch.us
Outreach Ministries Birthright of Brentwood
Helping pregnant women facing personal crisis. Call 925-634-1275 with your tax deductible contribution.
Royal Family Kids Camp
4725 Evora Rd.Concord, CA www.rfkcconcord.com Rick Fuller, Director 925.207.7240
Family Life Center of Brentwood 605 Harvest Park Drive Brentwood, CA 94513 (925) 634-2016 Ministering to families in need: Homework Help, Social Services (Food Stamps, Healthy Families) Food Pantry, Clothing & More Thursdays at 7pm School of Theology Echo of Christ Ministries For
5000 Amaryllis St. Oakley more info on the conflict in the Middle Enroll Now and start studying the East - Call 866-317-3626 Word of Godwww.echoofchrist.org Contact Pastor Tyrone @ 925-625-9570
Helping Hands
Minister Travis Mozeke Grace Bible Fellowship Overcomers 925.727.8788
Food & Clothing to those in need Every Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30pm 5000 Amaryllis St. in Oakley 925.625.9570
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America’s Good News
Music
Financial Forum
Worship album focuses on listening to God
” y t i l i b a t Accoun
“
Charlie Butts - OneNewsNow Acclaimed worship leader Dan Macaulay has written and produced a worship CD. The Listening EP stems from Macaulay’s experiences in Canada and America as a worship leader -- not only in his own church, but others around the country. He believes music is an integral part of worship. “There’s no one set way to find God and to approach God, and sometimes I think we try and put him in a box and say if we sing this number of songs and in this order and finish with this song here then we’ll get those goose-bumpy feelings and be ready. I really don’t think God allows us to just kind of pigeonhole him into finding him one way,” he notes. “I think it’s definitely about staying open and ready to listen and hear.” The title song of his album, “Listening”, came to him during a worship service he was leading. “Really the song is just about hearing from God and being quiet and listening for his voice,” he explains. “The Bible tells us God speaks in a still, small voice and it also tells us that the Bible itself is God’s Word -- and so I think we hear both those ways.” “Listening” can be heard on Macaulay’s website at www.danmacaulay.com Courtesy onenewsnow
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off with this coupon on any order
Printing • Copying • Large Format Prints Sign Manufacturing & Much more... call
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1183 Second D, Brentwood, CA94513 325 TownStreet, CentreSte. Ter, Ste 1 Brentwood CA
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Good News Publishing USA Publisher - Pastors Hanoum / Dellinger Editor-In-Chief - Will Byrns Managing Editor - Susan Holmes Copy Editors - Julie Jackson & Cathy Huffman Reporters/Columnists Susan Holmes, Rev. Austin Miles Saed & Linda Awwad, Priscilla Stanley, Julie Jackson, Andrew Pate, Geannine Mijares, Juan Prieto, Diana Dobbie, and Don Kwong Distribution Manager - Frank Quiros Solano County Distribution - Jeanne B. Graphics - Will Byrns & Jake Carter
5000 Amaryllis Street Oakley CA 94561 ofc: (925) 625-9570 fax: 625-9003 Email: mvcc2@sbcglobal.net Send releases, letters and reprint requests to the Email or address above. (c) Copyright 2008 Mountain View Christian Center. All rights reserved. - Member OneNewsNow Brentwood Chamber of Commerce Christian Newspaper Assoc.
America’s Good News covers Local, National and World news headlines and stories. The views and opinions expressed in this literature does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of America’s Good News.
By Donald Kwong “His master answered, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave! You have been faithful in a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.” - Matthew 25:21 So much of the news lately has been about accountability and corporations. From automakers to financial consultants, we have all seen that failure to be fiscally accountable with the resources God has provided to them. It is not limited to corporations either given the number of charities that have been scrutinized for mishandling donations after 9-11 and Hurricane Katrina. As I think about corporate responsibility and before I condemn them, I have to consider my own accountability. I have to ponder what I have done with the blessings I have received from the Lord. In church circles there has been much talk about “accountability” – pastors preach it from the pulpit and believers are encouraged to be part of accountability groups. For all the talk we have about accountability, we fail to align our actions with our words. I thank God that he operates out of mercy and grace, because so many of his sons and daughters apply Biblical principles to eternal salvation but fail to do so with their homes and businesses. Let me give you one example. Some churches do not run meetings on God’s Law, but their denomination’s rules, Robert’s Rules of Order or bylaws. The Word clearly shows us how to deal with issues affecting the church, but we choose to trust laws and rules we make up to handle conflict and govern the church. When we start to follow rules that are not God centered, we fall into misalignment. What can happen when we become misaligned? We answer questions by looking at the bylaws instead of God’s laws. We can become more focused on ourselves, and less about the Kingdom of God. Because we ask less from God, we pray less. We replace the fear of the Lord with the fear of man. We take up what we can afford or operate out of our resources without trusting God to provide. We seek out success instead of kneeling down before the Lord. I once belonged to a church where the leadership team would hold a vote of the budget annually. We operated out of a church as a corporation mindset. I was one of many who would dread this church meeting as we debated how much money to seed into various ministerial opportunities. One day, the pastor felt led by the Lord to give away half the money received in tithes and offerings. After much debate (and the departure of some who became offended), the church unified behind the vision of the pastor. Today, it is vibrant church where members actively see the hand of God as this 150 member church supports 10 missionaries (including two sent from the congregation), a medical clinic for the homeless, pre-natal counseling, and meals and Biblical counsel for HIV/AIDS patients From the parable of the talents and the minna, we are reminded that God wants us to act responsibly with his blessings. What is your mode of operation? What is your magnetic north that guides your actions? If you have been operating out of your strength, can you lay your burdens down? If you want to see God move powerfully in your life, then you are going to have to be accountable. This can happen when our hearts are actively following Jesus. We need to be rooted in a reverent fear of the Lord and a deep desire to align with what God is doing today. Let’s pray – Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for all the blessings you have poured out. I repent for fearing more about what men think instead of what you think. I know that one day I will have to give an account of how I managed everything you have blessed me with. I wish to do what is pleasing to you, and I will submit to your way today so that I can hear you say “well done, good and faithful servant”. Amen.
Servicio Bilingue
Espanol y Ingles r With Pasto Presencia de Dios Donde: Mountain View Joe Seeley Christian Center Lugar: 5000 Amaryllis Street Oakley CADA DOMINGO: 5 PM
for more info call 625-9570
Bilingual Service Spanish and English Presence of God Where: Mountain View Christian Center Location: 5000 Amaryllis Street Oakley EVERY SUNDAY 5:00PM
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America’s Good News
Calendar
The City of Oakley Decennial Celebration There will be 4 events throughout the Decennial year beginning with our Cityhood Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2009. This event will take place at Freedom High School in the basin beginning at 6:00pm. The event will feature the following entertainment. Music throughout the evening with performances by Freedom High School cheerleaders, martial art students, dancers and talented young musical guests. We will have a children’s area with pony rides, a petting zoo, a train, face painting, a clown, jump houses and more. For the older children we have a rock climbing wall, laser tag, a bungee run and arcade games. For young adults we are including a Hoopshot basketball game, speed pitch and a new “extreme” activity – the Euro Bungy. There will be food, arts & crafts and local retail vendors throughout. The evening will conclude with a spectacular Fireworks show synchronized to music. The “Friends of Oakley” will be accepting donations of toys for their Community Basket program. Admission to the event is FREE, as is parking. A $5 wristband can be purchased for unlimited rides and games. Families are encouraged to bring a blanket/lawn chair to enjoy the entertainment and fireworks show.
2009 East Bay All-Star Invitational Basketball Skills Camp July 17-18-19 IT’S TIME TO ELEVATE YOUR GAME! The 2009 EAST BAY ALL-STAR INVITATIONAL BASKETBALL SKILLS CAMP will feature Coach Dave Taylor as guest head instructor. Coach Taylor is the Adidas National Camp Director & director of the Adidas Junior Phenom program which identifies the most promising young players emerging onto the national and international basketball scene. Open to boys and girls entering grades 6-7-8 in the fall of 2009. CAN ONE WEEKEND CHANGE YOUR GAME AND CAREER? YES! Limited to 100 players. DISCIPLINE - DRIBBLING - PASSING FOOTWORK - SHOOTING - TRANSITION COMPETITION - DEFENSE & REBOUNDING VIDEO SESSION - GUEST SPEAKERS BONUS - COLLEGE RECRUITING SEMINAR CAMP HOURS: FRIDAY 6 PM–9 PM; SATURDAY 9 AM–6 PM; SUNDAY 9 AM–4 PM. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JULY 12 Trinity Titans Basketball, 3027 Castle Rock Loop, Discovery Bay, CA 94505 DIRECTOR’S EMAIL: Mikeketchel3@comcast.net PHONE: 925-392-3835
4th of July Independence Day Celebration on the Aircraft Carrier USS Hornet *Come Celebrate Independence Day with Us* Saturday, July 4, 2009 10am-10pm USS Hornet 707 W. Hornet Ave Pier 3, Alameda, Ca The USS Hornet Museum in Alameda hosts its annual Independence Day Party. This family event features; evening fireworks, Multi-Bands Flight Deck Concert, Interactive Games for all ages, Bounce House and Inflatable Games for kids, Live Music and Dancing, Carnival and Table Top Games, Flight Simulator Ride, Great Food & Beverages (including Beer & Wine), Aircraft Carrier Tours, which include the Captain’s Bridge, Aircrafts ranging from, WWII Vintage to TBM Avenger an F-14 Tomcat & The Helicopter from the Movie Apollo 13, Torpedo Shop, Engine Room, and The Apollo Moon Mission Display plus More. All-day admission; Adults $25 ($22 in advance) Child $10 (5-17) Museum Members FREE. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 510-521-8448 x282 or visit www.hornetevents.com
Here are just a few locations that you can find a copy of
AMERICA’S GOOD NEWS
SERENDIPITY BIBLE HOUSE 760 Madison St. FAIRFIELD
GRACELAND CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE 4261 Century Blvd. PITTSBURG
LAUNDERLAND Railroad Ave. PITTSBURG
BAGEL STREET CAFE’ 4815 Lone Tree Suite C ANTIOCH
LEBRERIA FUENTE DE VIDA 3009 Delta Fair Blvd. ANTIOCH
EL RAY TAQUERIA 4621 Golf Course Road ANTIOCH
WINNER’S CIRCLE WESTERN WEAR 505 W. 2nd St. ANTIOCH
LAUNDER LAND 1657 A ST. ANTOCH
QUAIL LODGE RETIREMENT RESIDENCE 4850 Deer Valley Rd. ANTIOCH COMMONS AT DALLAS RANCH 4751 Dallas Ranch Rd. ANTIOCH
HAZEL’S DRIVE-IN ANTIOCH HWY DELTA BREEZE LAUNDERLAND 1092 Sycamore Dr. ANTIOCH
PITTSBURG WASH N DRY 208 Atlantic Ave. PITTSBURG
FIESTA FILIPINA/ORIENTAL FOODS & GIFT MART 155 Atlantic Ave. PITTSBURG
REAGAN MANAGEMENT 8440 Brentwood Blvd. H BRENTWOOD
LOS REYES TAQUERIA 526 Bailey Road PITTSBURG
Freedom Recovery Ministry “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may RECOVER themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” 2 TIMOTHY 2:25-26 Offers the following services: COUNSELING AND EDIFICATION - OVERCOMING STRONGHOLDS: 1)ANGER ISSUES 2)COMPULSIVE ADDICTIONS 3)RENEWING OF THE MIND MEN/WOMEN SUPPORT GROUPS BIBLICAL INSTRUCTION FOR LIVING & WALKING TRIUMPHANTLY IN CHRIST Freedom Recovery Ministry will be starting a NEW support group based on the WORD OF GOD at MVCC on every Friday, @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm starting Friday, January 30th 2009. It’s time to experience your Victory this year in 2009. Jesus is the KEY to tearing down strongholds. For more information contact: Pastor Tyrone Holmes @ 925 625-9570 ext 108
Women Of Worth
Men of Vision
Proverbs 31:10 Monday - July 6th 7pm-8:15pm (doors open at 6:30pm) Mountain View Christian Center 5000 Amaryllis Street Oakley 925-625-9570
Every 3rd Monday Doors open 6:30-teaching at 7pm Sponsored by Mountain View Christian Center 5000 Amaryllis Street Oakley 20/10 Vision 925-625-9570
FCA Speed Camp JULY 18-19 LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL SATURDAY 18TH 1:00 pm– 4:00 pm SUNDAY 19TH 9:00 am– 12:00pm FREE FOR ALL HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES Wear comfortable athletic wear and shoes. Snacks and drinks provided Competitive Edge Sports (CES) ran by Chip and Zach Smith brings you this unique speed camp. CES has been a leader in elite level sports performance training for both pro and amateur athletes. With over 250 athletes drafted into the NFL, and over 900 NFL players trained in the last 15 years CES can teach you to train like a pro. The speed training program includes the development of running mechanics, change of direction, quick feet skills, and core training. Acceleration training will improve your 40 yard dash, pro agility, foot quickness, and game speed. This camp will also feature many former NFL athletes sharing what God has done in their lives, on and off the field. Sponsored by ‘Chapter 42 Ministries’ For Sponsorship and more information please contact James Phone: 925-457-5920 E-mail: jameshodgins@yahoo.com
Delta Women’s Connection “A TRIBUTE TO OUR ARMED FORCES”
~Thanking the Men & Women Who Protect & Serve Our Country~ Tuesday, July 21, 2009 ****** MEN AND WOMEN WELCOME ****** (6:00 p.m. Seating) 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Dinner - Program - Door Prizes $27.00/per person Inclusive At “Nines” at the Brentwood Golf Club 100 Summerset Drive, Brentwood, CA Feature: Pastor Mike Dillman Join us for an evening honoring our U.S. Military Force. Pastor Mike Dillman shares the story behind the “The Traveling Tribute”, a wall bearing 4500 names of the fallen men and women who served their country since “9/11”. Vocalists: Tyrone & Susan Holmes Inspirational Speaker: Kara Miller US Air Force Academy Graduate and Desert Storm Veteran, trades a “Driven Life” for a “Life of Purpose”. For reservations, call Dannette (925) 634-7540 or Joyce (925) 513-7644
FAITH BASED HELP PROGRAMS HOPE ETERNAL Recovery group for women. Tuesdays @ 7:00 p.m. 1745 E.18th St. Rm 25 Antioch, 94509 Facilitator: Julie McGee 925-584-5282 Cornerstone 925-779-2000
CHRISTIAN HELP CTR 2166 Sacramento Street, Vallejo, CA 94590 (707) 553-8192 Food, Clothing, Shelter - Transitional Living LOVE -A-CHILD MISSIONS Homeless Recovery Shelter Rehabilitative services for homeless women and children. (925) 458-5663 Email- info@love-a-child.org MISSION SOLANO 740 Travis Blvd. Fairfield CA (707) 422-1011 Daily Meals, Transitional Living Daily Shower, Shelter New Life Programs Brother Raymond
SHEPHERD’S GATE Christ Centered services for Battered/homeless Women & Children 605 Sycamore Brentwood CA (925) 308-7507 DOVE AVIATION Is looking for volunteers to help with their ministry on local and international levels. Dove is involved in Mission Trips (925)584-7079 VICTORY OUTREACH-PITTSBURG 2328 Willow Pass Rd (925) 432-0937 Christian Recovery Program Drug & Alcohol HELPING HANDS Food & Clothing to those in need Every Wednesday 5:30-6:30pm 5000 Amaryllis St. in Oakley (925) 625-9570 IRON SHOP Men’s Recovery Group CHRISTIAN 12 STEP 925-525-9957 1745 East 18th Street Antioch
America’s Good News
SEEDS FROM THE SOWER There’s a statue of a Grecian maiden in Italy. She has a beautiful face and a graceful figure. The townspeople tell the story of an untidy girl who came face to face with it. She gazed upon it, and hurried home to bathe, to comb her hair and to mend her dress. Day by day she would stand and stare, and she changed. Her face became noble and her form became graceful. So it will be if we gaze upon our Lord. We’ll be mending our ways and becoming more gracious and Godlike. That’s why the Bible says, Let us “keep our eyes on Jesus.” One day a man joined a famous church. That night the pastor preached a stirring missionary sermon and the congregation sang fervently “Rescue the Perishing.” As the people were leaving, he asked a deacon, “When do we start?” “Start what?” “Start rescuing the perishing,” he said. “Oh,” said the deacon, “that’s just a song.” Too many of us sing without serving, read without responding, and worship without working. Our Lord said, “This people honoreth Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. But in vain do they worship Me.”
Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 1 Peter 1:20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
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America’s Good News
SEEDS FROM THE SOWER A boy was leaving Ireland for the United States. His father said, “Pat, my boy, remember three bones and you’ll come out all right.” “Which three?” he asked. “The wishbone keeps you going after things,” he answered. “The jawbone keeps you asking questions. And the backbone keeps you at it until you get there.” So often we wish for things, and we use the jawbone and pray for things, but we don’t use the backbone and keep at it until the answer comes. Whatever may be the delays and disappointments, don’t stop praying. The Living Bible says, “Keep praying until the answer comes.”
Churches Helping Churches Do you need more chairs for your church? Did your church just buy new chairs? Would your church like to bless another church with its used chairs? Does your church need a keyboard for worship? Did your church just buy a new keyboard? Churches always have a need for something, so why not work together to fill that need. America’s Good News would like to see churches partner with one another. So we are willing to create a FREE section in our paper that churches can use in order to bless each other as the need arises. Amen! No items in this section shall be for sale. Our desire is to see churches give to one another out of Love. The Fellowship of the Believers Acts 2:44-47(NIV) All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. We are one body, right? John 17:23 (NIV) I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
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Revelation 17:8 The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because he once was, now is not, and yet will come.
Hebrews 4:4 And yet his work has been finished since the creation of the world. For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work.”
Steve’s Construction Stevesconstruction@yahoo.com
“Quality Home & Office Repair” * Fence Repair/Replace * Flooring * Built-in Bookcases * Plumbing Repairs * ADA Modifications
Office 925-625-7771 Cell 925-628-3536 2063 Main St. PMB#419 Oakley, CA 94561
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America’s Good News goes out by direct mail (100% saturation) to every home, business and Apt. in Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay & Byron, and every business in Antioch
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America’s Good News
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This beautiful country retreat is available for: * Weddings * Corporate gatherings * Counseling Pastors * Banquets * Receptions and more
Special Events Ensure your guests remember their next Corporate Meeting. Whether a small offsite conference or a full blown national event, Hanoum Estate will provide a once in a lifetime experience. Come celebrate your Anniversary, Birthday, Family Reunion, or an elegant Ball. Let your imagination run wild! Â
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2009 and 2010 dates filling quickly!
Hanoum Estate Located only 45 minutes from Sacramento and San Francisco. The Tennessee style mansion is surrounded by 5 acres of gardens, waterfalls, and exotic landscaping. Your guests will be enthralled as they take in the sights and sounds of this elegant Estate. Let us make your wedding day the fairy tale you have dreamed about.
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America’s Good News
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