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$1.50 Now in our 10th Year! • July 2014
Faith or Medicine?
see centerfold
Inside This Issue:
Shocking admission from Glenn Beck: The Liberals were right on this one! see page 6
SCOTUS delivers victory for Hobby Lobby! see page 12
12 Reasons Babies Need Dogs: Pics Throughout This Edition
see page 26
'Soul Surfer' Bethany Hamilton's Timely Message for Girls About Body Image
see page 24
FULL PAGE OF
PUZZLES!
see page 27
July 2014
The Biggest Mistake Liberal Churches Make Written by Joe McKeever
S
ome churches make this one huge mistake when it comes to theology. Some churches make this one huge mistake when it comes to theology. The typical liberal church—as this Southern Baptist farm boy sees it, anyhow—makes a dozen serious errors, some of them monumental. But this one is about as big as they come. The typical liberal church overestimates people. They think people are better than they are. All you have to do in order to test this is visit the typical church of certain denominations and pay attention. There will be no mention of man's being in need of redemption, little or no reference to sin at all, and thus no need to offer the salvation of Christ which involves His death on the cross, His shed blood, and His resurrection. Man simply needs to do right, make the right choices, and he's in. They overlook one fundamental fact: we can't do right. We are constitutionally unable to rise above our sinful natures by ourselves. We need help of a radical kind. If one misses that, he misses everything. A long time ago, Episcopal minister and noted Christian writer Samuel M. Shoemaker quoted an editor of The Reader's Digest along these lines. In his book "Revive Thy Church Beginning With Me" (1948), Shoemaker quotes Stanley High, whom he calls "a roving editor" of that magazine, as he challenges the church for not challenging him. Bear in mind that the church he references in this quote and calls "the church" and "modern Protestantism" most of us would simply say is the liberal wing of Christendom, not the evangelical sector.
www.AmericanChristianVoice.com Stanley High said: "I think that the first business of the church is to redeem me. And I don't mean to redeem me in the merely social sense that convinces me that the Golden Rule ought to be my Confession of Faith. By redeeming me, I mean personal redemption—the process by which I'm spiritually shaken apart and spiritually put together again, and from which I—the personal I—emerge a totally different person.... The first reason for this failure is that the church—the modern, modernist Protestant church—rates me altogether too highly. It has been one of the glories of Protestantism that it has put its emphasis on the Individual, on Free Will and Free Choice. But the net result may prove to be disastrous. ... I'm simply not as good as modern Protestantism assumes me to be. I haven't got the spiritual stuff to do, on my own, what modern Protestantism expects me to do. The church has failed because it has given me too much freedom and too little discipline. It has assumed that all I needed was the right hand of fellowship, when ... what I am in greater need of is a kick in the pants." I am well aware that Mr. Shoemaker was a minister in the very epitome of a liberal church, the Episcopal denomination. But anyone who remembers him—and I do— knows he was trying to do what the title of this book says, to revive it from the inside. I'm not an Episcopalian and it's been years since I worshiped in one of their services (and even then, it was only as guest preacher for a Holy Week service). So, nothing about this should be considered a judgment one way or the other on that church. But, I do know about liberal churches. They're not exactly hidden away
conducting clandestine gatherings. They're all around us and their pronouncements and worship services can be seen with the click of the remote on Sunday mornings. What they do, the very thing which drove editor Stanley High to say what he did, is to assume that everyone is redeemed, everyone is "saved" and bound for Heaven, and that all we need is instruction on how to live for the Lord. But in taking this position, liberal churches discount the very reason for which Jesus came into the world and died on Calvary.
Page 3 Jesus Christ is like teaching the residents of a foreign country how to live as patriotic citizens of the U.S.A. They're missing something fundamental and will never catch on for the simple reason that they are foreigners and outsiders. Such teaching will never make sense to them until they move to this country and become citizens. Only at that point can they be instructed in citizenship. To one of the most righteous men of his era, the Lord Jesus said something that should be proclaimed in every liberal church across this globe next Sunday:
Man is a sinner, a serious sinner in need of an entire transformation.
"Marvel not that I said unto you, 'You must be born again'" (John 3:7).
Romans 3 puts it this way: "There is none righteous, no not one" (v. 10) and "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (v.23).
Dr. Joe McKeever writes from the vantage point of more than 60 years as a disciple of Jesus, more than 50 years preaching His gospel and more than 40 years of cartooning for every imaginable Christian publication.
Modern churches may indeed overestimate mankind, but God doesn't have that problem. He knows us. "He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust."
For the original article, visit
joemckeever.com
Man needs a Savior. Thankfully, there is One available, and only One—the Lord Jesus Christ. Redemption and transformation are available through faith in Jesus Christ because of what He did on Calvary, and in no other way. The early disciples said it for us. "Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). They both said it for us and said it to us. To instruct unregenerate mankind on how to live for
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. - Maya Angelou passed away May 28, 2014
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July 2014
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Power Napping Beneficial by Michael Hyatt
I
t’s important for us not to overwork ourselves and get enough sleep to maintain a high level of productivity. Next time you’re wondering why you may not be working productively, the reason may be simple as you being one of 70% of people who doesn’t get enough sleep.
Did you know? Leonardo da Vinci took multiple naps a day and slept less at night. The French Emperor Napoleon was not shy about taking naps. He indulged daily. Though Thomas Edison was embarrassed about his napping habit, he also practiced his ritual daily. Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, used to boost her energy by napping before speaking
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engagements. Gene Autry, “the Singing Cowboy,” routinely took naps in his dressing room between performances. President John F. Kennedy ate his lunch in bed and then settled in for a nap—every day! Oil industrialist and
philanthropist John D. Rockefeller napped every afternoon in his office. Winston Churchill’s afternoon nap was a non-negotiable. He believed it helped him get twice as much done each day. President Lyndon B. Johnson took a nap every afternoon at 3:30 p.m. in order to break his day up into “two shifts.” Though criticized for it, President Ronald Reagan famously took naps as well. Source: 5 Reasons Why You Should Take a Nap Every Day — Michael Hyatt
A Blessed Man by Max Lucado
M
American Christian Voice P.O. Box 336 • Rockaway Beach, MO 65740 Office: (417) 336-3636 • John’s cell: (417) 353-7598
editor@americanchristianvoice.com www.AmericanChristianVoice.com Log online for FREE Online Subscriptions
y daughters are too old for this now, but when they were young, crib-size and diaper-laden, I’d come home, shout their names, and watch them run to me with extended arms and squealing voices. For the next few moments we would speak the language of love. We’d roll on the floor, gobble bellies, and tickle tummies and laugh and play. We delighted in each other’s presence. They made no requests
of me, with the exception of “Let’s play, Daddy.” And I made no demands of them, except, “Don’t hit Daddy with the hammer.” In this very special dad time—my kids let me love them! Psalm 127:3-5 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”
I am a blessed man! From Dad Time Listen to UpWords with Max Lucado at
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stood firmly against sending thousands of American troops back into the country. “The only way to prevent Baghdad from being overrun is stay there and continue to fight this, militarily, in perpetuity,” Beck said. “Are you willing to do that?” Beck addressed those who were against “Liberals, you were right.” intervention in Iraq under President George W. Bush, but support whatever Barack Obama hat’s the bold declaration Glenn Beck made chooses to do. on Tuesday that has outlets from the “Liberals, you were against it in the first Huffington Post to ABC’s “The View” talking. place. How could you be in favor of more From the Huffington Post: intervention now?” he asked. “How could There are many things you’d never you possibly be for that, after everything expect Glenn Beck to say: “Barack you have said about ‘it’s going to fall apart Obama is a great president,” “the in the end’ was right? Everything I said, Affordable Care Act was a huge that we could hold it together, was wrong!” success,” “amnesty for all “Finally, there’s some things we can undocumented immigrants!” agree on,” Beck added. “Finally, But “liberals, you were right” there’s some things we can come tops them all. together on, and clean up our own On a recent episode of “The View,” house.” which featured TheBlaze’s Will Beck cautioned Americans Cain as a guest host, Whoopi not to do what “liberals did to us and Glenn Beck George W. Bush,” saying we can’t Goldberg led a segment by speaking about the “unlikely ally that some make the crisis “just about politics.” liberal folks found in Glenn Beck.” “This cannot become about the president. It Beck’s statement is also making news on cannot become about the Democrats. This has to MSNBC, Politico and Salon, among other sites. be about the principles, because in the principles The cast of ABC's 'The View' discusses Glenn we all agree,” Beck said. “Enough is enough. Beck's admission that liberals were "right" about Bring them home, period.” the war in Iraq on June 18, 2014. Beck has long spoken about how Americans The cast of ABC’s ‘The View’ discusses need to hold principles above politics, and find Glenn Beck’s admission that liberals were common ground on which they can unite. “right” about the war in Iraq on June 18, 2014. Recently, he laid out what he believes is next for Beck was speaking about the war in Iraq on the American people, and how faith, hope, and his radio program when he made the statement, charity will play an enormous role if we hope to saying liberals knew over a decade ago that “we unite. shouldn’t nation-build, and there was no indication the people of Iraq had the will to be free.” “I thought that was insulting at the time — everybody wants to be free,” Beck said. “Let me lead with my mistakes. You are right. Liberals, you were right.” Beck said he now sees that “you cannot force democracy on the Iraqis or anybody else,” and it is time for the left and the right to unite on common values and principles. “This is something I think that we can come together on, the right and the left,” Beck began. “Not one more life, not one more dollar, not one more airplane, not one more bullet, not one more Marine, not one more arm or leg or eye. Not one more.” As the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) threatens to overtake Baghdad, Beck
What Glenn Beck Admitted About the Iraq War That Has the Huffington Post and ‘The View’ Talking by Erica Ritz
T
July 2014
Is Divorce Contagious?
friends, family networks.
New research is suggesting that divorce is contagious, according to new research from Brown University.
"The contagion of divorce can spread through a social network like a rumor, affecting friends up to two degrees removed," Rose McDermott, head researcher, wrote in a forthcoming article in the journal Social Forces.
from CBN News
The study, conducted in Framingham, Massachusetts, shows that if a friend or loved one gets one that raises your chances. Researchers discovered 75 percent of participants were more likely to end their marriage if a friend was divorced. Thirty-three percent were more likely to divorce even if that happened to a friend of a friend. Researchers call it social contagion. That's the spread of attitudes and behaviors through
and
Researchers concluded that healthy community plays a strong role in maintaining a healthy marriage. "Although the evidence we present here is limited to a single network," McDermott wrote, "the…marriages endure within the context of communities of healthy relationships and within the context of social networks that encourage and support such unions."
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"The human spirit needs to accomplish, to achieve, to triumph in order to be happy." - Ben Stein
social
Re New mo ly de led !
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July 2014
.YAK BAK Feed Back from our Readers You all scared me with the last issue tag on the June cover. After I read the explanation that because of the growth of national interest your publication was rebranded as “American Christian Voice” I was quite pleased. But that teaser was a dirty pool! Keep up the good work. By the way, I love the humorous undertones that takes the edge off of some very difficult subject matter. Anthony Carlton, Fayetteville, AR ___________________________ I just wanted to give a shout-out to Dale Wallis from Goff Heat and Cooling. I was broke down in my car in the worst possible narrow, curved road. A very dangerous situation in rush hour traffic. Cars were flying over a hill top and had to do panic stops to avoid hitting other cars as they swerved around me. A police officer even drove around me without stopping. Dale didn’t recognize me but stopped and got a tow strap out of his pick up and towed me to safety. Dale didn’t know who I was but since Goff Heat and Cooling makes the ACV possible, I was aware of him. If he personally can commit such a selfless act for a stranger what does that tell you about how he would conduct the integrity of his business? Goff Heat and Cooling sponsor many local Christian ministries and we are just one that is blessed by them. You would be well served to give them your business when the need arises. See their ad on page 8. John G. Sacoulas, editor American Christian Voice, MO
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Please renew my subscription, The American Christian Voice is awesome! Joan Gatson, Tucson, AZ _________________________ I love your magazine, please renew my subscription! Geraldine Greenfield, Jewel, IA _________________________ I loved the Duck Dynasty story in the June issue. Wether you love or hate the Robertsons, they speak their mind on personal convictions. It harkens back to a time in America where that was not only okay... it was expected. As a WWII vet it saddens me to see in my own lifetime what has happened to this once great nation. On the upside, When Jesus is ruling the world with His saints everyone will see the difference and JOY that a Holy and loving God will provide for those that love Him.
When a man marries a woman, they become one; the trouble starts when they try to decide which one.
Frank Hunter, Shiner, TX ____________________ Send your “letters to the editor” to:
editor@ americanchristianvoice.com or mailing address: ACV • P.O. Box 336 Rockaway Beach, MO 65740 Letters may be edited for space consideration. Please indicate if your whole name may be used.
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Is ‘In Jesus Name, Amen’ Necessary? by James MacDonald
A
men? That's it? You're going to close your prayer with an abrupt "amen"?
What about the Savior? Aren't you going to say the name? And you preachers, lower the "God talk" and say the name! Everyone says the G-OD—there is nothing in that to denote your loyalty or demarcate your distinctiveness. You are not a God follower, you are not a religious zealot, or a pious person. You are not a vague pursuer of mystic uncertainties, or a spiritual surveyor of saintly generality. You are a Christ follower. Say the name!
• It's by calling upon the name that we are saved. Acts 2:21. • It's in the name that we find forgiveness. Acts 2:38. • It's in the name, better than silver or gold, that we are healed. Acts 3:6. • It's the name that we suffer for and the name that we stand for. Acts 4:7,10. • It's the only name under heaven by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12. • It's the name they were forbidden to speak of and that still offends today.Acts 5:28,40. • It's the name that they were beaten for and rejoiced to be considered worthy. Acts 5:41. • It's the name we gather in if we want to experience His presence. Matthew 18:20. • It's the name we pray in for assurance of the Father hearing and answering. John 1 4:13. • It's the name that every knee will someday bow before. Philippians 2:10.
www.AmericanChristianVoice.com The name is Jesus! Say it, savor it, sing in, share it. Say the name! Every chance you get. Never let it become routine. If it seems you say "in Jesus' name" a lot, consider how you will see it when each prayer of your life represents 100 of your first years in eternity. How will we look back and see the name when eternity reveals just how lost we were without it? Get the flag to the top of the pole every chance you get and always say the name above every name, the precious name of Jesus. It's the sweetest name we know, it's the greatest name in the history of civilization. Say it! Jesus. In Jesus' name. Amen!
Dear IRS,
When we realize that everything good we need comes to us from the Father in the name of Jesus, how can we fail to say the name and call upon that name continuously? James MacDonald is the founder and senior pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel as well as a national teacher and author. This article was originally published on VerticalChurchBlog.com. Used with permission.
30 Years After NKJV, ‘Modern English’ Translation Inherits KJV Legacy by Christian Life News Staff Charisma Media' new Modern English Version (MEV) combines modern language with the tradition of the KJV textual stream. (Flickr/Riley Kaminer) This fall, the torch of the KJV tradition will be passed to a new version of the Bible: the Modern English Version (MEV).
“Another flaw in the human character is that everyone wants to build and nobody wants to do maintenance.”-Kurt Vonnegut
July 2014 I am writing to you to cancel my subscription.
Please remove my name from your mailing list.
Last month, MEV publisher Charisma Media (which operates Christian Life News) invited more than 20 key independent and chain-based Christian retailers to its Lake Mary, Fla., headquarters for an event launching the MEV.
Samplers of selected MEV passages also will be distributed.
The publisher is lauding the new version as the "most modern translation produced in the King James Version (KJV) tradition in the last 30 years."
The translation will also appear on BibleGateway.com, a popular online Bible site.
MEV devotionals are also scheduled for delivery via email to more than 200,000 consumers, and Charisma plans to create an accompanying MEV.
In a video on the MEV site, the publisher shares what makes the new translation stand out from the competition: Releasing this fall under Charisma House Book Group's Passio imprint, the word-for-word translation seeks to maintain the beauty of the KJV language while providing fresh clarity for a new generation of Bible readers. Retailers will have ample opportunity to become acquainted further with the MEV at the June 22-25 International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta.
“In today’s culture there is only one sin... calling anything a sin.” - Mark Driscoll
July 2014
‘Duck Commander’ Phil Robertson Vetted His Nephew for 36 Years Leading Up to This
by Jonathan Kaminsky/Reuters
P
hil Robertson (left) and nephew Zach Dasher (right).
The nephew of Duck Dynasty reality TV personality Phil Robertson said on Monday he would run for the U.S. House of Representatives in northeastern Louisiana as a conservative Republican. The entry of 36-year-old political newcomer Zach Dasher into the race for the seat of Rep. Vance McAllister, who was rocked by a sex scandal earlier this year,
www.AmericanChristianVoice.com will test the Robertson clan's clout in Louisiana's largely rural 5th District. "My basic platform begins with God," Dasher said in a phone interview. "I want to go to D.C. to restore America to what she once was." Dasher, who is on leave from his sales job at a pharmaceutical company, said he was running with the full backing of his family members made famous by the A&E program Duck Dynasty, based on their business selling duck hunting supplies.
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was aided in his 2013 special election victory by public support from Willie Robertson, another star of the Duck Dynasty program. The political future of the married McAllister was thrown into doubt earlier this year after a video of him kissing a female staffer was made public. He said in April he election but has since said he is leaving his options open, the Lafayette-based Daily Advertiser newspaper reported. A spokeswoman for McAllister did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Uncle Phil said he's vetted me for 36 years," Dasher said, referring to company founder Phil Robertson, who was briefly Cross-Word Answers from Page 27 suspended from the show last year after making controversial remarks on homosexuality.
would not seek re-
“There are two kinds of light - the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures.” - James Thurber “If you overshadow the Gospel with one of your distinctives (even if it’s true), you have done a disservice.” - John G. Sacoulas
ACV Contributors Tim Davis- Columnist Veeda Smith - Branson Frontline Jeremy Storch - Ask the Rabbi... Mike Endecott - Computer Tips Dave Ramsey - Act Your Wage Dee Wampler - A Minute with a Man Lee Grady- Fire in My Bones Stephanie Hallowell - Poetry George Kurland - Staff Photographer Max Lucado - Crosswalk John Sacoulas - Steward & Editor Lorri Sacoulas - Steward & Publisher Harriet Ford - Monthly Devotionals Marvin & Regina Reynolds- Archivists Jeff Wilson - Account Manager
Members of the Robertson family were not immediately available for comment, a publicist said. McAllister, a first-term conservative Republican,
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American Idol’s Jason Castro Explains Switch to Christian Music— And Haircut by Jennifer Wishon and Amber Strong/CBN
H
e may not have taken the crown, but fans of American Idol still remember former contestant Jason Castro for his dreadlocks and carefree sound. He scored big on the show, making it all the way to the top four. After leaving Idol in 2008, Castro quickly scored a No. 1 international hit. Then he disappeared from the charts and the pop music scene, leaving fans with questions: What happened? Why the switch to Christian music? And perhaps the biggest question of all: What's up with the haircut? "Well, I felt like it was time for a change. Once I cut it I'm like, 'Oh, this is what it feels like to run your fingers through your hair,'" Castro laughed. But that haircut wasn't the only big change for the 27-year-old. Even with all the fans and fame, loneliness began to take a toll. Although Castro grew up in church, the separation from family developed into a growing separation from God. He also struggled physically with exhaustion.
A New Sound Then came the faith questions. "It started to feel a little meaningless. Why am I doing this? To make a name for myself? To make some money? I started to really have a longing to have more God in my life," Castro said.
"I struggled to stay close to God on the road. I wanted more God in my life and as a part of that I wanted more God in my music," he continued. "I got to this point where I realized God doesn't want me to do anything on my own. He wants me to give it all to Him and trust Him with everything. And you know it really changed everything for me to kind of let go of everything and realize that God can take care of it," Castro reflected. Around the same time Castro became involved with the I Am Second campaign, a popular ministry where Christian celebrities share their personal stories. He found new success with the release of his first Christian album, Only a Mountain. Today Castro tours with some of the biggest names in Christian music such as Matthew West, Toby Mac and The Sidewalk Prophets.
Renewed Purpose But perhaps his greatest accomplishment is as husband and father. "She really changed everything," Castro said of his 2-year-old daughter Madeline. "I didn't know she would change it. More than anything I want to be a part of her life and I want her to know her daddy loves her more than just a song."
(417) 581-9192
Ozark, MO
Stained Glass Theatre: “Serving Christ Through the Arts”
www.sgtheatre.com Next Showing: The Land of Nod by Ginger Casebeer Performing July 31 through August 30, 2014 The King travels away and leaves his Son in charge of the kingdom. The Dreamweaver takes advantage of the situation and slowly turns the people of the Kingdom against the Prince, with deadly results. Find out what happens when the King returns to The Land of Nod.
July 2014
This isn't a story about a young man going to Hollywood and getting lost in the glitz and glamour. Instead, Castro is using Hollywood to spread the love of God around the globe.
to children in need. "When I see these kids in need I have a deeper connection because I look at them and I see my daughter," Castro told CBN News. "I remember on the trip there was one kid that was like the same size as my daughter, and he had on a little sweatshirt, no pants," he said. "We gave him some rain boots. Now he has some shoes." Castro recently led a benefit concert for Young Life Capernaum, a group that specializes in meeting the social, physical and spiritual needs of young people with special needs. And when not on tour, Jason Castro, then and now (CBN) he's singing with his talented siblings. His brother Michael and sister Castro hasn't abandoned his American Jackie have a strong following with solo Idol past. Rather, he uses the platform to careers of their own. give back to others. So is there a chance for a Castro family He spends much of his time overseas album? We'll have to wait and see. working as spokesperson for the charities As for the future, Castro said, "I don't Malaria No More and helping with know what the future holds for Jason, but Roma Boots, a nonprofit providing boots there will always be music."
ACV Mission Statement: The American Christian Voice is published under the direction of the Ozarks Christian Foundation, a 501(c)3 non profit agency. Its primary purpose is to edify the body of Christ through inspirational articles of Christian faith and courage, educate the body of Christ through informative articles promoting the cultivation of a Christian world view, and encourage the body of Christ to support one another. Our focus is on, and to, the invisible church which Jesus Christ said, “The gates of hell would not prevail against.” We announce the current events of the visible church, and we believe the Body of Christ is made up of people who have found salvation by faith in Jesus Christ evidenced by the good works they are doing and have done. We report the good as well as the bad within our church family as a testament for the necessity of a Savior. Our observations are made from a fairly moderate to conservative viewpoint.
We encourage our readers to eschew religion and persue a relationship with God through Jesus Christ as led by the Holy Spirit, thus allowing an open mindedness to differing opinions on non-essential matters.
We strive not to be the fire alarm, but the fire extinguisher Please be advised that the contents of this publication often do not represent the positions held by many of the sponsors of the American Christian Voice (or for that matter, the publishers). Would you remember to favor the advertisers here in the ACV. They help keep our cover price low!
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www.AmericanChristianVoice.com against abortion providers in the past. In 1994, two abortion clinic workers were killed outside a clinic in Brookline, Massachusetts.
In Pro-Life Victory, US Supreme Court Strikes Down Abortion Buffer Law by Jennier LeClaire
P
ro-life protestors celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling striking down a Massachusetts law that mandated a protective buffer zone around abortion clinics, outside the Court in Washington June 26, 2014. On a 9-0 vote, the court said the 2007 law violated the freedom of speech rights of anti-abortion protesters under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution in preventing them from standing on the sidewalk and speaking to people entering the clinics. The U.S. Supreme Court recently stuck down a Massachusetts law that offers a buffer zone around abortion clinics.
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"Americans have the freedom to talk to whomever they please on public sidewalks," says Alliance Defending Freedom allied attorney Mark Rienzi, professor of constitutional law at Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law and lead counsel in McCullen v. Coakley.
The 2007 law violates freedom of speech of pro-life protesters under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment, the High Court decided on a 9-0 vote, by forcing them off the sidewalk and prohibiting them from speaking to people who are entering the abortion mills. The Massachusetts law was enacted in part because of safety concerns highlighted by violent acts committed
It’s just how we roll!
"That includes peaceful pro-lifers like Eleanor McCullen, who just wants to offer information and help to women who
would like it. The Supreme Court has affirmed a critical freedom that has been an essential part of American life since the nation's founding." Two other states, Montana and Colorado, have similar laws. Municipal ordinances and court injunctions have also been used in various states to create similar buffer zones.
For Reading and Supporting the American Christian Voice!
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www.GraceCommunityAssembly.com Sun. 9:00 am & 11:00 am • Wed. 6:30pm Grace Community Assembly 440 State Hwy 248 Branson, MO (417) 336-2422
Pastor Pastor Allen Asbury David Betzer Equiping our families for ministry to each other and outreach to the needy and lost. Spirit-filled Davidic style Praise and Worship Annoited Bible-based teaching Fellowship after each service Nursery & Children’s Shabbat School
Meeting at Branson Hills Ministry Center 256 Church Road, Branson, MO 65616 417.334.7373, www.TheTabernacleinBranson.com Discover the Hebrew roots of your Christian faith!
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Page 12
Supreme Court Pares Back Obamacare’s Contraception Mandate by Pete Kasperowicz
T
he Supreme Court has ruled that Obamacare cannot force companies to pay for emergency contraceptive coverage for their employees that could lead to abortions, in violation of their religious beliefs. The 5-4 ruling delivered a huge victory to conservatives who have worked for years to scale back the various mandates of the controversial healthcare law. The Court decided that Obamacare cannot be used to require for-profit, closely held companies to provide certain birth control drugs and devices — such as morning after pills — that could cause abortion.
The case was brought by Hobby
www.AmericanChristianVoice.com Lobby, a Oklahoma-based retail chain owned by the Green family. The Greens said they are willing to cover 16 of the 20 birth control methods mandated by Obamacare to its employees, but not four others because the risk of abortion goes against their religious beliefs. The company argued before the Court that the Obamacare mandate violates the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, which says the government cannot place burdens on the exercise of freedom of religion. “Providing these objectionable drugs and devices violates the deeply held religious convictions of the Greens – the sole owners of their family businesses – that life begins at conception,” the company’s website says. “Yet refusing to comply with the federal mandate would subject them to an untenable choice of paying substantial fines or discontinuing the
outstanding and affordable health insurance plan currently provided to their valued employees.” The majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito agreed with that argument. According to SCOTUS Blog, the Obama administration failed to show that the broad contraception mandate is the least restrictive way of advancing its interest in ensuring access to birth control. The Court also ruled that the decision applies only to the contraception mandate, not other insurance mandates, such as those involving vaccinations. Justice Anthony Kennedy noted that the government could pay for this coverage if it wants to make it available, but cannot compel a company to do so. The decision deals a big hit to the Obama administration, which defended its interpretation of the law as something that forces companies to provide all manner of birth control methods to workers. Republicans in Congress welcomed the high court’s ruling. “Religious liberty will remain intact and all Americans can stay true to their faith without fear of big government intervention or punishment,” said Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.). “Our nation was founded on the principle of freedom, and with this decision, America will continue to serve as a safe haven for those looking to exercise religious liberty.” House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) called the ruling a victory for religious freedom and a defeat for the Obama administration’s “Big Government objectives.” “The mandate overturned today would have required for-profit companies to
Dear Father, Forgive me when I lose sight of what is really important in life. Help me to keep my eyes focused on your truth. Enable me to show others that you are the real treasure in life.
July 2014 choose between violating their constitutionally-protected faith or paying crippling fines, which would have forced them to lay off employees or close their doors,” he said. “The president’s health care law remains an unworkable mess and a drag on our economy,” he added. “We must repeal it and enact better solutions that start with lowering Americans’ health care costs.” The case is Burwell vs. Hobby Lobby, referring to Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell. She replaced Kathleen Sebelius earlier this year — prior to that, the case was Sebelius vs. Hobby Lobby. The case is second big blow to Obama from the Supreme Court in as many weeks. Recently, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that President Obama’s 2012 “recess” appointments were not legal, because Obama made them when the Senate was not in recess. That ruling prompted Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to say the decision was the biggest rebuke to a sitting president since 1974, when the Court decided unanimously that President Nixon must release the Watergate tapes. Also related to abortion, the Court last week struck down a Massachusetts law that said people can’t stand on a public road or sidewalk within 35 feet of an abortion clinic.
I've read the last page of the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right. -Billy Graham
"Historians will conclude that we of the 20th century had the genius to create a great civilization, but we lacked the moral wisdom to preserve it." - A.W. Tozer
July 2014
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LEAVES ON THE VINE Agape Life Fellowship • Pastor Twila Bridges • 6185 W. State Hwy 266 Springfield, MO • (417) 831-2333 www.agapelifefellowship.org
Calvary Chapel of Branson, MO 611 6th Street • Branson, MO (417) 561-1000 • (417) 336-1297 Sunday Service 10:15 AM Pastor Sparky Ferguson Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, CA 3800 S Fairview St • Santa Ana, CA 92704 (714) 979-4422 Calvary Chapel of Fayetteville, AR 2418 N Gregg Ave Fayetteville, AR • (479) 301-2313 Phil Heppner www.calvaryfayar.com Carpenters House (417) 334-0081 • 187 1st St Hollister, MO 65672 CRA Ministries 8537 Missouri 76 Reeds Spring, MO • (417) 338-8537 www.christianrodders.org El Shaddai Ministries 4501 Quail Court Harrison, AR. 72601 (3 miles down Bellefonte Rd.) services: Saturdays at 2:30pm 870.365.0004 www.ElShaddaiMinistries.net
Faith & Wisdom Church 3950 Green Mountain Drive Branson, MO • (417) 335-9991 www.fwcbranson.com Gateway Austin, Texas Northwest Austin: McNeil Campus South Austin: South Campus Internet Campus: email to get connected internetcampus@gatewaychurch.com Branson, MO: Gateway Branson www.gatewaychurch.com
Gateway Branson, MO Located in the Vista Plaza Shopping Center on the backside 2005 West Highway 76 • Suite 106 Branson, MO • (417) 335-9915 www.gatewaybranson.org Grace Community Assembly 440 State Highway 248 Branson, MO • (417) 336-2422 www.gracecommunityassembly.com Morningside Church • Pastor Kevin Shorey • 180 Grace Chapel Rd Blue Eye, MO • (417) 779-9000 www.jimbakkershow.com/morningside/ church-services/ Peace Lutheran Church (ELCA) 350 State Drive Hollister, MO • (417) 334-1499 www.peacelutheranchurchhollister.com Springfield Church of God (7th Day) 1521 East 24th Street North Springfield, MO • (417) 831-6721 www.springfieldcog7.org Still Waters International Ministries 124 Deer Mountain Road Walnut Shade, MO • (417) 598-1231 www.stillwatersintlministries.com
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Read the Bible. Work hard and honestly. And don't complain. -Billy Graham Affordable Substance Abuse Rehab Offered Across the Border ancho Poiema is the vision of Pastor Chris Martinez of Calvary Chapel Tijuana, Mexico. The goal of this Ministry is to reach out to those individuals that are dealing with drug and alcohol problems. The Ranch is 25 miles inland from the city of Ensenada, Mexico and is located in a place of serene and tranquil atmosphere which is ideal for seeking The Lord and far removed from old friends and contacts. The Ranch offers 9 month Discipleship though The Holy Scriptures and personal involvement with a team of dedicated staff members, who were once also in bondage to drugs and alcohol but have been set free by The Power Of God and The Holy Spirit! Cesar Delgado is The current Director of Rancho Poiema and can be reached at the 0115216461630752
R
international number. Antonio Sanchez is a current Board Member for The Ranch and will assist in helping those that will be coming from The U.S. who desperately need deliverance from these addictions. Antonio lives in The U. S with his wife Olga and has been alcohol and drug free since January 5th 1975. He was once a leader of AA but JESUS delivered him! Antonio can be contacted at 562-3224480 or at antonioolga @aol.com. The only requirement to come to Rancho Poiema is that a person be willing to provide $150.00 dollars a month to help offset cost of food and utilities and not be detoxing at the time of entry. There are other ministries that can assist with that need.
The Tabernacle in Branson 256 Church Road Branson, MO • (417) 334-7373 www.thetabernacleinbranson.com United Methodist Church 1208 W 76 Country Blvd • Branson, MO (417) 334-3423• Rev. Stacie L. Williams Sunday Services: 8 am Traditional 9:30 Contemporary, 11 am Traditional www.bransonumc.org
For a donation as little as $10.00 per month your church can be listed in Leaves on a Vine. What a great gift you can make to your fellowship! Call John at: (417)336-3636 or (417)353-7598 Pastor: Andy Hassen
Springfield Church of God (7th Day)
1521 E. 24th Street N. Springfield, MO 65803
"Sharing Freedom in Christ"
(417) 831-6721
Sabbath School: 9:45 am Worship: 11:00 am Wednesday night: 6:30 pm
www.springfieldcog7.org
A week without a Sabbath is perpetual bondage.
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CoMPuTEr tIPs & sTUfF sponsored by Mobile Mike’s PC Service & Repair
Mention this ad with any service call and receive a $10.00 gift certificate to McFarlain’s Restaurant in Branson’s IMAX Center! offer expires August 15, 2014
available to Chrome users. One particular extension that is available for most browsers • We come to your home or office! and in my opinion Help Me is the single most • Affordable Rates • Guarantee on all services • Licensed & Insured • Home or office fantastic add-on is lso referred to as “extensions,” Mike! networking • New computer set-ups • Virus called “AdBlock.” Add-ons for your browser can removals • PC optimizations & upgrades This fantastic little make your day to day use of extension blocks • Training sessions available at your your internet browser many annoying location on your equipment more enjoyable and advertisements from Serving Branson, Springfield & secure. All showing up in the surrounding areas modern first place. In my browsers research for this such as article I tested the security of Internet AdBlock on www.cnn.com your entire PC as Explorer, Firefox, and it blocked 19 one of the Safari and Chrome advertisements just on the leading causes have their version of main page! During this test for virus add-ons. Utilizing these is a good way for someone to the un-AdBlocked version of cnn.com has infection comes customize their browsers look, feel, an advertisement video that automatically from clicking on convenience, security, etc. For the plays when visiting their homepage as advertisements webpages purpose of this column we will be well as annoying banner ads with several on search discussing how Google Chromes smaller ads scattered throughout, but after and extensions can make your life easier. activating AdBlock all those annoying ads results. AdBlock There are thousands of extensions were gone. This extension also increases is not the only reason to visit your browsers add-on store; there are thousands more useful and fun add-ons to be discovered. So now that you know how important addons can be, let’s briefly describe how to install them. Using Chrome as an example, you want to access the settings menu (pictured above) by clicking on the three horizontal Mon - Thu 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM lines at the top right of the browser Fri & Sat - 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM window and selecting “Settings,” that will Sun & Holidays - 11 AM to 9 PM open a new window, on the left side click on the grey “Extensions” and then click on the blue “Get more extensions” link on the page. From here you can utilize the search bar to search for a specific 10% off Super Buffet with this Coupon
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There are only two kinds of men: The righteous who think they are sinners and the sinners who think they are righteous. -Blaise Pascal
July 2014
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ADOPTION
Cherish Kids may be contacted at 6100 North 19th Street, Ozark, Missouri 65721, by telephone at 417581-KIDS (5437) or by emailing: info@cherishkids.org . MBCH Children & Family Min. Adoption & foster care services 1837 E. Cherry St. Springfield • (417) 831-2342 ASSISTANCE Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC) is a movement of Christian churches working together to show God’s love to the poor and needy. 7347 W. Hwy. 76
HOMELESSNESS Victory Mission Residential work program 824 W Commercial St. Springfield • (417) 864-2244 Christian Action Ministries Food assistance program 610 South Sixth Street, Ste 102 Branson • (417) 334-1157
PRISON Bill Glass Ministries Prison visitations 1101 S. Cedar Ridge Drive Duncanville, TX • (972) 298-1101
GREIF COUNSELING
WOMEN Caring People
Grace Community Assembly Ask about Divorce Care Tuesday night meetings held at 440 State Hwy 248 Branson • (417) 336-2422 Grief Share Grief recovery support group If you’ve lost someone close to you, or know someone who has, please call us to find out more information about our weekly seminar/support groups. We know it hurts, and we want to help! Branson/Forsyth • (417) 544-4177
Branson • (417)-336-7056 Toll Free: (866) 568-3462 Emails: Anita Pugh, Executive Director: apugh@omcloveinc.com Jenifer Maupin, Office Administrator, jmaupin@omcloveinc.com AWARENESS Ozarks Christian Foundation Raising awareness for charities (417) 336-3636
HEALTH YMCA Fitness for families 175 Industrial Park Dr. Hollister • (417) 337-9622 Ozarks Regional YMCA Julie Eaton, Director of Marketing, jeaton@orymca.org • 417 S. Jefferson Springfield • (417) 862-8962 ext. 2117
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
DISASTER ASSISTANCE Convoy of Hope Assisting those in need 330 S. Patterson Ave. Springfield • (417) 823-8998
Concerned Women for America (CWA) Conservative political women ministries 1015 Fifteenth St. NW, Ste 1100 Washington, D.C. • (202) 488-7000 Options Pregnancy Center Crisis pregnancy center 192 Expressway Ln. Branson • (417) 336-5483 Pregnancy Life Line Crisis pregnancy center 15765 Missouri 13 Branson West • (417) 272-5210 YOUTH Bridges For Youth Youth ministries 834 N National Ave. Springfield • (417) 864-8430 Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch 296 Boys Ranch Rd, Lampe, MO 65681 • (417) 7795374
www.teenharvest.com
Health Care FOOD Smart Choice Foods Discount food program To find a local host: www.smartchoicefood.com National Office (866) 643-0877
for the uninsured. www.FaithCommunity Health.org
(417) 336-WELL(
PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA)
Seriously, you are softer than my baby blanket.
Single mothers assistance 164 Corporate Pl. Branson • (417) 334-0131
Teen Harvest Youth Ranch Christian, Bible-centered ministry To boys mainly between ages 12-17 who need assistance in a good home to establish a proper environment in which to grow and learn. Located at County Road 402, Ava, MO 6560. Call Pastor Paul Neighbour at (417) 683-1080 For more info or visit web site:
Jobs for Life Work training program 5004 West Hwy 76 Branson • (417) 335-9915
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For Subscription Information See Page 38
WORSHIP SERVICES: Praise & Worship Sun. @ 8:30 a.m.
Love INC (Love In The Name of Christ) is announcing a new summer program called ‘Hero In the Park’. Love INC, along with Taney County and local law enforcement agencies, EMS services and Fire Departments as well as honored military veterans will be present to join in the fun and games, volunteer as victims for the infamous DUNK TANK, pose for pix with the kiddos by the parked emergency vehicles (available for touring) while also serving as chefs for the grilling of hot dogs to be served with a picnic style lunch. The challenge of a good old fashioned water balloon fight will highlight the close of the day’s events. “We are excited for this event to take place as it mirrors our Shop With A Hero program held during the Christmas holidays. The event will afford our Taney County youth an opportunity to meet and spend
relaxed time with our law enforcement, EMS and Fire Department servants and veterans and see them as real people having real families themselves. The goal is to sever the illusion (attached to these agencies) of being viewed as judgmental or untouchable just because they wear a uniform and/or a badge” quote from Jennifer Maupin, Executive
Director This program will be held for Taney County children only, ages 3 – 15 and is limited to 100 children. The event will be held August 2nd in Alexander Park @ 901 Hawthorn Street in Branson, MO from 10 am – 2 pm. Children must be pre-registered to participate and must be accompanied by custodial parent or legal guardian as liability and photo releases will require their signature at check in. Call Love INC @ 417-336-7056, Monday thru Friday, 9 am 3 pm. Registration ends July 24th .
Branson Collision Center 548 Gretna Road 417.335.3775 When It Must Be Right! Education Hour - 9:15 a.m. Liturgy &Traditional Service - 10:30 a.m. HIGHWAY #165 AND STATE DRIVE
350 State Dr. • Hollister
VISITORS WELCOME
(417) 334-1499 Pastor Emil Bartos peacelutheranchurchhollister.com
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6 Ways to Stop Mindlessly Eating Yourself Out of Your Pants- by Lorie Johnson/CBN News
Dave Zinczenko, author of the new book Eat It To Beat It, shares his tips.
W
If you find yourself hungry in the morning that means your breakfast isn't
hat bad snacking habits are keeping you enslaved to your cravings?
1. Don't in the morning.
Most of us have lived long enough to see trends in nutrition come and go ... and come back again. Snacking is one of them. Back in the day, we were told not to snack in between meals. Then we were told that "grazing," several small meals throughout the day, was better. Now the pendulum is swinging back the other way, to not snacking so much. The reason is simple: Snacking tends to cause weight gain. Snacking is often mindless eating, which means we really aren't paying much attention to what we are eating and, more importantly, how much we're eating, because we are often preoccupied with something else, such as television or work.
So while a good goal is to avoid snacking all together, it's perhaps unrealistic. A more practical guide might be how to snack wisely.
doing its job. Eat something that will stick with you, such as healthy fat and protein. 2. When you snack, choose something colorful. No, not rainbow Skittles or peanut M&Ms. Usually, colorful foods tend to be vegetables or bright fruit....such as red bell peppers, carrots, blueberries, and so on. Also, colorful foods add variety to your diet and you tend to be more aware of every bite you take, thus cutting-down
I double dog dare ya to mess with my home boy!
July 2014
on mindless eating. 3. Make sure your snacks contain protein. Protein tends to cause us to feel fuller longer because it requires more energy to burn than carbs or fat. Check the grams of protein on your snacks and at the same time look for sugar content. Sometimes items with protein also contain too much sugar, in which case, you should choose something else. 4. Here's an interesting trick: eat your snacks with your less dominant hand. In other words, if you are right-handed, eat with your left hand. This gets back to our attempts to avoid mindless eating. When you are fully engaging your brain in eating, you will eat less. Eating with the opposite hand certainly engages your mind. If you don't believe me, try it! 5. When you snack, choose smaller plates and bowls.
Instead of pouring the whole bag of chips in a giant serving bowl, just put a little bit in a small cereal bowl. That way your portion will be smaller, and you'll be amazed how full you feel after having only eating a fraction of what you normally eat. You won't even miss it! 6. Don't fall for the advertising hype on the labels of foods. Food manufacturers know that if they make something appear healthy you'll choose it, and research shows you'll eat more of it than something you think is unhealthy. Therefore, many foods that are actually unhealthy only seem healthy because of words like, "antioxidant" "low fat" "no trans fats" "low sugar" and so on. Oftentimes these are gimmicks that are either not true, or if they are true, are low in whatever bad ingredient they're advertising, but very high in something else. For instance, many food items advertise the fact that they're low fat, but don't tell you about the fact that they make up for the fat with extra sugar. In short, remember that in today's world we must be discriminating about what we eat, how much and when. Lorie Johnson is a medical reporter for CBN News.
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Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. -Billy Graham
July 2014
A Quiet Revolt Against the Rules on SIDS by Brian Braiker anica Stanciu was commiserating with her friend Natasha who, like her, had recently given birth. "She called me in the throes of sleeplessness, " Mrs. Stanciu recalled, "so I said, 'Do you want to know my deepest, darkest mothering secret? I put Elena to sleep on her stomach.' " Natasha, Mrs. Stanciu said, gasped, "and I said, 'Maybe I shouldn't have told you about that.' " In homes across the country, parents like Mrs. Stanciu are mounting a minor mutiny against the medical establishment. For more than a decade, doctors have advocated putting babies to bed on their backs as a precaution against sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. Increasingly, however, some new parents are finding that the benefits of having babies sleep soundly - more likely when they sleep on their stomachs - outweigh the comparatively tiny risk of SIDS. Every parent lives with the specter of the sudden, inexplicable death of a healthy baby during the infant's first year. In 1992, after reviewing British and Australian research on SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that parents put babies to bed exclusively on their backs in their first year. In 1994, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development followed that recommendation with a farreaching federally financed Back to Sleep public education campaign. At the time, 70 percent of infants in the United States were sleeping on their stomachs. By 2002, that figure had plummeted to 11.3 percent. Over the same decade, deaths from SIDS fell by half, to 0.57 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2002, the most recent year for which figures are available, from 1.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1992, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Clearly, there is some connection between stomach-sleeping and SIDS, but doctors still do not know what it is. "If we knew exactly what causes it, we wouldn't call it SIDS," said Dr. John Kattwinkel, the chairman of the pediatric academy's task force on the syndrome. New research suggests that some SIDS babies are the victims of a toxic confluence of genetic makeup and environmental factors like sleep habits. The pediatrics academy has since issued an advisory re-emphasizing the correlation between "nonprone" sleeping and a lower
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www.AmericanChristianVoice.com rate of SIDS. The academy also advised parents to breast-feed, to avoid placing their infants on their sides to sleep, to use pacifiers and to refrain from "co-sleeping," that is, bringing a baby into bed with them. Still, most pediatricians concede that when babies are placed on their stomachs, they tend to sleep better, they are less apt to startle and they often sleep through the night sooner. And despite the warnings, a growing number of parents - exactly how many is impossible to quantify- are turning their backs on the Back to Sleep campaign. Postings on child-rearing Web sites also indicate a trend. "The Web consensus is that it is O.K. to do," said Sarah Gilbert, a mother in Portland, Ore., and the editor of the popular Web log bloggingbaby.com. Ms. Gilbert, said that she let her 5month-old son, Truman, sleep on his stomach, just as she did her 3-year-old son, Everett. Truman, she said, has none of the other risk factors listed by the pediatrics academy: she breast-feeds him, she does not smoke, and he sleeps close to her in an uncluttered space. "On the Web, people always broach it very gingerly," Ms. Gilbert said. "They say, 'Just this one time I let my child sleep on her tummy.' And when you say you do it, too, they say 'O.K., I've been doing it since the third month.' " In some cases, said Erica Lyon, a newborn-care instructor and the director of Manhattan's RealBirth Center, parents who post anonymously on Web sites are guilt-ridden and looking for permission to ignore the academy's recommendations. At BabyCenter.com, a Web site intended to help parents improve their childrearing skills, one reader posted a plea titled, "My baby hates sleeping on his back." The posting drew responses from more than 400 other parents, a majority admitting to, or even advocating, stomach sleeping. The site draws about 3.5 million users a month. Another discussion, in the child-rearing forum on craigslist.com, began with a nervous dad who admitted to letting his baby sleep on his stomach and continued with postings titled, "Mine did as well" and "Went through the same thing." To be sure, not everyone is so sanguine about ignoring the experts' advice. "Do you want your child to be uncomfortable or dead?" asked Vanessa Saft, the mother of a 2-year-old, Ramona, and an early childhood educator who is working on her master's in social work. Ms. Saft said she was baffled by some of the permissive discussions she read on the e-mail list of the Park Slope Parents, where Brooklynites share their advice on
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vaccinations, sippy cups, schools, nannies Thank you, we’ll be here all week. and, also, sleeping. But Ms. Saft said she refrained from chiming in with an unpopular viewpoint, even one in line with the medical mainstream, because, "I always get in trouble." Linda Murray, the executive editor of BabyCenter.com, pointed to the findings of an unscientific poll conducted on the Web site. The poll, which involved more than 24,000 users of the site, found that just about as many parents (42 percent) said they put their babies to sleep stomach down as on their backs (43 percent), even though half the respondents reported being "worried" about sudden infant death syndrome. Why would a parent do anything other than minimize every known risk to their Dr. Wisoff, although he does not dispute baby's health? Ms. Murray suggests that the Back to the evidence linking supine sleeping to the Sleep campaign is a victim of its own lower SIDS rates, said that a decade ago he saw only a handful of plagiocephaly cases success. The SIDS rate has dropped so a year. "Now we see up to a dozen kids with significantly over the past decade that parents today are less likely to know asymmetric heads a week," he said. "It someone who has lost a child to the drives parents nuts." The pediatrics syndrome. "People have this false sense of academy, Dr. Wisoff said, should do a better job of telling parents to turn infants 180 security," she said. It may not help that the experts degrees in their cribs occasionally and to themselves sometimes send garbled place them on their stomachs while they are messages. A 2002 study in the journal awake (a practice known as "tummy time"). But in the face of so much advice, many Pediatrics, for example, found that preterm infants in intensive-care nurseries were well-meaning parents simply balk. Doctors, frequently placed on their stomachs, and they feel, issue proclamations without living in the real world. became accustomed to the position. "I'm very sympathetic to the mother who Lorrie Leigh, whose twins were born is so sleep-deprived that she puts the baby prematurely, resulting in the death of one, on its belly knowing that all the experts said she was surprised when neonatal nurses placed the surviving twin, Kalleigh, on her recommend not to," said Ms. Lyon, of the RealBirth center. "The role of the stomach. Ms. Leigh, who teaches breast-feeding professional is to say 'these are the classes out of her home in Silver Spring, recommendations and this is why.' The Md., already had three children under the role of the parent is to think critically and age of 9, so she was well versed in the Back apply those recommendations in a way that makes their life manageable." to Sleep literature. Perhaps surprisingly, Ms. Lyon finds no "I thought for sure the doctors would follow the best guidelines," Ms. Leigh said. argument from Dr. Kattwinkel of the "But the nurses said babies sleep better this pediatrics academy. "There is some justification to mothers way." who want to accept some of the risk factors Yet when Kalleigh was ready to go and not others," he said. "You can follow all home, she added, the same nurses began placing her on her back. "They said, 'We the risk factors and your baby may still die of SIDS. But as a national organization, we have to tell you to do this.' " Not only do many infants sleep better on need to warn the public about it." He added, "Any pediatrician who didn't their stomachs, they are much less likely to would not be responsible." develop plagiocephaly, a deformation of the skull that leaves infants with flattened heads. “If Jesus preached the same message Dr. Jeffrey H. Wisoff, an associate many ministers preach today, professor of neurosurgery and pediatrics at New York University Medical Center, He would have never been crucified.� said that since the Back to Sleep campaign began, the head condition had "become an -Leonard Ravenhill epidemic."
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www.AmericanChristianVoice.com OZARKS HEBREW HERITAGE ASSOCIATION (OHHA) explores the Hebrew Roots of our Christian Faith monthly at the Comfort Inn, 3370 E. Battlefield (just East of Hwy 65), Springfield, MO For more info: 888-265-1837 or email: ohhatorah@yahoo.com
ISIS to Iraqi Christians: ‘Obey, Pay or Leave’ by Chris Mitchell / ChristianLifeNews.com
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hroughout its Iraq campaign, ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) has targeted Christians. Many fled to the relative safety of Kurdish Iraq, but most still fear the wrath of the world's most brutal jihadi group. Pastor Majeed, CBN News' guide, drove with us toward Nineveh where most of the country's besieged Christians have fled. It wasn't long until we went as far as the Kurdish army, called the Peshmerga, would allow us to go. "So this is the end line. We cannot go any more," Majeed explained. To travel beyond the town of Bartilla is to risk running into the ISIS. The jihadi
group controls the mountains not far from the town. A few kilometers down the road, there's an ISIS checkpoint.
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around the town and a few other towns in the area. These people know that ISIS could come
About 25,000 Christians have fled to Bartilla, but CBN News couldn't find one who would talk on camera out of fear of retribution.
And even if they open them they will burn the churches," Majeed explained. "And also the Christians have been requested— been asked to pay the tax [jizyah, the tax for non-Muslims under Islamic rule]." "If not, they can leave Nineveh," he continued. "And if they don't leave and don't pay the tax, they should give their heads." He was talking about beheading. In the midst of this cauldron surrounding Iraq's Christians, Majeed sent out a prayer S.O.S.
ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria)
The conditions in Bartilla are abysmal. There's no water because ISIS turned it off. And there's no electricity because Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki's government turned that off. People here are protected by the Peshmerga, who have set up a perimeter
in and kill most of the people here. They're asking for prayer from Christians around the world. One Christian leader said they're asking for prayer just as the Apostle Paul did, praying that God will protect the town and the region. Bartilla lies just a few miles from Nineveh or Mosul, the first major conquest for ISIS just a few days ago. The town was nearly deserted. While Christians refused to talk on camera, CBN News talked to one of the house church leaders. On our way back to the Kurdish capital, Erbil, Pastor Majeed told us when ISIS I’ve always dreamt of captured Nineveh, it gave Christian residents three choices: obey, pay or leave.
Fame may come in a moment, but greatness comes with longevity. -Doug Stringer
"That they are not allowed to open their churches.
"So please raise up prayer for us. This is what we need," he said. "We do believe that prayer is very important because we hear when man is work[ing], man is working. But when man is praying, God is working." "So it is important for the churches outside Iraq to raise up prayers and also to fast for the sake of the people of Iraq," he continued. "It's important for the other churches to pray for them to be protected," he admonished. "Please pray for us—this is the only thing for the right time. We have nothing to do. People outside can do nothing for us except praying."
www.christianlifenews.com having a symbiotic relationship.
July 2014
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Netanyahu Blasts Church for Israel Divestment Newsmax.com sraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the American Presbyterian Church for voting to divest from three companies that do business with Israeli West Bank security forces. Speaking to journalists from around the world at the inaugural Jewish Media Summit in Jerusalem on June 22, Netanyahu said the vote was misguided, the Jewish Daily Forward reported. "The only place [in the Middle East] where you have freedom, tolerance, protection of minorities, protection of gays, of Christians
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and all other faiths is Israel," he said. He suggested that American Presbyterian leaders "take a plane, come here and let's arrange a bus tour in the region. Let them go to Libya, Lebanon, Iraq." But the bus will need armored plates, he suggested. And the visitors should not say they are Christians. Then they should compare what they see to Israel, the "only beacon of freedom" in the region. The 1.8 million-member church's leaders voted by a slim margin — 310 to 303 —on June 20 to divest the church from Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard, and Motorola Solutions. Those firms sell products or services to the Israeli security forces that the church said are used to destroy homes and construct and monitor Israeli checkpoints and settlements. The church will sell about $21 million worth of stock in the three
companies. Church officials stressed that they were not aligning themselves with the international Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which campaigns for a complete boycott of all Israeli goods, the Forward reported. But in an opinion piece in the Forward published on recently, Jane Eisner writes: "When Jewish treatment of Palestinians is judged worse than the way any other dominant group treats a minority, when it is deemed worthy of unique sanction, when other horrors around the world are ignored — how can I believe that this isn't about the Jews? And that, my Presbyterian friends, is antiSemitism." At the media summit, Netanyahu also said "it is the height of folly to allow one of the Islamist camps to have nuclear weapons," referring to Iran. "It will change history."
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A Minute with a Man The Bible very clearly states that the nation that forgets God “shall be turned into hell” (Ps. 9:17). The Founding Fathers of this country never meant to establish a nation separated from God. Dee Wampler The Declaration of Independence acknowledges God as the giver of inalienable rights to men. Benjamin Franklin arose during the writing of the Constitution of the United States and declared in a wellknown speech: “I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth - the God govern in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, it is probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, sir, in the Sacred Writings, that ‘except the Lord built the House, they labor in vain that build it.’ I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel.” Now you know what our founding fathers really said. Springfield, MO Attorney Dee Wampler has 50 years trial experience as a Greene County prosecutor and defense attorney, is the author of “The Myth of Separation of Church and State” and “The Trial of Christ: A 21st Century Lawyer Defends Jesus.”
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An opinion based on medical science is a prediction, not truth; direction, not a destination. Medicine never deals with the root issue. The American school of modern medicine teaches doctors to think alike. A second opinion may weed out incompetence but rarely if ever does it increase options. - John Lindsay
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Bringing Faith and Medicine Togeth by Dan Fountain with Christian Medical Fellowship • www.CMF.ORG.UK
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n the beginning, faith and healing were integrated. The priest was the healer and the temple or shrine was a place where healing could occur. In the Bible the Hebrew word ‘yeshuwah’ means both salvation and health. The Greek verb ‘sozo’ means to save, to heal, and to make whole. In the early centuries after Christ, faith and healing began to move apart. As science developed, the spiritual aspect of life was gradually rejected. Science deals with that which is subject to physical measurements and experimentation. Medical science limits itself to what is physical, observable and replicable. In this process, our concept of the person has become fragmented. Diseases of the body are the concern of medicine, problems of the mind are the realm of psychology, and spiritual problems are relegated to pastors and priests. It is now our duty as Christian practitioners to bring faith in Christ and the practice of medicine back together as an integrated whole. To do this we must first recognise the wholeness of the person we seek to heal. What does the Bible say about the wholeness of the person? Genesis 2:7 says that God took the dust of the ground and formed a person. He used natural elements to make arteries, veins, and blood cells; nerves, muscles, sense organs and all of our organ systems. However, marvellous as this creation was, it was not alive. The person did not become alive until God breathed into it the breath of life, his Spirit. So we are more than just a physical organism; we are a physical organism imbued with spirit. Proverbs 14:30 says: ‘A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones’ (NIV). This profound insight makes it clear that peace of mind has positive physiological effects. It also declares that, just as cancer destroys the body, so does envy as well as a host of other negative or destructive emotions. In medical science we find a growing body of scientific evidence that our thoughts, feelings and emotions have a controlling
influence over many physiological processes. It has been shown how prolonged stress affects the production of the adreno-cortical hormones, which in turn affect the functioning of many of our organ systems.1 Clinically we observe how an inadequate response to the physical, psychological and social stresses of life can cause physical pathology. Many so-called physical illnesses (eg essential hypertension, autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammatory syndromes, and even some malignancies), have a strong psychological component related to inadequately handled stress. Stress also affects the immune system by inhibiting resistance to infections and suppressing healing and recovery. Many articles in the medical literature show how faith, prayer and participation in religious activities have a positive effect on health and recovery from illness. So the Bible, medical science and clinical experience all confirm that we are persons whose body, mind, and spirit are integrated into a unified whole. Jesus as Healer Jesus was much more than a medical doctor curing diseases. Yes, he cured leprosy, but he did much more than that; he healed persons who had leprosy. He healed the whole person because he knew that when someone was ill, every part of him was ill - feelings, emotions, heart and spirit, as well as coronary arteries, liver, kidneys or joints. To see how Jesus healed the whole person, we can look at a case study found in Mark 5: 25-34: the healing of the woman with the haemorrhage. By using reason, imagination, and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we can add details to the story which, although not included in the written text, were most likely present. This woman suffered from irregular uterine bleeding for twelve years. The diagnosis? Certainly not cancer; probably a hormonal imbalance. Presumably she had pain with her bleeding that interfered with her daily routine. She was anaemic, weak, and unable to perform her duties in the home and family. I assume she was childless because, with this hormonal imbalance, she could not conceive. Infertility was a very serious problem for Jewish women, as it is for
women in all cultures. Here then is the physical context: a woman with a serious and longstanding gynaecological problem. The social context was worse. According to Levitical law (Lv 15), a woman was unclean during her normal menstrual periods and for seven days thereafter. She was also unclean during any irregular times of bleeding. During these periods, she made unclean her clothes, her house, any furniture or objects she touched, and anyone with whom she came in physical contact. So for twelve long years she herself had been unclean and she rendered her whole world unclean. If she had been married, her husband had most certainly divorced her, her family had probably abandoned her, and she had no friends. Finally, Mark says she was penniless, having spent all her money on futile attempts to be cured. Imagine then, her psychological condition: rejection, sorrow, anguish, bitterness, and perhaps anger at society and at God. Perhaps her biggest burden, however, was the spiritual problem. Because she was unclean, she could not go to the temple to worship God, to pray, to offer a gift, to confess her sins, or to plead for help. Socially she was abandoned; psychologically she was in anguish, and spiritually she was in despair. So Mark is not presenting to us simply a ‘gynaecological case.’ He speaks truly when he says, ‘There was a woman who suffered terribly’ in the totality of her life. One day this woman heard about Jesus, and hope dawned in her heart. However, she herself could not go to Jesus to ask for help for she would render this important man unclean. Another man could go for her - her husband, a brother, a friend, but she had no-one. She was completely abandoned and had no-one to intercede for her. In her misery she conceived a desperate and dangerous plan; she would come up behind Jesus secretly, in the middle of a crowd of people, and touch his clothes. Doing this without being detected was absolutely essential, because if anyone caught her, she would be publicly accused and probably stoned to death. When she touched Jesus’ cloak, she
immediately felt something in her body and knew she must escape immediately. But alas, it was impossible. This man Jesus exposed her. She had insulted him. She had made him unclean. Furthermore, she had stolen Jesus’ power. Now he was calling her and she would probably be stoned. So, as Mark described, she came terrorstricken, fell at Jesus’ feet and told him the whole story. Why did Jesus expose this woman? He knew she had been physically healed. We doctors are usually delighted when we
Within a few da disappeared an returned. He bega and was soon on recovery. Medici Medicine plus Jesu made him have healed someone physically. Could Jesus not be content with that? No, because the woman herself had not been healed; her life had not yet been restored. Jesus wanted to heal her as a whole person, so he called her back to him. As she lay prostrate on the ground before Jesus, waiting to hear words of condemnation, she heard instead two absolutely incredible words, and these two words healed her. She heard Jesus say to her, ‘My daughter’. For 35 years I have practised medicine and surgery in Africa. I have cared for countless women with bleeding problems and infertility. I have done hundreds, perhaps thousands of curettages. But how often have I spoken a word that has healed the whole person, which has restored spirit, mind, feelings, and emotions to health? I must admit, very few times. But that has been because of ignorance, and I am now coming to understand how the heart, mind, spirit, and often the body can be healed by Christ. Healing the heart What heals the broken heart and the wounded spirit? What heals the heart is simply a word spoken to the depths of the spirit of the sick person. It is a word that is
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understood by the spirit of the person in such a way as to resolve the psycho-spiritual pathology - the fear, the conflicts, the anxiety, the guilt, the despair. When this word heals the inner pathology, the whole person can be healed. When Jesus spoke to this woman, with her ears she heard him say, ‘My daughter.’ In her spirit she heard him say, ‘I love you. I accept you. You are worthy to live in my family. You are now healed and made whole’. What she heard in her heart resolved immediately the fear, the rejection, and the despair that were destroying her life. Her heart, mind, and
ays, John’s fever nd his appetite an gaining weight n the way to full ine alone failed. s healed John and m whole. spirit were healed just as her body had been healed. Her dignity was restored and she could return to her family. This healing word can be just one or two words, like those spoken by Jesus to this woman. It may be a longer explanation, instructions, or a story. It can be a passage from the Bible, a word spoken in prayer, or a message spoken to the heart by the Holy Spirit himself. It can also be a picture, a visible image, a symbol which, when perceived by the deep mind, resolves the inner conflicts and brings peace and wholeness. God described this process to the prophet Isaiah in chapter 6, verse 10. ‘Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull, and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.’ Can doctors heal the whole person? Is it possible for us, as doctors who know Jesus, to heal the whole person in this way? Yes it is, but we cannot do it alone. Here are the reasons why: We do not always have time. To listen to the story of a person’s life, as Jesus did with this woman, takes much time. We have not been trained for this.
Page 21 Listening to a person’s story and then discerning the word needed to heal the heart requires training and experience. We are almost completely preoccupied with physical technology. We rarely think of the psychological, social, or spiritual life of sick persons who come to us for help. There is, however, a way we can heal the whole person. It is by bringing together a healing team of Christian healthcare professionals and pastoral care persons. In addition to their scientific knowledge and skills, all of the team members including doctors need to have a deep knowledge of the Bible and of the immense resources Christ has made available to us for healing broken hearts and wounded spirits. It is more than adding psychology to the medical armamentarium. Psychology is important, and practiced by Christians it can be useful. However, the wounds of the spirit require more than psychological counselling. Psychology cannot forgive sin, absolve guilt, or heal despair. Healing of heart, mind, and spirit requires both the indwelling presence of the Spirit of Jesus, and the application of the healing power of the blood of Jesus Christ to the hurting heart. Only these can heal the guilt, fear, pain, and brokenness of the heart. The restored heart can now strengthen the body. In some cases, although by no means all, physical healing follows the inner healing. It is for us as the body of Christ to bring Christ and his healing words to all who are ill, who hurt, or who are in despair. The Vanga example In 1984, God brought onto the staff of the Vanga Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo a remarkable young Congolese woman. Rev Mrs Matala is a pastor trained in hospital pastoral counselling. Combining a deep relationship with Christ, a thorough grasp of the Bible, a knowledge of her own culture and the gifts of discernment and wisdom, Mrs Matala is a healer just as I am as a doctor. We refer to her persons suffering from a variety of medical problems, physical as well as psychosomatic, and we see remarkable things happen. As Jesus listened to the bleeding woman, Mrs Matala listens to their problems to discern what is the real pathology of heart and spirit. We call her our ‘heart doctor’. She is not a cardiologist, but she knows how to bring healing to broken hearts and wounded spirits. She gently introduces sick persons to
Christ, and many of them enter into a saving relationship with him. We have found that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has great therapeutic benefit. It permits people to unload their hurts, their pain, their sin, and their brokenness on Jesus and find the healing, peace, and restoration he can bring. Often physical illnesses are resolved in the process, and the whole person is healed. A boy with tuberculosis A 16-year-old boy, whom we will call John, came to our hospital very sick with tuberculosis. We hospitalised him and put him on our standard anti-tuberculosis regime. We were not overly anxious, because we know that medication is effective. However, one month later, his condition was worse. We assumed it was because his bacilli were resistant, so we switched him to the more expensive fourdrug regimen. He did not respond to this either. After another month he was dying and we did not know why. A student nurse caring for him informed us one day that John had been cursed. It seems that his parents were very poor and did not have money to pay his school fees. They had borrowed money from an uncle so John could go to school. Some months later, when the uncle demanded repayment, they were unable to do so. The uncle became angry and cursed John. He said, ‘Your son will get sick. You can take him to the hospital and the doctors can give him all kinds of medicine, but he will die’. That was exactly what was happening. Mrs Matala spent hours with John. She helped him into a relationship with Christ, and read to him the many things Christ did. She then asked John an important question: ‘Who is stronger, Jesus or your uncle?’ When John realised that Jesus was stronger than his uncle and that he now belonged to Jesus, the fear in his heart was healed. Next she asked him if his uncle had done wrong to him. He replied, ‘Of course. He tried to kill me’. She read what Jesus told us we must do with those who do us wrong, and she asked John if he could forgive his uncle. This was difficult, but John was finally able to do so. The anger and hatred in his heart were thus healed. Within a few days, John’s fever disappeared and his appetite returned. He began gaining weight and was soon on the way to full recovery. Medicine alone failed. Medicine plus Jesus healed John
and made him whole. From a medical point of view, what happened? John’s original problem was a social problem, a disruption in the family. From this came the curse which devastated John’s spirit, taking away his meaning and purpose. This affected his emotions, filling his heart with fear, anger, and hatred. These negative emotions stimulated the production of neuropeptides that depressed his immune system. As a result his normal defences could not combat the tuberculosis bacilli. It was only when Christ resolved his psycho-spiritual problems through caring, medical and pastoral staff that his immune system recovered and he was able to overcome the tuberculosis infection. Conclusion Let me outline how we can bring medicine and faith back together under Christ: Healthcare professionals must understand who the whole person is and how thoughts, feelings, emotions and desires affect our total health and healing. We need to understand what Christ has done to make his healing power available to us for healing the heart, mind and spirit of sick persons. We need to learn how to refer sick persons to pastoral caregivers and how to work together with them as a team. Pastoral caregivers need to understand and experience the immense healing resources of the Bible and what Christ has accomplished for the healing of our hearts, spirits, and bodies. They need to know how to help sick persons appropriate these resources for their own healing. Medical and pastoral leaders need to find ways to develop this team approach in hospitals, clinics, and private practice situations. We must try to involve the whole congregation in the many aspects of this healing ministry. This integrated medico-pastoral approach to healing the whole person is now functioning in at least 20 hospitals in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some are government ones; others belong to the church. This approach is also beginning in West Africa and in Kenya. St Paul said that God’s plan is ‘... to bring all things together under Christ.’ We can play a crucial part in this by allowing God to work through us healthcare professionals and church leaders to reunite medicine and faith because, as God told Moses, ‘I am the Lord who heals you’.
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Bad News for Atheists: Scientists Say Universe Shouldn’t Exist if Big Bang Is True by Alex Kocman
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ccording to research from King's College in London, the current model of the Big Bang predicts that our universe should not exist. New research bears bad news for the Big Bang theory of the universe's origin. Scientists at King's College in London have found that the current model of the Big Bang would have resulted in a universe that collapsed soon after its formation.
July 2014
many people assume it was conceived in its present form and has remained unassailed ever since. In reality, it is a very pliable model," wrote Answers in Genesis scientist Dr. Danny Faulkner in September 2013. "Several assumed variables in the equations have been changed to make the numbers match new findings. Today's Big Bang model little resembles the one your grandfather learned, and it is likely to continue morphing." Conversely, the idea of the "God particle" doesn't really present a problem for creationists. According to them, the Higgs particle tells us about how the universe works now—not necessarily how it originated.
According to the researchers, the rapid cosmic expansion physicists would expect to see after the Big Bang would have caused a good bit of turbulence—a situation worsened, not helped, by the so-called "God particle."
"The Higgs boson particle probably does exist. God upholds the creation with the power of His word, and I think this is just a humanly seen manifestation of that," Faulker said.
This "God particle," the Higgs boson, should have crushed our universe, shifting it into a lower energy field in which collapse would have been inevitable.
Within the creationist system, it is not surprising that godless models of creation come up short. The universe not only requires an ultimate causeless cause, but a constant sustainer keeping it in existence.
While it is doubtful astrophysicists will discard the Big Bang model, it might suffer a worse fate: the death of a thousand qualifications.
Hebrews 1:3a states of Christ, "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the
"When we hear the term Big Bang theory,
universe by the word of his power."
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A Smart Family! Often the people most concerned about others going to hell when they die seem less concerned with the hells on earth right now, while the people most concerned with the hells on earth right now seem the least concerned about hell after death.
~Rob Bell
The ACV is available at: the Branson MO Price Chopper
July 2014
Ben Carson: Move Health Care Into the Free Market By Sean Piccoli
R
etired pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson told Newsmax TV that individuals empowering themselves to make informed choices about their health care — and not surrendering that authority to the federal government — is how modern medicine will deliver the best outcomes at affordable rates. In the first installment of an exclusive multi-part interview with "MidPoint" host Ed Berliner, author and rumored 2016 presidential candidate Carson called our health "the most important thing we have" and said Obamacare is not the way to ensure it — "not by any stretch of the imagination," he said. Touching on a theme of his latest book, "One Nation: What We Can All Do to Save America's Future," Carson said health savings accounts, known as HSAs, are one key to helping people get "control of their own health" and doing so "for a lot less money." "They decide where the dollars go, how they're spent, who they want to see," said Carson. "What that will do is bring the whole healthcare system into the free market. That's what controls cost. That's what controls quality. You'll never get that kind of quality and control from a bureaucratic system." Carson returned to one of his more visceral remarks about Obamacare — not the comparison of the Affordable to 9/11, which he has retracted, but an analogy to slavery that he said is borne out by reading history. "Go back and read the writings of Saul Alinksy and Vladimir Lenin and all the neo-Marxists, and they say [that] what you have to do in order to change the United States — which they felt was the stick in the mud to a new world order — is you have to bring the people into subjugation to the government," he said. "The best way and the fastest way to do that is to take control of the most important thing they have, which is their health care. "Ultimately what that leads
www.AmericanChristianVoice.com to," said Carson, "is the situation where the government controls not only your health but virtually every other aspect of your life." Carson, who has been accused of being divisive by a Washington Post columnist, said on Monday that he wants people of opposing views to engage one another on two polarizing topics: gay marriage and abortion. "I talk a lot about getting rid of political correctness and replacing it with civil discourse," he said. "A lot of people say, 'Carson's a homophobe because he believes that marriage is between a man and a woman.' That's ridiculous. "Yes, I do believe that it's between a man and a woman," he said. But he added, "I don't think I can impose my will on any two consenting adults. They can do what they want to do. I'm not going to try to stop them from doing that." His concern, he said, is with attempts to redefine "marriage" away from its traditional, centuries-old meaning as between a man and a woman. Gaymarriage advocates are free to form partnerships, "But they don't get to change the definition" of marriage, he said. To insist on gay marriage as the only acceptable position — "that sounds like intolerance to me," he said. On abortion, Carson said, "We have to be able to engage everybody in this conversation," and he suggested that medicine and technology are strengthening the pro-life position. "What we're seeing as time goes on is more and more people are starting to recognize that that little baby is actually a precious human being," he said. "You take a 10- or a 12-week-old fetus, and you can put an endoscope in there, and you can see their little nose and their little fingers and their little hands and their hearts beating. And they're starting to react to stimulation. "The brain is developing at that point at a rate of 400 million new neurons every day," he said. "And this is a creature that is considerably more sophisticated than a snail darter and some of these things that people go through great lengths to try to save. And I wonder if they ever stop and think about the irony of that." A must read is Carson’s new best selling book, “ONE NATION”
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S t i l l Wa t e r s International Ministries Waking the World to their Loving Creator Okay, so we are not a typical church but we are a training ground to make disciples for Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit! Come visit us Sunday morning at 9:45 am and you will see what we mean. What does it mean that “Favor is better than Finance?” Why is it a blessing to “sow seeds in someone else’s field?” “Why does taking one step towards self sufficiency cause God to withdraw one step back from supplying all your needs?” 124 Deer Mountain Road Walnut Shade, MO
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Adversity makes men. Prosperity makes monsters - Victor Hugo
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‘Soul Surfer’ Bethany Hamilton’s Timely Message for Girls About Body Image by Angela Zatopek/CBN News ethany Hamilton, the subject of the movie Soul Surfer, in a recent interview with CBN News. (CBN) From magazines to the big screen, young girls are bombarded with images about the perfect body in today's society. Professional surfer Bethany Hamilton is hoping her new book will help young girls focus on what is more important: maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
B
Hamilton inspired millions with her story of faith and determination after losing her arm in a 2003 shark attack. In her new book, Body and Soul: A Girl's Guide to a Fit, Fun and Fabulous Life, she shares some of her core experiences with mind, body and spirit. "My heart behind 'Body and Soul' was really to encourage teenage girls, and now that I think about it, girls my age and women of all ages to make healthier choices in their daily life," Hamilton told CBN News. "You kind of look at the health of
our country and there are girls that have eating disorders. They think they have to look like this girl or that girl. I wanted to shed light in that area." Diet and Exercise As a pro athlete, Hamilton's advice for developing a healthy lifestyle begins with an organic diet. In her book, she talks about how to portion your food like a pro and the importance of natural foods, especially fruits and vegetables. "Just stay away from processed foods, artificial ingredients, hydrogenated oils, which is often in fast food and candy," she said. The book includes a seven-day meal plan and favorite recipes, including the smoothie she blends up every morning. "I love the blender and I love being able to make my own green shake in the morning," Hamilton said. "I'll start with spinach in it or mango and banana, and I'll do almond milk. Almond milk is my go to. I don't do much dairy." In addition to diet, Hamilton said another key is staying active. Her book includes workouts developed especially for young girls. Ranging from lunges to what she called "the duck walk," most of the exercises can be done anywhere, and she said they're also fun to do with friends. Getting off the iPhones Hamilton also writes about other fun ways to work up a sweat, stressing the importance for your mental well-being. "Not every girl that picks up this book will be like, 'Hey, I wanna be the best surfer in the world,' but just find your passion in your daily life and find things that work for them," Hamilton shared.
Bethany Hamilton
"I don't think we're called to sit on
A Minute with a Man Did you ever wonder what our Founding Fathers thought about faith in God and Jesus Christ? Compared to what our government leaders say today, it makes you sick to think about how wonderful and straightforward our leaders used to be. The words of Patrick Henry: “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” Now you know what our Founding Fathers really said.
Dee is the author of “The Myth of Separation of Church and State” and “The Trial of Christ: A 21st Century Lawyer Defends Jesus.”
Springfield, MO Attorney Dee Wampler has 50 years trial experience as a Greene County prosecutor and defense attorney. our iPhones or computer all day long. We should be out and about and stay active," she said. Hamilton believes getting away from the electronics is key to growth, and helps to nourish the spirit and relationships God brings into your life. Throughout the book she lists Bible verses for young girls to remember as they develop and grow. "Definitely digging into God's word is essential. It's where we are educated and starting the day in His truths. I think it's important to find time throughout the day to dig into God's word and know His truths," Hamilton said. God Isn't Going Anywhere Hamilton recently married her best friend Adam Dirks, who is originally from Kansas. They live in Kauai, Hawaii, and travel together for business, whether for
Pick up your copy of the ACV at:
Dear Lord, Help me not despise the things I do not know or understand. ~William Penn
July 2014
the Shrine of the Holy Spirit for sale in the gift shop
speaking engagements or surfing competitions. She recently won the Surf-N-Sea Pipeline Women's Pro, a major event in the realm of women's surfing. She beat her competitors by a wide margin with two scores of 7.25 and 7.75 out of 10. Hamilton also regularly puts her spiritual focus on display in her daily life. She recently spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. "It was cool to be able to share Christ with leaders of all over the world with many different backgrounds. You look at the media and can be discouraged to think God isn't in America anymore with the way they spin things. But I don't think that's true at all. He is still here and isn't going anywhere," she said. As Hamilton continues to spread her message of faith, she hopes young girls will use Body and Soul to help focus on living a balanced lifestyle.
179 Expressway Lane • Branson, MO Mon - Sat • 9 am - 5 pm Sunday hours vary Tel: 417.337.7888 www.shrineoftheholyspirit.com
IRS Scandal Latest: 76 Percent Think Lerner Emails Deliberately Destroyed by Nick Sanchez A new poll in the ongoing IRS scandal over the targeting of conservative groups revealed that 76 percent of voters believe former official Lois Lerner's emails were "deliberately destroyed." The poll was commissioned by Fox News, and sampled 1,018 registered voters between June 21 and 23. Of those, 90 percent of Republicans, 74 percent of independents, and 63 percent of Democrats said they don't believe IRS officials, who've testified during a Congressional oversight hearing that years' worth of emails were lost in a computer crash. Just 12 percent say they believe the emails were destroyed accidentally, and 12 percent said they were unsure. The IRS scandal broke in 2013 when the Treasury's Inspector General
www.AmericanChristianVoice.com released an audit report showing that conservative groups were targeted for closer scrutiny when applying for taxexempt at the IRS. Lois Lerner, director of the IRS Exempt Organizations Unit, apologized for her department's targeting of Tea Party and other groups when the scandal surfaced last year. She has since fallen silent, invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination at multiple hearings. At the time the news broke, President Barack Obama said the incidents were isolated to a single office, and that he first heard about the scandal from the news. IRS commissioner John Koskinen has testified in past weeks that years' worth of emails from Lerner and other employees' accounts were lost in a series of computer crashes. According to ongoing polling from Fox News, 74 percent of voters say lawmakers should continue to investigate the IRS "until someone is held accountable." Newsmax.com
Ask the Rabbi...
he term Mikveh in Hebrew literally T means any gathering of waters, but is specifically used in Jewish law for the
Besides these, there are other times when it is customary to be immersed in the mikveh such as the occasion before Yom Kippur as a sign of purity and repentance and before the Sabbath in order to sensitize oneself to the holiness of the day. To the ancient Jew, the mikveh was a process of spiritual purification and cleansing, especially in relation to the various types of Turmah or ritual defilement when the Temple was in use. Although God has not revealed all the meaning of the mikveh, it is obvious because of the amount of space given to it in Scripture, and the effort of Yeshua (Jesus) to fulfill it, the command is of utmost importance. Whatever religious denomination, all be-
waters or bath for the ritual immersion. The building of the mikveh was so important in ancient times it was said to take precedence over the construction of a synagogue. Immersion was so important that it occurred before the high Priest conducted the service on the Day of Atonement, before the regular priests participated in the Temple service, before each person entered the Temple complex, before a scribe wrote the name of God, as well as several other occasions. According to Jewish law there are three basic areas where immersion in the mikveh is required.
lievers should agree that immersion has its roots in the Jewish mikveh of Yeshua's day, and it is of utmost importance for each of us to fulfill this righteous deed.
with Rabbi Jeremy Storch
What is “Mikvah”?
1. Immersion is required for both men and women when converting to Judaism. There were three prerequisites for a proselyte coming into Judaism: Circumcision, baptism, and sacrifice. 2. Immersion is required after a woman has her monthly period. 3. Immersion is required for pots and eating utensils manufactured by a nonJew.
Do you like this magazine? It would be a great blessing to all of us here at the ACV if you took out a subscription. If you already have one maybe you could send out a gift subscription to a friend or loved one!
See ordering information on page 38.
If God had a fridge, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet your photo would be in it. Face it friend... God is crazy about you! -Max Lucado
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To contact Jeremy for ministry in your congregation, for a radio or television interview or other special event, or for information on his albums or teachings, please call or email: Tabernacle of Praise, Branson, MO ~ Phone: 417-334-7373 Email: info@JeremyStorch.org Website: www.JeremyStorch.org
Sudoku Answers to Page 27
July 2014
Pick up the ACV at: The Copper Coin Unique & Inspirational Gifts (417) 551-1208 109 N. Commercial Street • Branson
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Actress Ann B. Davis Was a Wonderful Woman of God by John G. Sacoulas When Ann. B. Davis passed into Glory in June, I I had missed the news coverage of it. One reporter admitted he knew less about the real life of Ann than the fictional characters she played in television series in her career. I had the honor of knowing her more personally. I will speak of this after the following report from ABC News channel 7.
E
mmy-winning actress Ann B. Davis, who became the country's favorite and most famous housekeeper as the devoted Alice Nelson of "The Brady Bunch," died June 1st at a San Antonio hospital. She was 88. Bexar County, Texas, medical examiner's investigator Sara Horne said Davis died at University Hospital. Bill Frey, a retired bishop and a longtime friend of Davis, said she suffered a fall Saturday at her San Antonio home and never recovered. Frey said Davis had lived with him and his wife, Barbara, since 1976. Davis lived in Denver in the 1970s and 1980s. More than a decade before scoring as the Bradys' loyal Alice, Davis was the razor-tongued secretary on another stalwart TV sitcom, "The Bob Cummings Show," which brought her two Emmys. Over the years, she also appeared on Broadway and in occasional movies. Davis considered her ordinary look an asset. "I know at least a couple hundred glamour gals who are starving in this town," she told the Los Angeles Times in 1955, the year the Cummings show began its fouryear run. "I'd rather be myself and eating." She said she told NBC photographers not to retouch their pictures of her, but they ignored her request and "gave me eyebrows." Producer Sherwood Schwartz's "The Brady Bunch" debuted in 1969 and aired for five years. But like Schwartz's other hit, "Gilligan's Island," it has lived on in reruns and sequels. As "The Brady Bunch" theme song reminded viewers each week, the Bradys
www.AmericanChristianVoice.com combined two families into one. Florence Henderson played a widow raising three daughters when she met her TV husband, Robert Reed, a widower with three boys. In her blue and white maid's uniform, Davis' character, Alice Nelson, was constantly cleaning up messes large and small, and she was a mainstay of stability for the family. "I think I'm lovable. That's the gift God gave me," Davis told The Associated Press in a 1993 interview. "I don't do anything to be lovable. I have no control." Davis' face occupied the center square during the show's opening credits. Her love interest was Sam the Butcher, played by Allan Melvin. "I'm shocked and saddened! I've lost a wonderful friend Ann B. Davis and colleague," Henderson said in a statement Sunday. Eve Plumb, who played Jan Brady on the series, called Davis "an amazing lady." "She was great to work with, and I have wonderful memories of our scenes together on `The Brady Bunch,'" Plumb said in a statement. "She was kind and generous to all of us on set." "The Brady Bunch" had a successful run until 1974, but it didn't fade away then. It returned as "The Brady Bunch Hour" (1977), "The Brady Brides" (1981), "The Bradys" (1990). It even appeared as a Saturday morning spinoff (1972-1974). "The Brady Bunch Movie," with Shelley Long and Gary Cole as the parents, was a surprise box-office hit in 1995. It had another actress as Alice, but Davis appeared in a bit part as a trucker. It was followed the next year - without Davis - by a less successful "A Very Brady Sequel." Older TV viewers remember Davis for another non-glamorous role, on "The Bob Cummings Show," also known as "Love That Bob." She played Schultzy, the assistant to Cummings' character, a handsome, swinging bachelor photographer always chasing beautiful women. It brought Davis supporting actress Emmy Awards in 1958 and 1959. After the series ended in 1959, Davis appeared in such movies as "A Man Called Peter," "Lover Come Back" and "All Hands on Deck." During layoffs she
July 2014
played in summer stock. who was more interesting than her career. Between her two better-known shows, "By the time I started to get interested she played a gym teacher at an exclusive (in finding someone)," she told the girls' school in 1965-66 in "The John Chicago Sun-Times, "all the good ones Forsythe Show." were taken." Copyright 2014 Scripps During her stints in "The Bob Media, Inc. Cummings Show" and "The Brady Bunch," she used the layoffs to appear in Co-star, Barry Williams (Branson, MO summer theater with such shows as resident) who played Greg Brady on the "Three on a Honeymoon." She also Brady Brunch told the Today Show that toured with the USO to entertain U.S. when she first came on the Brady Bunch troops in Korea and elsewhere. set she was already a big star having won She was born Ann Bradford Davis in a couple of Emmys, so “I knew even as a 1926, in Schenectady, New York, and grew young teenager that she was someone I up in Erie, Pennsylvania. She said she took wanted to pay attention to.” to using her middle initial because "just plain Ann Davis goes by pretty fast." from editor: She was stage-struck since the age of 6 When I met Ann it was in a bizarre when she and her twin sister, Harriet, fashion. I was visiting a homeless shelter earned $2 with their puppet show. She in downtown Denver, Colorado in the late attended the University of Michigan, 1980’s and saw all these homeless guys joking that she was a premed student "until stripping off their clothes and depositing I discovered chemistry." them through a hole in the wall. They She graduated in 1948 with a degree in would walk down to the end of a long table theater and later joined a repertory theater and pick up clean clothes in a close size in Erie, Pennsylvania. She told the AP in that would fit them. What very few people 1993 that she got her big break while knew was that Ann B. Davis was on the doing a cabaret act in Los Angeles, singing other side of the wall with large tongs and telling jokes. taking the old smelly clothes out of a vat of "Somebody said, `Get your agent to call lye soap and into a washer. She didn’t like the new Bob Cummings show. They're to cook but she sacrificially gave of her looking for a funny lady.' Within three time for that domestic chore for the less hours I had the job. That was January fortunate. She could be seen from time to 1955. I had such fun with that show. time shopping at Walmart with an "I did a couple of pilots that didn't sell, overflowing shopping cart of men’s boxer a few movies and one year of nightclub shorts because, “Used underwear are not work, which I hated. Then I did the pilot donated in clothes for the homeless”. of `The Brady Bunch' and never had to do I explained to her that I was producing another nightclub." a series of television talk show programs For many years after "The Brady and would covet her advice. She Bunch" wound up, Davis led a quiet eventually “guest” hosted my show which religious life, affiliating herself with a I thought was ironic since she was the group led by Frey. famous one. The first time she was a guest "I was born again," she told the AP in on my show someone stole her little red 1993. "It happens to Episcopalians. Mazda Miata out of our parking lot. I was Sometimes it doesn't hit you till you're 47 horrified about that because she didn’t get years old. it back for many months after the thieves "It changed my whole life for the better. left it behind a huge snow drift that ... I spent a lot of time giving Christian eventually melted. Her vanity plate said witness all over the country to church “YAY GOD” groups and stuff." She was invaluable in teaching me how She took a long sabbatical from the to line up large stars for me to theater, largely limiting her performances interview. (Everyone one from to "Brady Bunch" specials and Bob Hope to Johnny Cash!) TV commercials. In 1993, Davis returned to Her personal testimony was the theater, joining the the way she lived her life touring cast of "Crazy and served others. I can’t for You," a musical wait to have lunch with featuring the songs her in the Kingdom so I of George and Ira can tell her how much I Gershwin. appreciated her love for Davis never our heavenly Father. See married, saying she ya soon, Ann! never found a man Ann B. Davis with John Sacoulas
July 2014
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Patriotic Fun Word Search Answers to Sudoku Puzzle on Page 25
Answers to Cross-Word Puzzle on Page 9
Word Jumble - Things Around the House
48 Henry David ___ 51 Vane direction 52 Layer 53 Levee 55 Dawn 58 Bought alternative 62 Chew 63 Treat 67 Lady 68 Fringe 69 Flub 70 Mined metals 71 Gloomy 72 Destitute 73 Lease DOWN 1 A king of the Amalekites 2 Field game 3 Gambling machine 4 Swelling 5 Indian leader 6 Epoch 7 Self 8 Surface to air missile 9 Major OT prophet 10 Type of art form 11 Garden of __ 12 Sour 13 Weapons 21 Pituitary hormone 23 Black stone
25 Roman Empire sovereign 26 Supplied with workers 27 Kick out 28 Flick 29 Connect 31 Remaining one 32 Transgression 33 Pinyon 34 View 36 Brew 39 Adam and __ 44 Mix 46 Royalty 49 Where we all want to end up 50 Dryer cycle 52 __ of Babel 54 A witch lived here 55 Mature 56 Ruin 57 Prego's competition 59 Biblical weed 60 Last word of a prayer 61 For fear that 64 Wrath 65 Is 66 Cain fled to this land
Answers: 1.sheet,closet,lamp,duvet,clothes 2.shower,soap,make-up,floss,shampoo 3.shovel,cars,rake,ladder,shelves 4.wrench,toolbox,caulk,level,workbench
ACROSS 1 Church part 5 Water birds 10 Second letter of the greek alphabet 14 Yellow metal 15 Wild sheep 16 Jewish calendar month 17 Healing plant 18 Mother-in-law of Ruth 19 Time in office 20 Fumed (2 wds.) 22 Hinges 24 Yearn 26 Went under water 27 Flightless bird 30 Paul's friend 32 Cycles per second 35 Prophet swallowed by fish 37 School group 38 Adapted to a dry environment 40 Wicked 41 Extremely high frequency (abbr.) 42 Climbing plant 43 Quotes 45 Ump 46 Evil angel 47 Ball holder
Would you believe he came with this chair?
AMERICA ANCESTORS ANTHEM BANDS BANNERS BATTLEFIELD BLESSINGS BLUE CELEBRATION CITIZEN CIVIC COMMEMORATE CONSTITUTION COUNTRY CULTURE DECLARATION DECORATION DEFENSE DEMOCRACY DUTY EQUALITY
FAMILY FESTIVAL FIREWORKS FREEDOM GLITTER HERITAGE HERO HISTORY HOLIDAY HOME HOPE INDEPENDENCE JOY LIBERATION LIBERTY MEMORIES MILITARY NATION REJOICE RELATIVES REPUBLIC
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www.AmericanChristianVoice.com
July 2014 Hollywood Actress Admits: ‘I Waited Until I Was 29 to Lose My Virginity’
Socialism: A government which robs Peter to payPaul can always depend on the support of Paul. -George Bernard Shaw
by Billy Hallowell
When my teeth come in we could be twins!
A
ctress Tamera MowryHousley, 35, uttered a somewhat-surprising admission recently: The “Sister, Sister” and “Tia and Tamera” actress said on Hot97, a New York City radio station, that she waited until she was 29 to have sex. The star noted that her Christian beliefs were the basis of her decision to remain a virgin until such a late age.
For Subscription Information See Page 38
www.imagesatthecross.org Adam Housley, her husband, is a Fox News correspondent and the only man she has been with — a rarity in today’s world, especially among Hollywood performers. While she did inevitably have sex before marriage, Mowry-Housley decided to then wait three more years until she tied the knot with the journalist, who was her boyfriend at the time.
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“I’m religious, so I waited until I was 29 to lose my virginity and then, you may not understand this,” she said of her decision, “[but] I did it and then I felt guilty and then I became celibate until I got married.”
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The actress married Housley in 2011 after dating him for six years. Last November, the couple had a son named Aden.
www.cpobooks.com If men are so wicked with religion what would they be without it?” -Ben Franklin
ACV is for sale at: Heavenly Wear 112 W Main Street • Branson (417) 544-9071
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July 2014
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The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us. -Billy Graham
The ACV is available at: Christian Publishers Outlet 4145 S. National Ave • Springfield, MO (417) 891-2200
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Mon - Sat: 9 AM - 7 PM www.cpobooks.com
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The United States government is actually suing a private American business for discriminating against Hispanic and Asian employees because they don’t speak English on the job. It involves a Green Bay Wisconsin metal and plastic manufacturer that fired a group of Hmong and Hispanic workers over their English skills, “even though those skills were not needed to perform their jobs,” according to the feds. More importantly, forcing employees to speak English in the U.S. violates Title VII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964, says the Obama administration. Here’s the twisted explanation from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency that enforces the nation’s workplace discrimination laws; the Civil Rights Act protects employees from discrimination based on national origin, which includes the linguistic characteristics of a national origin group. Therefore, according to this reasoning, foreigners have the right to speak their native language even during work hours at an American company that requires English.
Going on a Mission at Home MBCH Children and Family Ministries (an affiliate of Missouri Baptist Children’s Home) is seeking Christians willing to serve God by supplying foster care for teens. The Therapeutic Foster Care ministry provides a daily rate of pay that allows one foster parent to remain at home and care for the child. Training and licensing is provided for the foster parents at no cost. You can make a difference in the life of a hurting child by “Going on Mission at Home”. For more information about becoming a licensed foster parent, call:
800 State Highway 248, Suite 2-B • Branson, MO 65616
(417) 831-2342 or visit: www.mbch.org
Creation Experience Museum is Free Admission and open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. It is located seven miles north of Branson on US 65 on the Northwest Access Road off the State Route 160 Forsyth/Reeds Spring exit (the long brown building with the Ship). (417) 561-0750 Come visit us and bring your family – they need to know how loved and valued they are!
July 2014
6 Qualities of a True Covenant Friend How many covenant friendships do you have?
T
he Bible says Christians should experience deep connections with each other because we share the same indwelling Holy Spirit. In fact, the Greek word for fellowship, as used in Acts 2:42, is koinonia, which implies intimate communion and selfless sharing. Yet as I travel and meet Christians all over the country, I find that the church today is actually a very lonely place. Many people have experienced a total relationship shutdown. Some have walked through painful church splits, others have been betrayed by friends they trusted, and still others have closed their hearts entirely to avoid being hurt. As a result, koinonia becomes a fancy theological word for something they will never experience. It's as if we forgot how to have true friends. I've even met pastors who've told me they just can't risk building friendships. So they live in isolation. They bear their own burdens. They get no encouragement. Some end up in depression. Something is wrong with this picture! Recently the Holy Spirit drew me to study the friendship that developed between David and Jonathan during David's early years. It is clear from the biblical record that God put Jonathan in David's life at a crucial time in his journey to the throne. And if it were not for Jonathan's covenant relationship with his friend, David would never have been able to overcome the obstacles he faced during the reign of King Saul. The same is true for all of us. You will never achieve your maximum spiritual potential without the help of those key relationships God places around you. Yet
www.AmericanChristianVoice.com in order to benefit from these friendships you must open your heart and take the risk of being a friend. How can you move from being isolated to developing close friendships? Proverbs 18:24 says: "A man who has friends must himself be friendly" (NKJV). You can't wait for a friend to reach out to you. Take the first step and be willing to break the stalemate. British preacher Charles Spurgeon put it this way: "Any man can selfishly desire to have a Jonathan; but he is on the right track who desires to find out a David to whom he can be a Jonathan." Here are six qualities I see in Jonathan that challenge me to be a better friend: 1. Jonathan nurtured a spiritual bond. After David killed Goliath and moved to Saul's palace, the Bible says "the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David" (1 Sam. 18:1). This is the work of the Holy Spirit. All Christians should experience a sense of family connection, but there are certain friends you will feel deeply connected to because God is putting you in each other's lives for a reason. Don't resist this process. Let God knit you to people. 2. Jonathan showed sacrificial love. Jonathan loved David so much that he risked his life to help him fulfill his mission. Jonathan even dodged Saul's spear in his effort to help his friend. He lived in the spirit of Jesus' words about friendship: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (John 15:13). The world says we should only care about our own success.
When visiting Branson, Missouri be sure to pick up the newspaper that all the locals read!
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But the best way to become more like Jesus is to help someone else succeed! 3. Jonathan always offered encouragement. When David was fleeing from Saul in the wilderness, Jonathan traveled to Horesh to cheer up
Jonathan, "What have I done? What is my iniquity?" (1 Sam. 20:1). When I'm going through a difficult trial, I sometimes just need to vent. And I have loyal friends who let me process my pain ... and they don't run and tell others else about my weakness. This is true friendship. 6. Jonathan harbored no jealousy. At one point in David's journey, Jonathan realized his friend would one day be king of Israel. This was actually Jonathan's inheritance, since he was Saul's son, but he acknowledged that God had chosen David instead. So he gave David his royal robe, his armor and his weapons (see 1 Sam. 18:3-4). This is a beautiful picture of how we are to prefer and honor each other. Jealousy destroys friendship. If we have God's love in our hearts, we will want our friends to surpass us.
his friend (1 Sam. 23:16). There were times in David's life when he had to encourage himself, but in this case Jonathan was God's instrument. We need each other! If you allow the Holy Spirit to speak life and hope through you, your words can propel your friends into their destiny.
If you've been hurt in previous relationships, break out of your isolation and ask God to heal your heart. Then choose to be a Jonathan to someone else. J. Lee Grady is the former editor of Charisma. You can follow him on Twitter at leegrady. He is the author of 10 Lies Men Believe and other books.
4. Jonathan offered his friend protection. When Jonathan realized his father was plotting to kill David, he not only warned him of danger but he concocted a plan to deliver his friend (1 A Word of Faith Church Sam. 19:1-4). Friends don't let (non-denominational) friends get massacred in spiritual 6185 W. St. Hwy 266 Springfield, MO warfare. If you see a friend (417) 831-2333 making a foolish mistake, or if Sun. Services 10 am & 6 pm you sense the enemy is targeting Wed. Bible Study 6:30 pm him, God can use you to avert a Pastor Twila N. Bridges disaster. Speak the truth in love.
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5. Jonathan kept his friend's pain confidential. David confided in his friend Jonathan, and in some cases he poured out his heart in frustration. At one point he said to
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Antarctic Sea Ice Growing Despite Global Warming Warnings by Sandy Fitzgerald
T
he sea ice coverage around Antarctica last month marked a record high, with the ice surrounding the continent measuring at 2.07 million square kilometers, according to an environmentalist and author who says the ice there has actually been increasing since 1979 despite continued warnings of global warming.
arrived at by adding anomalies for the North and South hemispheres. While early models predicted the sea ice would decrease because of global warming, other models are showing that the opposite is happening around Antarctica, where sea ice growth is increasing. "A freshening of the waters surrounding the southernmost continent as well as the strengthening of the winds circling it were both theorized as explanations for the steady growth of Antarctica’s sea ice during the period of satellite measurement," said Ambler. However, he pointed out that climatologists have discounted the importance and growth of the Antarctic sea ice.
The new record was posted for the first time by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s online record, The Cryosphere Today, early Sunday morning. It's not apparent if the record actually occurred on Friday or Saturday, says Harold Ambler on his blog, Talking About the Weather. Ambler is a journalist and author of the book "Don't Sell Your Coat: Surprising Truths About Climate Change." "The previous record anomaly for Southern Hemisphere sea ice area was 1.840 million square kilometers and occurred on December 20, 2007," said Ambler. Meanwhile, he pointed out, global sea ice area on Sunday was standing at 0.991 million square kilometers above average, a figure he
According to Walt Meier, formerly of the National Snow and Ice Data Center and currently of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, most of the Antarctic sea ice does not survive between years, and it's less significant to the Earth's climate than is the ice around the Arctic.
July 2014 government, civil society gives way to anarchy. This is highly destructive. Not only is there a loss of personal security and security of property, but the moral fabric of the community decays. (Judges 18 - 25) Third, the government exists for the benefit of the people, not for the benefit of the officials who run the government. The abuse of power for personal gain was severely sanctioned in the Old Testament. It is directly linked with economic collapse. (Zephaniah 3:3) It is also listed as one of the causes of poverty. (Prov 13:23)
Fast Chat Questions & Answers with Timothy Davis ACV: Tim, you are running for Taney County Judge, what has been your education thus far? Davis: I grew up in Taney County, attending Kirbyville Elementary and Branson High School. I graduated from Branson in 1987, being both senior class president and valedictorian that year. My undergrad was at the University of Saskatchewan – my mother’s home province. I attended grad school at the University of Toronto, completing a Ph.D. in economics. My doctoral research was well received, with the result that Cambridge University asked me to write a book on government policy (about inflation, unemployment and economic growth). The book came out in 2005. On top of everything else, I earned a law degree from Oxford University, England. I now practice law. The only real job I have ever had has been as an attorney.
ACV: How has your personal faith in Christ affected your view of government?
Fourth, when righteous people rule, it benefits the whole community. (Prov 11:10-11) By the same token, a government of wicked or incompetent people causes hardship. (Prov 28:1516) Fifth, showing partiality so as to subvert justice is a grievous wrong. (Prov 18:5)
Tim Davis
Meanwhile, Ambler said that the growth of the Antarctic sea ice is providing "a public relations problem, at a minimum, for those warning of global warming’s menace."
The scripture gives principles for righteous government. I am not sure that I have the ability to make an exhaustive list of these principles, but here is a start:
During the past 18 months, global sea ice "has seen its most robust 18-month period of the last 13 years, maintaining, on average, a positive anomaly for an 18month period for the first time since 2001," he wrote.
First, government authority is something instituted by God for the purpose of opposing people who do evil, while aiding those who do good. (Romans 13:1-3) The ability to govern wisely is granted to civil rulers to carry out their God-given responsibilities. (Prov 16:10)
In addition, Ambler said, the South Pole's temperature has been dropping over the past 40 years.
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Sixth, in coming to a decision, it is important to keep an open mind until both sides have had an opportunity to present their case. (Prov 18:17)
Seventh, government officials are accountable to God for how they govern. The responsibility is severe because rulers, especially judges, act in a sense as representatives of God in their administration of justice. (Psalm 82) I could elaborate on this topic at length. I trust these remarks illustrate the practical nature of what the Scripture says about government.
Second, in the absence of effective
It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God’s job to judge and my job to love. -Billy Graham
July 2014
Be Careful About Youth Generalizations by Leneita Fix
M
y son calls them, "Awkward conversations with adults."
In an attempt for adults to make conversation with a teen boy the first question they often ask is, "What's your favorite video game?" It becomes uncomfortable for him because he finds himself saying, "Umm, I don't really like video games." If he was able, he would be outside all the time playing a competitive sport, preferably football. Sure he plays video games at a friend's house, but the closest he comes to video games are "app-based" games. He absolutely hates these conversations. It happens to all of my kids. My 15year-old is smart, a cheerleader, passionate about photography, loves reading (especially anything dystopian), and Jesus. She will tell me, "Adults keep trying to put me into boxes; can't I just be in all of them?" It's not just one; it's ALL of my kids that feel this way. My youngest admitted (with guilt) the other day that sometimes youth group bores her because she doesn't want to sit and listen to someone talk. My oldest thought she could never fit into the group at church with other college-aged students. Recently, I have read several articles making broad-brush strokes about the younger generation. The irony is that my four kids don't fit most of the statements that are being made. Come to think of it, many of the students I work with don't either. I am finding that my own children, as well as others, are getting turned off by the statements that infer what their generation is and is not—even when these statements are "positive." It even makes them feel like they don't really fit into church because they are different. My own kids have tried youth groups, they now avoid because they are told, "All middle school students are ... " And guess what? They don't feel that way
www.AmericanChristianVoice.com about themselves. It actually makes them feel like it is just one more place they are on the outside looking in. We talk so much about "inclusive community," while we compartmentalize students. I wonder if this is one more reason why students leave the church? We try so hard to help them belong, while pushing them away. There are similarities in a mindset, but we must remember everyone is NOT the same. Recently my daughter was asked to write a persuasive essay for school. Her friends wrote about political ideas or why you should like a certain television show. I asked her the question, "What are you passionate about?" She came up with three things: Photography, Reading, and Helping Inner City Families. She decided she would write about "Why the Church Should Support Inner City Families." Her teacher didn't like it. It takes work for them to really figure out what they are "passionate" about. Not every student knows, or some know and don't think their passion is worthy.
Inadvertently some of the systems in place to support our students sometimes make them feel like their passions are "dumb." Now my daughter has a choice. Stand up for her cause, or succumb to the feeling that her passions should be different. Her first response was, "I should have just written about photography." We often state this is a generation of "innovators" who want to figure out their own way. Yet, the challenge comes when they are not really at a place in life yet where they understand what that means. I just think we need to be very careful as we embark on this new decade of youth ministry. My generation loved the movie, "The Breakfast Club," because as a teen we knew exactly which "group" fit us. Those days of "all these types of kids are like this," are over. Instead, students pride themselves on
being a little bit this and some of that. It's becoming downright dangerous to make assumptions about students just because they are urban, suburban, rural, multi-ethnic, rich, poor, middle-class, athletic, nerdy, artistic, fat, skinny, and everything in between. For the only common thread is they feel isolated, and like there is "no one else like them." What they don't see is we all feel awkward, misplaced and insecure from time to time. We are actually alienating them when we
Page 33 decide who they are based on a new statistical analysis. I guess in the end I am wondering if we will do the work it will take to really get to know our students? Instead of trying to program to what they "should" be, can we reassess on a constant basis? What about you? If you are honest, do you lump your students together? Leneita Fix is the director of ministry development for Aslan Youth Ministries, a family-focused urban ministry serving Monmouth County in New Jersey and Haiti. She has been working in some form of youth and family ministry for almost 22 years. For the original article, visit
simplyyouthministry.com.
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Helicopter Ministry, Micro Brews and Tattoos Comman Place at Men’s Ministry by Steve Rees
E
ven after a Friday night out with guys drinking micro-brews and getting a new tattoo, Bob Anderson expects the wife and kids to be happy with his actions. After all, Anderson's buddies at Flatirons Community Church limited themselves to two hand-crafted beers before 8:15 pm., and his latest tattoo expresses a commitment to home life. "This tattoo is basically a contract to my family that I'm going to live the way of Jesus," said Anderson of the freshly inked thin red line on his left arm. Twenty-five other men paid $45 dollars for the same art – literally a thin red line – as part of a signed pledge to fix their eyes on Jesus, demonstrate love, honor and faithfulness to their wives, and lead their families at The Man Event, Flatirons' second mega-men's gathering since January 2012. Kyle Vincent joined Anderson in inking his arm with a thin red line on Friday. "I was a real bad person and a jerk," said Vincent, who came to Flatirons after his release from jail in 2009.
"This thin red line is to show that I've changed," the 25-year-old Arvada man said. Change, commitment and building a community of men who, with God's grace, won't surrender personal responsibilities or care for those entrusted to them are goals of the Thin Red Line pledge and The Man Event, say Flatirons pastors.
"We're trying to be a church that targets men," said Mens Community Pastor Dan Foote. "We'll get the heart of the family by getting the hearts of men." To get their hearts, Flatirons baited 1,000 men with athletics, cars, sporting goods, food and drink, and a challenge from Senior Pastor Jim Burgen. "If you want to avoid (casualties) in war and conflict, according to Jesus, you need to link arms with some other men," Burgen said. "Be that brother who has his friend's back. "The greatest need in my life is for someone – besides my wife – to do life with me. Somebody who I can trust with everything," Burgen said. The pastor then urged the men, "Before you leave here tonight, just walk by, stop, and talk to somebody" about how you can be involved.
Four thousand men showed up for the first edition of The Man Event in January 2012 when wristbands were distributed to anybody willing to sign the six-point, Thin Red Line pledge, Foote said. Of the 1,000 men who turned out for the second edition of The Man Event last month, only 25 successfully jockeyed for the opportunity to trade in their wristbands for permanent ink. Competition for ink isn't the only one taking place at Flatirons. Seats on board a helicopter are limited to four men - twice a month, each month – who will pray over Boulder County cities from the air as part of LIFT, a new ministry that began last month. LIFT coordinator and lay ministry leader Abe Salazar says it's an invitation to men to pray. "It's an amazing way to open the door for men to fellowship (and pray)" he said. Intercessor Jacob Lambrecht agrees. "I think something like this is amazing. "Just today, while volunteering at the church, I was praying over people who would come to tonight's event," said Lambrecht who, prior to coming to Flatirons from California, had prepared to jump off a pier. Praying over Boulder County from the sky excites Lambrecht, despite his fear of heights. Helicopter ministry isn't the only unique one at Flatirons.
July 2014 Theology on Tap is a Bible study at brew-pubs around the metro-Denver area. Its popularity among Flatirons men lead, of course, to an inspired new tee-shirt logo: "What Would Jesus Brew?" Theology on Tap is, similarly, Flatirons' way of embracing those whose faith is expressed through body art. And, for riflemen, another tee-shirt bears divine support for their sport: "What Would Jesus Shoot?" Salazar, the lay leader who has ministered to inmates and homeless, isn't at all surprised that a magazine dubbed Flatirons "the church for misfit toys."
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July 2014
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Dear Dave, My husband has a great job, and I love my work and schedule as a substitute teacher. However, he wants me to take a full-time position so we can build more wealth. The only debt we have is our house, and we’ve already saved and invested a lot of money. What’s your suggestion for this situation? Marie Dear Marie, First and foremost, you two have a responsibility to take care of each other and your own household. It sounds like you’re doing that pretty well. So, if he wants you to take a full-time job only to build more wealth, I think that’s a bad idea. Wealth is for quality of life, and quality of life includes giving. It also includes a safe and stable future. But if
you have to surrender the joy in life to do that — to build extra wealth or build at a different pace — well, to me that’s just wrong. Contentment has nothing to do with how many hours you work or how many zeroes are in your bank account. Contentment has to do with your state of being. It’s connected to your sense of gratitude, happiness and your priorities. The idea that contentment is on the same spectrum as ambition? No, it’s not. I don’t think you should take on a job or a schedule you hate just to pay off your house a couple of years earlier. I wouldn’t do that, and I don’t recommend you do it either. People should do something with their lives they find enjoyable and they’re called to do. Now, if your kids are going hungry and your bills aren’t getting paid, then you do whatever it takes. But in this case, Marie, you’re happy and you guys are in a great place. I’m sure your husband is a great guy, but I think he’s wrong on this one. —Dave
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What Can Investors Learn from the All Stars? This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. aseball’s best players gathered in Minneapolis recently to participate in the All-Star Game. If you’re a fan or even a “weekend athlete,” you can admire these players for their abilities, even if you — like the vast majority of humanity — can’t hope to duplicate them. But if you’re an investor, you may be able to learn some practical lessons from the All Stars. So let’s look at a few common All Star traits to see how they might apply to investors: Consistency —All Stars typically don’t just have a few good weeks or months — they tend to be consistently excellent, year after year. As an investor, you, too, need to strive for consistency. Instead of periodically chasing after “hot” stocks, try to follow a long-term strategy by staying invested in the financial markets, through both “up” and “down” periods, and by rebalancing your holdings, as needed, to reflect changes in your life. Ability to avoid errors — Everyone makes mistakes, but All Stars seem to make fewer of them. Whether it’s fielding balls cleanly, successfully executing a sacrifice bunt or not walking a player with the bases loaded, All Stars seem to avoid errors while making the right moves at the right time. When you invest, you need to avoid common “errors,” such as investing either too conservatively or too aggressively. Instead of going to either of these extremes, build a portfolio appropriate for your risk tolerance but still capable of helping you reach your goals. Preparedness —All Stars keep themselves in great shape and often develop additional skills as the years go by, such as developing a new pitch or learning to hit the ball to different parts of the field. By preparing themselves in this way, they can take advantage of
B
Page 35 opportunities as they arise. As you invest, you will also need to be prepared to take advantage of new opportunities. One such way to prepare is to have enough liquidity in your portfolio to make appropriate investment moves. In addition to preparing for opportunities, you’ll need to prepare for challenges that could jeopardize your investment strategy. So, for example, you may want to build an emergency fund containing six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses. With such a fund in place, you may not have to dip into your long-term investments to pay for short-term needs, such as a major car repair, a new furnace or a big bill from the dentist. Awareness of limits — Not even the best All Stars can do everything well. A good “singles hitter,” for instance, won’t waste a lot of effort in trying to hit home runs, while a powerful, but slow, slugger might not attempt to steal a base. Investors have limits, too, based on their sophistication and their financial resources. To illustrate: Some wealthy and highly experienced investors may embark on complex or risky strategies, or purchase hard-to-understand investments. But these risky techniques and complex investments are not for everyone — and smart, “everyday” investors know this and stick with proven strategies and comprehensible investments. You may never step foot on a baseball diamond. But as an investor, you can still pick up some “gems” of wisdom from the All Stars. If you'd like to know more, visit our website to find out what to expect from Edward Jones.
www.edwardjones.com
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Why You Shouldn’t Use Secular Songs in Worship by Don Chapman
I
’ve always been on the fence about doing secular songs in worship. I personally don’t care for it but have played them when a pastor has asked. However, a recent trip to Elevation Church has caused me to make up my mind. Twenty-five years ago, it would be unthinkable to sing a secular rock song in church (you couldn’t even get away with an Amy Grant tune!). When did this all start? I’m guessing Willow Creek, the original seeker church, was the culprit. (And we all know how their seeker methodology panned out. Read "Willow Creek Repents?") The seeker crowd will argue that unsaved people love hearing secular songs in church. When they hear a pop song they know, they’ll think, Wow, church isn’t boring after all. I think I’ll come back! For these Christians, getting the unsaved into church trumps everything. I appreciate and applaud their dedication to reaching the lost. However, using the same do-whatever-it-takes-to-get-themin-the-door logic, why not install stripper poles next to our drum sets—wouldn’t that attract a crowd? The harsh truth is the gospel can be a tough pill for an unsaved person to swallow. So Paul talks about the concept of making the Good News as attractive as possible in Titus 2:9-10. And really, that’s the whole point of the weekly newsletter WorshipIdeas.com—to encourage churches to be as attractive as possible with their music. But how attractive should we get? That answer can only be found with prayer and careful consideration of your own ministry. Here’s my thinking.
www.AmericanChristianVoice.com Can’t We Just Focus on God? My main argument up until now has been that we can listen to secular music anytime we want. We have roughly 84 waking hours a week—can’t we spend just one of them focusing on God during the Sunday morning praise set? I’ve heard statistics that few Christians ever darken the door of a Christian bookstore or listen to Christian radio. That hour may be the only time of the week most people ever even hear Christian music. By definition, a seeker is seeking God, so why not present the gospel to them in every way, shape and form? Do You Want Christian Karaoke? Rarely can church talent even come close to decently reproducing a secular song— it takes the top guns of a megachurch to pull that off with their paid musicians, tracks and great vocalists. Otherwise churches end up sounding cheesy—and people will probably be so occupied comparing your lousy version with the original, they won’t even get the message you’re trying to convey. A friend of mine recently laughed about his worship leader’s weak performance of U2’s "Where the Streets Have No Name." Do you really want people in your congregation snickering at your hubris? Some worship leaders are failed/frustrated rock stars, and secular songs give them a chance to scratch that itch. How about scratching it in a karoke bar instead? My Big Epiphany And here’s what I experienced at Elevation that helped me make up my mind against doing secular songs in church. Their worship team opened the service with the current secular hit "Can’t Hold Us" by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis—a super-catchy, four-on-the-floor dance song (and
July 2014
they pulled it off spectacularly, I might add). After the service, I had lunch with a friend and spent the rest of the day in Charlotte, N.C. All afternoon, I couldn’t get the song out of my head: Can we go back, this is the moment... Tonight is the night, we’ll fight till it’s over... So we put our hands up like the ceiling can’t hold us... Like the ceiling can’t hold us
It costs on average $24,000.00 to put one child through one grade level each year in the government school system. Can you imagine what private Christian education (proven to always produce better results across the board) could due with that kind of tuition? On average, private Christian schools operate on a third of that!
I mean, I had a serious earworm for hours. Then it hit me: “I can’t believe I’ve just gone to church and the only thing I’m taking away from the service is this stupid pop song!” Later that evening, I shared my new antisecular-music-in-church epiphany with a friend. He and his wife attend Andy Stanley’s North Point Church in Atlanta, and he told me how the worship team has been performing secular songs right before the service all summer. Problem is, they leave church with pop “Can I get customized Bible geared songs running through their minds. His specifically for the way I want to live???” wife told me North Point’s rendition of You make these long trips to the store bearable. Styx’s "Come Sail Away" stuck with her all Sunday afternoon. She asked, “Shouldn’t songs about Jesus be running through my head after church?” Yep, they sure should. Composer/arranger Don Chapman is the editor of the weekly WorshipIdeas.com newsletter that goes out to more than 50,000 worship leaders every week.
Health care is one-sixth of our economy. If the government can control that, they can control just about everything. We need to understand what is going on, because there are much more economic models that can be used to give us good health care than what we have now. - Dr. Benjamin Carson
July 2014
Where Do Pastors Get the Idea That the Bible is Practical? by Phil Cooke
Y
ou have no idea the number of pastors who tell me that their unique gift is to teach the Bible from a practical perspective. They focus on helping their congregation understand the Bible in practical ways. I assume they mean like the owner's manual of a car, or the instructions for operating a computer. But the problem is—the Bible may be the least practical book ever written. In fact, I wonder if you're teaching the Bible from a practical perspective, you may not be grasping the Bible at all. The drama of a God who allowed His Son to become a sacrifice to redeem the entire human race is the least practical thing I've ever heard. The story of redemption isn't practical at all. If you want practical, then you're looking in the wrong place. The incarnation, the mystery of salvation, the power of miracles, how the gospel message transforms lives—all those things aren't the least bit practical. And how about the Sermon on the Mount? And turning the other cheek? It wasn't remotely practical for William Tyndale to spend his entire adult life on the run from authorities, living with smugglers and hiding out so he could translate the Bible into English. German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer didn't defy the Nazis to keep preaching a practical message. When Jim Elliot and four other missionaries were slaughtered in the Amazon jungle, it wasn't for practical reasons that their wives continued trying to make contact, and eventually won the tribe's hearts—the same tribe that killed their husbands. The Bible is SO much bigger than "practical." The Bible is a mystery. It's an unfolding, eternal drama. It's the
www.AmericanChristianVoice.com power of life and death. It's the unexplainable love of a God that looks beyond our sin and sees something worth making the ultimate sacrifice to redeem. Do biblical principles help you get a better job, get out of debt, become a better leader or help pay off your mortgage? They can—but if that's what you're preaching, then you're giving your congregation candy when they need steak. This is my beef with the fringe TV evangelists who drone on and on about one thing—money. Wow. You're reading the Bible and that's the best you have to offer?
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"I can only say that the communists have stolen our flag. The flag of the poor is Christian. Poverty is at the center of the gospel," he said, citing Biblical passages about the need to help the poor, the sick and the needy. "Communists say that all this is communism. Sure, twenty centuries later. So when they speak, one can say to them: 'but then you are Christian'," he said, laughing. Since his election in March 2013, Francis has often attacked the global economic system as being insensitive to the poor and not doing enough to share wealth with those who need it most.
God is big. God is mysterious. God is beyond anything we could imagine or dream. Preach that. Preach deep. Preach a message that isn't practical at all— because that's the message that will change people.
Earlier this month, he criticized the wealth made from financial speculation as intolerable and said speculation on commodities was a scandal that compromised the poor's access to food.
Today's culture knows practical. What they don't know, is something beyond.
Reporting by Philip Pullella; Editing by Stephen Powell
Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Pictures in Los Angeles. For the original article, visit philcooke.com.
© 2014 Thompson Reuters. All rights reserved.
Pope Francis: Communists Are Closet Christians by Reuters News Service Pope Francis, whose criticisms of unbridled capitalism have prompted some to label him a Marxist, said in an interview published on Sunday that communists had stolen the flag of Christianity. The 77-year-old pontiff gave an interview to Il Messaggero, Rome's local newspaper, to mark the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, a Roman holiday. He was asked about a blog post in the Economist magazine that said he sounded like a Leninist when he criticized capitalism and called for radical economic reform.
"To portray the Pope as a kind of superman, a type of star, strikes me as offensive. The Pope is a man who laughs, weeps, sleeps soundly, and has friends like everybody else. A normal person," -Pope Francis
12-Year-Old UK Mom Proof Positive That Society Has Lost Its Moral Compass
But he told presenter Nick Ferrari: “If they do things behind their parents’ back that’s something we’re never going to be able to find out.” The man, who LBC called Greg, described the situation as “heartbreaking,” and said, “It’s not the ideal situation; we will be keeping an eye on things in the future.” He also commented: “That little girl does not bring shame to me at all, I’m so proud of her.” Responding to the story, Director of Family Education Trust Norman Wells said, “children having children is one of the bitter consequences of a highly sexualized society.” He said that a shift in attitudes was needed, and not more sex education, saying teaching the subject at an early age “runs the risk of breaking down children’s natural sense of reserve.” “Unless we begin to challenge the common perception of sexual intimacy as a casual recreational activity, we shall continue to see cases of children giving birth to children as the cycle continues from generation to generation.”
by The Christian Institute
Wells noted that restraints aimed at curbing underage sexual activity had been removed in recent years.
A 12-year-old girl and 13-year-old boy have become Britain’s youngest parents, in a case described as “symptomatic of a society that has lost its moral compass.”
Now, he said: “It is time to reverse these trends and restore the restraints.”
According to The Sun newspaper the girl, who has not been named, was primary school-aged when she conceived. She lives with her mother, who has become one of the U.K.’s youngest grandmothers at 27, in London. The pair reportedly posted a picture of themselves and the baby online.
“We need to encourage an understanding of sexual intimacy that recognizes it as an expression of giving, not getting; of love, not lust”, Wells commented.
“Remember when we said that grief was the strongest thing a person could feel? Well, it isn’t. It’s forgiveness,
Speaking to radio station LBC, a man claiming to be the girl’s father said while he was “proud” of her, he would not allow the situation to happen again with his other children.
because a single act of forgiveness can change everything.”
-The Tale of Despereaux
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts. - Bertrand Russell
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from the editor...
Why should you support the American Christian Voice? by John G. Sacoulas
W
e have subscribers in 20 different states and it continues to grow as a Kingdom unifier. We pray the contents will help us all grow in our journey of faith and wisdom. We are now in our 10th year of printing the only Christian magazine of its kind in the nation that is fun and inspirational uniquely representing the whole Body of Christ. We have served the Christian community to the best of our ability, trying to be fair and balanced to more than one position on the non-essential matters. Of course, it is the human, religious nature to make twigs into trunks. You can imagine the difficult task we have to try to educate and spiritually mature the believer without creating a great offense in the process. If this publication took a left-wing, flaming liberal position or a stinking, right-wing, conservative position (extreme opinions either way), folks on both sides of that spectrum would get pretty generous to support their own ignorant bias. Having a Christian magazine be moderate to conservative usually generates moderate to conservative financial support because it
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July 2014
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