The STUFF & THINGS page will bring you quick, current "stuff" and "things" you might want to look into. The page will change often as old "stuff" goes away and new "things" take their place. Check back often for ratings of some new movies, special speakers, music reviews, free "stuff" you can get, current world news, and other STUFF & THINGS you simply cannot do without.
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Hi, everyone. If you have anything that you think people would enjoy knowing about, e-mail me at JimMagwood@aol.com and I'll see about getting it into the site.
God bless you all.
Jim
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YOU can share the Gospel with millions of people around the world, even in the most closed countries on earth, right from your home computer. Global Media Outreach, an Internet ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ, has websites in 191 countries where thousands of people every day learn about the good news of Jesus Christ and connect with volunteers through secure e-mail. The volunteers then have the opportunity to develop a relationship with those inquirers and help tell them about the Lord. Complete ministry and informational resources are available to help you answer questions and encourage people in growing with the Lord.
Would you like to help reply to e-mails from people seeking Jesus? Apply to be a volunteer today. Simply go to www.GMOJoinUs.com to learn more. It's truly an exciting ministry that YOU can participate in.
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Here is a FREE book you need to read. Revolution in World Missions is by K.P. Yohannan of Gospel for Asia. It describes the changes since about 1945, from "the West" originally sending most of the missionaries to missionaries now being most effective when they come off their own home streets and go to their own people.
Go visit the Gospel for Asia site at www.GFA.org and request their FREE book, Revolution in World Missions, or simply click here to read about the mission and order the FREE book.
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BRINGING THE LORD OF LIFE TO AUSCHWITZ,
THE CITY OF DEATH
Read the thrilling story of Broadcasting the Gospel To Auschwitz, the City of Death, about a Christian radio station broadcasting the gospel to Auschwitz, "site of the greatest mass murder in the history of humanity." ASSIST News Service reports that a Christian radio station's antennae is on the chimney of the chemical plant where poison gas killed millions of Jews. The network, on commercial lines, plays contemporary Christian music with intermittent Christian stories during the daytime hours and testimonies at night. Henryk Krol, head of the Radio CCM network said, "...Out of that chimney, the signal is spilling out with the Good News for people of this city where there was so much suffering."
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RELIGIOUS PRACTICES AROUND THE WORLD,
COMPILED AND EXPLAINED
How many Christians--or Hindus, or Muslims, or Buddhists--are there in the world? What country contains the highest percentage of atheists? What and where are the largest churches in the world? All of these questions and hundreds of others are answered at adherents.org, a massive repository of religion statistics, demographic information, and other facts about religious beliefs all around the world. Some interesting places to start are the list of the predominant religion of every country in the world; an extensive database of famous religious figures, and a description of the largest religious groups in the U.S. Church leaders, missionaries, and anyone who's curious about the world's religious practices will find hours' worth of reading material.
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MEET WORLDWIDE CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
At the ATHLETES and JESUS site, you will find positive, life-changing testimonies of Christian athletes in the sports world--from auto racing, baseball, and basketball to rugby, running, tennis and volleyball, representing countries ranging from Australia, Barbados and Brazil to the Netherlands, South Africa and the USA. Then, follow the link to TheGoal.com, a site where you can find hundreds of Christian athletes from around the world.
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CHRISTIANS IN BUSINESS
The trials of high-profile Christian businessmen this year have sent a clear signal: Many believers have little idea how their faith relates to their work.
Most pastors do not feel equipped to discuss violations of business law at the top levels of major corporations. But the church does need to help its businesspeople develop a fundamental understanding of what it means for Christians to engage in business.
Here are a few fundamental principles that pastors can begin with as they think through ways to bless the businesspeople in their pews.
Christians in Business
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SIZZLE OR FIZZLE:
HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE BETTER
Visit the Smalley Relationship Center ("The DNA of Relationships") by Dr. Gary Smalley for some great articles on marriage; then surf over to FamilyLife: Marriage Channel with Dennis and Barbara Rainey--he has some excellent resources for married couples--and families too! And now, ladies, for a tasty fun treat, enjoy How to Cook a Husband, one of this editor's favorites! If your sense of humor, after a long hot (or cold) summer is still waning, "InHis.com" is ready to help with its incredible humor archives for travel, pets, medicine, law, sports and especially Battle of the Sexes/Getting Older. Hold the humor in your heart for the good and bad days--it's preventive medicine for any marriage!
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MINISTRY SEES NARNIA MOVIE AS AN OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY
Have you seen "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," yet? A lot of Christian ministries see in the film not just a promising movie, but an opportunity to share the Gospel story. The Mission America Coalition is looking to organize church leaders throughout America to meet with others in their cities to preview the film and discuss the evangelism opportunities presented by the movie. Even if you don't join an official Narnia-based outreach effort like this, it's a good reminder for Christians to keep their eyes open for chances to use the Narnia film's allegorical Gospel tale to share their faith with others.
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"WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR?"
"PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE" EXCERPTS
The first seven chapters of The Purpose-Driven Life, best-selling book by Rick Warren, are available for download, free of charge, for interested readers. "What On Earth Am I Here For?" is an excellent outreach tool, also available as an inexpensive booklet. Check out the details and think about using this resource in your evangelism opportunities, providing others with the Godly secrets of a purpose-driven life. Enjoy online articles from the Web site, as well as free tools to grow your spiritual life.
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"JESUS FILM" REACHING THE WORLD WITH THE GOSPEL
The JESUS Film Project, a powerful evangelistic ministry, has translated the JESUS Film into 910 languages (includes audio only). Over five billion people have seen the film since 1979, mostly in their native language. Viewers experience a reenactment the life and time of Jesus. Nearly every word spoken in this biblically sound and inspirational video, filmed in Israel, comes from the Gospel of Luke and powerfully relives the most important events in the history of mankind. View the JESUS Film online in your own language and let your children enjoy The Story of Jesus for Children as well.
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DEFENDING THE FAITH:
GUIDELINES FOR RESPONDING TO CRITICISM AND CHALLENGES
You know what you believe--but how do you explain those beliefs to others? And how do you respond to criticisms of or attacks on your beliefs? Communicating the Gospel effectively with people who don't share your faith--and defending it against critique--isn't just a matter of reciting a list of talking points and hoping that they'll take root. On the contrary, apologetics requires actively engaging people and building a positive case for Christianity's truth. An excellent piece by R.C. Sproul talks about the basics of defending your faith when it comes under question or attack. A useful supplement to Sproul's article is a list of ten questions at the Web Evangelism Guide designed to get you thinking about what works and what doesn't when you sit down with somebody to discuss faith and Christianity.
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ANNOUNCING NEW OUTREACH SITES FOR MEN
Christian-based Web sites for women abound on the Internet--it's time for men to have increased Christian Web presence as well. Visit Men Today Online, a brand new site for men, and "a high tech, high adventure, evangelistic Web site covering work, family, love and recreation...." (Believer's Weekly Site of the Week). Web Evangelism Bulletin says that Men Today Online is "using the same effective principles" of the successful women's Web site, Women Today Magazine. TruthMedia in Canada sponsors both sites; the men's ministry will be in beta mode during August and suggestions by visitors are welcome.
Web Evangelism Bulletin also highlights Man on the Road, by Tom Burford, who also created Fires of Darkness. Buford says, "Through 'Man On The Road,' we hope to reach those people who earn their livings traveling on the road - truck drivers, bus drivers, pilots, salesmen, etc. We are trying to reach them where they are without being preachy."
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UK MINISTRY PROVIDES FAMILY WORSHIP RESOURCES
August 4, 2005 -- Family Worship (UK) offers worship resources on a non-profit basis for the whole church family. Find songs, albums, articles, seasonal resources, a discussion forum, a blog and more. Access a Songwriters Showcase (grassroots Christian songwriters) with extensive music resources for all ages and styles (over 400 songs to freely download); listen to the top 10 Family Worship songs and a song of the week. Kids will discover an awesome Kids Zone with a monthly Bible hero, animals, games--puzzles, asteroids, street hockey, optical illusions and more. Kids will also enjoy Bible learning fun at Get into the Word for Kids; FW-Youth is in the works with a great collection of teen-related links.
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RETIRED PASTOR COMMUNICATES GOSPEL ON INTERNET
August 4, 2005 -- Some retired pastors don't really retire--they just find another avenue of ministry and keep going! Pastor Gerald Boyd, an 80-something retired pastor and recent founder of Amazing Grace Ministries, daily proclaims the Gospel on the Internet and shows us all how to do it too. Seekers and saints will find spiritual help in articles on the subjects of soul-winning, salvation, discipleship, spiritual warfare and more. Spanish articles are also available. Read Internet testimonials, along with Pastor Boyd's bio, and be blessed by this "retired" pastor's powerful witness for Christ on the Internet!
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LOOKING FOR "THE FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER..."
July 25, 2005 -- Enjoy multilingual, family-friendly entertainment online--games the entire family can enjoy! Visit KinderStart's game area for linked game Web sites, including math, puzzles, spelling and sports. The site includes KinderStart free, filtered email for kids and a great Arts and Entertainment link section. Visit the Switcharoo Zoo to switch around animal body parts and make new creatures; then visit Prongo.com for age-level-appropriate games for kids; along with brainteasers, ecards, top games, pick of the week and humor. The "family that plays together" will find play and learning, too!
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WHERE'S GRACE ON THE GAME FIELD?
July 25, 2005 -- Baseball, football, soccer, basketball, hockey--you name it and someone in our world loves it. But where does God enter the playing field? Read "The Grace of Sports"[1] by Mark Galli, managing editor of Christianity Today magazine. Galli muses, "If Christ can't be found in sports, He can't be found in the modern world." He speaks of two realities: (1) the corrupt, sinful human nature that "literally applies to modern athletics" and (2) "sports as 'a means of grace...despite its corruptions.'" Galli illustrates his premises with modern sports stories where "kairos" took place. What's "kairos"? Read the full article and find out!
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"I'M NOT OLD" AND OTHER MERRY MYTHS!?!
July 21, 2005 -- Silly Stories and Jokes will tickle your funny bone, including "The Parachute Paradigm" and especially "I'm Not Old, Only Mature." Other humorous stories include some you may have seen or missed that circulate the Web: "A Procrastinator's Creed," "The Senility Prayer," "Murphy's Laws of Computing" and more. Chuckle at "How to Be a Good Wife" and be inspired by "The Story of the Gourd." Read "Laugh Lines" that include "Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it!"
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E-LIGHTHOUSE:
SHINING BRIGHTLY FOR OUR WORLD
July 21, 2005 -- Looking for an online church home? eLighthouse won't replace your real-life church family, but its variety of devotional and discipleship material can help you keep grounded in the faith throughout the week. From straightforward presentations of the Gospel and the basics of Christianity to more in-depth studies of doctrine and the Christian life, there's quite a bit of helpful material here.
Among other resources of interest is a large collectionbof weekly inspirational messages and an archive of audio messages in MP3 format. The eLighthouse Web site invites readers to "get grounded," "get wired," and "get plugged in."
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CLASSIC BIBLE COMMENTARIES FOR BIBLE STUDY AND RESEARCH
July 21, 2005 -- Classic Bible Commentaries, sponsored by E-Word Today makes it easy to access any commentary author, chapter and book, with cross-links to all authors, chapters and books--only one click away. The Web site also links closely with Bible Gateway so Web surfers can read a Bible passage and read several commentaries about the passage. As time permits, additional contemporary commentaries will be added. All commentaries are available in regular print and giant print. Be sure to visit E-Word Today to subscribe to a daily email devotional for large-print, daily Bible reading 4] and more, for "direct access to the Internet's most popular Christian devotionals and newsletters."
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AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY ADDRESSES CONTEMPORARY ISSUES
July 13, 2005 -- American Tract Society, with "100 years of changing lives," provides tracts for evangelism based on contemporary, "hot" issues of the day. Find "Terror in London," "War of the Worlds" and
"Ten Commandments," all available for online reading and for ordering. Visitors will also enjoy DigiTracts such as "Honor Our Heroes," "The
Adventures of Bubby Fly" and "Be Ready." ATS invites readers to "seek, share and shop" with help for spiritual seekers, tools for evangelism and an online store for ordering.
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"Jesus did not come to make us religious, but to bring us God's love."
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THE THOUGHT FACTORY
REACHES WEB USERS WITH REASON AND DIALOGUE
July 5, 2005 -- The Thought Factory is another Web site working to introduce visitors to Christ without beating them over the head with the Bible! Through a series of interviews, people profiles and articles covering pertinent topics and the place of the Church in society, the site offers interesting reading for Christians and non-Christians alike, while pointing visitors to the need for Christ. Take a look through the various writings, thoughts and invitations to dialogue to see a good example of Christianity, culture and the Internet intersecting to reach out to Web users.
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CREATING A HEART FOR MISSIONS IN THE FAMILY
July 5, 2005 -- How can a parent implant into children's hearts a love for missions? Read them true stories about missionaries! The National Children's Ministries Agency of the Assemblies of God provides true missionary stories, accompanied by downloadable coloring sheets. Titles include "The Book that Talks," "An Angel in the Ravine," "Escape from Rebels" and "Mango Manna." In addition, check out Wycliffe Kids Web, a fun missions-related Web site designed for kids online. Find also Children's Missions Resources at the CMA Evangelical denomination site online. Find missions-related links and articles for adults at the Antioch Internet Bible International.
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UPWORDS: THE MINISTRY AND TEACHINGS
OF MAX LUCADO
June 30, 2005 -- Max Lucado is one of the most recognized writers in Christian circles today. Known for his storytelling writing style and spiritual insight, Max Lucado has touched the hearts and lives of millions. Delve into Lucado's writings and enjoy his ministry at the UpWords Web site. View He Chose the Nails, a flash presentation
based on Lucado's book of the same title. Download a wealth of archived teaching resources from Max Lucado, listen to audio messages and subscribe to receive his most recent sermons on tape or CD; sample teaching videos and a free MP3 sample from "The Teaching Series" are also available.
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DEFENSE OF DEFENSE:
"CAPTURING THE LOW GROUND"
July 6, 2005 -- This highly significant article from Dr Wade
Bradshaw of L'Abri Fellowship explains how non-Christians view the Christian message today, and how our approach must change to accommodate it. He defends the value and necessity of apologetics. Tony Whittaker, author of the Web Evangelism Bulletin, says, "If you only follow one link in the Bulletin this time, make it this one!" (Courtesy of Web Evangelism Bulletin.)
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NEW ONLINE RESOURCE: THE DICTIONARY OF RELIGION
May 20, 2005 -- Have you ever come across a difficult religious name, term, or phrase? You might try out the new online Dictionary of Religion, unveiled this week by Gospelcom.net. The Dictionary, which draws on extensive resources provided by the Bible Gateway and the Christian History Institute, contains over 10,000 searchable religious words and ideas and should make a good companion to Bible reading or studies. Add it to your bookmarks, and see if it doesn't prove to be a useful complement to your online reading.
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CROWN FINANCIAL MINISTRIES
Discovering God's way of handling money.
Financial wisdom for your church, your family, your business.
If you have ever had money problems (in your church, family or business), or if you have ever wished you could serve the Lord better but worried because you had to work so hard at your job or just didn't have enough time available, etc., here is a wonderful website from a great organization that might be just what you need. More than just money or finances, Crown can help you discover God's way of living today that can free you from worldly struggles and set you free to serve Him the way He wants us to. Crown's goal is "Equipping people worldwide to learn, apply, and teach God's financial principles so they may know Christ more intimately, be free to serve Him, and help fund the Great Commission." Check out
CROWN FINANCIAL MINISTRIES
today and get on the road to real freedom.
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EVIDENCE FOR THE RESURRECTION
The historicity and veracity of the resurrection is crucial to the faith. An understanding of the overwhelming evidence can help us share our faith. Leadership University offers an overview by apologist Josh McDowell.
For a well-researched book in a very readable journalistic style on this subject, get Lee Strobel's THE CASE FOR CHRIST. And then lend it out!
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THE BIBLE LEAGUE: GOD'S WORD FOR THE WORLD
April 4, 2005 -- The Bible League, with over 65 years of successful ministry, provides missions news, ministry reports and testimonies for its readers. Read testimonies from Russia and a report on Africa with updated news on the Persecuted Church. The Bible League has
ministered to over 2.5 million new believers, discipling them in the Christian faith. The Bible League has placed over 640 million Scriptures in the hands of people, and has provided training to national church planters who have established over 25,000 new churches in unreached areas of the world. The Bible League has published Scriptures in 700 languages.
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SPIRITUAL SUPPORT FOR CANCER PATIENTS
AND THEIR FAMILIES
April 4, 2005 -- Cancer Treatment Centers of America sponsors Our
Journey of Hope, a service organization "initially a vision born in the heart of a cancer patient," with spiritual encouragement and hope for cancer patients and families. Access online articles, sermons, devos and other resources; interact with others also experiencing cancer. Connect with a trained counselor (telephone or email) who will listen and offer to pray with a caller. CTCA says it is "simply a way to extend to people a rope of love, support and hope as they navigate through the waters of a cancer diagnosis." Free services are also available to pastors, lay ministers, cancer patients and their families.
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DO "RIGHT" AND "WRONG" EXIST?
March 31, 2005 -- Do you believe in "right" and "wrong"? At the heart of much contemporary religious debate and discussion is a single question: do objective moral standards exist, or is morality entirely relative to each individual and society?
An article at the Quodlibet Journal of Christian Theology and Philosophy argues that moral standards do exist, and that there are solid, logical reasons for believing so. If you've ever found yourself in a debate about moral relativism, or if you've ever wondered how Christians can state with conviction that some things are morally right or wrong, this article offers some good food for thought.
Morality
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RECEIVE ASSIST NEWS REPORTS WITH A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
March 23, 2005 -- ASSIST News Service, headed by Dan Wooding, international journalist and founder of ASSIST Ministries, provides daily info, current events, reports on the Persecuted Church, missions and worldwide ministries, testimonies and prayer requests from
worldwide sources and correspondents. Enjoy "Easter Is a Worldwide Celebration of Life", and an especially appropriate article, "Easter: The Perfect Antidote for the Terrors of Living". Read an archived article, "The Resurrection of Jesus Is Back on Main Street" and Subscribe to this free newsletter of relevance to the Christian community.
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CHRISTIAN URBAN LEGENDS DEBUNKED
March 24, 2005 -- Did Darwin reject evolution on his deathbed? Has
NASA found a "missing day" that corroborates a famous Bible story? Chances are you've seen these and many other urban legends make their way through Christian email lists, church bulletins, and message boards. Nevertheless, if my inbox is any indication, several of these stories are still making the rounds. While there are several excellent sites devoted to debunking online urban legends, here's a myth-debunking page devoted to exposing the ones that have been circulated particularly heavily through online Christian channels. Even if you've been online long enough to see through these strangely resilient Christian myths, it's a handy URL to keep on hand in the event that an online friend takes them too seriously.
Debunking the Myths
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ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF SINGLES
AND SINGLE PARENTS
March 23, 2005 -- ChristianityToday.com provides the Christian Singles Channel with resources on dating, friendship, faith, self, work and more. Participate in chat and message boards; enjoy Bible studies. Single parents can find great resources, advice and encouragement that addresses single parents' needs: pertinent articles, faith and family devotionals, the ages and stages of children, a topic on kids and culture and much more. Find more resources for single parents at Focus On Your Child, an extension ministry of Focus on the Family, including an article, Single Dads Raising Daughters
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HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR CHURCH WEBSITE
March 17, 2005 -- Should your church have a website? How can your church develop an excellent web presence and steer clear of common church-website pitfalls? You don't have to be a technology guru to
transform your church or ministry website into something
praiseworthy--all it takes is a bit of dedication and a willingness to learn from common online mistakes, successes, and trends. So says Mike Atkinson in a series of excellent articles on the topic of church web design. Read Mike's advice on topics ranging from basic web design principles to search engine optimization--and while you're there, be sure to check out his blog, which touches on a wide range of topics related to smart online ministry.
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SEARCH THE WORD:
BIBLE TOOLS FOR THE SERIOUS STUDENT
March 15, 2005 -- Search the Word, sponsored by Heartlight
Magazine, a Christian magazine on the Net, provides a variety of Bible tools and resources for anyone interested in digging deep into study of God's Word. Find a Bible search and a Bible reading plan of value to all Christians. Pastors will appreciate "sermon essentials" helpful in sermon preparation. Popular daily devotionals such as "Bible Pathway," "My Utmost for His Highest" and Surgeon's "Morning and Evening" are accessible. Bible study tools include commentaries, concordances, history, dictionaries, encyclopedias and lexicons. The website is available in English, Spanish and Arabic.
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GOD EXISTS: AN ENGINEER TELLS WHY
July 20, 2004 -- For an intellectually-stimulating mix of theology and science from a Christian perspective, read the online 16-chapter book, God Exists: An Engineer Tells Why. Author Peter Soszek, a Christian engineer, explains, "It is written from a somewhat different perspective and tries from a logical and scientific viewpoint to help readers come to believe in the existence of God. It looks at various sciences such as mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics and even a little astronomy. A contentious chapter also discusses the theory of evolution. For interest, the book uses a combination of the writer's personal experiences as well as expressing technical viewpoints. The writer hopes to bring those in doubt to believe in God and those that already believe to help strengthen their faith."
Science and theology lovers, you're in for a real treat!
You can read actual excerpts from the chapters on-line and you can purchase the book from the author or from Amazon.com.
If you have enjoyed other books on proving God, such as Josh McDowell's "Evidence That Demands a Verdict," you'll enjoy this one.
GOD EXISTS: AN ENGINEER TELLS WHY
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Once upon a time, the Communist Party in the Soviet Union erected blocking towers in Khabarovsk (east coast of Russia) to block out gospel radio signals from Far East Broadcasting Company (FEBC) in the Philippines and beyond. Today that Khabarovsk site is the home of FEBC Russia. What’s more, some of those who worked for the communists, as atheists, jamming gospel radio signals there, still work at that site today, for FEBC Russia, as Christians, broadcasting the gospel.
Albanian Communist dictator Enver Hoxha established Radio Tirana to propagate atheism throughout Albania. But today Trans World Radio (TWR) broadcasts the gospel from that same site.
The Living God, who always has the last word, has an amazing sense of irony.
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BROWSE AN
ONLINE THEOLOGICAL LIBRARY
Interested in delving more deeply into a theological topic, but don't have easy access to a seminary or university library? Grace Online Library can help, with its massive online library of historic Christian texts from the Baptist, Reformed, and Puritan traditions covering theological topics ranging from the relatively straightforward to the mind-bogglingly complex. The personal project of Brian Dempsey, GOL is one of the most comprehensive online libraries you're likely to find with regards to Calvinism and the historic traditions that embraced and molded it.
GRACE ONLINE LIBRARY
(Church members: Let your Pastor know about this resource.)
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FLY HIGH
The Answer Is Above
If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.
The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.
A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.
In many ways, there are lots of people like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. They are struggling about with all their problems and frustrations, not ever realizing that the answer is right there 'above' them. Don't be limited by the 'low' problems of today. Instead, climb up to Him and then fly high.
Dr P G Vargis
Mission statesman and communicator
Leader of India Evangelical Team
http://www.pgv.com/
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"We can all pray. We all should pray. We should ask the fulfillment of God's will. We should ask for courage, wisdom, for the quietness of soul which comes alone to them who place their lives in His hands."
Harry Truman
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You should trust no one, and even ignore the finest saint on earth, if he blocks your sight of Jesus Christ.
Oswald Chambers
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FREE NEWSLETTER ON CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION
Around the world, in over 40 countries, our brothers and sisters daily face persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. They're not heroes or statistics, they're family. And for over 30 years, The Voice of the Martyrs has led the cause in making their voice heard. Learn more about today's persecuted church, by requesting a FREE subscription to VOM's monthly newsletter. You will be encouraged by their testimonies, learn to pray effectively, and discover practical ways you can become involved. Our persecuted brothers and sisters do not have to suffer in silence. We can join in their trials and triumphs as co-laborers in Christ. More details:
The Voice of the Martyrs
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"A satisfying prayer life elevates and purifies every act of body and mind and integrates the entire personality into a single spiritual unit. In the long pull we pray only as well as we live."
A. W. Tozer
(May I respectfully add, we will live only as well as we pray.)
Jim
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"I gotta tell somebody - what Jesus did for me."
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If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.
*****
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture or the pangs of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
*****
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
*****
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75 percent of this world.
*****
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8 percent of the world's wealthy.
*****
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
*****
Author unknown.
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Interested in learning how you can use your computer and the Internet to tell the world about our Lord? Just click on the WEB EVANGELISM link in the menu to the left and start using the talents the Lord gave you to reach others for Him.
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DON'T WE ALL
I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money. There are times when you feel generous, but there are other times that you just don’t want to he bothered. This was one of those ‘don’t want to be bothered' times.
"I hope he doesn’t ask me for any money," I thought.
He didn’t.
He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop, but he didn’t look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus.
After a few minutes he spoke.
“That’s a very pretty car,” he said.
He was ragged, but he had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly blond beard kept more than his face warm.
I said, “Thanks,” and continued wiping off my car.
He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us wid-ened, something inside said, “Ask him if he needs any help.” I was sure that he would say “Yes,” but I held true to the inner voice.
“Do you need any help?” I asked.
He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke the three words that shook me.
“Don’t we all?” he said.
I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit me like a twelve-gauge shotgun.
Don’t we all?
I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day.
Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help. Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that.
You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they don’t have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos, that only you through a torn world can see.
Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that. Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to a soul too comfortable in themselves.
Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum, then said, “Go minister to that man cleaning the car. That man needs help.”
Don’t we all?
Author Unknown
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Who is Jesus?
(Click to find out. Click your "back" button to return here.)
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HE NEVER CAME DRESSED THAT WAY AGAIN
(Author Unknown)
I saw him in the church building for the first time last Wednesday. He was in his mid-70's, with silver hair and a neat brown suit. Many times in the past I had invited him to come. Several friends had talked to him about the Lord and had tried to share the Good News with him. He was a well-respected, honest man with so many characteristics a Christian should have, but he had never put on Christ.
I had asked him a few years ago, "Have you ever been to a church service in your life?" We had just finished a pleasant day of visiting and talking. He hesitated, then with a bitter smile he told me of a childhood experience some sixty years ago.
He was one of many children in a large impoverished family. His parents had struggled to provide food, with little left for housing and clothing. When he was about ten, some neighbors invited him to worship with them. The Bible class had been very exciting. He had never heard such songs and stories before. He had never heard anyone read from the Bible before.
After class was over, the teacher took him aside and said, "Son, please don't come again dressed as you are now. We want to look our best when we come worship the Lord." He stood in his ragged, unpatched overalls, looked at his bare, dirty feet and said, "No ma'am, I won't ever!" And he never did.
There must have been other factors to have hardened him so, but this experience formed a significant part of the bitterness in his heart. I'm sure the Bible teacher meant well, but what if she had studied and accepted the teachings found in the second chapter of James? What if she had put her arms around that dirty, ragged little boy and said, "Son, I'm so glad you are here, and I hope you will come every chance you get to hear more about Jesus!"
I pray that I might ever be open to the tenderness of a child's heart, and that I might never fail to see beyond the appearance and behavior of a child to the eternal possibilities within.
Yes, I saw him in the church house for the first time last Wednesday. As I looked at that immaculately dressed old gentleman lying in his casket, I thought of the little boy of long ago. I could almost hear him saying, "No ma'am, I won't ever!" ... and I wept.
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Karl Barth was one of the most famous theologians of the 20th century. Once, when on a tour of the United States, someone asked him to state the most profound theological truth he knew. The old man thought for a few moments, and then said something truly amazing. Rather than quote from someone like Aquinas or Bonhoeffer, he instead quoted a child's song:
"Jesus loves me, this I know,
for the Bible tells me so."
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"While women weep as they do now, I'll fight; while little children go hungry, as they do now, I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight - I'll fight to the very end."
(William Booth - Founder of the Salvation Army)
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"If you tell the truth, you never have to remember anything."
Mark Twain
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WHY IT'S COOL TO BE A CHRISTIAN:
*You get to go to church all year long, not just at Easter and Christmas!*
*You get to put an outline of a fish on the back of your car!*
*Two words: Pot Luck.*
*You get to Honk if you a see a "Honk if you Love Jesus!" bumper sticker.*
*There's nothing cooler than singing in the choir every Sunday morning and being able to see all the people that doze off during the pastor's sermon...even the deacons!*
*Christians have the neatest T-shirts!*
*The alternative to Heaven is definitely NOT cool.*
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"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
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"Lord, when we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure." (Peter Marshall)
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A successful marriage isn't finding the right person
- It's being the right person.
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"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord, Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17)
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Christian History
Take a look at Christian history at the Christian History Institute website. It has a brand new women's section about women who contributed to Christian history and a section of events that happened on days in Christian history through the ages. Also quotes from great thinkers of the church. All at Christian History.
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Does anyone remember the Best Picture of 1981? Remember, the CHRISTIAN film that won the Academy Awards Best Picture award? It also won Best Supporting Actor, Best Costume Design, Best Original Screenplay, Best Music, Best Cinematography, Best Foreign Film, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. How did a CHRISTIAN movie come out of nowhere and win the big ones? Well, get to the video store and check out the video, "CHARIOTS OF FIRE," grab the kids, the popcorn and soda, and settle back for a GREAT night at the (home) movies. A wonderful movie that follows the college and Olympic careers of four members of the track team sent by Britain to the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. It's a film about real people and real events. Don't miss it - now showing at HOME.
