FOX News Segment Postulates Real Birthplace of Jesus Not in the West Bank

NOTE: Now here's a story and video that you'll find interesting. Share your thoughts by clicking "comments" below.

Reporter Dominic Waghorn interviewed Israeli archaeologist Aviram Oshri who claims that there is evidence that the Bethlehem mentioned in the New Testament is, in fact, another town of the same name located 200 miles north in the province of Galilee.

Waghorn started off by noting that in the only two gospels to give details of Jesus' birth there are historical inaccuracies, i.e. in Luke's account there is mention of a census that Waghorn claimed never happened. Additionally, Matthew's account - in contradiction to Luke's - claims that Bethlehem was Joseph and Mary's home town.



Read more of this story on News Hounds.

'In God We Trust' to Return to Face of $1 Coin

The national motto “In God We Trust,” which is currently inscribed on the edge of the presidential one dollar coins, will soon return to its original prominent position on the front or the back of the coin.

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Sam Brownback to move “In God We Trust” back to a prominent place on the coin was signed by President Bush on Wednesday as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008.

The move of the inscription from the edges to the front or back of the coin "shall be put into effect by the Secretary of the Treasury as soon as is practicable,” according to the provision.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Read a previous story on this site.

Hairoids

UNREAL #6

Good Dental Plan

Christians Lament Bhutto's 'Tragic' Death

Christian leaders expressed sadness at the news of the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and worry about its effect on democracy and stability in the politically tumultuous country.

“The murder of [the] former Prime Minister is one of the most tragic events in the history of Pakistan,” said the Rev. Johan Candelin, executive director of World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) Religious Liberty Commission.

“After working together with Mrs. Bhutto for democracy for several years I can say that her importance for democracy and human rights in Pakistan can never be underestimated.”

Pro-democracy opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, 54, was fatally shot Thursday minutes after concluding an election speech to thousands of supporters in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. As she stood waving to supporters from the sunroof of her white Land Rover, she was shot in the neck and then again in the chest by a suicide bomber who then detonated himself killing at least 28 people at the rally, according to CNN.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Read a related story on FOX News about the funeral of Benazir Bhutto.

Worry Defined

NOTE: If you have a good digital photo of a great church sign, send it to me and I may post it on this site.

'Very Religious Community' Gets Rid of 666 Phone Prefix

REEVES, La. — After decades of living with what Mayor Scott Walker calls a stigma, residents of this southwest Louisiana village are getting a new telephone exchange, one without the biblical connotations attached to their current 666.

Beginning this month, residents and businesses can change the first three digits of their phone numbers from 666 to 749. Walker said he's made the change on his phone; it's set to be official for City Hall Jan. 2, and Walker said he'd had "20" people contact him Friday morning — before 10 a.m. — about changing, as well.

"This boils down to, this is a very, very religious community," Walker said.

Read more of this story on FOX News.

Priests Scuffle, Throw Brooms, Stones Inside Bethlehem Church

BETHLEHEM, West Bank — Robed Greek Orthodox and Armenian priests went at each other with brooms and stones inside the Church of the Nativity on Thursday as long-standing rivalries erupted in violence during holiday cleaning.

The basilica, built over the grotto in Bethlehem where Christians believe Jesus was born, is administered jointly by Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic authorities. Any perceived encroachment on one group's turf can set off vicious feuds.

Read more of this story on FOX News.

New Gold-Colored Presidential Dollar Coins to be Unveiled

WASHINGTON — Coming soon on new presidential dollar coins — Old Hickory, Old Kinderhook, Old Man Eloquent and the Last of the Cocked Hats.

The U.S. Mint, the maker of the nation's coins, on Thursday is unveiling the stately images of the next four presidents whose faces will appear on the front of the shiny gold-colored dollar coins next year. James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren will be the new additions to the presidential dollar coin series that started with George Washington in February.

Read more of this story on FOX News.

Code For "Lunch"

Peaceful Christmas Village

A miniature Christmas village is the illustration used by the miniature evangelist James Croft to discuss "peace".

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? For more information visit Do You Know?

You can receive e-mail notifications when new videos are added:
Subscribe to Walking With The Giant Videos by Email

For more information about this ministry visit these sites:

• Evangelist James Croft
• Walking with the Giant Blog
• Walking with the Giant Podcast

You may also contribute financially to this ministry to help with evangelism projects by following these links:

• Credit Card
• Check or Money Order

May God richly bless you for your prayerful and financial support!

Brilliance For Dummies?

Spiritual Leaders Answer Life's Most Complex Questions

Acclaimed French filmmakers Jules and Gedeon Naudet explored some of the most complex questions bewildering the world's population in a television documentary that aired Sunday.

And who better to answer these questions than 12 respected spiritual leaders whose faiths represent 5 billion followers worldwide, said one filmmaker.

Both filmmakers, who created the award-winning "9/11" documentary, were in the World Trade Center creating a piece on New York's firefighters when the terrorist attacks took down the Twin Towers on Sept. 11.

Convinced that he was going to die, Jules Naudet asked himself questions that he believes most people asked themselves that day.

"These questions popped into my head: Why am I here? What is the meaning of my life?" said Jules. "I think the common one most people asked was 'Where was God that day?'"

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

UNREAL #5

Seven Medical Myths Even Doctors Believe

Reading in dim light won't damage your eyes, you don't need eight glasses of water a day to stay healthy and shaving your legs won't make the hair grow back faster.

These well-worn theories are among seven "medical myths" exposed in a paper published in the British Medical Journal, which traditionally carries light-hearted features in its Christmas edition.

Read more of this story on FOX News.

Self-Made Man

Blog Poll #22 Results

Our Blog Poll #22 question was, "What is the true meaning of Christmas?" and the results are:

• Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God 25 (86%)
• A time for gifts, sales, vacations and family gatherings 1 (3%)
• A great time to celebrate peace and unity 2 (6%)
• It's just another day 1 (3%)

Total Votes: 29

Here are the results of Blog Poll #21.

Lake Butler First Tonight

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Jason Johns at my home church, First Baptist Church of Lake Butler, tonight at 6:30 pm. The church is located at 195 East Main Street in Lake Butler, Florida.

The Truth About Christmas

The truth about Christmas is found in Luke 2:1-20 in the Holy Bible. Robin Croft shares this truth during a Christmas celebration with her family.

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? For more information visit Do You Know?

You can receive e-mail notifications when new videos are added:
Subscribe to Walking With The Giant Videos by Email

For more information about this ministry visit these sites:

• Evangelist James Croft
• Walking with the Giant Blog
• Walking with the Giant Podcast

You may also contribute financially to this ministry to help with evangelism projects by following these links:

• Credit Card
• Check or Money Order

May God richly bless you for your prayerful and financial support!

Can a Christian Deny the Virgin Birth?

Can a true Christian deny the virgin birth? This question would perplex the vast majority of Christians throughout the centuries, but modern denials of biblical truth make the question tragically significant. Of all biblical doctrines, the doctrine of Christ's virginal conception has often been the specific target of modern denial and attack.

Attacks upon the virgin birth emerged in the aftermath of the Enlightenment, with some theologians attempting to harmonize the anti-supernaturalism of the modern mind with the church's teaching about Christ. The great quest of liberal theology has been to invent a Jesus who is stripped of all supernatural power, deity, and authority.

Read more of this story by Albert Mohler, Jr. on The Christian Post.

Which List Are You On?

O Little Town of Bethlehem

This video was produced as part of a story for the Florida Times-Union by Jon M. Fletcher.

Holiday cross has new home after KY business says it could 'offend'

A gas company in Owensboro, Kentucky, decided not to light its 50-foot by 30-foot cross for Christmas this year because of concerns over offending people of faiths other than Christianity. The controversy has ended with the donation of the cross to a local Baptist church.

Texas Gas Transmission's Owensboro affiliate had been lighting the cross for four decades before the company's decision not to do it this year.

Read more of this story on OneNewsNow.

Cowsills Christmas

The Cowsills was my favorite group in my much-younger days. 8-)

Santa's GPS

B.C.

Away In A Manger

Still Chubby

Baby Jesus Will Get a GPS for Christmas

BAL HARBOUR, FL (AP) -- A baby Jesus statue in Florida is getting a GPS tracking device for Christmas.

The statue is part of a nativity scene in the city's Founders Circle.

It's being equipped with the device after a previous baby statue went missing, even though it had been bolted down.

Read more of this story on First Coast News.

Game Show Question

It was the final answer for the big game show and the contestant was one question away from the big 1 million dollar prize.

"To be today's champion," the show's smiling host intoned, "name two of Santa's reindeer."

The contestant gave a sigh of relief, gratified that she had drawn such an easy question.....no life line was needed.

"Rudolph!" she said confidently, "and, ...Olive!"

The studio audience started to applaud (as the little sign above their heads said to do), but the clapping quickly faded into mumbling, and the confused host replied, "Yes, we'll accept Rudolph, but could you please explain.. 'Olive?!?'"

"You know," she said as she circled her hand forward impatiently and began to sing, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glowed. Olive, the other reindeer..."

Presidential Message: Christmas 2007

"But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High...his kingdom will never end.'"

Luke 1:30-33

During the Christmas season, our thoughts turn to the source of joy and hope born in a humble manger on a holy night more than 2,000 years ago. Each year, Christians everywhere celebrate this single life that changed the world and continues to change hearts today. The simple and inspiring story of the birth of Jesus fills our souls with gratitude for the many blessings in our lives and promises that God's purpose is justice and His plan is peace.

At this special time of year, we give thanks for Christ's message of love and mercy, and we are reminded of our responsibility to serve. America is blessed to have fine citizens who reach out with a compassionate hand to help brothers and sisters in need. We also remember our brave men and women in uniform who have volunteered to defend us in distant lands. Many of those who have answered the call of duty will spend Christmas far from home and separated from family. We honor their sacrifice, ask God to watch over them and their families, and pray for their safe return.

Christmas is a time to rejoice and remember the birth of Jesus Christ. Laura and I pray your Christmas will be blessed with family and fellowship, and we wish you a day of glad tidings. Merry Christmas.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Source: whitehouse.gov

Oklahoma University Reverses Ban on 'Christmas'

In an 11th hour move before Christmas, the president of Southwestern Oklahoma University announced this week the school has reversed its ban on the word “Christmas,” allowing staff members to display religious symbols in their offices as well as greet each other with holiday salutations.

The clarification followed a directive issued by David Misak, director of Human Resources, to university staff that decorations featuring the word "Christ" or Christmas" be immediately removed from Weatherford school’s lobbies and offices, according to the Liberty Counsel. Employees were also instructed to not use the word “Christmas” in e-mails.

Various staff members confirmed to Liberty Counsel that they were not allowed to use the holiday greeting in e-mail or voicemail and that the ITS department was told to remove from the university introduction page a statement that read: "Have a very Happy Holiday ... Merry Christmas ... Happy New Year."

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Perfect Gift

GodTube.com Brings Bible into Digital Age

GodTube.com launched the first Virtual Video Bible and the world’s first Virtual Video Prayer Wall this week, bringing the Bible into the digital age for the 2.1 billion Christians around the world.

“Bible 2.0,” reported as the world’s first online interactive Virtual Video Bible, provides an interactive way to access the Bible through videos, photos and real life experiences uploaded by millions.

The Virtual Video Bible offers the entire text of the Bible – from Genesis to Revelation – which is brought to life by accompanying videos for every chapter. Line by line, the Bible comes to life using GodTube.com’s 800,000 hours of video, which range from music videos to comedy to sermons and a wide array of user-generated content.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Persistence pays off as NJ city officials allow public nativity scene

Officials in Teaneck, New Jersey, have agreed to allow a nativity scene to be publicly displayed, after decades of denials.

Two years ago, Teaneck resident Hector Ferrer submitted an application to the city council requesting that a nativity scene be included with other public decorations. The request was rejected on the grounds that the nativity scene would be too emotional. But last year Ferrer approached the council again, and his request was approved. However, after receiving the display, city officials put the nativity scene behind a large bush where it could not be seen.

Read more of this story on OneNewsNow.

Wreath Of God

Ft. White On Sunday

I will be preaching in supply for Pastor Andy Thomas at Elim Baptist Church on Sunday, December 23, 2007 at 11am and 6pm. The church is located at 6855 SW Elim Church Road near Ft. White, Florida.

No Political News

Church Transportation

NOTE: If you have a good digital photo of a great church sign, send it to me and I may post it on this site.

Hmmmmm

Norm and Company

UNREAL #4

You Better Watch Out

NORAD Santa Tracking

The flight of Santa Claus this year is once again being tracked by the North American Air Defense Command, known as NORAD. They have a cool website with a lot of features. It is very interesting to read how this tracking tradition began in the 1950's. Follow this link to track Santa.

I guess I'm still a kid at heart.

Arizona city renames Christmas tree under pressure from liberal group

Attorneys at the Alliance Defense Fund are offering free legal assistance to officials in a small Arizona community who were threatened with a lawsuit over the town's Christmas tree.

City leaders in Queen Creek have replaced the name "Christmas" with "holiday" on the community tree after a liberal legal group threatened a lawsuit over the use of "Christmas."

Read more of this story on OneNewsNow.

Routes Taken

Cartoon by Dave Walker. Find more cartoons you can freely re-use on your blog at We Blog Cartoons.

Feeding Reindeer And Singing Jingle Bells

Sarah and Alexx feed the reindeer and sing Jingle Bells at Olustee Park in Lake City, Florida in 2004. Oh, the simple pleasures of Christmas.

Do you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? For more information visit Do You Know?



You can receive e-mail notifications when new videos are added:
Subscribe to Walking With The Giant Videos by Email

For more information about this ministry visit these sites:

• Evangelist James Croft
• Walking with the Giant Blog
• Walking with the Giant Podcast

You may also contribute financially to this ministry to help with evangelism projects by following these links:

• Credit Card
• Check or Money Order

May God richly bless you for your prayerful and financial support!

New Motivation Idea

Huckabee Defends 'Merry Christmas' Campaign Ad

NOTE: I'm not posting this story from the "political" perspective, but from the "Christmas" perspective. Should candidates be allowed to wish you a merry Christmas? You can express your thoughts on this ad by clicking "comments" below.

UPDATE: You can view the Huckabee Christmas ad here.

Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee stood steadfast by his new ad in which he wishes American voters of all faiths a "Merry Christmas."

In the ad, the former Baptist preacher wears a red sweater and stands before a Christmas tree as “Silent Night” plays in the background. As he speaks, a cross-like image, which he explains is just bookshelves, seems to glow behind him.

“Are you about worn out by all the television commercials you’ve been seeing, mostly about politics? Well, I don’t blame you,” says Huckabee in the ad. “At this time of year sometimes it’s nice to pull aside from all of that and just remember that what really matters is the celebration of the birth of Christ and being with our family and friends.”

“I hope you and your family have a magnificent Christmas season. God bless you and Merry Christmas.”

The former Arkansas governor has been criticized for the ad by some for going too far with mixing religion and politics.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

A Real Christmas

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Luke 2:25-35

This Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against. —Luke 2:34

About this cover

A quotation in our church’s Advent devotional guide caused me to rethink my approach to Christmas:

“Let us at all costs avoid the temptation to make our Christmas worship a withdrawal from the stress and sorrow of life into a realm of unreal beauty. It was into the real world that Christ came, into the city where there was no room for Him, and into a country where Herod, the murderer of innocents, was king.

“He comes to us, not to shield us from the harshness of the world but to give us the courage and strength to bear it; not to snatch us away by some miracle from the conflict of life, but to give us peace—His peace—in our hearts, by which we may be calmly steadfast while the conflict rages, and be able to bring to the torn world the healing that is peace.”

When Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus to the Lord, Simeon said to them: “Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:34-35).

Christmas is not a retreat from reality but an advance into it alongside the Prince of Peace.
—David C. McCasland

Christ did not come to shield us from
The grief and pain of life;
But those who have His peace inside
Can thrive within the strife. —Sper

Jesus came to give light to a dark world.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Basics Of Faith > Jesus Christ > Humanity/Birth

'What Would Jesus Really Do?' Examines War on Christmas

The host of the high-ranking CNN program “What Would Jesus Really Do?” which featured Christian heavyweights like Rick Warren and Bishop T.D. Jakes, will return to airwaves this Friday to examine how secular influences have led to the de-emphasis of Christmas in America.

“We hear that ‘Jesus is the reason for the season,’” says host Roland Martin in an interview with The Christian Post, “but how in the world can you celebrate Christmas without mentioning Christ?”

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Start Of A Bad Day

Over 80 JOY Boxes Thus Far

As of today, we have received a little over 80 shoe boxes filled with gifts for the JCEA JOY Box Ministry. Many of the boxes were prepared by donors while others contributed financially for our volunteers to purchase and prepare the boxes. We did not receive enough to provide one for each of the 467 nursing home residents in Baker and Columbia Counties; however, this is not a bad number for the first year of the program. I'll post the exact numbers and details about the distribution of the boxes later in the week

Please be in prayer for each box and each resident. You know, not only should we pray for the nursing home residents, but we should also visit them from time to time. A donation of your time is the most valuable gift of all.

1914 Christmas Card Defines Snail Mail

OBERLIN, Kan. -- A postcard featuring a color drawing of Santa Claus and a young girl was mailed in 1914, but its journey was slower than Christmas.

It just arrived in northwest Kansas.

The Christmas card was dated Dec. 23, 1914, and mailed to Ethel Martin of Oberlin, apparently from her cousins in Alma, Neb.

Read more of this story on News4Jax.

Barbara Walters Criticizes White House Biblical Christmas Card

Barbara Walters recently criticized a Christmas card she received from the White House this year for featuring a seven-line scripture from the Bible.

The card, signed by the President and Mrs. Bush, was among a small stack of Christmas cards showcased by Walters on last Thursday’s episode of ABC’s “The View.”

“Usually in the past when I have received a Christmas card, it's been 'Happy Holidays' and so on,” said Walters.

Although Walters couldn’t recall receiving a “religious” Christmas card from the White House, past Christmas greetings sent by the President and Mrs. Bush have contained Biblical scripture.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Africans v. Americans: Christianity Not Part Time in the South

WASHINGTON – African Christians regard their Christian faith as their whole life and not just a part-time activity, said the head of the World Council of Churches on Sunday.

The Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia’s response was to a question posed by Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III of the famed Washington National Cathedral about why Christianity was exploding in Africa whereas Christian denominations in the United States have been reporting declining membership.

“Religion is seen not as a part-time occupation, but it permeates the whole life,” WCC General Secretary Kobia answered. “There are many Africans therefore that think their future will be much more hopeful if they embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Senior center reverses course, permits religious Christmas decor

Residents of a senior citizens apartment community in Pennsylvania will be allowed to display religious Christmas decorations -- after property managers reversed an earlier decision that prohibited such displays.

Read more of this story on OneNewsNow.

Fear Not!

The Back Pew

UNREAL #3

You Get What You Pay For?

Heard Around Deep Creek...

Sign At The Deep Creek Dime Store:

"We have no quarrel with those that sell for less -- they obviously know what their merchandise is worth."

Forever Joyful

Our Daily Bread

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: 1 Timothy 6:6-16

Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you . . . might become rich. —2 Corinthians 8:9

About this cover

Wall Street Journal columnist Jonathan Clements offered his readers “Nine Tips for Investing in Happiness.” Interestingly, one of his suggestions was precisely the same as that given in the favorite old hymn by Johnson C. Oatman, “Count Your Many Blessings.” Clements urges us not to brood over the riches of our neighbors but to focus on the many blessings we actually do possess. That’s wise counsel, provided that we realize our spiritual wealth in Jesus is immeasurably more valuable than any material possessions.

God didn’t give us the Bible as a guidebook for happiness. Yet it tells us how we can be eternally joyful and how we can experience joy on our way to that eternal happiness. So it’s enlightening to compare biblical truth with common-sense advice.

“Godliness with contentment is great gain,” Paul wrote to Timothy (1 Tim. 6:6). The apostle wanted his protégé to understand that being grateful for the basics of life would help keep him from the trap of covetousness.

So let’s focus on the wonders of God’s grace, training ourselves to make a spirit of gratitude pervade our lives. That’s the way to experience joy today and to be forever joyful.
—Vernon C Grounds

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high. —Oatman

Count your many blessings and you’ll soon lose count.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Christian Life > Attitudes > Joy

Make A Wish, Sorta...

Student Sues History Teacher Over Anti-Christian Comments

A lawsuit filed by a high school honors student and his parents against a California history teacher for anti-religion bias has ignited debate about the role of a teacher’s convictions in the classroom.

Sophomore Chad Farnan tape-recorded his teacher’s alleged “derogatory remarks” about traditional Christian viewpoints and comments that exhibited “hostility” toward Christianity.

Some of the comments by his teacher, James Corbett, included, "When you put on your Jesus glasses, you can't see the truth” and "Conservatives don't want women to avoid pregnancies – that's interfering with God's work.” The comments were made while he was teaching Advanced Placement European history at Capistrano Valley High School.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Blog Poll #21 Results

Our Blog Poll #21 question was, "Do you think 'Christmas' and all that surrounds it (decorations, music, school breaks, etc.) should be referenced by another name, such as 'winter holidays'?" and the results are:

• Yes, we should make all faiths feel comfortable 4 (7%)
• Yes, any form of Christianity offends me 1 (1%)
• No, leave well-enough alone 1 (1%)
• No, this is a widely understood celebration of the birth of Christ 47 (88%)
• Bah-humbug! 0 (0%)

Total Votes: 53

Here are the results of Blog Poll #20.

Key To Success

Fishing On Sunday

A village pastor, known for his weakness for trout, preached against fishing on Sunday.

The next day one of his members presented him with a fine string of fish and said, hesitatingly, "I guess I ought to tell you, parson, that those trout were caught on Sunday."The minister hesitated, gazed appreciatively at the speckled trout, and then said piously as he reached for his gift, "The fish aren’t to blame for that."

454 To Go

Number of JOY Boxes collected as of Saturday, December 15, 2007	13
Number of JOY Boxes still needed by Monday, December 17, 2007	454

JCEA JOY Box Ministry

UNREAL #2

We Need God And People

Our Daily Bread

READ: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I will pray. —Psalm 5:2

About this cover

In 2006, while promoting the film Rocky Balboa, Sylvester Stallone surprised Christians with what he revealed. He said that his faith in Jesus Christ had not only influenced the writing of the first Rocky film but that his decision to create the final movie was inspired by his renewed affiliation with Christianity. As part of this transformation, Stallone realized that a poor choice had previously guided his life—self-reliance. He says, “You need to have the expertise and the guidance of someone else.” Stallone learned something that many people are beginning to acknowledge—we need God and we need other people.

The Bible confirms our need for God and others. David expressed his reliance on God through crying out to Him and pleading with Him in prayer. “Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I will pray” (Ps. 5:2). And in Ecclesiastes we read that Solomon encouraged a proper reliance on others. In fact, he said helping each other can strengthen us, but individualism and self-reliance are dangerous and make for weakness. Two acting together are better than one self-reliant individual (4:9-12).

God gave us each other. Let’s passionately rely on His power and draw from the help of others. —Marvin Williams

Christian fellowship provides us
With encouragement and love;
It will help us in our journey,
Till we reach our home above. —Sper

We can go a lot further together than we can go alone.

For similar resources, search these topics:

Christian Life > Attitudes > Encouragement

457 To Go

Number of JOY Boxes collected as of Friday, December 14, 2007	10
Number of JOY Boxes still needed by Monday, December 17, 2007	457

ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT!!!

You are invited to help bring Christmas JOY to residents of nursing homes in Baker and Columbia Counties (Florida) by filling a shoebox sized container with a few needed and enjoyable items. We only have three days until the boxes are due in the James Croft Evangelistic Association JOY Box Ministry. A total of 467 boxes are needed to ensure each resident of the five nursing homes in Baker and Columbia Counties each receive a box of JOY. Boxes may be submitted until Monday, December 17, 2007 at Mercantile Bank in Macclenny, Beulah Baptist Association in Lake City or call 386.867.3199.

For more information on box contents, drop-off locations or to participate in this ministry visit JCEA JOY Box. New information, news and ideas concerning the program will be posted on this site as warranted.

Other JOY Box weblinks:

• JOY Box website
• Program Updates
• Program Flyer
• Financial Contributions
• "Walking" JOY Box Photos
• "Walking" JOY Box Video
  

You will experience true Christian JOY when you put Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last! Share this JOY with others this Christmas with JOY Boxes for nursing home residents. The JOY Boxes will be delivered to residents for Christmas. JCEA will place a Gospel tract in each box as we are attempting to share the JOY of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Basket Case

NOTE: If you have a good digital photo of a great church sign, send it to me and I may post it on this site.

Conflicting Diets

Merry Tossmas

Check out this edition of Stoplight with Stuart Shepard called Merry Tossmas. This is a really good video story.

UNREAL #1

Over the next couple of weeks I'll be sharing ten of these videos from the UNREAL campaign by NeedHim ministry. Post your thoughts about the commercials by clicking "comments" below.

MTV Airs 'Unreal' Gospel Video Spots

An innovative media outreach ministry has launched an edgy television campaign targeting the MTV generation.

Called the "UNREAL" Gospel campaign, TV commercials have begun airing on MTV and other media outlets this month with messages designed to reach out to a culture in despair and in need of hope.

"Some will call the TV spots edgy. Others will be startled at the graphics. And many will relate to the feelings and emotions the spots address," said Drew Dickens, executive director of NeedHim Ministries, which created TV campaign. "For those who know the distortion and despair of our culture today, the message of the UNREAL spots is hope. As the characters remind the viewer ...through Jesus, I am real again."

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Exchange Of Gifts

Think About It...

"Christmas is based on an exchange of gifts, the gift of God to man- His unspeakable gift of His Son; and the gift of man to God- when we present our bodies as a living sacrifice." - Vance Havner

White As Snow

The Back Pew

New River Baptist Sunday Night

I will be preaching in supply for Interim Pastor Dr. Jerry Gesell, Sr. on Sunday, December 16, 2007 at 6pm at New River Baptist Church. The church is located at 16703 SW 144th Ave. in Brooker, Florida.

U.S. House okays resolution recognizing Christianity, Christmas

Thanks to the efforts of an Iowa congressman, Christmas and the Christian faith are receiving the same congressional recognition afforded other religions.

Representative Steve King (R-Iowa) is pleased that his Christmas resolution, recognizing the importance of Christmas and the Christian faith, was able to pass on Tuesday night with bipartisan support. H. Res. 847 passed on a 372-9 vote, all "nay" votes coming from Democrats. Ten House members (nine Democratic) voted "present."

The Iowa lawmaker says the resolution follows two similar bills honoring both the Hindu and the Islamic religions and their respective holidays.

Read more of this story on OneNewsNow.

Church Movement Aims to Restore 'Scandal' of Christmas

Churches around the world are joining an emerging international movement to restore the “scandal” of Christmas by observing the holiday more authentically.

The Advent Conspiracy – the name of the movement – calls on churches and their members to give simpler but more thoughtful gifts that foster relationships. Christians are then encouraged to use the money they would have spent on expensive gifts to help the needy around the world.

“It’s called the Advent Conspiracy, because Jesus’ birth - his coming or ‘advent’ – was done in secret, almost hidden,” said Rick McKinley, senior pastor of Imago Dei Community Church in Portland, Ore., and an organizer of the movement. “His coming was scandalous. He didn’t come parading as a king. He didn’t come posturing for power. And he gave himself away to others.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

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Grief Is Messy

Our Daily Bread

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READ: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. —1 Thessalonians 4:13

About this cover

The film We Are Marshall tells of the November 14, 1970, plane crash that took the lives of most of the Marshall University football team, the coaching staff, and many community leaders of Huntington, West Virginia. Seventy-five lives were lost in the crash, which devastated the university and the community. Through the composite characters of Paul Griffen and Annie Cantrell, the film dramatizes the aftermath of the crash. Their stories intertwine because Griffen’s son, Chris, was Annie’s fiancé. When Chris died, their lives were plunged into a year of pain that seemed unbearable. Why? Because, as Paul told Annie, “Grief is messy.”

He was right, grief is messy. All of us grieve at one time or another—including those of us who are Christ-followers. For the believer, however, there is something beyond the tears, pain, and loss. There is hope.

Writing to a church family who had seen loved ones taken in death, Paul acknowledged the reality of grief. But he challenged them not to “sorrow as others who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13). Loss and death are part of life, but believers can face them, knowing that Christians never say goodbye for the last time. We can comfort one another (v.18) with the hope of the resurrection and a future reunion.
—Bill Crowder

The Lord has promised to prepare
A place in heaven above—
A home where we will always be
With Him and those we love. —Sper

Because Christ lives, death is not tragedy but triumph.

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Christian Life > Personal Crisis > Sorrow/Grief

One of Asia's tallest Jesus statues graces Indonesian city

A Protestant property developer had built what may be Asia's tallest statue of Jesus Christ in a Christian region of predominantly Muslim Indonesia.

Officials and Christian leaders inaugurated the 30-metre (98.4-foot) high statue last week in Manado city, in the mainly Christian province of North Sulawesi.

The white-robed Jesus with upraised hands stands on a 32-metre high hill in a residential estate built by Ciputra, a property company named after its founder.

Read more of this story on Christian Today.

Cloned Pastor

NOTE: This joke is so bad....

A pastor who was badly overworked went to the local medical center and was able to have a clone made. The clone was like the pastor in every respect--except that the clone used extraordinarily foul language. The cloned pastor was exceptionally gifted in many other areas of pastoral work, but finally the complaints about the dirty language were too much.The pastor was not too sure how to get rid of the clone so that it wouldn't look like murder. The best thing, he decided, was to make the clone's death look like an accident. So the pastor lured the clone onto a bridge in the middle of the night and pushed the clone off the bridge.

Unfortunately there was a police officer who happened by at that very moment and arrested the pastor for making an obscene clone fall.

Only 7 Days Left For JOY Boxes

You are invited to help bring Christmas JOY to residents of nursing homes in Baker and Columbia Counties (Florida) by filling a shoebox sized container with a few needed and enjoyable items. We only have seven days until the boxes are due in the James Croft Evangelistic Association JOY Box Ministry. A total of 467 boxes are needed to ensure each resident of the five nursing homes in Baker and Columbia Counties each receive a box of JOY. Boxes may be submitted until Monday, December 17, 2007 at Mercantile Bank in Macclenny or Beulah Baptist Association in Lake City.

For more information on box contents, drop-off locations or to participate in this ministry visit JCEA JOY Box. New information, news and ideas concerning the program will be posted on this site as warranted.

Other JOY Box weblinks:

• JOY Box website
• Program Updates
• Program Flyer
• Financial Contributions
• "Walking" JOY Box Photos
• "Walking" JOY Box Video
  

You will experience true Christian JOY when you put Jesus first, Others second and Yourself last! Share this JOY with others this Christmas with JOY Boxes for nursing home residents. The JOY Boxes will be delivered to residents for Christmas. JCEA will place a Gospel tract in each box as we are attempting to share the JOY of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

F-Leas On My Dog

The Back Pew

Christians Protest Removal of 'Christmas' in Holiday Advertising

It used to be that retailers would call the famous holiday plant for what it was – a “Christmas tree.”

But current trends in Christmas advertising reveal that many stores are replacing references to “Christmas” with what they feel is a less offensive description of their products.

K-Mart, owned by Sears Holding Corporation, is the target of an e-mail alert issued by one Christian legal group for its renaming of “Christmas trees” to “holiday trees” or simply “trees” in its advertising.

According to the Fla.-based Liberty Counsel, when one of its supporters asked K-Mart for an explanation of the company’s disregard for Christmas, a Sears Holding Corporation representative said the company replaced the phrase in order not to draw complaints from non-Christians.

Read more of this story on The Christian Post.

Irish state radio objects to word 'crib' in Christmas ad

The Catholic Church in the Republic of Ireland has had to remove the word “crib” from a Christmas advert on Irish state radio station Radio Telefís Éireann (RTE), on the grounds that it could be seen as promoting Christianity.

It was claimed that the word “crib” broke broadcasting regulations that prohibit advertisements promoting religion.

Read more of this story on Christian Today.

Heisman winner has priorities in order

NEW YORK (BP)--Football rates a mere fourth on his list of priorities behind God, family and academics. Even so, in New York City Dec. 8 Tim Tebow became the first college sophomore to win the famed Heisman Trophy in the 70-plus years of the award.

The University of Florida quarterback was a finalist along with Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, Hawaii quarterback Colt Brennan and Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel. The trophy is one of the most prestigious individual awards in all of sports.

"I'd just like to first start off by thanking my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who gave me the ability to play football and gave me a great family and a support group and great coaches and everything around me," a breathless Tebow said at the ceremony, moments after the award was announced. Going on to thank teammates, high school coaches, his parents and siblings, Tebow repeated thanks to Jesus Christ and drew laughter when pledging his love for his chosen school for the third time.

Read more of this story on Baptist Press.