HI, AGAIN, FRIENDS,

and welcome!  For you to also greet our nine newcomers for this past week, go to
the homepage at

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianWitnesses/,

and sign in at the top, then click "New Members."  A "Sermonic Reflections"
section appears at the end.  Best to you and yours, Joe.

Remember that you can offer items for the whole group; just follow the
guidelines posted on the homepage.

Now for:


THIS WEEK'S BIBLE READING:

As is our custom we will be reading the following together while each is
encouraged to try to make some kind of thoughtful personal application.  Going
week to week, the scriptures are presented in order, all being useful for
teaching and training us perfectly, the Bible itself being the best teacher of
all:

1 Corinthians 6:12 "Everything is permissible for me"—but not everything is
beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"—but I will not be mastered by
anything. 13 "Food for the stomach and the stomach for food"—but God will
destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the
Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 By his power God raised the Lord from the
dead, and he will raise us also. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are members
of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a
prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a
prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one
flesh." 17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.

18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his
body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know
that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have
received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price.
Therefore honor God with your body.


CHRISTIAN SONGS TO GLADDEN THE HEART:

Be Thou My Vision http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/t/btmvison.htm
Stand Up For Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r11Gmdq__-8
Medley Of Hymns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHgtsJUz4H0&feature=related


RECIPE FOR GET-TOGETHERS:

Blackberry Mint Sorbet: http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps/bla2f109.htm


FOR BIBLE RESEARCH OR STUDY:

Holy Land Cities

ACROPOLIS, GREECE http://flickr.com/search/?q=Acropolis+Greece&m=text
ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT - RUINS
http://flickr.com/search/?q=Alexandria+Egypt+ruins&m=text
BABYLON, IRAQ http://flickr.com/search/?q=Babylon+Iraq&m=text
BETHLEHEM, ISRAEL http://flickr.com/search/?q=Bethlehem+Israel&m=text
CAPERNAUM, ISRAEL http://flickr.com/search/?q=Capernaum+Israel&m=text
CORINTH, GREECE http://flickr.com/search/?q=Corinth+Greece&m=text
EPHESUS, TURKEY http://flickr.com/search/?q=Ephesus&m=text
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL http://flickr.com/search/?q=Jerusalem+Israel&page=2
NAZARETH, ISRAEL http://flickr.com/search/?q=Nazereth+Israel&m=text
ROME, ITALY http://flickr.com/search/?q=Rome+Italy&m=text


RELIGION AND OTHER NEWS:

Numerous articles on current happenings among different religions around the
earth: http://www.religionnewsblog.com/ This time there are several about
Scientology.

All the Christian Witnesses sites also seek to be helpful for people harmed by
the various harsh and rigid groups.

The new christianwitnesses.com website continues to expand the ministry for
helping former and exiting Jehovah's Witnesses, and this past week a
Facebook.com equivalent was added.

Slowly but surely items for those burnt by other such groups are also being
developed.

A related bit of news is that on cable TV "Worlds Apart" has been showing.  It's
about JWs and ExJWs in Denmark.  JW Elders there get to wear beards; those in
the U.S. are not allowed to.

Thousands have come and keep coming because our fellowship is gentle with the
simple but invaluable goal of Christian happiness.


SERMONIC REFLECTIONS:

Snow worked its way up close to where I live but didn't quite make it.  When I
drove my wife to a doctor's appointment we saw where it had sprinkled the
ground, and the local TV channel showed it.  God's angels are also here then
there, coming and going, generally unseen though described in the Bible.

Outside my window I hear children playing, a whistle blowing.  There was a
policeman who came by in a car across the street.  He carried papers in his
hands and delivered those at a door there.  Romans 13 speaks of God's ministers
who carry the sword, the authorities he allows to keep order here upon earth.

Do we truly try to show respect for them?  They often put their very lives on
the line; sometimes lose those for us.  Christ did the same though his act was
greater in its application to us all.

It's always time for Thanksgiving.  Every day we can be grateful and thanking
God.  Paul did so when his life was saved.  It's a great example.  Israel also
had an annual ingathering, a time for giving thanks for bountiful crops God had
blessed them with.

So many thoughts come.  My life's road is only so long.  Yours too.  The same
for us all.  As we go along the road may we remember, learn, help others who
come behind.

Last but not least: Let us remember the poor and hungry, this week, too.  Amen.


Your fellow servant in Christ,


Joe Sitting At The Computer In Kansas

OUTSIDE THE WINDOW:

I sit at the computer looking outside.  The leaves of the crabapple have turned
mostly gold, some splotches remaining of green fading to yellow, rust mottling
the mixture, remaining crabapples a dull brownish red to cranberry red.

The leaves barely twitter in the poweder blue, sky that is turning colder. 
Beyond lie leaf-clustered still green lawns and gold-to-scarecrow nude frames of
trees.

God is trying to tell me something with this true painting.  I know it's both a
very simple and also deep teaching.

Suddenly the wind picks up and lady crabtree is all a-jiggle.  Holy Spirit is
like that.  It can quicken the body fast; yet the message is sometimes a bit
slow to translate.

WORD OF PRAYER:

"Heavenly Father, God Almighty, thank You for our breath of life,and we pray
that in one way or another we will all be using that breath to Your glory. 
Thank You for your kindness and unsurpassed mercies, the wonders of Your
creation about us from the starry heavens to within our beings and planet-wide. 
Remember Your Son Jesus Christ we do pray to You, beloved Father, Amen.

SONGS TO GLADDEN THE HEART:

Go Tell It On The Mountain; John W. Work Jr; 1907. Work was a musically gifted
African American minister http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/o/gotitotm.htm

Hark The Herald Angels Sing. Charles Wesley wrote the words in 1739.  The music
came from Felix Mendelssohn. http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/h/a/hhangels.htm
Music: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/mid/d/e/n/dent_dale.mid

Lilly Of The Valley.  By Charles W. Fry in 1881.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/i/lilyvall.htm

FOR BIBLE RESEARCH OR STUDY:

Biblical Archaeology Review http://www.bib-arch.org/

Ark Of The Covenant http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ark_of_the_Covenant
Ephod http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephod

RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING GET-TOGETHERS: (Candy Apples)
http://www.garvick.com/recipes-ms/hal4m106.htm

OUR BIBLE READING:

As is our custom all are encouraged to read the Bible reading then try to find
some way to make a personal application of it:

1 Corinthians 6:1 If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it
before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? 2 Do you not know
that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you
not competent to judge trivial cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge
angels? How much more the things of this life! 4 Therefore, if you have disputes
about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church!
5 I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise
enough to judge a dispute between believers? 6 But instead, one brother goes to
law against another—and this in front of unbelievers!

7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely
defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8
Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.

9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be
deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male
prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards
nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11And that is what
some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified
in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

RELIGION AND OTHER NEWS:

Scientology Found Guilty Of Fraud In France, Had Harassed Victims Into Buying
Its Products; Calls Court Inquisition And Witchhunt; Governments Of France,
Germany And Russia Express Concern About Scientology
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/10/27/france.scientology.fraud/
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iB4zZrgJt9_M4ltYiwOwQxcAnMmQ 
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a7HVuWXlwsSE

School Bans Christian Signs At Football Games So Fans Come With More Of Their
Own: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/us/27cheerleader.html?_r=2&=

LaToya Jackson Says JW Mother Of Her And Michael Jackson) Plans To Celebrate
Christmas in 2009
http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/story/jackson-family-to-host-first-christma\
s_1120112  More at http://christianwitnesses.com/ (homepage or see in News)

Chicago Men Held Planning Terror Attack in Denmark
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/us/28terror.html?_r=2&ref=global-home

Curtain rises on W. Texas polygamist sex trial today
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6689679.html

http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2009/oct/27/judge-lawyers-continue-examining-pot\
ential-in/

Ugandan Cult Leader Arrested
http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/regional-special/Police_probe_Hoima_cult\
_93611.shtml

Two Baptist Preachers Released By Cuba Though Crackdown Goes On; Were Doing
Humanitarian Relief Work
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/23835/cuba-pastors-released-religious-persecutio\
n

LAST WORDS:

As Christian Brothers And Sisters, let us not forget the poor. (Ga 2:10)  Show
compassion.  Call those who ail; try to strengthen those who are weak.

Sometimes we can extract those who burn in the fire of vices such as extremely
harmful, dangerous addictions to etc.  To help them you may, if your heart moves
you to, make and distribute copies of the following.  For example, a copy might
be put into a bag along with a sandwich for distributing to a hungry, homeless
person.

HI!  THIS IS FOR YOU TOO........ HOW TO KICK BAD HABITS

At one time or another we all tend to get some, so here's some help in dealing
with and overcoming them.

Jot down some ways to kick your habit, also whatever schedule or timing is
realistic to achieve it.  For example don’t write you’ll quit Habit X in weeks
if it may take a year.

Have a backup substitute.  For example if it’s kicking caffeine, you might try
showers when jittery.  If smoking, have a backup food though of course don’t
overeat.

Keep a log.  One benefit from it is that it can give you encouragement.  Also,
make sure your plan includes some rewards for your improvements.

Include help from a friend or support group such as you can find in a phone
book, local club directory or online.

Sincere prayer for help to God by both yourself and friends can indeed help. 
God cares even for the sparrows and wildflowers; how much more so He cares for
you.

Severe habits require professional help.  The first step is often to simply
admit to yourself that you do have a bad habit, for it’s hurting yourself and/or
others.

prayer request, to the whole groupSunday, October 18, 2009 11:42 AM
From: This sender is DomainKeys verified"Megan Richards"
<xbladespirit5@...>Add sender to ContactsTo: jmasonemerson@...
should go out to the whole group please

hey guys, new member here, and I have a prayer request for you.

My boyfriend was skating with his friend and got hit by a car. it was thought he
may not live but now it's determined he will. the problem is, will he ever walk
again.

i prayed a lot when it was debated that he might die, and i fully believe that
made a difference.

now i'm branching out to you guys for more help, please pray for josh turner,
that he will be able to walk.

he's an amazing person and he doesn't deserve to suffer for the rest of his life
by being trapped in a wheelchair. also, he wanted two children of his own, and
he should get the chance to be able to do that. adoption would be an option but
i'm sure he would prefer the children to be his.

this is very important. we find out tomorrow if the doctors think he will be
able to walk or not.

please help us, i love him very much.
--------------------------------------
"VICTIMS SPEAK OUT!" -- A new phone-in conference with Mary Aguilar; well-worth
clicking to learn more about it; you can hear it and if you want participate:

http://www.sixscreensofthewatchtower.com/telenetwork-conferencecalls.html

CHRISTIANWITNESSES NEWSLETTER
(October 15, 2009)

This issue we start with some goodies and news then move right on to news,
prayer, songs, the Bible reading and some final thoughts.

RECIPE FOR GET-TOGETHERS: Chocolate Chip Grapenuts Bread
http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps/gra4f110.htm

RELIGION AND OTHER NEWS: http://www.religionnewsblog.com/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/8305318.stm 
http://www.sciencedaily.com/
http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre59b4ty-us-heart-ageing/

OPENING PRAYER AND SOME SONGS:  “Dear Heavenly Father, we rejoice to meet
together for spiritual food again.  Please forgive us our imperfections as we
seek to forgive others.  Amen.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/h/m/lhmprayr.htm
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/b/obrideoc.htm
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/h/oholynit.htm

OUR BIBLE READING: As customary each of us will try to make a personal
application of our Bible reading which this time is 1 Corinthians 5, as seen by
clicking on the following link:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%205&version=NIV

Note that although the apostle Paul spoke of shunning an unrepentant wrongdoer
some groups break scriptures in informally, too harshly and unforgivingly
applying it.  In fact the Watchtower Society which over Jehovah’s Witnesses,
practices an extremely rigid shunning (they call it disfellowshipping) policy. 
Their doing so has resulted in letters such as the following, the most relevant
part being the third paragraph, although it’s all highly informative.  See what
you think:

Dear Jehovah’s Witnesses Including JW Elders: Since many of the friends are
getting this you will want to be informed so as to make a good response. It’s
written in truth and with loving intent. Those among you as Elders know
Watchtower is in major financial straits as seen from the new tract on
donations, etc.  You can expect more restructuring as Watchtower would rather
throw financial losses from lawsuits (for example regarding pedophile
molestations etc) onto local Elders. Napa Valley and San Bernardino case and
trial rulings established California Elders must testify in murder and pedophile
trials, provide Judicial Committee records, give depositions. Other states’
judges and juries can do the same.  In such a situation, Watchtower won’t be
much protection.  Lawyers for victims will act and already have; see
lovenorris.com.  Why not speed up helping your own loved ones fade out of
Watchtower and resign yourselves as Elders. Besides, this has also become an
increasingly Armageddon- rather than Love-oriented organization. Helped by the
internet, we are getting this to thousands but would welcome your help to mail
it to far more, help bring more safety, save lives etc.

Friends, did you know 1 Samuel 14:31-35 shows God forgave all Saul's men who ate
un-BLED meat to stay alive; Christ at Matthew 12:7 says God wants Mercy not
Sacrifice. So why die or have others die unscripturally?

Note that regarding Watchtower’s style of shunning, James 4:12 says “There is
only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But
you—who are you to judge your neighbor?” 1 Corinthians 6:1 say judge only
"trivial" things as in business here on earth though the Bible says at
resurrection some will even judge angels. Still, this is the earth. James 2:4
tells judgers “Have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges
with evil thoughts?” Verse 13 calls judging harmful. We naturally warn others
when someone is a danger (1Co15:33) but, still, we are not to overly or formally
judge. (Lu 6:37) Paul says the "MAJORITY" followed his saying shun a wrongdoer
(2Co2:6), meaning a MINORITY chose not to, yet he nowhere condemns that
minority.  Christ visited and ate with imperfect people; Pharisees acted too
righteous to and they condemned him for it. Modern Pharisees say
disfellowshipping is tough love meant to shame; but rigid, harsh-style shunning
is anti-Christ as it causes not just shame but depression, sometimes suicide.
Christians must follow Christ, scriptures and common sense not those who write
they know the Bible but ignore parts of it to rigidly, harshly keep power,
lording it over others. (Re 14:4) Why not phone disfellowshipped family members
more on "necessary family business" etc. Watchtower's own rules permit “family
business” calls.

True or false? Isn’t Watchtower’s teaching “many now living will never die” the
exact opposite of Paul's teaching all sin and therefore all will die? (1Co
15:22) The “Good News” is the resurrection hope.  Earth will never end (Ec 1:4),
yes, but more verses explain heaven and Earth will pass away then a new heaven
and Earth will come. (Mt 24:35; Lu 21:33, Re 21:1) So reasonably Earth remains
forever in the sense of being recreated.  Revelation 19:1 says there will be a
"great crowd" in heaven not that only a “Little Flock” go to heaven.  Read the
Christian hope for heaven at Jn 14:2, 3; 1Co 15:20, 2Co 5:1, 2; Ga 1:8,
Philippians 3:20, Jas 1:17.  The hope of being with God in the starry heavens
where He has many mansions eternally, is by far more glorious than living
forever on earth.  Also, should we go by Watchtower, or by Christ who says his
all followers must partake of the wine and bread? (Jn 6:53, 54). True/False:
Watchtower causes most all JWs to ritualistically deny the body of Christ.

Watchtower men say the trinity teaching means the three (God, Son, Holy Spirit)
are one same God person or a three-headed God.   Actually it says there are
three who are different (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) but yet one in what various
translations at Romans 1:20 call “Godship” in Watchtower’s own New World”
translation and in other translations godhead, divinity or divine essence.  This
means that only the three are 100% totally holy. The Father is greatest
relatively but all three are equal in absolute holiness.  Christ shows himself,
not Watchtower heads is the MOST Faithful and Discreet Slave of God. (Mt 24:45)
He tells us "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father
except through me.” (Jn 6:68; 14:6) That rules out Watchtower.  Lovingly given
truth does set free, (Jn 8:32) so friends please share copies of this.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
Christ literally fed bread and fish to the crowds, witnessing to our heavenly
Father’s glory not by words alone, but also by hands-on loving-kindness.  You,
the readers in our fellowship, now nearly 1800 are encouraged to look about
thoughtfully then join with other Christians, especially in the winter-time, in
following our role model, Christ.  Yes, Christ, not any imperfect or false body
of men, is the Most faithful and discreet, most loyal and wise, slave of God;
our chief role model.

Your Fellow Servant In Christ,

Joe

CHRISTIANWITNESSES NEWSLETTER
(FORMERLY: WEEKLY BIBLE READER)

Hi, Everyone, and a special Welcome to all our Newcomers, several being from
India, one from Africa, many in the U.S. etc.  You are welcome to greet them on
a one-to-one basis; just come to the website at then sign or log in there up at
the top: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianWitnesses/

Once in, click NEW MEMBERS up at the top to see their emails, some of which have
extra profile information such as the nation they live in.  Also remember that
on the far left is PHOTOS to see what some of us look like, FILES for lots of
free Bible leaflets and other literature etc.

As said previously, given that the newsletter is not always once a week now, the
name has recently changed from the Weekly Bible Reader to Christianwitnesses
Newsletter.  It will still carry the Bible reading section that we can all share
in common, giving us a common focus for fellowship online, etc, just having a
name change to recognize the change in frequency.

Outside not only have the leafs changed here near Kansas City but we can "taste"
an early winter coming at us.  Word is that Nebraska is getting snow and ice; in
fact I see it on the radar.  We are south of the snow but our turn should come
before long.

So, too, with life and even if we're in warmer climates.  Generally most of us
live long enough to find the snow of human aging turning our hair white etc.  It
sometimes even happens before we expected.  It seems as I approach my 59th
birthday that it was only yesterday when I was small blond-headed, green-eyed
little boy climbing the ladder of a hayloft when the wasps stung me.

My dear human father passed away years ago; and these days I pray that the
Father of all humankind, God in heaven, will at the end look upon my whitening
head, and say well-done, Joe, come on up!

But that journey is not yet done, and I can only hope that imperfect though I
am, I will make it and that my overall life's story will be seen as to His
glory.  By prayer may it be so even with all of us who so yearn.


CHRISTIAN SONGS: Some good traditional songs are: Give Me That Old Time
Religion, which is an African-American spiritual heard in South Carolina and
written by Charles D. Tillman in 1889. 
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/l/oldtimer.htm
Music: http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/l/oldtimer.htm

Another Oldie But Goodie is A Parting Hymn We Sing, by Aaron R. Wolf in 1858.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/p/h/phwesing.htm
Music: http://cyberhymnal.org/mid/s/c/schumann.mid Music:
http://cyberhymnal.org/mid/b/o/y/boylston.mid


OUR BIBLE READING: The apostle Paul wrote the following which as usual we will
be reading while each considers how s/he may somehow make a personal
application:

1 Corinthians 4:8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich!
You have become kings—and that without us! How I wish that you really had become
kings so that we might be kings with you! 9 For it seems to me that God has put
us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die
in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as
well as to men. 10 We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We
are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! 11 To this
very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we
are homeless. 12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless;
when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13 when we are slandered, we answer
kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of
the world.

  14 I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you, as my dear children. 15
Even though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many
fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16
Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 17 For this reason I am sending to you
Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of
my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in
every church.

  18 Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. 19 But I
will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not
only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. 20 For the
kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 21 What do you prefer?
Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

RECIPE FOR GET-TOGETHERS: And for this, we have how to make Shrimp Pasta Salad:
http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps/chi2f114.htm


RELIGION AND OTHER NEWS:

Virus Isolated In Chronic Fatigue Sufferers:
http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre5974wc-us-fatigue-virus/

Verdict In On Faith-healers: A judge sentenced Dale and Leilani Neumann, called
unremorseful for killing their 11 year old by the prosecution, to just probation
10 years and some time in jail instead of up to 25 years in prison.  Defending
attorneys plan to appeal their convictions.  "Even if she would have been taken
to the hospital, as everyone thinks should have been the case, there's only
hypothetical speculation. There's no substantiating facts, just hypothetical
speculation as to whether she would have even lived," said the father, Dale
Neumann.  Judge Vincent Howard said the US Constitution protects a person's
right to believe in a religion, but not necessarily the conduct and practice of
that religion, for example, people can believe in human sacrifice but not
practice ot.  (Comment: Accompanying photo shows the Neumanns smiling and
shaking hands with and greeting people as they entered the courtroom.  Likely
many of their pro-faith-healing friends and allies were there.)
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/article/20091006/WDH0101/91006029/Live-Blog--Ne\
umann-sentencing-today&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=11268908

Canadian Woman Formerly In Jehovah's Witness Watchtower Legal Department Blows
Whistle In Canada's Nation-wide Paper, The National Post!!!!
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/medical/182165/1/Ex-Wife-of-Canadian-\
JW-Attorney-Speaks-to-NATIONAL-POST-about-KIDNAPPING-sick-JW-kids   Coloradan
Brenda Lee In WE-TV Documentary On Cults; reveals more of her experiences:
http://www.milehighnews.com/Articles-i-2009-10-08-212170.114125_Finding_hope_in_\
a_hidden_journey.html

Watchtower Society Over JWs Has Embarrassing Annual Meeting:  Most notable, a
recently posted annual meeting summary of the Watchtower Society over Jehovah's
Witnesses gives no figures for Europe or worldwide. 
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/182601/1/Notes-From-the-Annual-Meetin\
g-Oct-3-2009  David Splane of the Watchtower's Gov Body professed a 4% growth in
the U.S., likely from Hispanic immigrants as English speaking members fall.  
Also, likely from now allowing mothers to count time spent with kids in 2009
along with the usual counting of dads conducting "family Bible studies," they
claimed 9% growth in studies.  They used 96 year old Jack Barr to give an
embarrassing new interpretation for the 1914 Generation teaching.   Also noted
was that branches around the world are complaining that "not all are singing,"
often a sign that people are not happy.

Canadian Muslim Group Calls For Ban On Burqa:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2009/10/08/canada-muslim-burka-niqb-ban-governmen\
t.html  One In Four Humans Now Muslim:  The prestigious Pew Research reveals
this and other facts of interest.  A handy map shows most Muslims are in lands
just south of both Russia and China.  Some10-13% are Shia Muslims and 87-90% are
Sunni Muslims. Most Shias (68%-80%) live in just Iran, Iraq, India, Pakistan.
  http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=450

Review Shows No Scientific Link Between Childhood Vaccines And Autism
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008131852.htm

China's Police Attack Christians: Citing reliable government sources, China Aid
Association (CAA) reported that the central government on Sept. 26-27 ordered
officials in "all relevant government agencies" to prepare to use military force
against Christians who might react to the attack on a Fushan Church branch
congregation in Linfen city, Shanxi Province. In the wee hours of Sept. 13 some
400 uniformed police and civilians bearing shovels, batons, bricks, iron hooks
and other weapons beat members of the church who were sleeping at the nearly
finished factory building used as a worship site. 
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/23750/worship-site-demolished-pastors-arrested-i\
n-china

BIBLE LEAFLET YOU ARE WELCOME TO USE:
(Also presented in the past close to Halloween)

Halloween: Given some of the costumes and the many articles stating "it's pagan
and darkness," it's not surprising some Christians choose not to celebrate
Halloween, although statistically the vast major still do. To help both sides
get along, it's important that each understand "WHY" the other has a different
scriptures-based view.

Originally Christian parents had their kids dress up as saints who, of course,
had been tortured and slain for loyalty to the Christian faith, so that, of
course, the costumes often were and still are sometimes quite scary-looking. The
idea was to encourage the kids to be faithful as the saints were, which sounds
positive and pro-Christian.

The word Halloween comes from Hallow which means Holy and E'ven, which means
Evening or Eve. Although, as said, most Christians let their kids participate
upon the day, some who otherwise don't care for Halloween now do substitute some
other party with or without costumes etc, calling them Fun Night, Hallelujah
Night, Costume Party Evening etc. In any event those Christian parents who allow
participation need to and generally do arrange safe, fun substitutes for the
kids. A major reason for it is probably because Joy is also a fruitage of God's
Spirit, second mentioned in the list at Galatians 5:22 only after Love, and the
two fruits are closely linked.

Going back to the costumes, those opposed to Halloween over the wearing of
costumes point out they are no longer tied to saintly living but sometimes
include masks etc mimicking the devil, demons etc. They are also naturally,
rightly concerned that kids may get hurt from needles etc put into
trick-or-treat candies, or even tempted to do un-Christian pranks that can hurt
other people such as put boards with nails on them upon roads or highways. Those
for Halloween accompany or watch over and see that their kids do not
engage in such misdoings or get harmed, for example, by checking candies and
fruits to see that there are no needles in those.

Although Paul said to let none be judging us over holidays or Sabbaths one way
or another, (Colossians 2:16), others in good conscience note that light has no
fellowship with the dark. (2 Cor 6:14) The majority who do favor Halloween
counter that they understand this but that the day replaced the pagan Samhain,
so that this is actually a matter of light having replaced darkness, even as
where many other holidays have also attacked and replaced paganisms with
Christian celebrations.

For example, those not celebrating Halloween may otherwise have no problem with
things of non-Christian origin that Christians commonly use such as wedding
rings, names of days and months, and Christian names in the Bible such Apollos
and Jason, which also all came from pagans. Romans chapter 14 says allow freedom
of conscience, and many scriptures say to not be highly judgmental.

So all in all, it's important to keep good balance and make whichever choice is
right according to each one's Christian conscience. In doing so it is also good
to remember that overall the Bible says that the strongest bond for Christians
is not by absolute sameness of beliefs on every imaginable thing or doctrine but
rather it is by the "greatest" bond, which is LOVE. (1 Cor 13:13)

Although knowing this information may not change the view of many to most
readers, it can, as said, definitely still help each of us to better understand
the other's position about Halloween, to help us continue with greater respect
of one another and so enjoy more Christian love and unity. Darkness as with
ignorance only serves to cause divisions or sects, something the Bible condemns.
With love unto all, and in Christ, you receive this.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Since it's getting cold, especially now, let's remember the poor, cold, homeless
(Ga 2:10).  For example if you're laid off, why not give serious thought to
volunteering to work at a charity?

TO THE FRIENDS: Dear Friends,

First a welcome to our newcomers this past week.  To read their yahoo profiles
go to our homepage:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianWitnesses

then at the top of the screen log in or sign up then click New Members.

Although my wife and I are still battling some kind of flu or, to be more
correct, what appears to be a series of flu, we are grateful to be able to
safely fellowship with you via the internet.

The leafs here in the Central USA are still turning color, going from summer
green into autumn hews, especially the few maples in this area.  We are kept
company by Morgie our black and tan poodle, Tye the big white and gray mancoon
cat, and Oliver a small and genteel black cat.  Barb is back to taking Tamiflu;
I'm on other antiobiotics, sometimes able to make myself get out to shop and
today I am happy to be able to email all of you.

Since Halloween is coming up, at the very end here you will find an article on
it so that those who do and don't celebrate it will understand the others' views
better.  You are encouraged to photocopy and leave copies for others to also
enjoy it.  In fact you are welcome to do the same for this entire newsletter or
just parts of it, however you may wish.

Given that I have not been able to send an issue to you every single week for
some time now, the newsletter should in the future be coming to you re-named
simply: Christianwitnesses.

Please keep my wife, me and the other Friends and your own loved ones too in
your prayers,especially at this time of the year.  As it gets cold, beside our
words of Christian comfort, the homeless will also need things such as blankets,
a sandwich etc. Remember that Christ fed literal fish and bread to the hungry,
showing a higher level care beyond words, although his words were and remain too
words that are for eternal life.

Sincerely and in Christ, Your Servant via the internet unto you all around the
world in Africa, Vietnam etc,

Joe in Overland Park,
Kansas, USA.


SONG AND OPENING WORD OF PRAYER:
Jesus The Son Of God.  By Garfield T. Hayward about 1914.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/s/jsonogod.htm

"Father, we pray before You today on behalf of our loved ones who are sick and
infirm and ask also that You forgive ourselves as we forgive others; please be
with us too as we join here in spiritual contemplation and worship; Amen."

OUR BIBLE READING:

1 Corinthains 4:1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as
those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2 Now it is required that those
who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am
judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My
conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who
judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the
Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose
the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

  6 Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your
benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go
beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against
another. 7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that
you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you
did not?

CLOSING SONG AND WORD OF PRAYER:

Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley.  This is an American spiritual, its origins
possibly in the 1700s of 1800s of early America, the author unknown and possibly
of the Afro-American slave community of the era.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/o/lonesome.htm

"Heavenly Father, again we approach Your throne.  We pray for those who are
hungry, sick, feeling helpless, abused.  Please help them; please help us to
help them, opening our eyes, minds and hearts as we now go about the rest of
this week; Amen."

RECIPE FOR GET-TOGETHERS:

It's time now for "Carribean Fudge Pie."  Just click here:
http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps2/pie5f113.htm


RELIGION AND OTHER NEWS:

Color blindness "cured" by gene therapy in monkeys;
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090916133521.htm

Six volcanoes erupt at once in Russia, part of worldwide trend: helps crops
though bad for lungs; Etc http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/vid/15595650

Scientology wants critical news banned in Australia; also fear tax changes:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/church-bid-to-gag-critics/story-e6frf7jo-122577\
5351107  Call for abolishment of French law protecting Scientology from
dissolution: http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE58D4PZ20090914?sp=true

Sex offender Phillip Garrido got early parole by becoming a Jehovah's Witness;
now alleged to have kidnapped, molested and raped Jaycee Lee Dugard, kept her
and the two kids he sired by her as prisoners etc.:
http://www.njnnetwork.com/njn/?p=22465

  JW Elders will not disfellowship Serena Williams who publicly used F word and
menaced line judge: http://www.slate.com/id/2228410/?from=rss  Warning:
extremely bad language in the following video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRjAB6JB3Bs
Also no action over sex-oriented swimwear poses:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnbZhiJN2mc&NR=1

Group headed by man claiming to be the Holy Ghost moves to Idaho; residents are
not happy: http://www.journalnet.com/articles/2009/09/15/news/local/1.txt

New Guinea Sex Cult Leader Misprophesies Bumper Banana Crop then Flees
http://www.postcourier.com.pg/20090915/tuhome.htm

Christian Solidarity Worldwide calls on governments to stop executing,
harassing, and persecuting Christians including in Muslim nations:
http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=report&id=94&search

Lower Saxony, Germany, will train Muslim imams:
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1501048.php/German-st\
ate-to-begin-training-imams-next-year

HALLOWEEN: Given some of the costumes and the many articles stating "it's pagan
and darkness," it's not surprising some Christians choose not to celebrate
Halloween, although statistically the vast major still do.   To help both sides
get along, it's important that each understand "WHY" the other has a different
scriptures-based view.

Originally Christian parents had their kids dress up as saints who, of course,
had been tortured and slain for loyalty to the Christian faith, so that, of
course, the costumes often were and still are sometimes quite scary-looking. The
idea was to encourage the kids to be faithful as the saints were, which sounds
positive and pro-Christian.

The word Halloween comes from Hallow which means Holy and E'ven, which means
Evening or Eve.  Although, as said, most Christians let their kids participate
upon the day, some who otherwise don't care for Halloween now do substitute some
other party with or without costumes etc, calling them Fun Night, Hallelujah
Night, Costume Party Evening etc.  In any event those Christian parents who
allow participation need to and generally do arrange safe, fun substitutes for
the kids.  A major reason for it is probably because Joy is also a fruitage of
God's Spirit, second mentioned in the list at Galatians 5:22 only after Love,
and the two fruits are closely linked.

Going back to the costumes, those opposed to Halloween over the wearing of
costumes point out they are no longer tied to saintly living but sometimes
include masks etc mimicking the devil, demons etc.   They are also naturally,
rightly concerned that kids may get hurt from needles etc put into
trick-or-treat candies, or even tempted to do un-Christian pranks that can hurt
other people such as put boards with nails on them upon roads or highways.  
Those for Halloween accompany or watch over and see that their kids do not
engage in such misdoings or get harmed, for example, by checking candies and
fruits to see that there are no needles in those.

Although Paul said to let none be judging us over holidays or Sabbaths one way
or another, (Colossians 2:16), others in good conscience note that light has no
fellowship with the dark. (2 Cor 6:14)  The majority who do favor Halloween
counter that they understand this but that the day replaced the pagan Samhain,
so that this is actually a matter of light having replaced darkness, even as
where many other holidays have also attacked and replaced paganisms with
Christian celebrations.

For example, those not celebrating Halloween may otherwise have no problem with
things of non-Christian origin that Christians commonly use such as wedding
rings, names of days and months, and Christian names in the Bible such Apollos
and Jason, which also all came from pagans. Romans chapter 14 says allow freedom
of conscience, and many scriptures say to not be highly judgmental.

So all in all, it's important to keep good balance and make whichever choice is
right according to each one's Christian conscience.  In doing so it is also good
to remember that overall the Bible says that the strongest bond for Christians
is not by absolute sameness of beliefs on every imaginable thing or doctrine but
rather it is by the "greatest" bond, which is LOVE. (1 Cor 13:13)

Although knowing this information may not change the view of many  to most 
readers, it can, as said, definitely still help each of us to better understand
the other's position about Halloween, to help us continue with greater respect
of one another and so enjoy more Christian love and unity.  Darkness as with
ignorance only serves to cause divisions or sects, something the Bible condemns.
With love unto all, and in Christ, you receive this.

Correction: 2009 not '08

WEEKLY BIBLE READER (Sept 5, 2009)

This is so far still called the Weekly Bible Reader although due to health
sometimes I miss a week due to health, for which I apologize.   Here near Kansas
City the weather is getting crispier, maple leafs etc tending to turn colors
toward the mosaic hues of autumn.  The crab apples are now mostly fallen,
rotting away.  I am reminded of the scripture saying that we become as grass
that dies off.  One day the wind goes puff, and our fleshly selves are
gone......  Paul says all sin so all die, but the real Good News is there is the
resurrection hope.

Yes, the dead are indeed dead in body sleeping unconscious in the grave (Ezekial
18:4, Ecclesiastes 9:5) but many scriptures do clearly say our spirits live on,
and to prove it any who may have ever been mistaught about this basic Christian
belief are invited, indeed urged to read 1 Corinthians 15:20, 54, 2 Corinthians
5:6-9; Matthew 22:31-32, Ro 4:17, Philippians 1:21-23, and  Revelation 6:9-10. 
Contrary to what some groups tell their members, this is not a "pagan" belief
that infiltrated Christianity -- as shown by the scriptures themselves.


OPENING SONG WITH WORD OF PRAYER:

"Heavenly Father, please forgive us our sins as we try to forgive others.  May
we remember Your loving-kindness and mercy, the Good News that Christ's ransom
sacrifice now offers us the hope of the resurrection.  Through Christ we pray,
Amen.

Give Me That Old Time Religion.  This is an African-American spiritual heard in
South Carolina and written by Charles D. Tillman in 1889.

http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/l/oldtimer.htm  Music:
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/l/oldtimer.htm


OUR BIBLE READING:

As customary we will now be considering the following and in doing so each can
try to somehow apply it to his or her own life:

  1 Corinthians: 16 Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that
God's Spirit lives in you? 17 If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy
him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.

  18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the
standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. 19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written:

"He catches the wise in their craftiness"; 20 and again, "The Lord knows that
the thoughts of the wise are futile." 21 So then, no more boasting about men!
All things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life
or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23 and you are of Christ,
and Christ is of God.


CLOSING SONG WITH BRIEF PRAYER:

"Father, again we come before Your Throne in prayer.  May your kingdom come upon
earth as in heaven, guiding our hearts and minds always.  May we be honoring You
and Your glory now and forever, Amen."

And Did My Savior Bleed?  Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spir¬it¬u¬al Songs,
1707; Ralph E. Hud¬son wrote the re¬frain in 1885. 
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/a/alasand.htm


RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING GET-TOGETHERS:

Click here for White Bean Chili: http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps/chi3f106.htm

A secret to making super-great chili is to let it cool in the refrigerator, take
it out a day later, re-heat it, let it cool another day in the refrigerator,
finally service it warm.  Also add a little chocolate powder as a thickener.

A simple chili seasoning is to mix 2 parts chili powder with 1 part paprika.
(garvick.com)

Don't have anyone to fellowship with in person?

Just make chili or whatever, also make some simple sandwiches and have kool-aid
or a soda ready.  Invite the next one or more friendly seeming faces to come to
your place or a public location such as a room in a community center building at
a time you must give them for a bite of food along with the reading of a short
segment of scriptures.


RELIGION NEWS:

Having taken over from his brother Fidel Castro, Raul Castro has stepped up
attacking Christians, for example unreasonably fining the wife of an outspoken
minister:
http://www.bosnewslife.com/8724-cuban-pastors-wife-receives-high-fine-for-distur\
bing-order

A lawyer says Philip Garrido who kidnapped Jayce Lee Dugard, then age 11,
molested and kept her imprisoned 18 years, says he a Jehovah's Witness at that
time:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/01/BANS19GU6D.DTL 
Earlier reports had noted that Garrido's wife Nancy was also but both formed
their own church "God Desire."

An amazingly massive ancient wall has been uncovered in Jerusalem; and it was
possibly made by the Caananites

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/09/04/israel.wall.discovered/index.html

Israelis are being challenged to help feed hungry people over Jewish holidays
http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2009/s09090016.htm

The toltaritarian Chinese government has moved against some large house-churches
around China's capital city Beijing, which, by the way, underscores that staying
relatively small while growing new groups that also stay small is a good idea:
http://www.bosnewslife.com/8848-chinas-government-orders-crackdown-on-house-chur\
ches

Iran's supreme leader Khamanei is telling Muslims around the earth to prepare
for the coming of Islam's Mahdi savior's who will be fighting against the U.S.
and Israel.  Given that North Korea's crazy head and Iran's theocratic fanatics
are closing in on nuclear capability,  it's not really so hard to guess what
he's really getting at:

http://www.bosnewslife.com/8817-news-watch-irans-supreme-leader-calls-muslims-to\
-prepare-for-savior

Members of fused Catholic-Pagans group keep persecuting Christians in Mexico
http://www.libertereligieuse.com/voir_news.php?id=305  So why doesn't Mexico's
government and the regular Catholic Church do something about these atrocities?!

Christians Call for the rejection of Muslim Sharia-Inspired bills in Indonesia
http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/news/23045-christians-call-for-rejection-of\
-sharia-inspired-bills-in-indonesia  Though most Indonesians are Muslims, many
are Christians such as Presbyterians, many Balinese are Hindus etc.  Muslim
legislators trying to push Muslim religious laws on all Indonesians is like
trying to tear the nation into pieces, hence the condemnation.

FINAL WORD:

Thanks for coming, and please keep coming, telling others of our fellowship. 
Also please try to reach out and tangibly help someone in need even as Paul says
at Ga 2:10.  Mere words are not enough when people are hungry.  Christ preached
many words but he also actually fed with fish and bread.  To tell a hungry child
or adult we're sorry they are hungry while walking off is destructive to our own
conscience and souls.

WEEKLY BIBLE READER (August 13, 2009)

This issue has some more poems translated from Vietnamese into English that
originate from Brother Dang Van Dang of Vietnam.  They are at a new CHRISTIAN
POEMS section farther along.

I was at a funeral memorial this past weekend.  I have been picking some
tart-to-sweet little red crab apples off a tree across the way.  Our little tree
out front of the den where I type the newsletters had a large limb break off a
couple days ago.  Except for being sad over the death in the family I would do a
sermon speaking of what Christ said about fig trees.  Even though one knows the
hope of the resurrection, one still feels sorrow at the passing of someone
close.

SONGS OR HYMNS:

All Things Bright And Beautiful. By Cecil F. Alexander
in 1848.  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/allthing.htm
Music: http://cyberhymnal.org/mid/g/r/e/greystone.mid


SHORT WORD OF PRAYER:

Dear Father in heaven, we thank You for the chance to come together in spiritual
fellowship again, doing so in memory of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ.  Forgive
our debts as we seek to forgive those of others.  Amen.


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

1Corinthians 3:10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an
expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be
careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one
already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If any man builds on this foundation
using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his work will be shown
for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with
fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If what he has
built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will
suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the
flames.

RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING GET-TOGETHERS: (Taco Stuffed Potatoes)

Yield: 4 servings: 1 c  Velveeta salsa Dip; 1/2 c  Ground Beef;4 Baked potatoes

Stir velveeta spread salsa dip into cooked meat. Split each potato; fill with
meat mixture.  Garnish with sliced green onions.... Many like to invite new
friendly faces to short Bible readings at which food such as this is also
served.  Have fun.


RELIGIOUS AND OTHER NEWS:

Archaeologists Have Found A Cache Of Tablets In A 2,700-year Old Turkish Temple
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810122133.htm

Archaeologists Have Discovered A Temple That Sheds Light On So-called Dark Age
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090415162649.htm

Presbyterian Church in Florida bans six dissident members
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fort-lauderdale/sfl-coral-ridge-081009,\
0,1694944.story

Atheist signs to be put back on Des Moines buses: http://bit.ly/VVvDj
Dying Jehovah's Witness has right to refuse dialysis treatment and die:
http://bit.ly/WhLBN
Study claims intermarriage causing US Jews to become more secularized:
http://bit.ly/3CL6q
Trial begins for Christian Sudanese woman facing 40 lashes for wearing trousers:
http://bit.ly/sSbwt

World population may be Seven Billion in just two more years with India having
the most people:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/08/12/world.population/index.html

Scientists reverse Multiple Sclerosis in mice:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143725.htm


CHRISTIAN POETRY BY DANG VAN DANG
(zoe.tree@...)

THE FOUR GOSPELS

1. Matthew: The Saviour- King

Matthew tells of our Savior and King,
Heaven's kingdom by Saints popular,
With its authority and power,
Let's emulate entry there this hour.

2. MARK-The Saviour – Servant

Mark tells of the Savior's history
The servant of whom God approves
Industrious, whole-hearted, tireless
He did die to save and ransom us.

3. Luke- The Saviour- Man

Luke glorifies mankind's grand Savior,
Lasting Good News, joyous Salvation.
At its center dwells Holy Spirit
Granted all ministers of the Word.

4. John- The Saviour -God.

John displays the Savior as our God,
It describes well the incarnate God
Who gives life for those who are his Saints,
Only believers shall enjoy this.

CLASHING TONGUES

House vessels: wood, dust, silver, gold,
Together offer up food.
Holy ones minister well,
Some are rough and clash so bold.

Jars report not their Lord's will
Gold vases preach Christ's glory right.
Lord, let me remain by You,
Far from these voices of blight

THE FOURFOLD BRANCH OF CHRIST

1. Matthew: King: Branch of David; Jer. 23:5,6; 33;15-16

David's branch has already sprouted
The seed of his grand clan
The Lord Of Righteousness, his named
Rules the chosen a thousand years.

2. Mark: Servant: Lord's servant is the Branch: Zechriah 3:8

Behold, the Lord's Servant as Branch,
Bent in ceaseless service for all,
In obedience died on the cross,
To be raised up as the fresh branch.

3.Luke: Man is named Branch: Zechariah 6:12

A man named branch is raised,
To build the Lord's temple
Function as King and Priest
Hold Kingdom reign with joy.

4.John: Yahweh's branch; Isaiah 4:2

Yahweh's branch most glorious,
Holds within Christ Divine
He is to King Of Kings returned,
Israel's chosen have war no more.



Yours In Christ

Joe

WEEKLY BIBLE READER (July 7, 2009)

TO AND FROM OUR FRIENDS:

At least one of you has written Brother Dang of Vietnam.  He says he enjoys this
Christian writing or poem:
http://www.indianchild.com/beautiful_prayer.htm

He says he is a Christian because of the evangelizing done by Ní Tuòshēng
(Watchman Nee) who founded so many churches in China in the early 1900s that
some now believe possibly 100,000,000 Christians are in China, while millions
more are in other nations of Asia.  As we all know, when governments persecute
Christians a lot, the Christians grow more.  This was true in the time of Paul,
John and the other apostles, and it is still true.  Most East Asian Christians
attend house-churches not recognized by the government.  A file will soon be
established where items from Brother Dang will be put so that those interested
can find them.

OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

As is our custom, we will now read scriptures together.  As we do this, each of
us will try to make some kind of personal application.  Paul at 1 Corinthians 3
writes:

1 Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly—mere infants in
Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it.
Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is
jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like
mere men? 4 For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos,"
are you not mere men?

5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you
came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed,
Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who
waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The man who plants
and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to
his own labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's
building.

SONGS, HYMNS, MUSIC:

I'm A Pilgrim.  By Mary S. Schindler in 1841.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/m/imapilgr.htm
In The Garden.  By C. Austin Miles in 1912.
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/g/itgarden.htm
In The Sweet By And By.  By Sanford F. Bennett in 1868. 
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/n/t/intsbab.htm
Music: http://cyberhymnal.org/mid/i/n/t/in_the_sweet_by_and_by.mid


RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIP GET-TOGETHERS:

Vegetable Soup: http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps2/sou7f112.htm


RELIGION AND OTHER NEWS:

Wisconsin jury finds guilty father who prayed instead of getting his daughter to
a doctor
http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200990802005

Ex-Scientologists come forward breaking silence:
  http://www.tampabay.com/news/scientology/article1023717.ece

A federal court of appeals in New Orleans orders Euless, Texas, to let Santeria
priest Jose Merced to sacrifice goats in his home:
http://www.becketfund.org/index.php/article/1083.html?PHPSESSID=e40b2fa735dd757c\
10588e60e11f28ad

Vietnam's government has evicted monks following Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat
Hanh from their monastery for not not reporting their activities.
http://becketinternational.wordpress.com/2009/08/04/vietnam-government-evicts-mo\
nks-from-monastery/

A Christian man has died in one of Eritrea's notorious military prison camps,
the ninth believer known to have perished in detention in the African nation,
according to a Christian aid and advocacy group
http://www.bosnewslife.com/8474-news-alert-eritrean-christian-dies-in-prison-cam\
p

Court says adult Jehovah's Witness man has a right to bleed to death
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/death-case-backs-religious-freedom/story-e\
6freuy9-1225758621527


TOPICS FOR STUDY:

Who were they and what did they do in regard to Christianity?

The greatest modern evangelizer to ever be in China:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watchman_Nee#cite_note-28

Many hospitals etc are named "St. Francis."  See why:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Xavier


APOSTLES' CREED INCLUDING VIETNAMESE AND DANISH:

The Apostle's Creed (Beliefs Statement) is accepted by both Catholics and
virtually all Protestant groups.  It originated after the last apostle John when
early Christians put it together to summarize what he and the other apostles
taught in order to make future disciple-making even easier.  Here it is
presented in English, Vietnamese, Danish, Spanish and Portuguese:

Modernized English Version: I believe in God Almighty the Father, maker of
heaven and earth.  And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, who was conceived
by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended into the grave but the third day
rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sits upon the right hand of
God Almighty the Father.  From there He will come to judge the living and the
dead.  I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal church; the saints'
fellowship in Christ, the forgiveness of sins; resurrection of the body, and
eternal life.

Vietnamese: Tôi tin Thiên Chúa, Cha toàn năng, là Đấng tạo
dựng nên trời và đất.  Tôi tin Giê-xu Ky-tô, Con
Độc sanh của Thiên Chúa, Chúa của chúng ta.  Ngài
xuống thế làm người bởi Thánh Linh, sinh bởi
trinh nữ Ma-ri.  Chịu thống khổ dưới tay
Bôn-xơ Phi-lát, bị đóng đinh trên thập tự giá,
chịu chết và chôn.  Ngài vào cõi chết.  Đến ngày
thứ ba, Ngài từ kẻ chết sống lại.  Ngài
thăng thiên, ngồi bên hữu của Thiên Chúa, Cha Toàn
năng.  Từ đó, Ngài sẽ trở lại để
thẩm xét kẻ sống và kẻ chết.  Tôi tin Thánh Linh,
hội thánh phổ thông, sự cảm thông hiệp một
của các thánh đồ, sự tha thứ tội, sự
sống lại của thân xác, và sự sống vĩnh
cửu. Amen.

DANISH: Jeg tror paa Gud Fader, den Almaegtige, himmelens og jordens Skaber.  Og
paa Jesus Kristus, hans envaarne Søn vor Herre.  Som er undfanget ved
Helligaanden, født af jomfru Maria.  Pint under Pontius Pilatus, korsfaestet,
død og begravet, nedfaret til dødsriget.  Paa tredje dag opstanden fra de døde. 
Opfaret til himmels, siddende ved Gud Faders, den Almaegtiges, højre haand. 
Hvorfra han skal komme at dømme levende og døde.  Jeg tror paa Helligaanden. En
hellig, almindelig kirke, de helliges samfund. Syndernes forladelse.  Kødets
opstandelse.  Og et evigt liv. Amen.

Spanish/Español:  Yo creo en Dios el padre todo poderoso, creador de los cielos
y la tierra.  Y Jesucristo, su unico hijo y primojenito, nuestro Senor.  Quien
fue concevido por El Espiritu Santo, nacido de la Virgen Maria.  Sufrido bajo
Poncio Pilato, fue crucificado, muerto y enterrado, El desendio hasta el
infierno.  El tercer dia resucito desde la muerte. El ascendio al cielo y se
sento a la derecha de Dios El Padre Todopoderoso. Yo creo en el Espiritu Santo.
Yo creo en la Santa Iglesia Catolica, la Comunion de Los Santos.  El perdon de
pecados.  La resurreccion del cuerpo.  Y la vida eterna.  Amen

Portuguese: Creio em Deus Pai, Todo-poderoso, Criador do Céu e da terra.  Creio
em Jesus Cristo, seu único Filho, nosso Senhor, o qual foi concebido por obra do
Espírito Santo; nasceu da virgem Maria; padeceu sob o poder de Pôncio Pilatos,
foi crucificado, morto e sepultado; ressurgiu dos mortos ao terceiro dia; subiu
ao Céu; está sentado à direita de Deus Pai Todo-poderoso, donde há de vir para
julgar os vivos e os mortos.  Creio no Espírito Santo; na Santa Igreja
Universal; na comunhão dos santos; na remissão dos pecados; na ressurreição do
corpo; na vida eterna. Amém.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

It's good to remember that Christ not only "said" encouraging words but "did"
things like feed the hungry with bread and fish, and he also healed the sick. 
He's our main role model.

Your Fellow Christ,

Joe in Overland Park, Kansas (U.S.A.)

WEEKLY BIBLE READER (July 24 &30, 2009)

TO AND FROM OUR FRIENDS:

Last week's newsletter had not gone out so I am re-sending it now and adding
some more material for this week.  There has been a death in the family.

Received the past week had been a request from a friend in West Virginia for us
to help save the life of a persecuted, tortured Christian attorney in China. 
Please read and pray about the following: http://www.freegao.com/

The following email came for sharing with all of the friends here in our
christianwitnesses yahoogroup, and in turn I send greetings and best wishes in
Christ back to the brother.  Hopefully some of you reading this will also email
him at the email address that he has given:

"Praise The Lord!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 8:23 PM

From: "Dang Van Dang" <zoe.tree@...>

To: "The Saints" <jmasonemerson@...>, "The Saints"
<christianWitnesses@yahoogroups.com>

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Praise the Lord!  Because He has just let me to become one member of
ChristianWitnesses group.

I am in Viet Nam. I have believed in The Lord from 51 years ago. In these years,
day by day The Lord loads me with goods ( Psalm 68:19), so that i remain in my
life until now.

I want to fellowship with You in the Lord about His unsearchable riches.

May The Lord's great grace be upon You all.

Dang Van Dang( brother)"

Far below this issue look for Bible Study, Photos and Missionary language
sections.


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

Welcome.  Our custom is to read scriptures going straight through; and as we
read each of us tries to make some kind of personal application.  The scriptures
speak for themselves and teach as 2 Timothy 3:16 says, perfectly:

1 Corinthians 2:10 "The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within
him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.
12 We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God,
that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak,
not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit,
expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words.

14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the
Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them,
because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments
about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:  16 "For
who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?"  But we have the
mind of Christ."


SONGS, HYMNS, MUSIC:

Go Tell It On The Mountain; John W. Work Jr; 1907. Work was a musically gifted
African American minister http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/o/gotitotm.htm
He Leadeth Me! By Joseph H. Gilmore in 1862.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/l/hleademe.htm
Do You Know Who I Am?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa_RE_Zw010&feature=related


RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIP GET-TOGETHERS:

Almond-Turkey Bake: http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps2/tur8f115.htm


RELIGION AND OTHER NEWS:

Jury convicts preacher Tony Alamo on all ten sex abuse accounts; may get life
sentencing: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/top/all/6545540.html

Your home church or regular building-based church group may find it interesting
that there are now a number of videos on the internet that are both humorous and
yet make solid points regarding the Latter Day Saints (Mormons), the Watchtower
Society men over Jehovah's Witnesses etc.  One short, funny about LDS Elders is
"If You Want To Be An Elder" found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBrV1kyrsSM

If there's time for it, an hour long production is titled The Bible Vs. The Book
Of Mormon (Complete) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTtq62XQ4jw&feature=related

Texas Jehovah's Witness woman accused of cannabalizing her newborn, said to have
had postpartum blue
http://www.seattlepi.com/national/408515_baby28.html?source=mypi
(The Watchtower Society over JWs was called but the man who answered refused to
comment and said the news is biased by Satan and tell lies)

A new video parodying heads of the Watchtower Society Governing Body over
Jehovah's Witnesses is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAB0upri3T0  Moreover,
Brenda Lee Production offers this new funny new video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh8T7xYbl04 .  Also JW-related is the following
sad news article:
http://www.thepress.co.uk/news/4510446.Tormented_woman___s_railway_line_suicide/

Sect leader Alan Bushey gets prison time in Wisconsin corpse case.  Bushey, age
59, from Necedah, Wisconsin, had kept the corpse of 90 year old Magdeline Alvina
Middlesworth's on the toilet of follower, Tammy Lewis, for two months!

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iJ6iDsZKQbLqNLS5kQ2vMV0qp-WQD9\
9JQ87G0

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has said the next generation of fighter
planes will be the last manned fighter aircraft.  Instead, even more than now,
use will be made of drone or robot aircraft.  Drones have killed more than ten
of Al-Qaeda's radical top twenty leaders, and recently a drone may have slain
one of Bin Laden's sons.  This notes that some drones will be (if not already
so) as small as flies, others walk.  Due to the new technology, radical,
militant Islam appears much on the defensive, essentially frozen or neutralized:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/07/23/wus.warfare.remote.uav/index.html

A brand new under-the-ocean cable now gives fast, cheap internet to South
African and much of eastern Africa.  Christians there will now be able to
communicate with and socialize more with those in Europe and North America:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/07/22/seacom.on/index.html?iref=newssearch

Scientologists reported for massive phone harassment in Sweden
http://www.thelocal.se/20948/20090728/

Radical Muslims arrested in North Carolina charged with planning violence
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1202677/Seven-Muslims-arres\
ted-North-Carolina-planning-violent-jihad-homegrown-terror-looms-America.html

Anglicans trying for restructuring to avoid schism:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-07-27-anglican-episcopal-gay_N.htm


BIBLE STUDY TOPICS:

Eber http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eber
Hazor http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tel_Hazor
Rachel http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachel
Rebekah http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rebekah
Ruth (Bible book) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Ruth

HOLY LAND PHOTOS:

JORDAN RIVER, ISRAEL http://flickr.com/search/?q=JORDAN+RIVER+ISRAEL&m=text

SEA OF GALILEE http://flickr.com/search/?q=SEA+OF+GALILEE+ISRAEL&m=text

ASPIRING TO BE A MISSIONARY OR HELP NON-ENGLISH SPEAKERS AROUND YOU OR VIA THE
INTERNET?

Then consider learning one or more of the following:

The Apostle's Creed (Beliefs Statement) is accepted by both Catholics and
virtually all Protestant groups.  It originated after the last apostle John. 
Christians put it together to summarize what he and the other apostles taught to
make future disciple-making even easier.  Here it is presented in English,
Spanish and Portuguese:

Modernized English Version: I believe in God Almighty the Father, maker of
heaven and earth.  And in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, who was conceived
by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, died, and was buried.  He descended into the grave but the third day
rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, and sits upon the right hand of
God Almighty the Father.  From there He will come to judge the living and the
dead.  I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal church; the saints'
fellowship in Christ, the forgiveness of sins; resurrection of the body, and
eternal life.

Spanish/Español:  Yo creo en Dios el padre todo poderoso, creador de los cielos
y la tierra.  Y Jesucristo, su unico hijo y primojenito, nuestro Senor.  Quien
fue concevido por El Espiritu Santo, nacido de la Virgen Maria.  Sufrido bajo
Poncio Pilato, fue crucificado, muerto y enterrado, El desendio hasta el
infierno.  El tercer dia resucito desde la muerte. El ascendio al cielo y se
sento a la derecha de Dios El Padre Todopoderoso. Yo creo en el Espiritu Santo.
Yo creo en la Santa Iglesia Catolica, la Comunion de Los Santos.  El perdon de
pecados.  La resurreccion del cuerpo.  Y la vida eterna.  Amen

Portuguese: Creio em Deus Pai, Todo-poderoso, Criador do Céu e da terra.  Creio
em Jesus Cristo, seu único Filho, nosso Senhor, o qual foi concebido por obra do
Espírito Santo; nasceu da virgem Maria; padeceu sob o poder de Pôncio Pilatos,
foi crucificado, morto e sepultado; ressurgiu dos mortos ao terceiro dia; subiu
ao Céu; está sentado à direita de Deus Pai Todo-poderoso, donde há de vir para
julgar os vivos e os mortos.  Creio no Espírito Santo; na Santa Igreja
Universal; na comunhão dos santos; na remissão dos pecados; na ressurreição do
corpo; na vida eterna. Amém.


FINAL THOUGHTS:

Please read and mediate upon Galations 5:10 now and for this week, each trying
to personal application.

Your fellow worker in Christ,

Joe in Overland Park, Kansas (U.S.A.)

COMMENTS FROM THREE OF THE FRIENDS:

Three of the friends emailed items for our whole group.  They appear in the
following paragraphs.  Also, please click and greet the ten newcomers for the
past seven days: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianWitnesses/members?o=6 
At this rate in the next week our international fellowship should have over
1,800 signed in.

From soyerc99@ yahoo.com came two emails:  1. "Hi, I reside on the island of
Trinidad, one of a the twin island states of Trinidad and Tobago. I am the
moderator of a very small group here in the Caribbean. We are convinced that the
Bible is of two understandings, one for those who restrict themselves to a
literal interpretation and one for those who have accepted as a reality the
promise of spiritual guidance. We are reaching out to those who are on a similar
journey.  You can visit us: www.the-revealed-word.org"

2. "Worldwide - What we are calling an economic down turn might very well be
God's way to put an end to something that we are too foolish to put end to
ourselves.  The earth has put us on notice that consumerism cannot continue, our
rapidly changing climate is evidence of that.  We have reached a place in our
saga, where we must change direction. It's written, that if these days are not
shortened, that no flesh would be saved. The problem is, most of us see the old
way as the only way.  The old attitude of; "all for me and I'm better than you,"
must be relinquished for a new one worthy of our purpose. Our purpose isn't to
fight each other down for the things of the earth, it's the opportunity to
become higher beings; "spiritual beings."  Those who steadfastly hold on to the
old, will fear the future, and are destined to be bruised by it. While those
whose faith is in God and not our economic system are preparing for the new,
confident of a favorable outcome."

From Matt (matmoova@...) came a long email condensed here as follows:  "I
am new in this group. I am an HIV positive individual needing prayers and
contact with well wishing Christians despite the stigma and fear that goes with
HIV/AIDS. I have published my first part of my HIV/AIDS memoirs: I am dying From
AIDS, Book 1; and I am searching for publishers for book 2. My book HIV/AIDS
Memoirs-I am Dying From Aids- Book I has been published. Interested customers
may place orders for the book by getting in touch with Kathleen Haak on
800-834-1803 or at bookorders@...; for online purchases:
rosedogbooks.com ..... The author of this book is a retired civil servant. He
has been published before. His suffering from AIDS has been a great strain on
his life and the life of his wife who is also suffering from the same-HIV/AIDS.
Despite his frequent illnesses he loves writing.  Matt  Kindly pray for me,
contact me and if you happen to read my book tell me how you feel about it."

Rick Fearon (sixscreensofthewatchtower.org) invites readers to his Phone-In Show
this Saturday night (July 18th in United States): Condensing, he says: Barbara
and Joe Anderson, Christians who used to work at world headquarters of Jehovah's
Witnesses just returned from a month in Europe.

Barbara was interviewed concerning cult activities by the Watchtower Society
over JWs by the Italian press, met with a number of Italian religious officials,
spoke in three nations including Italy at five conferences on cults.  Barbara
met with Italian press and religious officials and representatives of anti-cult
organizations in France.  To listen in or even participate, just dial
(712-432-8710 and when asked for pin number, use #9925. There is no charge for
the call, just your normal calling rate applies.  Pre-show lines open at 6:30
p.m. EST and the program begins at 7 p.m. EST.  Dial in early to be sure you can
get in.   Many European countries are investigating the Watchtower' Society over
Jehovah's Witnesses in regard to mind manipulation, child molestation cover-ups,
breaking up of families due to shunning etc.

Note: items to the whole group are sometimes edited as noted on the website, and
they are typically posted either in the newsletter or put into a file in the
FILES section on the website.  The shorter they are the more likely they are to
be fit into the newsletter.


CHRISTIAN SONGS:

These are handy for those fellowshipping in homes via computer etc:

All Things Bright And Beautiful. By Cecil F. Alexander
in 1848.  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/allthing.htm
Music: http://cyberhymnal.org/mid/g/r/e/greystone.mid

Amazing Grace.  By John Newton in 1779.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/m/a/amazing_grace.htm
Music: http://cyberhymnal.org/mid/n/e/w/new_britain.mid


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

As usual we will read the following while each tries to make some kind of
personal application of what Paul wrote:

"1 When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior
wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. 2 For I resolved to know
nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to
you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. 4 My message and my preaching
were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the
Spirit's power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on
God's power.

6We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom
of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 No, we
speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God
destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age
understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 However, as it is written:

    `No eye has seen,
       no ear has heard,
    no mind has conceived
    what God has prepared for those who love him" — 10 but God has revealed it to
us by his Spirit.'"

RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING GET-TOGETHERS: (Cherry Almond Pie)
http://www.garvick.com/recipes-ms/che3m114.htm

Useful resource for protecting kids: The National Center For Missing & Exploited
Children
http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PublicHomeServlet?LanguageCountry\
=en_US


RELIGION AND OTHER NEWS:

Click to read about Bible and archaeology related news (Iran, Egypt, Turkey etc)
http://www.bib-arch.org/news/dailynews.asp#

Possible genetic cure for Muscular Dystrophy in future:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716141127.htm

"Followers Of Christ" Faith-healer parents  about to be tried for manslaughter
and mistreatment of their 15 months old baby daughter
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hqQCVrCVD0SydBszbOAX2-y24osQD9\
9EL6T81  Some earlier news on this same story:
http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2009/07/ava_clearly_showed_g\
rave_illne.html 
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/steve_duin/index.ssf/2009/07/faith_heal\
ing_or_inhuman_sacri.html

Tony Alamo cult head trial brings revelations about "marriage" to 8 year old etc
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j7JRsIm1DgSBIfIFSL3D_fjT1HmwD9\
9G2G0O0
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j7JRsIm1DgSBIfIFSL3D_fjT1HmwD9\
9FQ89G0
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/264346/

Michael Jackson, who died as a disassociated Jehovah's Witness, thought the
world was against him:
http://livesteez.com/news/read/Michael-Jackson-Thought-the-World-was-Against-Him\
/2119.html  Family tried interventions over drug use:
http://livesteez.com/news/read/Jackson-Siblings-Staged-A-Military-Style-Raid-at-\
Neverland-Before-MJ-s-Death/2114.html

Janet Jackson's role with MJ's kids rising; role of Jehovah's Witness mother may
be eclipsed:
http://livesteez.com/news/read/Janet-Jackson-Goes-for-Custody-of-Michael-s-Kids/\
2107.html  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31926909/ns/entertainment-gossip/
http://www.examiner.com/x-11363-Dallas-TV-Examiner~y2009m7d15-Does-Janet-Jackson\
-want-the-children 
http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2009/07/paris-prince-and-blanket-want-janet-ja\
ckson-to-be-their-mom/

JWs in Rostov, Russia, are being accused of extremism.  Find out why:
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=6226


FINAL THOUGHTS:

Come again, tell others of our fellowship; remember to lift hands and feet in
Christian kindness to help others.  Words alone are pretty but not as effective
as seen by Christ's frequent helping of others beyond just words.

Your fellow servant in Christ,

Joe

WEEKLY BIBLE READER (July 3, 2009)

TO AND FROM OUR FRIENDS:

The Bible's main message for some 2,000 years and continuing is the GOOD NEWS,
the Good, not the negative news.  Yet it's all too common for people including
some of us who serve others "spiritually" to focus on what's negative instead of
what's Good, but that approach pushes those hearing such negativity farther down
into the dark hole of mental and spiritual depression. See?

Instead we can emphasize that because of Christ we have the joyful hope of the
resurrection, and also note that Christ has drawn us together to experience
happiness now and for the future.  When we look about and use our hands to
actually help others to enjoy more happiness, we also benefit.  So powerful are
the scriptures that a single positive scripture can save and improve lives. 
Those are fact.  All Good News.  God's Kingdom is happy and triumphs.

Not to say we should be all smiles all the time.  There are things that are dark
and need the brightest of light shone on them.  For example, the Roman Catholic
Church is still being exposed about the abusing of children and even adult
priests, as seen in this week's Religion News Etc section.  The one good thing,
though, is that we can have a part in exposing such darkness to public scrutiny
so as to help push the darkness away and help end it for the sake of the victims
and otherwise would-be victims.  Push, push, push!  Out with the bad air, in
with the Good News.

Another thing to consider, as everybody now knows, is that due to Michael
Jackson's death, the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Society over JWs are
much in the news.  Rick Ferron, who now has a Christian home church in New
England (he used to be a JW), will be hosting a phone in talk show and he tells
everybody:

"The fireworks will be exploding Saturday night, July 4th at 7 p.m.EST.  Our
special guest, former Jehovah's Witness Bethelite and elder Ernest Zenone S.R.
left the Watchtower and became  a deacon in Christendom.  What makes Ernest's
story so amazing is that his wife is still a Witness.  It's remarkable how he at
one time being so loyal to the Watchtower org. made a complete turn and became a
Christian.

"Also on the call  we will be discussing Michael Jackson and his Witness
connections and did his involvement with the Witnesses attribute to his early
death?  The subject of the "Mass Exodus" will be discussed in detail as 2009
could be a pivotal year in the history of people exiting the WAtchtower org. 
Many Witnesses are now taking a closer look at the doctrine, the history, and
the control of this sinister mind-controlling organization. No computer is
necessary, it's easy to get on the call.

"Just dial (712)432-8710 and when asked for pin number use 9925.  Our lines open
up at 6:30 p.m. EST and our program starts at 7 p.m. EST.   There is no charge
for the call, just your normal calling rates apply.  So dial in and talk with
all those who have been "touched by the tentacles of the Watchtower."

Rick's call-in show is every other Saturday night, and he also has the website
sixscreensofthewatchtower.com which helps those exiting the Watchtower Society,
helping to push away the darkness with what is Good, the Good New of Christ
instead of the false "truth" of the Watchtower.

See, we can find more joy even when there otherwise appears to be a lot of
what's negative.  The Good News due to Christ triumphs.


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING

As customary all are now invited to share with us in reading the following from
the apostle Paul while each seeks to make his or her personal applications:

1 Corinthians 1:26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not
many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many
were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame
the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He
chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that
are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.
30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us
wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31
Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."


SONGS, HYMNS, MUSIC:

Music almost always comforts wheneven we cope with the various aspects of life:

The Lord Is My Shepherd
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IGaRSf5CS8w&feature=related
Coat Of Many Colors
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1zJzr-kWsI&feature=related
Bridge Over Troubled Water
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiXdoBC8lzk&feature=related
Unchained Melody
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEzF_UnSihs&feature=related


RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIP GET-TOGETHERS:

Invite over some friendly faces telling them to please come for a short Bible
reading, simple meal and fellowshipping:

Turkey Stuffing Soup – soup's not just for cold or snowy days:
http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps2/tur8f211.htm


FOR BIBLE STUDY OR TOPICS OF INTEREST:

Hot new debates continuing over Shroud of Turin; did DaVinci paint it?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/5706640/Turin-Shroud-is-face\
-of-Leonardo-da-Vinci.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shroud_of_Turin

Look at some photos of Jerusalem:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Jerusalem+Israel&page=2


RELIGION AND OTHER NEWS:

The following reveals more turmoil within the Roman Catholic hierarchy about
ongoing molestations
http://www.richardsipe.com/Docs_and_Controversy/Statement-to-Pope.html

Remains of Christianity's Apostle-Saint Paul said to have been found:
http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre55r22o-us-italy-saint-bone/ 
http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE55R0ZW20090628?feedType=RSS&fe\
edName=scienceNews

Michael Jackson said still to have been a Jehovah's Witness at heart despite
talk of going Muslim; Watchtower Society over JWs may allow private if not
public JW memorial
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/ask_the_answer_bitch/b132450_will_michael_jackso\
ns_funeral_be.html   Claims Jackson was JW not Muslim at death:
http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/380801/michael-jackson-s-funeral-pla\
ns-revealed/1/

Canada's Supreme court says court was right to require JW 14 year old get
emergency blood transfusions to stay alive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJE9qk9a_sU&feature=email

Note: the Watchtower Society over JWs teaches to always "abstain" from blood
though 1 Samuel 14:31-35 shows God forgave Saul's men who ate blood with meat to
stay alive.

Michael Jackson, rock idol and disassociated Jehovah's Witness wrote a song
speaking of death by heart attack from Demerol:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/5616629/Muslim-leaders-conde\
mn-Sarkozy-over-burqa-ban.html  Read comments about his passing etc:

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/177748/1/WHAT-DO-JWS-THINK-OF-MICHAEL\
-JACKSON 
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/177751/1/Did-Everyone-Really-Love-Mic\
hael-Jackson-Im-Confused  Says Jackson wanted offered to support octamum's
babies
http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/380526/shock-michael-jackson-wanted-\
to-adopt-octomum-s-babies/1/

With 5% now Muslim; Germany's government starts giving moret assistance:
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1485312.php/Germany_d\
iscovers_it_has_more_Muslims_than_suspected_  German schools must teach Islam 
http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1485879.php/Germany_t\
o_teach_Islam_to_Muslim_schoolchildren__Roundup__  Muslims denounce anti-burqa
stance of France
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/5616629/Muslim-leaders-conde\
mn-Sarkozy-over-burqa-ban.html

"Sex cult" with communal living decides to become more mainstream
http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_12681558  Newspaper expose' series continues
about Scientology and woman's death: 
http://www.tampabay.com/news/article1012234.ece
http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2009/reports/project/

Eating more greens may cut risk of cancer:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/5698784/Being-a-vegetarian-can-cut-\
your-risk-of-cancer-by-a-half-claim-scientists.html


FINAL WORD:

I'll be praying for you and invite you to remember me in your prayers too as
physically I tire all too much it seems.  With Christian Love,

Your Fellow Servant In Christ,

J Mason Emerson, Joe
jmasonemerson@...

TO AND FROM THE FRIENDS:

For our entire fellowship Rodney Marois (rodney_marois @ vianet.ca) wrote: "Just
wanted to let all kNow I had a funeral to go to and been stressed out here I had
6 months smoke free I smoked yesterday I hate this addiction but o well I have
not smoked today though monday the 8th 09 of June God bless all thanks for
replys I will get back to you as soon as possable. RODNEY"

Why not email directly back to him now with a comforting and encouraging note! 
rodney_marois @ vianet.ca


HYMNS, OTHER SONGS AND VIDEOS:

Traditional "In The Sweet By And By" by Sanford F. Bennett in 1868.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/n/t/intsbab.htm
All Things Bright And Beautiful. By Cecil F. Alexander
in 1848.  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/allthing.htm
Music: http://cyberhymnal.org/mid/g/r/e/greystone.mid

SPECIAL: Christian music and songs by Terry Tisna as a unique mix of 50's and
Balinese-Indonesian Christian and traditional music:  Our Father Prayer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ne7R1yHflu0   His World Is Beautiful, Praise The
Most High http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uP-bT2RHcZo  Enjoy and leave a note
comment to encourage more


TOPICS FOR BIBLE STUDY:

In Bible times ancient Babylon's civilization centered just south of modern
Bagdad, Iraq. The news says U.S. troops will be mostly out of Iraq about a year
or so from now.

Flicker photos: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Babylon+Iraq&m=text
Babylon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon
Nimrod: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimrod_(king)
Nebuchadnezzar II: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebuchadnezzar_II
Book Of Daniel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Daniel
Daniel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

As customary each is encouraged to try to make some kind of personal application
while reading the following which comes to us from Paul the apostle:

  1 Corinthians 1:12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have
conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in
the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to
worldly wisdom but according to God's grace. 13 For we do not write you anything
you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, 14 as you have understood us in
part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will
boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.

15 Because I was confident of this, I planned to visit you first so that you
might benefit twice. 16 I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to
come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to
Judea. 17 When I planned this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a
worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"?

  18 But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No."
19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas
and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." 20 For
no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so
through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21 Now it is God who
makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, 22 set his seal of
ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing
what is to come.

  23 I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not
return to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you
for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.

RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING GET-TOGETHERS:

Meat Loaf Tropicale including bananas:
http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps/ban1f107.htm  Yum, yum!

RELIGION, HEALTH AND OTHER NEWS:

Some scriptures warn of wine's danger but Paul advised Timothy to use a little
for his stomach and Christ and others commonly drank wine including at the Last
Supper.  Now scientists are saying resveratrol in it may be help for "cancer
prevention, protection of the heart and brain from damage, reducing age-related
diseases such as inflammation, reversing diabetes and obesity, and many more"
things although too much is, as scriptures also warn, bad.  See what else is
being said: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611174052.htm

Female cult of peace Kingdom Of Eden head sentenced again for religious
blasphemy in Indonesia
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/06/03/lia-eden-sentenced-prison-again.ht\
ml ... Christian mom wants back her 12 year old Christian daughter forcibly
married to 37 year old Muslim:
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/23492/muslim-marries-12-year-old-girl

Opus Dei (Catholic Order some warn is a cult) is revealing some secrets to a
film producer:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/opus-dei-lets-film-director-in-on\
-some-of-its-secrets-1699227.html ...  Jehovah's Witness women more than six
times likely to die during childbirth:
http://www.sciencecentric.com/news/article.php?q=09061083-jehovah-witnesses-face\
-increased-risk-death-during-childbirth  JW singer "Prince" may have to go into
wheelchair from obeying Watchtower misinterpretation on blood usage:
http://christianwitnesses.com/id204.html


REMINDER:

God sends the blessings of rain, sunshine, food, life, all good things onto all
of us including those of extremely evil hearts.  So He is ultra-generous,
merciful.

Sometimes we humans get ourselves into plights and at other times the plights
seem to seek us out.  Let us just keep on remembering that none of us are
perfect and try be forgiving, helping out even those who sometimes don't seem to
deserve it at all... after all, God, Our Father In Heaven, does it all the time.

Your Christian Servant,

Joe (J Mason Emerson)
jmasonemerson@...

TO AND FROM THE FRIENDS:

Some photos of Joe's Little Friends (pets) like Squirley, Ole Pete and Ty were
added in a new album of the same name, and you are also welcome to add your own
pet photos there.  Just now a prettier than ever mountain scene with flowers was
put on our website.

Welcome to the twelve or so newcomers this week.  Last time checked, some 1,740
were signed in and possibly thousands of others simply read website, though to
see and read everything they have to sign in via the blue box up at the top.

Click for homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianWitnesses

If you have a website of your own, please consider linking to us so that more
will know of us and can come to enjoy the fellowship.


SONG/HYMNS:

Here's a mixture of some traditional and modern items.

Jesus The Son Of God.  By Garfield T. Hayward about 1914.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/s/jsonogod.htm

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.  This is a traditional English song.  The author is
unknown to us but is to God. http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/o/godrest.htm

Unchained Love.  Sung by the Righteous Brothers. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-idDbIfGvw&feature=related

O Happy Day.  Sung by Elvis.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dGVqFPQF8E&feature=related

Jesus Is Mine!  By Jane C. Boner in 1843.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/i/j_ismine.htm


TOPICS FOR BIBLE STUDY

At Leviticus 23:24 God had Israelites begin celebrating the Jewish New Year also
called Rosh HaShanah.  You may have heard or read of it before but not yet know
any of the interesting details about it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosh_Hashanah

U.S. President Obama says he supports Israel's right to exist but not settlement
of the "West Bank."  Most Americans don't know what the "West Bank" is or
anything of its history, Biblical or modern.  Here's a chance to see that you
do:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Bank

Smyrna is a city that receives prominent mention in the Book Of Revelation. 
Discover what we know it from archaeology and history:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smyrna


RELIGION, HEALTH AND OTHER NEWS

Science now backs up the Acts 20:35 scripture about giving bringing us more joy
than receiving:

http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?article_id=218392880

France's anti-cult agency Miliviludes has issued a report attacking the
interference by cults such as Scientology etc in the United Nations and other
international organizations.  Click the following link for more details:
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/272841

The father of a Jehovah's Witness who lost her life after refusing a blood
transfusion wins appear so can go back at court against Watchtower Society and
two of its attorneys: http://www.nationalpost.com/story.html?id=1637102

Comments about Watchtower Governing Body "Boss" Jaracz having serious stroke
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/175796/1/One-of-the-Governing-Body-ha\
d-a-stroke-yesterday

Details ExPresident's religious views on Gog and Magog influencing Iraq and
Afghan
wars:http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=80862679468&h=Q3YKd&u=3eg0t&ref=n\
f

The diabetes drug metformin increases the efficiency of the immune system's
T-cells, which in turn makes cancer and virus-fighting vaccines more effective,
so it may also "revolutionize" cancer treatments:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090603131433.htm


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING

Once again we gather via the internet to consider spiritual food together, this
week what Paul tells us at 2.  As customary may each of us read the following
while thoughtfully trying to find ways to apply it to his or her own
circumstances in life.  Many blessings to all for the effort:

2 Corinthians 1: "1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and
Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the
saints throughout Achaia:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so
that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have
received from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our
lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6 If we are distressed, it
is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort,
which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. 7 And
our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our
sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered
in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to
endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the
sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on
God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and
he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver
us, 11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf
for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.


RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING: (Pecan Oatmeal Pie)

Click to read: http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps2/pec5f115.htm
Click for some related photos: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=pecan+oatmeal+pie


REMINDER:

Let us not forget the needy (Ga 2:10); also, that there really is more joy in
giving that in receiving. (Acts 20:35)

Yours In Christ,

Joe

TO AND FROM THE FRIENDS:

Hi, guys!  Well, we’re back with Christian music (some international) etc. 
Welcome to the thirteen newcomers including the following whom you can greet and
welcome one-to-one by clicking on New Members at the top of our homepage:

writingforhim@... who has written that she is a 53 year old Christian
novelist in Hartville, Ohio;also says she’s been writing since 1972

The homepage is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianWitnesses

Please keep telling others of our Christian fellowship so they too can enjoy
more happiness!


TOPICS FOR BIBLE STUDY OR RESEARCH:

Some here know quite a lot about Biblical Jerusalem and Israel, but how much do
we really know about Modern Jerusalem and Israel?  Read then feel free to reply
by email.  I think everyone of us will learn something from reading these;
photos also add interest:

Jerusalem http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem
photos: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Jerusalem&page=2
Israel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel

In the Bible modern Iran was called Persia; we can learn more about it too:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran  photos: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Iran


SONGS AND MUSIC, ENGLISH AND INTERNATIONAL:

Awake, Jerusalem, Awake!  By Charles Wesley in 1741.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/j/ajeawake.htm

Just As I Am Without One Plea.  By Charlotte Elliott in
1835. http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/j/u/justasam.htm

So that we remember that our Christian association is worldwide:

The Singing Nun – Dominique
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29wAWjrB68U

Group of Japanese Christian girls sing “Jesus Loves You”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DcRnmMzpZQ

Child Christian Kevin sings “Hear Him Call My Name” in Indonesian:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTynnWu02I8&feature=PlayList&p=9FAE35F2CF14B120&i\
ndex=4


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

All are invited to join in reading the following thoughtfully with each seeking
to make some manner of personal application; Paul writes:

1 Corinthians 16:12  “Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go
to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when
he has the opportunity.

  13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 14
Do everything in love.

  15 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia,
and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you,
brothers, 16  to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work,
and labors at it. 17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived,
because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 18 For they refreshed my
spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla
greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
20 All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

  21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
  22 If anyone does not love the Lord—a curse be on him. Come, O Lord]!
  23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
  24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.”


RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING GET-TOGETHERS: (Waldorf Chicken Sandwich)

Combine ingredients of the following: 1 can of chunky chicken, a pack of soft
cream cheese, a medium finely chopped apple, two tablespoons of raisins, a
finely chopped stalk of celery.  Serve on six slices of whole grain bread.
http://www.garvick.com/recipes-ms2/san7m105.htm


RELIGION NEWS, HELPFUL HEALTH NEWS ETC:

French government taking on Scientology and other groups investigated and found
to be cults http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/272841
http://www.france24.com/en/20090519-report-denounces-link-between-alternative-th\
erapies-sects-miviludes-france

Bapticostal (Baptist-Pentecostal) Mom tells court that immunization is
sacrilege: http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/200905130531  Mom flees with
son to avoid chemotherapy, citing religion 
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-05-15-forced-chemotherapy_N.htm 
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/05/15/national/a005958D12.\
DTL&hw=religious&sn=005&sc=553

BBC appoints highly controversial Muslim to head its religious affairs editing
section
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/tv_and_radio/a\
rticle6271981.ece 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/may/11/bbc-religion-head-muslim-aaqil-ahmed
A new aerosol spray may benefit cystic fibrosis patients, helping keep airways
moist and clear http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=100351

Serious stroke puts Ted Jaracz, major Governing Body of the Watchtower Society
over Jehovah’s Witnesses, in hospital; click for news and ongoing comments::
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/175796/1/One-of-the-Governing-Body-ha\
d-a-stroke-yesterday Watchtower rumored planning to freeze new kingdom hall
builds in next 2-3 years:
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/175315/1/LATEST-BIG-RUMOR-WTS-calls-a\
-moratorium-on-ALL-KH-construction-in-US-Canada

Critics say Ireland slow to protect children from sexual molestation by Catholic
priests:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090521/ap_on_re_eu/eu_ireland_catholic_abuse

Research shows what the best way may be to get kids to learn their best at
middle school:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519134711.htm

FINAL WORD:

Don’t forget it’s easy to invite a friendly neighbor(s) over for cookies or cake
and lemonade and a sharing of part of a Bible scripture.  Thanks for coming,
everybody!

Your Fellow Servant In Christ,

Joe

WEEKLY BIBLE READER (Sent May 10, 2009)

At the end is a with lots of Christian and fun listening music video links. 
Enjoy!


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

As uusual all are invited to join in reading the following together as each
seeks to make some kind of personal application:

1 Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian
churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set
aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I
come no collections will have to be made. 3 Then, when I arrive, I will give
letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to
Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.
Personal Requests

5 After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through
Macedonia. 6 Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so
that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 I do not want to see you
now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the
Lord permits.

8 But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 because a great door for
effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.  10 If
Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for
he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. 11 No one, then, should
refuse to accept him. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me.
I am expecting him along with the brothers.


HANDY RELIGION, HEALTH AND OTHER NEWS:

Along with a little humor, the following makes points such as: In Russia, 86 per
cent of the population identify themselves as Christians.  There are now at
least 80 million Chinese Christians and more Chinese go to church every week
than are members of the Communist Party.  So China is now on its way to being
the largest Christian nation on earth, most currently having to attend in
underground small house churches.  In 1900, 80 per cent of the world's
Christians lived in Europe and the United States; today, 60 per cent of them
live in the developing world.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6204239.ece

Gene Key To Alzheimer's-like Reversal Identified: Success In Restoring Memories
In Mice Could Lead To Human Treatments
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090506144309.htm

Lawrence Hughes keeps battling against Watchtower Society over Jehovah’s
Witnesses:

http://www.calgaryherald.com/Health/wants+widen+lawsuit+over+teen+leukemia+death\
/1579623/story.html  FDA turna down another would-have-been blood substitute:

http://www.thestreet.com/story/10494881/1/northfield-blood-substitute-rejected-b\
y-fda.html?puc=_tscrss

Austria has to give Watchtower/JWs recognition benefits after EU ruling:
http://www.expatica.com/de/news/german-news/Austria-grants-recognition-to-Jehova\
h_s-Witnesses--_52431.html

Glutamate Identified As Predictor Of Disease Progression In Multiple Sclerosis

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090429205604.htm

Of interest to those who enjoy gospel songs: Emmylou Harris & Johnny Cash
singing at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCy8pHsVnI

Former LDS (Mormons) Bishop-Historian learns (and gets the word our that) early
Mormons did not eschew the cross as a symbol:
http://www.sltrib.com/faith/ci_12256269  LDS works to get control of federal
landmark where early Mormons massacred 120 men, women, children:

http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10329269&nav=menu554_2

Brenda Lee, author of OUT OF THE COCOON:  A YOUNG WOMAN’S COURAGEOUS FLIGHT FROM
THE GRIP OF A RELIGIOUS CULT, will be interviewed in two days:  MONDAY, MAY 11.
Tune into “The Chosen” at 6 p.m. Mountain Time (8 p.m. Eastern Time) for approx.
1 hour.   Listen live at: www.talktainmentradio.com  The call in number if you'd
like to make a comment during the show, or ask a question, is:  1-877-932-9766
(toll free)


TOPICS FOR BIBLE STUDY/RESEARCH:

Just click to see and read: Magog http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magog_(Bible)

Manasseh (king) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manasseh_(tribal_patriarch)

Manasseh (tribe of Israel) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribe_of_Manasseh

manna http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manna

Mark (one of the 12 apostles) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_the_Evangelist

Mark (Bible book) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gospel_of_Mark


CHRISTIAN AND FUN VIDEO MUSIC LINKS:

JOHNNY CASH

Emmylou Harris & Johnny Cash - 2 gospel songs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCy8pHsVnI

Johnny Cash and June Carter "Gospel Show"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFj_lMUuO_4&feature=related

Johnny Cash "Why Me Lord"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UGEaWfiDGA&feature=related
Johnny Cash "I Walk the Line" live 1959
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krVACUbciJE&feature=related

How Great Thou Art
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86rmU65hlzI&feature=related

ANDY GRIFFITH (Not religious but joyful and funny)
Andy Griffith – Whoa Mule
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpKhWePGNPc&feature=related
Andy Griffith - The Darlings - Picking In Jail
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXjVjfEaxJw&feature=related
The Darlings Music Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnniyab94WY&feature=related
Andy Griffith - Down In The Valley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMJGuaNbXJ4&feature=related
The Andy Griffith Show of Women
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fmQFKiNFck&feature=related
Boil Them Cabbage Down
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu77tX7uDvc&feature=related
Salty Dog - The Dillards (the Darlings)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SHnkg0mJA4&feature=related

ELVIS PRESSLY SINGING GOSPEL SONGS
Elvis Gospel Songs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hig_GJB5N2I&feature=related
The Old Rugged Cross (Elvis)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CltrLsjsQl0
How Great Thou Art (Elvis)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf0vJiyeLIo&feature=related
Amazing Grace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3XdXEJEI4E&feature=related
O Happy Day
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dGVqFPQF8E&feature=related
Do You Know Who I Am?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa_RE_Zw010&feature=related
Bridge Over Troubled Water
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiXdoBC8lzk&feature=related

LORETTA LYNN

Loretta Lynn "In The Sweet Bye And Bye"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRWu3C2Im04&feature=related

HMONG MUSIC VIDEOS

The Hmong people traditionally lived mostly in China and Southeast Asian nations
such as Vietnam and Laos.  Today many also live in the United States, for
example, in Minnesota and California.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM4rdVEdVqA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SXT9vJe3Ys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNG7NTr-kuo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcFShmLJmjI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELKNqGbxMy8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fPnsexqJwM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feYIclw7hiY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdZykniwUFo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfu8dpfVOu0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCVAkWHPxEs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NLXScVYvIA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UIEf40Kpdk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gl_qJsVwA0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtXpp0SyEb8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8R-Ar4qZ3I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpV7Jgv5msQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UsXD2uYmzU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGzg9XuMZH8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvQYr7uUbfE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-IYn7s8giY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbGhHb5R46Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Re84bY3apU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muEmeZMqcpc

CHINESE MUSIC VIDEOS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1JbS4K4Vlo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZiuXFzEyZQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJYqrutTgqw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmlg5x6sBwM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj_-gLI-8go&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pb9hc8qtDM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvCKvH2V2sY&feature=related

GERMAN CHRISTMAS MUSIC

Stillige Nacht - Silent Night
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUb8ySdERKs

Vom Himmel Hoch (From Heaven High)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAuQZuptxXo

O Tannebaum - O Christmas Tree by Helmut Lotti
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6CaOHxo908&feature=related

Wann Kommst Du, Weihnachtsmann - When You Coming, Christmas Man?  by Rolf
Zuckowski
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3rACOJKIJk&feature=related

Es Schneit - It's Snowing by Rolf Zuckowski
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_y7njVwxXg

DOLLY PARTON
Coat Of Many Colors
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1zJzr-kWsI&feature=related
The Glory Forever
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcgJ59it8H8
Letter To Heaven
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnFFnetIgvE&feature=related
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5qcXfVE7gI


CHRISTIAN POP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SeCUtaMHP4

INDONESIAN CHRISTIAN
Hear Him Call My Name - By a little boy named Kevin
Dengar Dia Panggil Nama Saya - Kevin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTynnWu02I8&feature=PlayList&p=9FAE35F2CF14B120&i\
ndex=4

WILLIE NELSON
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8v4Emivg4w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEzF_UnSihs&feature=related

THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS
Unchained Love
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-idDbIfGvw&feature=related


SOUP KITCHEN RECIPES

Christ fed the crowds with physical food not just words, and he is our savior as
well as chief role model:

FAST AND EASY CUCUMBER, TOMATO, ONION SALAD: Chop, slice or dice cucumbers,
tomatoes and small green onions to the amount needed, then put the pieces into a
bowl, and finally add any dressing to suit your taste.


BEAN SOUP: Buy a pack of dry beans, check them for any small pebbles etc for
removing.  Put the beans into a large pot then add just enough cool water to
cover them.  Put the pot of beans on the top of a stove heater.

Turn it on to a temperature between moderate and high.  Put a lid over most of
the pot's top, but do not cover it totally. (If you were to cover the pot's top
totally with a lid, then steam would build up and explode, spewing beans all
over)

Come back to check the beans about ever twenty minutes.  As needed, add more
water and stir them about every time some so that they don't burn up.

In maybe an hour or more, depending on how many beans there are and the
temperature, the beans should be softened enough that if you put one or two in a
spoon, then you can mash them easily, or let them cool then taste of them.

Of course, if you use more water, then you get more soup than beans.  You can
flavor the bean soup with whatever you like such as salt, pepper, other spices,
catsup etc.  You might also eat the soup with crackers or bits of bread.

If you have meat such as ham, you can cook the bean soup with the meat.  The
nice thing about beans is that, as also true of rice, they are cheap.  A lot of
poor people can thus be fed on little money.

LENTIL SOUP. Cook lentil soup as given in the recipe for bean soup but with one
major difference.  It only takes a fraction of the time for cooking lentils, so
check them even more often so that they don't burn up.  A drawback is that,
depending on your location, they may cost more than beans or rice.


RICE! Rice is prepared and cooked very much as is bean soup.  It absorbs the
water and so swells up even more than do beans, so take that into consideration.
For the amount of food that it makes, it's even cheaper than beans.

Most people think rice must be fixed and eaten either by itself in which case it
tastes rather bland or with vegetables as that's what they see in Chinese
restaurants.  When growing up my own mother cooked rice then added sugar, honey
or molasses to sweeten it.  We also commonly added some butter which gave it
even more flavor.  And, if we had them, we would add raisins or bits of apples. 
Just use your imagination.


VIDEOS ABOUT SOUP KITCHENS, THE HOMELESS AND HUNGRY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMGPxILluUs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kht2uawYFy4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez0m5rFUdXg

TO AND FROM OUR READERS:

Greetings in Christ including to the twelve or so who signed in with us this
past week...  In view of the peril from Swine Flu (H1N1) continuing around the
globe, it is good to stay calm while taking protective actions right now, both
in view of our physical and our spiritual needs as this newsletter will lay out
clearly in the following paragraphs.  Some good news is that except for in
Mexico where over 100 have died, so far most cases have not proved fatal.

An email came from "detective1920" who expressed concern over the Swine Flu,
including, she said, that it had struck near where she lives.  One news report
has noted that so far over 800 cases have been reported worldwide and about 25%
of the cases are in the United States.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-05-02-flu-world-saturday_N.htm  Some
113 people who flew into China from Mexico have been quarantined in various
cities around China including Shanghai and Beijing.  Twenty British tourists
were quarantined in Hong Kong after one was diagnosed.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2009-05-02-flu-world-saturday_N.htm
  http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-05/03/content_11301806.htm
The World Health organization is said to be about to declare that it is a
"pandemic," meaning a threat to people's health and lives around the world.  The
nations with reported cases now number at least eleven.  They include not only
Mexico, the U.S. and China but also the U.K., Australia and India.   It's good
to remember to do things such as wash our hands "thoroughly" more often.

In terms of spiritual considerations, some Christians are not attending large
church gatherings but reading and studying the Bible in their own homes at least
until the flu has subsided.  As Christians it would be good for each of us to
also consider serving as shepherds ready to assist others who may not be
physically or mentally able to care for themselves at all or very well during
the next few weeks.  For this we can consider thinking about who that might be,
writing a list of their names, phone numbers and addresses.

In view of the possibility that governments may order those with the new flu to
stay shut in while contagious (as already done in some places), some are
stocking up with at least two weeks of food (cans of food; containers with
water, sacks of beans and potatoes, etc) and writing down names of relatives who
may be willing if able to leave emergency food and medicines on their doorsteps.
Some have been getting Tamiflu etc, supplies of Tamiflu in the U.S. said to
still be plentiful, although it's not cheap.  Also some have bought some vitamin
C, rosehips or bags of grapefruits, other citrus fruits.

If those who operate electrical plants were hard hit by flu, then electrical
stoves, water pumps etc might not work, so having alternative backups for water
(say bottled/in cans) and fire could be good.  Also it is always good to have
one or more battery run flashlights and radios, making sure the batteries are
fully charged and there are extra right-sized replacement batteries.


SONGS/HYMNS:

Those who read the Bible and study on their own can enjoy these as well as those
who read and study with others in their homes, that is, in house churches:

"All Things Bright And Beautiful" was composed by Cecil F. Alexander in 1848.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/l/allthing.htm

"Amazing Grace" was penned by John Newton in 1779.  He gave up being a slave
ship captain to oppose slavery as a Christian:
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/m/a/amazing_grace.htm


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

As is our custom we will be reading the following and each of us is encouraged
to meditate upon some way to apply it to his/her own life.  Paul was inspired to
write:

1 Corinthians 15:50 I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot
inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—
52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet
will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal
with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable,
and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true:
"Death has been swallowed up in victory."

  55 "Where, O death, is your victory?   Where, O death, is your sting?" 56 The
sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God!
He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  58 Therefore, my dear
brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the
work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

RECIPE FOR GET-TOGETHERS:

Why not try some Maple Pecan Crinkles:
http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps2/pec5f114.htm



RELIGION NEWS, BIBLE AND ARCHAEOLOGY TOPICS, HEALTH TIPS ETC:

Shop owners in Scotland decide to ban Muslim women's veil after jewelry store is
robbed http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8021627.stm

Here's how to join others in protesting North Korea's killer anti-Christian
policies http://www.opendoorsusa.org/content/view/939  ..... An Australian tells
in a book how he went about rescuing his kids from his own dad at the
Gloriaville cult in New Zealand
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10568227&pnum=0
..... Cult leader Juliano Verbard is helped to escape French island prison in
stolen helicopter  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8020401.stm

Watchtower/Jehovah's Witness Related News Items: Blood ruling in Ireland
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/23420/jehovah-witnesses-blood-transfusion-2
Ruling in Wyoming helps JW widow whose husband chose death over emergency blood
use
http://www.legalnewsline.com/news/220523-states-high-court-says-widow-of-jehovah\
s-witness-entitled-to-death-benefits (Comment: contrast with God's forgiving
Saul's men who ate unbled meat to stay alive)  Heads of the Watchtower Society
over JWs have lavish free cars; see photos and read more details; plus, the
Czech Republic's court system will be prosecuting parents who reportedly tried
to force their daughter to join the JW religion and, when she didn't, kicked her
out without support http://masonemerson.freeyellow.com/christianwitnes/id77.html

Topics For Research: Let's learn some about the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wailing_Wall  Photos from the Wailing Wall in
Jerusalem: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=Jerusalem+wailing+wall&m=text .....
The Tower Of Babel: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_of_babel

Scientists have discovered a single gene that can cause stroke and other artery
diseases, and this could lead to fewer people dying:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090501154139.htm


CLOSING THOUGHTS:

Please try to stay extra hard to stay healthy, both physically and spiritually. 
Our loved ones are depending upon us, whether they be our parents, children, or
our pets.  Let us act, think, and pray positively.

Wishing many blessings to you and yours,

In Christ,

Joe

TO THE READERS:

Fortunately, at least in the U.S., there is plenty of Tamiflu which helps
against flu.  What appears to be the start of pandemic deadly Swine Flu has
officials concerned worldwide although so far some patients who have received
good care have recovered well.   Still, precautions such as more washing of the
hands are in order.

DNA analysis has shown the new disease is a patchwork of viruses from different
continents.  That and its coming after the usual flu season has caused some to
wonder if it was genetically engineered by some nation perhaps opposed to the
U.S. and or Israel, released in Mexico and possibly New York, quickly spreading
as tourists and others travel about in jets.

For example some have wondered about Iran's estranged government which is said
to have been employing Russian former biological researchers needing work since
the USSR fell some years ago.  Among the first people to die have been persons
who never came into contact with swine.

The Centers for Disease Control has said it is too late to stop the flu in the
U.S. New Zealand has quarantined students who just came back from Mexico, some
with symptoms possibly of Swine Flu.  China, Indonesia, Norway and Brazil are
also on high alert.  U.S. President Barack Obama is said to be okay despite
Felipe Solis, a noted archaeologist who had greeted him, during his trip to
Mexico, having now died the next day of flu-like symptoms.

It has shown up already in New York, California, Texas and Kansas; may also have
stricken some in Britain and France.  Last heard about 1,000 people around
Mexico City had symptoms. Russia, the United Arab Emirates and some Carribean
nations have put curbs on meat imported from Mexico.  New Hampshire physicians
are on the lookout.

http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE53O2JY20090425
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/04/26/2552882.htm?section=world
http://www.norwaypost.no/content/view/21943/1/
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N25473389.htm
http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2009/04/26/nh_health_off\
icials_meet_about_swine_flu/


Again, there is plenty of Tamiflu available.  It would be good, though, to stock
up meanwhile with extra canned goods, rice, means, potatoes etc since, unless
the flu were to suddenly vanish, some of us might be later put under
quarantine.......

SONGS/HYMNS:

When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder.  By James M. Black in 1893. 
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/e/whenroll.htm

Softly And Tenderly Jesus Is Calling.  By William
L. Thompson in 1880. http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/o/softlyat.htm


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

1 Corinthians 15:35 But someone may ask, "How are the dead raised? With what
kind of body will they come?" 36 How foolish! What you sow does not come to life
unless it dies. 37 When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but
just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else.

38 But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he
gives its own body. 39 All flesh is not the same: Men have one kind of flesh,
animals have another, birds another and fish another. 40 There are also heavenly
bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is
one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. 41 The sun has one
kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from
star in splendor.

  42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is
perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised
in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural
body, it is raised a spiritual body.
If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So it is written:
"The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit.
46 The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the
spiritual.

47 The first man was of the dust of the earth, the second man from heaven. 48 As
was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the man from
heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 And just as we have borne the
likeness of the earthly man, so shall we bear the likeness of the man from
heaven.


BIBLE STUDY TOPIC:

Job: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_(Bible)


RELIGION, ARCHAEOLOGY, AND HEALTH NEWS

Researchers report 5,000 year old alcoholic medicine found in Egypt:
http://www.bib-arch.org/news/dailynews.asp#24

South Korea's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a 10-year jail sentence imposed
on a Jeong Myeong-Seok who began his Jesus Morning Star (JMS) cult in the late
1980s.  He was convicted of rape and other crimes against four Korean female
followers in 2003-2006.  Ex-members, mostly young girls, say he told them to
take off their clothes for health checks and to have sex with him in order to
cleanse away their sins. He threatened to ruin their spiritual lives (shunning?)
if they didn't do as told and stay quiet about it.  He is believed to still have
thousands of followers.
http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Asia/Story/STIStory_367459.html

The doomsday cult called Aum Shinrikyo is still controlling diehard devotees of
the group which perpetrated the 1995 sarin gas attacks in Tokyo's subway. 
Teachings on DVDs from Shinrikyo still control his followers though he is on
death row according to Japanese security agencies.  The cult changed its name in
2000 to Aleph.  There are some 1,500 devotees using 30 facilities in Japan.  In
Russia there are 200 followers and several cult facilities.  Before 1995 there
were some 11,400.   Surveillance of the cult began in 2000 and has been extended
to 2012.  Japan's constitution guarantees freedom and thus also the existence of
religions.

 
.http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Asia/Story/A1Story20090421-136664.html

Berries may help prevent wrinkles.  Click to see how:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090421154318.htm

Aryan Nations, a vicious racist religion, has resumed recruiting in northern
Idaho.  The group also passed out flyers but when police received complaints
they had to tell people there was nothing they could do because there is freedom
of religion. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/aryan_nations

Adding walnuts to a good diet may help improve motor and behaviorial skills of
older people.  Click to read more:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090419201207.htm


REMINDER:

Anytime now, possibly today, even within minutes, we will come across someone
who is poor or in need.  Perhaps we just don't recognize the person is in need
unless we look closer at the condition of their shoes or the like.  But as
Christ says, the poor are indeed here with us always.

Will we just look away?  He wouldn't.  He didn't.  Nor should we.

While nice words sound nice they don't take away the aches, pangs, pain and
hunger.  Please let us lift our hands for helping heal those who have need, as
benefits those truly seeking to be as brothers and sisters of Christ through
actions, the laying on of the hands, not just pretty words.

Your Fellow Servant In Christ,

Joe

COMMENTS TO THE FRIENDS:

Hi, and, as always, welcome to our newcomers, too.

Wow, my email was chock-full of spam again!  Earlier after sending out a note
that the newsletter would be coming for you guys, but not immediately, I got a
blank email back... so there's not too much to pass on to you this time.

Good food takes time to prepare.  Hopefully the special Easter material
interests you.

I can tell you though that since the last time we met, Overland Park, Kansas,
where I abode with wife, two cats, a poodle, and three hungry semi-pet
squirrels, got a bit of a blizzard.  However, it has quickly melted away.

True, Mother Nature keeps kicking up a fit, unable to decide if she's hot or
she's cold, so far being a bit of both.  Happily, though, most of our tree and
ground flowers here seem to have miraculously survived.  In them we see the
reflection of their Maker and our Maker in common, God who is our Father in
heaven.

We can't see the Father of us all directly or, as Moses explained, we would die;
but we can see God even as the Bible says by the Handiwork of His Creation, that
is via the Work of God's "hands" or Holy Spirit.

As alluded to up above, since Easter is upon us, a leaflet about it is included
under "Bible Study Topics" which follows below near the end.  It's in both
English and Spanish, long but worth reading.  Freely reproduce and use it in
whole or part.

You may also wish to click on and read about the Jewish Passover which Christ
and the apostles celebrated as part of Judaism and which in many ways is
similar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover

In brief, it is a Jewish and Samaritan holy festival reminding that God spared
the Israelites when slaying the Egyptians' first born children, and it is
followed by the seven day Feast of the Unleavened Bread commemorating the Exodus
from Egypt and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery.

Not all but some such as Colin Humphreys believe the original Mount Sinai but
the volcano Hala-'l Badr or Hala-'l Bedr, also called Mount Bedr.  Some have
speculated that a volcano upon a Mediterranean island caused the plagues that
smote Egypt, but the weight of the matter now more heavily weighs toward an
eruption at the volcano which is in Saudi Arabia.

Anyway, it's all interesting and I'll try to send you more information about the
Badr or Bedr theory later.  Happy Easter and prayers that all of us get to
attain our hope of joyful resurrection along with our dear loved ones.

Yours Serving With You In Christ,

Joe


SONGS FOR SERVICES ETC

Here are two that are handy for those of us holding house-church services,
general Christian get-togethers or for just listening to on our own:

Awake, Jerusalem, Awake!  By Charles Wesley in 1741.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/j/ajeawake.htm

Be Thou My Vision.  Believed by Dal¬lan For¬gaill, 8th Cen¬tu¬ry
in Ireland. http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/t/btmvison.htm


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

Thanks to Christ we have the Christian hope of the resurrection.  Paul also
speaks of the resurrection at 1Corinthians 15 which we will be considering
together as each of us seeks to make some manner of personal application guided
by God's Holy Spirit acting upon our hearts and minds:

29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the
dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? 30
And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I die every day—I
mean that, brothers—just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord.
32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I
gained? If the dead are not raised,

"Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."  33 Do not be misled: "Bad company
corrupts good character." 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop
sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame."


RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING GET-TOGETHERS:

This time it's Stuffed Potatoes:
http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps2/pot6f109.htm


RELIGION AND OTHER NEWS:

Texas vs. FLDS: A year after the raid: http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_11998456

Plea Deal Includes Resurrection Clause.  Mother to Testify Against Alleged Cult
and to Go Free if Son Rises From Dead. 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/30/AR2009033002931.\
html

Mohammed cartoonist accuses BBC of 'appeasing Muslim fanatics by not showing
interview':
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1166912/Mohammed-cartoonist-accuses-BBC-\
appeasing-Muslim-fanatics-showing-interview.html  UN body OKs call to curb
religious criticism
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iRHXSIoJJdXQpG3kPrRO2LWMnWTAD9\
75TOK00

Pope calls for investigation of Legionnaires of Christ
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jVnjtX6f3Jf12jPkdVSRhPcBDQUw

Spritualist guru raped vulnerable women lured to his cult, court hears
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/5082466/Spritual\
ist-guru-raped-vulnerable-women-lured-to-his-cult-court-hears.html


BIBLE STUDY TOPICS:
EASTER TRADITIONS

This is about some Easter traditions, beginning with the eggs and rabbits, in
particular in the United States and Mexico. When Christianity reached Germany in
the 1500s, eggs and bunny rabbits were used as symbols of the resurrection hope
of new life.   Rabbits are well-known for bearing new life in spring and
appearing first here then there remindful of how Christ appeared at various
places after resurrected.  Baby chicks serve the same purpose.

Esto es sobre unas de las tradiciones de Pascua, empezando con los huevos y
conejos, en particular en los EEUU y Mexico.  Cuando el cristianismo alcanzó
Alemania en los 1500s, los huevos y los conejitos fueron utilizados como los
símbolos de la esperanza de la resurrección a nueva vida.  Los conejos son
bien-conocidos tambien para el criar de nueva vida  en el invierno y el aparecer
al primero por aquí entonces por alli da recuerdo de como Cristo apareció en
varios lugares después de la resureccion.  Los pollitos sirven del mismo modo.

Germans dye eggs green, Greek and Slavic cultures dye them red for the blood of
Christ, and Chinese have long dyed eggs red but for good luck.  Russians
immigrants in particular brought the tradition of dyed eggs from the Ukraine to
America during the 1800s.  However, as said, such customs are still not so
common in Mexico, Central and South America.

Los alemanes tiñen a los huevos el color verde, las culturas de los Griegos y
Slavicos los tiñen rojos para la sangre de Cristo, y los Chinos ya hace muchos
siglos han teñido los huevos el color rojo pero es para la buena suerte. Los
inmigrantes rusos especialmente trajeron la tradición de huevos teñidos de la
Ucrania a América durante los 1800s.  Sin embargo, como ya dicho, tales
costumbres todavia no son tan normales en Mexico, Centroamerica y Suramerica.

Interestingly the Jewish Passover celebration very similarly uses an egg to
symbolize life and salvation hope.    There is no usage of bunny rabbits or
chicks but the meat of a lamb is served.  Some areas of Mexico have had groups
of Jewish people since 1531.  Easter is the name of the holiday in English, but
Spanish uses the word Pascua.  In Spanish the word Pascua also means the Jewish
Passover.

Es interesante que la celebracion judia de la Pascua de manera similar usa un
huevo para simbolizar la vida y esperanza de la salvacion.  No hay uso de
conejitos o pollitos pero se sirve la carne de un cordero.  Unas areas de Mexico
han tenidas grupos de gente judia desde 1531.  "Easter" es el nombre del dia
festivo en ingles, pero espanol usa la palabra "Pascua."   En espanol la palabra
Pascua significa la Pascua judia tambien.

The Old English word "eastre" means easterly or eastern, a reminder Christianity
entered Germany and England from the east or Middle East, and scripture also
speaks of Christ coming from out of the East to resurrect people.  So some
dictionaries state that the name Easter in English may be from the word Eastern
although most encyclopedia articles have repeated the 8th Century scholar Bede's
speculation that it may be from the name of the goddess Eastre.

La palabra Ingles Antiguo "eastre" significa del oriente o este, un recuerdo de
que la cristianidad alcanzo Alamania e Inglaterra del oriente o del Oriente
Medio, y hay escitura que habla de Cristo veniendo del Oriente para resurrectar
a la gente.  Por lo tanto unos diccionarios declaran que tal vez la palabra
inglesa es de la palabra "Oriental" aunque muchos articulos en enciclopedias han
repitido la speculacion del erudito saxon Bede quien vivio en el siglo 8 que tal
vez viene del nombre de la diosa Eastre

The main symbol of Easter is the cross.  It symbolizes Christ's resurrection
Victory over death.  The apostle Paul wrote that he boasted about the cross.  At
Ixtapalapa, a village about thirty minutes from Mexico City, about 4,000 people
participate in an Easter drama with a crucifixion.  The play has been performed
every year since 1843.

El simbolo principal de Pascua es la cruz.  Simboliza la Victoria por
resureccion sobre la muerta.  El apostolo Pablo dijo que jactó de la cruz.  A
Ixtapalapa, una villa casi treinta minutos de la Ciudad de Mexico, casi 4.000
personas participan en una drama Pascua con una crucificcion.  La drama se lo
han actuada cada ano hasta 1843.

In Mexico, the holiday of Easter is two weeks long.  In some communities people
have major dramas including a crucifixion.  The first day of Easter begins with
Carnival.  The Carnival at Mazatlan is the third largest in the world.  Only Rio
De Janeiro and New Orleans have larger carnivals.   Veracruz, Merida and Cozumel
also have large Carnivals.

En Mexico, la dia festivo de Pascua dura dos semanas.  En algunas comunidades
las personas tienen dramas grandes incluyendo una crucifixion.  El primer dia de
Pascua empieza con Carnaval.   La Carnval de Mazatlan es la tercera mas grande
del mndo.  Solamente Rio de Janeiro y Nuevo Orleans tienen carnavales mas
grandes.  Veracruz, Merida y Cozumel tienen carnavales grandes tambien.

Different communities in Mexico have different customs during Easter.  For
example in the City of Oaxaca, young men give flowers to young women early in
the morning at Llano Park.  Also in the City of Oaxaca schools, churches, stores
and government offices offer fruit juices.

Comunidades diferentes en Mexico tienen costumbres diferentes durante Pascua. 
Por ejemplo en la Ciudad de Oaxaca, los jovenes dan flores a las jovenas
temprano en la manana en el Parque Llano.  Tambien en la Ciudad de Oaxaca, las
escuelas, las iglesias, las tiendas y oficinas gubernamentales ofrecen jugos de
frutas.

There is little to no use of symbolic animals in Mexico although they are more
common among some Hispanic communities in the United States.   In Mexico there
are more parties, fireworks and parades.  Although people in Mexico, Central and
South America do not dye eggs to hunt and eat during Easter, they have another
egg custom.

Hay poco hasta ningun uso de animales simbolicos en Mexico aunque son mas
normales entre las comunidades hispanicas en los Estados Unidos.  En Mexico hay
mas fiestas, fuegos artificiales y desfiles.  Aunque la gente en Mexico,
Centroamerica y Sur America no teñen huevos para cazar y comer durante Pascua,
tienen otra costumbre de huevos.

They put confetti into hollow, decorated eggs then smash the eggs over the heads
of people to give good luck, express admiration or love!   The eggs are called
cazcarones, and besides Easter, they are used during various parties and
celebrations.  The custom began in Mexico during the 1800s.  It probably came
from Europe and before there was brought from China by the explorer Marco Polo.

Ponen confeti en huevos huecos y decorados entonces los rompen en las cabezas de
personas para darles buena suerte, expresar admiracion o el amor!   Los huevos
se llaman cazcarones, y ademas de Pascua, los usan durante varias fiestas y
celebraciones.  La costumbre empezo en Mexico durante lost 1800s.  Problamente
vino de Europa y antes de alli fue traido de China por el explorador Marco Polo.


FINAL WORDS:

Thanks for coming; tell others, and may the joy of Christ leave us all bright
and happy in the days ahead in this life and the next.  We remember that serve
at the will of our Father in heaven, and to Him we return whenever He may call
for us....... and an Amen to that.

Your Fellow Servant In Christ

Joe

COMMENTS TO THE FRIENDS

There were no emails for the whole group this past week.  At writing time this
second it's about 1:40 AM (morning), pitch dark; outside it's been raining and
there are warnings of possible ice with snow, a Blizzard.  The squirrels,
Squirrely and Squirrley Joe, came up to our doorstep begging I guess in
anticipation of the impending storm of ice with snow; and having heard the
weather was going to get bad again suddenly, I was moved to put out some
hazelnuts and almonds which they scampered to load up on.

Well, God's spirit moves up like that too.  We see something terrible happening
or about to happen.  Inside of us we feel like we could bust if we didn't take
action, whether to feed those who might suffer pain of hunger or something else.
Holy Spirit moves us to action, expressions of loving concern that including
hands-on doings, not just words.  The Squirrels in Life whose paths we cross so
often, look forward to our assistance, especially when the weather is inclement;
and we look forward to helping them, shining a light to get them through pain
and darkness.  Do you see what I mean?


BIBLE STUDY TOPICS

Thought you knew all there is to know about King Saul?  See if you really did:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Saul

To whet your appetite for Bible archaelogy, try "Nehemiah's Wall":
http://www.bib-arch.org/bar/article.asp?PubID=BSBA&Volume=35&Issue=2&ArticleID=7

And, what about Nehemiah himself?
http://www.bib-arch.org/e-features/nehemiah.asp


SONGS FOR OPENING AND CLOSING HOUSE-CHURCH FELLOWSHIP GET-TOGETHERS:

The Very Friend I Need:
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/v/e/r/veryfrin.htm

The Wanderer: Words & Music: Rev. B. Car­ra­dine
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/a/n/wanderer.htm


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

You are invited to thoughtfully read along with us the following as each of us
seeks to make some kind of personal application for his or her own life; Paul
says at 1 Corinthians 15:

12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some
of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no
resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ
has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than
that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified
about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in
fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has
not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is
futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in
Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be
pitied more than all men.

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who
have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of
the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all
will be made alive. 23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then,
when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands
over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion,
authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under
his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For he "has put
everything under his feet." Now when it says that "everything" has been put
under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put
everything under Christ. 28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be
made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.



RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING GET-TOGETHERS:

   2 ea Egg whites
   1 1/2 c  Cooked rice
     1/4 c  Raisins
       1 x  Cinnamon
     1/4 c  Honey
       2 c  Skim milk
       1 t  Vanilla

Beat eggs, add milk and honey and beat well. Pour into baking
dishes and add rice, vanilla and raisins. Sprinkle a little
cinnamon on top and bake at 325 for 25 minutes.

Stir and add more cinnamon if desired. Continue baking for 20
to 25 minutes longer.

Serve warm or chilled.

RELIGION NEWS:

The worship of pagan gods and goddesses has returned to Israel, including those
whom the Israelites fought against in ancient times; a study of the pagan
revival was conducted by said Rinat Korbet, a Bar-Ilan University researcher. 
She wrote about the pagan community in Israel based upon its online presence.
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1072829.html

Two former Scientology film production employees allege labor violations, human
trafficking at Hemet, California.   Husband and wife Marc and Claire Headley
filed separate lawsuits in Los Angeles Superior Court in time to meet a
four-year statute of limitations.  They allege they were paid less than 50 cents
an hour, also forced to work over100 hours a week, never got overtime pay or
meal breaks and were required to sign documents under duress saying they had
forfeited their rights. L.A. lawyer Barry Van Sickle said the church must obey
the laws, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled religious entities and nonprofits
must abide by labor laws including for regulating wages and employing minors.
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_S_weblawsuit26.2f7dc3f.\
html

Former Jehovah's Witness Mary Aguilar will be hosting a phone-in conference on
May 1st 11:00 PM EST, 10 CST...  The panel will consist of: 1.  Jamie Bower
(Domestic violence); 2.  Joan Cetnar (Ex bethelite 4th generation jw); 3.  Helen
Orgena (Anoited class also, exp loss of child); 4.  RoseMary Osborne ( Abuse of
children in org)
There's no additional cost beyond whatever your usual long distance costs.  To
listen phone 347.945.7601.  Calls are sometimes also taken from the listeners. 
Derrick Whitt is the regular host, an ExJW now in a branch of Christianity
called Messianic Jews that includes some elements of Jewish culture and
religion. Rick Fearon will host an ExJWs&Friends telephone conference call this
Saturday, 7 p.m. EST, but if interested sign in earlier before the line packs
out.  There's no cost beyond whatever your normal long distance expense.  Dial
(712) 432-8710 and give pin number #9925.


New York has a Muslims only community of about 100 which was founded in 1980 by
alleged terrorist Sheikh Syed Mubarik Ali Shah Gilani.  There may actually be
dozens of such communities throughout the U.S.   Feds say Gilani was a founder
of the Jamaat al-Fuqra terrorist organization believed behind dozens of bombings
and murders across the U.S. and elsewhere, linked to planning the 1993 World
Trade Center bombing.  In 1983 a member was arrested and later convicted of
bombing a hotel in Portland, Ore.  Also linked to the group have been shoe
bomber Richard Reid and convicted D.C. sniper John Allen Muhammad. Local police
are very protective of the community
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,510218,00.html

Mexico's government has been destroying statues in Nuevo Laredo set up by drug
gangs
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090325/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_mexico_death_saint;_ylt\
=AlFSItQNWqI8nALIf4RZtem3IxIF

A Hindu has demanded the right to open air cremation in Britain
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/Hindu-attacks-British-ban-on.5106168.jp
Also, might a Catholic monarch be in Britain's future?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7966987.stm

Canada's government will fight Fundamentalist LDS claims that Canada's Charter
permits polygamy http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=1423784

The Watchtower Society over Jehovah's Witnesses may move many administrative
offices just north to Ramapo, a suburb of New York City in Rockland County.  
Read the newspaper account at http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=10073789
and for details about Ramapo, New York click:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramapo,_New_York
  Comments about this development are going on at the following
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/beliefs/173227/1/Moving-sale

Witch doctors kidnapping and abusing people in Gambia, Africa
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/africa/03/18/gambia.amnesty.witchcraft/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7949173.stm
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h6KGeK3B6LzDVEyTNNJ7q6L3MR-A

Oregon Judge Owen Panner okays church use of a hallucinoginic tea
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/03/ashland_church_can_brew_halluc.\
html  http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=122119575216896800


FINAL THOUGHTS

Got to go.  It's really late.  If in the blizzard zone, be sure to check on
neighbors and watch out for our families and friends.

In Christ,

Joe

FROM READERS TO READERS:

Two emails were sent the same day this past week intended for the whole group
and they claimed they are from Christians seeking to help others in West and
East Africa.  They may be legitimate pleas for help or they may be from con
artists trying to look legitimate, all the better to prey upon victims.  Each of
us can make his or her own determinations; they have been put into the top part
of Files which you can click onto once at our fellowship's home page, which by
the way is now sporting a spring-time photo:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianWitnesses

So the two mentioned emails may (or may not both) be from con artists and it can
be noted that the one certain way to feed a hungry person is to find one in your
own area and give her/him a sandwich etc; otherwise the only way to feel sure
would be to travel to Africa as "documents" of proof which they show in emails
might (or might not) be fakes.

Yes, spring has definitely come at least to Overland Park, Kansas.  There are
bushes with yellow blossom, Easter lilies jutting up, grass that has switched
from drab brown to bright green.  The birds are a-twitter.  The winter squirrels
have been by our door again, but we gave them no more nuts, knowing it wise to
not make them overly dependent.  Might God do likewise with us?  Help us out at
times but in general let us use the brains that He gave us to solve a lot of our
problems if only we will?

I tried to email this newsletter to you two days ago but for some reason it
wouldn't email.  Sorry about that.


SONGS HANDY FOR OPENING AND CLOSING CHRISTIAN GET-TOGETHERS:

Great God Whose Universe Sway.  By Isaac Watts in 1719.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/g/g/ggwusway.htm

Hail, All Hail!  By C. S. Kauff¬man in 1901.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/a/i/haillallh.htm


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING AND A TOPIC FOR BIBLE STUDY:

You are invited to now join us in reading the following written by the apostle
Paul and as we do so may each of us, as is our custom, be reading with a view to
somehow finding a way to apply some of what is read to our own personal
situations:

1 Corinthians 15: 1 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached
to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this
gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.
Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

  3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ
died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was
raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to
Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five
hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though
some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,
8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an
apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am
what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than
all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then,
it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

Moving on to Bible Study, Jesus Christ was both the founder of Christianity and
was also a Jewish Rabbi or Teacher who taught and observed the Jewish Passover
Seder.  Yet most Christians know little of the Passover Seder.  To quickly
remedy the lack of such knowledge, let all who are interested read 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover_Seder  Some interesting photos are
included.


RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING OCCASIONS:
Blackberry Mint Sorbet: http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps/bla2f109.htm


RELIGION NEWS, HEALTH AND BIBLE STUDY:

Two die in Angolan crowd to see Pope Benedict XVI
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25224089-401,00.html

Identity of "dumped" JW woman migrated from Colombia is finally discovered:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/03/now_we_know_her_name_elba.html

Frankincense oil may have potential for treating bladder cancer:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090317215312.htm
as well as help with arthritis
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080729234300.htm

Certain proteins in the yellow garden pea may help lower blood pressure and
delay, control or even prevent the onset of chronic kidney disease, at least in
rats, a Canadian study has found.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/proteinfromyellowpeasmaylowerbloodpressure


FINAL THOUGHTS:

Out of work or under-employed?  While looking for another job we can help fill
the void by for example by volunteering at a food pantry, helping at a soup
kitchen etc.  There are many other opportunities for Christian volunteers, and
focusing on helping others will help us cope with our own situations.  There's
more joy in giving than in receiving.

Yours in Christ,

Joe

COMMENTS FROM READERS TO READERS:

MDT (sjeff1@...) emailed to invite those interested to examine a
Christian Parents Forum, the link of which appears below.  It's being presented
does not imply either endorsement or the reverse; readers will make their own
decisions about it:

http://www.christianparentsforum.com/forums/

Thanks for coming.  Please continue telling others of our website and invite
them to also fellowship.


BIBLE STUDY TOPIC:

Those interested are welcome to study with us the following about Saul.  You can
learn some new things about him by clicking on this link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul and reading it.


OPENING SONG WITH WORD OF PRAYER:

All are now invited to enjoy “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” by Edmund H. Sears
in 1849.  http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/t/itcameup.htm
http://www.kunstderfuge.com/_/It_Came_Upon_a_Midnight_Clear_%28nc%29pope.mid
It came upon the midnight clear,
That glorious song of old,
From angels bending near the earth,
To touch their harps of gold;
“Peace on the earth, good will to men,
From Heaven’s all gracious King.”
The world in solemn stillness lay,
To hear the angels sing.
Still through the cloven skies they come
With peaceful wings unfurled,
And still their heavenly music floats
O’er all the weary world;
Above its sad and lowly plains,
They bend on hovering wing,
And ever over its Babel sounds
The blessèd angels sing.
Yet with the woes of sin and strife
The world has suffered long;
Beneath the angel strain have rolled
Two thousand years of wrong;
And man, at war with man, hears not
The love-song which they bring;
O hush the noise, ye men of strife
And hear the angels sing.
“Heavenly Father, we thank You for our many blessings, above all Your having
sent Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ.  May earth know peace by Your Kingdom. 
Amen.”


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

Back in Roman times women did not meet with men at public events, so when
Christian gatherings occurred, women's first time ever at meeting with fellow
male and female Christians was new to them and they inclined to talk with those
around them.  Paul says they were to not be speaking and if men had been doing
the same he would have corrected that as well.  So he wasn't being anti-women
but calling for readers to support for things being done "in a fitting and
orderly way."  Here are his own words and each reader is encouraged to try to
somehow apply them to his/her own situation somehow:

1 Corinthians 14:33 "As in all the congregations of the saints, 34 women should
remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in
submission, as the Law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they
should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to
speak in the church.

36 Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has
reached? 37 If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him
acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. 38 If he
ignores this, he himself will be ignored.

39 Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in
tongues. 40 But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."


CLOSING SONG WITH WORD OF PRAYER:

We now go to the song “Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley.”  This is an American
spiritual, its origins possibly in the 1700s of 1800s of early America, the
author unknown but possibly of the Afro-American slave community of the era. 
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/o/lonesome.htm
Jesus walked this lonesome valley.
He had to walk it by Himself;
O, nobody else could walk it for Him,
He had to walk it by Himself.
We must walk this lonesome valley,
We have to walk it by ourselves;
O, nobody else can walk it for us,
We have to walk it by ourselves.
You must go and stand your trial,
You have to stand it by yourself,
O, nobody else can stand it for you,
You have to stand it by yourself...
“Father, as this closing song says we must each stand, tried by the testings of
life.  Yet we rejoice for we know You haved granted freely to us the hope of
salvation from death by virtue of what Christ did, namely his holding up
perfectly.  Again, thank You, and we immeasurably appreciate Your Love for us,
unworthy though we are.  Amen.”

RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING GET-TOGETHERS (Angel Food Cake)

   1 1/2 c  sugar
       1 c  flour
       1 ts cream of tartar
     1/8 ts salt
      11 ea egg whites
       1 ts vanilla
Sift together the sugar, flour, cream of tartar, and salt 4 times.
Beat the egg whites until dry. Fold dry ingredients into eggs.
Add vanilla.
Bake at 250 degrees F. for about 1 hour.
Dust with powdered sugar or frost top and sides with favorite frosting.
(garvick.com)


RELIGIOUS AND HEALTH NEWS:

AIDS vaccine getting closer
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312114801.htm

JW pedophile sentenced in Wales:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/03/12/former-teacher-jailed-fo\
r-trying-to-abduct-girl-in-holywell-91466-23126095/

TV show to reveal LDS secret rites, upsets Mormons
http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/12460378

Center of Light group ignites controversy in Quincy, Massachusetts
http://wbztv.com/local/center.of.light.2.954534.html

Supporters of 'Antichrist' protest Miami-Dade judges
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/breaking-news/story/942081.html

Canadian evangelist Todd Bentley marries woman whom he had extramarital affair
with
http://westernstandard.blogs.com/shotgun/2009/03/todd-bentley-marries-woman-whom\
-he-had-extramarital-affair-with.html

New York pastor David Wilkerson proclaims Holy Spirit urges him to warn of an
imminent  "earth shattering calamity" including fires raging through New York
City
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Famed-pastor-predicts-imminent-ear\
th-shattering/NwiiivoqtkiD_8zruS8hRQ.cspx

Survey shows most U.S. religious groups shriveling:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-03-09-american-religion-ARIS_N.htm

Study links intelligence (or education) to reduced risk of death
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312140009.htm

FROM THE FRIENDS:

Two emails came.  The most recent was from our Christian brother Jim who works
as a very busy tractor trailer truck driver, and he wrote that he appreciates
the newsletter as it keeps him spiritually charged despite his busy schedule.  A
reply Thank You was sent to him noting I had just been thinking it would be nice
to get such an email as I felt so worn today and then, suddenly, lo and behold,
God put it into his heart to send his email ministering to help as it definitely
did.

Also, a day or two ago a second email came.  It was from sandman (or Kathy) who
gives information about a series of books by her regarding and encouraging
abstinence while not married and those interested will find a copy of her full
email in the Files section.  If interested go to homepage

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianWitnesses

then click Files on the left of the screen; once in the Files section click “A
New Book Series.”  I think she calls the series something like Green Brook High
– check to see.

You will notice in this issue that the Religion News Section is now called
Religion And Useful Health News.  Since some of us and our loved ones suffer
afflictions such as cancer, it was thought good to start adding links to some
health items bearing in mind that Luke was called the Beloved Physician or
doctor, Christ lovingly healed people of afflictions as did the apostles etc,...
so health has always been a natural concern among Christians.  Few of us are
doctors but we can share what we learn from reputable news sources about new
treatments etc.

As I type storms are heading toward us in Overland Park, Kansas.  Earlier there
was some thunder and a little rain with wind; more is scheduled to come as the
night continues.  Our friends the squirrels are snuggled away.  One came within
four feet of me this morning begging nuts.  I am trying to not feed him any more
so that he and his peers don’t become overly dependent but caved in, anyway, for
this time.  May Our Father remember that I sought to be kind to His squirrel,
only shooting him with a camera!  Smiling, Joe.


OPENING SONG WITH WORD OF PRAYER:

Please join in as we sing and/or listen to “I've Got Peace Like A River.”  This
is a traditional song in the United States.
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/g/igopeace.htm

“Father, we thank for the Peace, Joy, and Love that flood our hearts like the
swelling waves from the ocean that You are.  May we share the joy that You send
us with others in this fellowship and roundabout in life in general.  Thank You
for Your Son, Jesus Christ, Your Most Faithful and Wisest Slave Ever, Also Our
Reigning Spiritual King, Amen.”


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

As is our custom we will now thoughtfully read the following, and each of us
will be trying to make some manner of personal application.  For example, what
Paul says encourages those who have something to say about spiritual matters to
speak out though in orderly fashion.

Some of us hold Bible reading get-togethers with spouses, other family members,
friends in general, and we need to permit and encourage the others to also feel
free to speak out to teach to the benefit of all.  Thus, we may find it fruitful
to ask ourselves how well we are or have in the past done this.  Paul
specifically says:

1 Corinthians 14:29 “Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should
weigh carefully what is said.

30 And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker
should stop.

31 For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and
encouraged.

32 The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 33 For God is
not a God of disorder but of peace.”


CLOSING SONG WITH WORD OF PRAYER:

We will now be enjoying “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot!”  The author is unknown but
this soulfully satisfying traditional African-American song dates into the 1800s
and possibly before. http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/w/swinglow.htm

“Father, as the song says, sometimes we’re up and sometimes we’re down.  Still,
even when down we look up and with eyes of faith see Your faithful angels ready
to help us bear up and when You are ready, take us to be with You.  For the
Christian hope of resurrection and many other blessing including in this life
now, we give You our thanks and gratitude.  Thanks, Father, for always being
with us even when shadows sometimes deepen over the valley.  Amen.”


RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIP GET-TOGETHERS (Blue Berry Cobbler):

Yield: 1 Servings

       1 c  Flour
       1 c  Sugar
       1 c  Milk
       1 ts Vanilla
       1    Egg
       1    Stick of butter (1/2 cup)
      16 oz Blueberries

Melt butter in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add all ingredients except the
blueberries in a large mixing bowl. Mix well; then,  when margarine is melted,
pour the ingredients into the baking dish. Add the blueberries. Don't mix them
in; just add them.
http://www.garvick.com/recipes-ms/blu2m101.htm


RELIGION  AND USEFUL HEALTH NEWS:

Black raspberries slow cancer by altering hundreds of genes:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827163933.htm
Chemo-therapy agents identified in black raspberries:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090108082529.htm

Australian cult orders parents to put their religion ahead of their family:
http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2009/feb/28/faith-family-sunshine-coast-christia\
n-fellowship/

Islam Sufism as a kinder counter to the radical wing of Islam
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/news/2009/02/090225_sufism_plett_nh.shtml
Islam Sufism as tolerant version of Islam; focus on youth in Morocco
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/culture/?id=30768  Iran attacking
Sufism
http://www.rferl.org/Content/Sufism_Under_Attack_In_Iran/1499990.html
Islam Sufism as a possible counter to Afghanistan’s Taleban and other extremists
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7896943.stm

Neo-Nazis said planning Fourth Reich for Germany
http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKTRE5231M820090304
Germany raids over 200 Neo-Nazi premises
http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKTRE5231M820090304

Critic says Islamic Extremism whitewashed in American textbooks
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,504944,00.html
Says learn to live with radical Islam http://www.newsweek.com/id/187093

Texas FLDS Mormon Polygamist sect teen refuses baby's testing
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D96M5FVO3.html  State
wants girl from polygamist compound evaluated
http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2009/mar/03/breaking-news-cps-seeks-psych-evalua\
tion-for-mom/

Uganda’s epidemic of child sacrifice
http://www.independent.co.ug/index.php/society/society/37-society/620-ugandas-ep\
idemic-of-child-sacrifice

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Spring is trying hard to establish itself here in the U.S. Midwest.  Regardless,
as Christ says and the apostles also noted, the poor, hungry and needed are
always with us.  Please look about and if you see someone in need try to do
something that alleviates their situation.  May I remember to do so too.

Your fellow servant in Christ,

Joe

COMMENTS TO AND FROM THE FRIENDS:

Lauren, one of the friends has asked "Are there any photos of you or others in
the fellowship?

Yes, click our fellowship's main page at

http://www.http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianWitnesses

Sign in at the top after which you can click Photos for entire albums over on
the far left of the page.

To send your own items for the whole group simply email jmasonemerson@...
clean, short items that are upbuilding and non-spam.  For example, some may have
an upbuilding Christian poem or a re-written Christian hymn to share.  Others
may have a photo of themselves to send as a jpeg along with a sentence of
description.
Remember that we are a Christian audience of varying ages and sensitivities so
keep any photos in good taste for all, too.


OUR OPENING SONG WITH WORD OF PRAYER:

Click to hear "What Child Is This?" which was written by William C. Dix in 1865.
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/whatcist.htm

“Father, Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ, who is not only our main
role model as Christians but also our hope for resurrection of our loved ones. 
Forgive us our sins as we seek to forgive others.  Amen.”


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

As customary we now move on to read the following while each of us seeks to make
some manner of personal application.  Each week’s reading is a straight-forward
continuation from the previous reading.

Let us note that Paul here speaks of some speaking tongues or languages used for
spiritual purposes that others at Christian get-togethers could sometimes
interpret.  If not a language we or others we know may have another gift for
strengthening the friends such as a hymn.  Paul writes:

1 Corinthians 14:26 “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together,
everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an
interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.
27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a
time, and someone must interpret. 28 If there is no interpreter, the speaker
should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and God.”

RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING OCCASIONS:

For Raspberry Crisps bring together 1 qt Raspberries,1/3 c  Sugar, 1/4 c
softened Margarine, 1/3 c All-purpose flour, 1/3 c Brown sugar, 3/4 c  Rolled
oats. Preheat oven to 350. Place fruit in the bottom of a 9-inch square baking
pan and sprinkle sugar or non-sugar alternative over fruit. In a medium bowl
blend items to resemble a coarse meal which you sprinkle over the fruit. Bake
for 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve hot.  Serve with Christian love
and prayer.


CLOSING SONG AND WORD OF PRAYER:

Let Us Break Bread Together.  This is an African-American
spiritual.  http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/e/letusbbt.htm
“Heavenly Father, as we fellowship together via the internet and in some cases
physically together we thank You for the daily food that we have and pray that
we may share of our abundance with hungry people and creatures, especially so
where there is biting cold, snow and ice.  May all glory and thanks go to
Yourself now and forever.  Amen.”

RELIGION NEWS:

A nun has written a powerful tell-all book named Amen re sex among Catholic
priests and nuns, harassment, bullying, torture.  To no one’s surprise efforts
were made to try to make her look “crazy” after she complained.   Read all about
it right here:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10557785

Accused FLDS leader asks British Columbia for legal aid, saying polygamy is his
right and is supported by Canada’s Charter (equivalent of the U.S. Constitution
and Bill of Rights:

http://www.vancouversun.com/Life/Accused+polygamist+looking+legal+from/1330684/s\
tory.html

A Jehovah’s Witness in the U.S. is suing over being given a transfusion, and he
say he was so upset he went to a pyschologist.  Comment: he and his Watchtower
leaders need to read 1 Samuel 14:31-35 which shows God forgave men who ate
unbled meat to stay alive) .....  In another JWs and blood news article, it is
noted that JW parents in South Africa have said they respect a courts decision
to transfuse their child.  Comment: Not all JWs believe Watchtower’s balogna
http://www.connpost.com/ci_11781743 
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20090220054001117C8\
91248

The U.S. Supreme Court has unanimously ruled against a bizarre religious group’s
claim of freedom of speech on government property.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h3XjRUYcKy1ccSacyBD2GJLVV3qwD9\
6IMM1G3

A Mount Zion Full Gospel pastor denies he brainwashed women into leaving their
husbands for a “cult”:

http://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1446676

An Israeli Phony, Ugly “Messiah” has conned 39 young and pretty women to
“spiritually” marry him to circumvent the law in Israel against polygamy. 
Comment: Israel needs to pass a law making unofficial de facto polygamy
prosecutable:
 
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/Page/document/v5/content/subscribe?user_U\
RL=http://www.theglobeandmail.com%2Fservlet%2Fstory%2FLAC.20090221.ISRAELWIVES21\
%2FTPStory%2FInternational&ord=102146710&brand=theglobeandmail&force_login=true

Women in India are using a novel means to successfully fight back against Hindu
“morality police” there:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/feb/20/india-knickers-protest


FINAL THOUGHTS: Please feel free to make then share copies of this newsletter
far and wide for example by leaving copies in laundromats with people so that
they and others can also find their way here for enjoyable fellowship.

Yours In Christ,
Joe

READER/MEMBER DLBAYES24 writes: "I am starting a new book this will be my 3rd
published book my last one was titled from here to the cross I am writing this
book on what God has done for people today , stories that show God still works
and is alive today and not just some thing we read about from old times I would
love to hear how God has touched peoples life.if you have or know some one who
would like for me to write thier story in my new book please let me know You can
find my book at amazon or just look up my name on the computer i will give it to
you if you like

Thanks
dlbayes24 @yahoo.com"

Why not email a congratulations to the new author?


OPENING SONG AND PRAYER:

We open our fellowship meeting with “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” by Civilla D.
Martin in 1905.  This reminds us of God's love for all creatures from sparrows
to us.  http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/i/hiseyeis.htm

“Beloved Father in heaven, we thank You for remembering the sparrows.  We thank
You for remembering us.  We pray that we too may remember and feed, as You also
do, the sparrows and other wildlife.  We pray that even as we remember and care
for the other creatures we also keep our hearts open to the needs of the poor
and other needy ones in the midst of human society.  Forgive us our sins,
please, as we seek to forgive us; and we Thank You for the privilege of serving
others.  Amen.”


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

Hi, Everybody!  As always we’ll be reading a scriptural passage together.  Each
one of us is responsible for asking while doing so how we can apply it somehow
in our own lives.  For example to me it’s a reminder our how important it is
that those gifts that God has given are to the credit not of the person who has
such gifts but to the One from whom they come, and they are to be used to point
nonbelievers to God.  Paul, led by Holy Spirit, tells us the following, and,
again, may each reader see the power of it in his or her own life::

13 For this reason anyone who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may
interpret what he says. 14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my
mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I
will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing
with my mind. 16 If you are praising God with your spirit, how can one who finds
himself among those who do not understand say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since
he does not know what you are saying? 17 You may be giving thanks well enough,
but the other man is not edified.

  18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the
church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten
thousand words in a tongue.
  20 Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in
your thinking be adults. 21In the Law it is written:

    "Through men of strange tongues
       and through the lips of foreigners
    I will speak to this people,
       but even then they will not listen to me,"says the Lord.

22 Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy,
however, is for believers, not for unbelievers. 23 So if the whole church comes
together and everyone speaks in tongues, and some who do not understand or some
unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if
an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is
prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged
by all, 25 and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down
and worship God, exclaiming, "God is really among you!"


CLOSING SONG AND PRAYER:

Angels We Have Heard On High.  This is a traditional French song
sung to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, great not only for Christmas but
year round:
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/a/n/angelswe.htm

“Our Father who is heaven, may we always make you proud of us of how we try to
treat others including even those who have mistreated ourselves.  We also thank
You for having sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to serve as not the means for
eternal life through the good news of the resurrection hope but also as our
chief role model.  Through Your Son Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.”

RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING OCCASIONS: (Twin Peaks Cherry Pie)
http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps/che2f113.htm


RELIGION NEWS:

FLDS polygamous Mormons try courtroom attacks on Texas authorities:
http://deseretnews.com/article/content/mobile/1,5143,705286166,00.html?printView\
=true
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_11744061
http://www.winnipegsun.com/news/canada/2009/02/15/8404536.html
Lots more about FLDS and leader’s paranoia at
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/feb/15/secret-under-scrutiny/
http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2009/feb/15/evidence-reveals-a-paranoid-jeffs/

Pastor Steve Wu of Willow Creek Chicago—the city campus of the evangelical
megachurch Willow Creek Community Church—has resigned and admitted to "sexual
impurity," a church spokesman said:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-willow-creek-pastorfeb18,0,6292991.\
story  B.C. Civil Liberties Association insists FLDS and other Canadians have a
Charter right to practice polygamy

Radical Muslim preacher being deported to Jordan.  Comment: instead of deporting
him, why don’t they imprison or execute him since he has called on British
Muslims to kill themselves and others?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/lawandorder/4687524/Radical-\
Muslim-cleric-Abu-Qatada-to-be-deported-to-Jordan-on-terror-charges.html
Founder of Islamic TV station for countering steortypes has been arrested for
beheading his wife:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/02/16/buffalo.beheading/index.html

Dallas pastor T.D. Jakes expresses support for son accused of indecent exposure
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/23270/jermaine-jakes  Oral Roberts doesn’t
believe son did any wrong; thanks big contributor for money to his university
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20090215_11_A\
1_OralRo77736&allcom=1

-----
Court saves Jehovah's Witness girl's life.  By Kanina Foss

A 12-year-old Jehovah's Witness girl has received a life-saving blood
transfusion that she did not want after a Johannesburg High Court order gave
doctors the go-ahead. The girl, who suffers from leukaemia, was admitted to
Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital on Tuesday. Despite being told that a blood
transfusion was needed to save her life, the girl and her parents refused to
consent to the procedure. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that it's against God's
will to take other people's blood, or one's own blood that has been stored, into
one's body.

The official website of Watchtower, a Jehovah's Witness organisation to which
The Star was referred by the Jehovah's Witnesses of South Africa, says: "True
Christians will not accept a blood transfusion. They want to live, but they will
not try to save their life by breaking God's laws."

Comment: Contrary to Watchtower 1 Samuel 14:31-34 shows God forgave all Saul's
men when they had to eat blood with meat to stay alove; plus Christ at Matthew
12:7 says God wants Mercy not Sacrifice.  It is unChristian for Watchotwer to
misteach JWs and lead them to death.  Make copies of this along with this
comment and give it to next JWs you see, or mail/email some a copy.

Continuing: "The Gauteng Department of Health said doctors consulted the girl's
parents and church elders to explain the need for the transfusion. When their
explanations were rejected, they brought an urgent application before the High
Court on Wednesday.  The court order was issued on the same day, and the girl
was given a transfusion immediately.  According to Department of Health
spokesperson Phumelele Kaunda, the parents respected the court's decision.  The
girl is doing well.

SA Human Rights Commission chairperson Jody Kollapen said that in such cases,
the right to life took precedence over the right to religion.  He said adults
were regarded as fit to make informed decisions about their own bodies, but in
the case of a child, state intervention was sometimes necessary.  Jehovah's
Witnesses argue that there are often alternatives to a blood transfusion, and
they want to be allowed to consider other options.  They base their beliefs on
biblical text such as Acts 21, verse 25: "As for the believers from among the
nations, we have sent out, rendering our decision that they should keep
themselves from what is sacrificed to idols as well as from blood and what is
strangled and from fornication." (Comment: And again Watchtower misteaches about
blood thus causing deaths to JW adults and sometimes JWs’ infant children:
1 Sam 14:31-34, Mt 12:7.  Watchtower is thus disobedient to God's own words and
authorities-Romans 13:1.)

Continuing: "In November, the Pietermaritzburg High Court granted an urgent
order authorising a blood transfusion for a four-day-old baby boy who was born
15 weeks premature. His Jehovah's Witness parents had refused to give their
consent, despite a prognosis from the doctor involved."
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20090220054001117C8\
91248

(Comment: Freely make and distribute copies to help more JWs quit Watchtower and
stop donating money, time, energy to it, but instead let Christ be the only One
to govern.  There’s many Christian items countering Watchtower misteachings and
helping exiting JWs located at http://www.christianwitnesses.com)
---------

Steve and Kathy Gray will be on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Thursday, Feb.
19, at 10:35 p.m. CT.

The Steve & Kathy Show will appear in a segment called "Pitch to America," in
which TV shows make their case for becoming a national show. Steve and Kathy
will tell viewers why they should be America's first faith-based variety
program.
The Steve & Kathy Show made its debut appearance in January at the National
Association of Television Executives (NATPE) conference, where it quickly drew
attention from TV executives.

Producers of The Tonight Show met Steve and Kathy Gray at the show's booth and
invited them to make their "Pitch to America" on Leno's show.  The Steve & Kathy
Show is  in its third season and already has won a regional Emmy® Award, 48
Telly Awards and No. 1 Neilsen ratings in major markets.  One-part comedy,
one-part talk and one-part faith, The Steve & Kathy Show is the program
America's families want to watch!

For The Tonight Show with Jay Leno this Thursday: Thursday, Feb. 19, at 10:35 on
NBC, 10:35 p.m. CT (Scheduling subject to change per The Tonight Show.) Watch
The Steve & Kathy Show online anytime:
http://www.steveandkathygray.com/


FINAL THOUGHTS:

The following song with music says it all, namely: “Be Thou My Vision” believed
by Dal¬lan For¬gaill of the 8th Cen¬tu¬ry in Ireland:

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/t/btmvison.htm

COMMENTS TO AND FROM THE FRIENDS:

There was a four-year-old inquisitive child climbing up a ladder that
had been built along the outside part of an old barn from the ground
on up into the barn's hayloft.  As he climbed higher eager to see
what might be up at the top, two miniature angry wasps zoomed into
view.

Their furious jabs about the child's eyes, cheeks and jaw were
instantly followed by stings from about ten other peers, and
screaming in pain he hurled down.  Instantly his parents were on the
scene.  They scooped him up, removed the wasp stingers, applied folk
remedies such as crushed tomato leafs and ice.  Eventually he would
heal.

To this day he never forgets either the pain from the wasps nor the
loving care of his parents.  That experience painted another page in
his book of life.

While we hope to find something that's new, nice and interesting at
times, it's good to stay alert during such explorations, and it's
also a great comfort to know that like our earthly parents, God also
looks on and will minister to us when there is a real need.


OPENING SONG WITH WORD OF PRAYER:

We open with "O Come All Ye Faithful," a song to rouse and lift us up
during all seasons.  It was penned by John F. Wade about the year
1743.

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/c/ocomeayf.htm

"Dear Father in heaven, thank You for this chance to come together
once again in fellowship via the internet and in some cases in person
with our loved ones and or other friendly faces.  Please forgive us
this day our sins even as we seek to forgive others.  We thank You
for our many blessings including life itself.  We pray too that we
will always be mindful of extending healing Christian hands to help
out those many others who are in need due to sickness, poverty and
other trying situations.  Amen, beloved Father, Amen."

OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

As is our custom, you are invited to join with us in reading the
following as each of us seeks to make some thoughtful manner of
personal application:

1 Corinthians 14:6 "Now, brothers, if I come to you and speak in
tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some
revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in
the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or
harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is
a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a
clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you.
Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone
know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10
Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none
of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of
what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and he is a
foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager to have
spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church."


CLOSING SONG WITH WORD OF PRAYER:

Our closing song today is "The Very Friend I Need" music and lyrics
of which are at http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/v/e/r/veryfrin.htm  Its
words are by Eli¬za E. Hew¬itt (1851-1920) and the music came from
Wil¬liam J. Kirk¬pat¬rick (1838-1921)


"Beloved Father, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ, the
friend we need when sorrowful from having done wrong and our friend
whom we look forward to being with when, as the song says, we hope to
stand, however imperfect in this life, finally upon glory's shore in
resurrection.  Through Christ Your Son we pray, Amen."


RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIP GET-TOGETHERS: Quebec style pea soup recipe

14 oz dried split yellow peas (need to be soaked in cold water for
three hours)
   2 1/2 qt hot water
       4 oz salt pork, chopped
       1 ea medium onion, minced
       1 pn black pepper
       1 c  diced carrot
     1/4 c  diced turnip
       a pinch of salt may be added

Drain peas. Blanch quickly in large pot of boiling salted water.
Drain well; return to pot. Add 2 1/2 quarts hot water, salt pork,
onion and pepper and simmer until peas are tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
Add carrot and turnip and cook until tender, 20 to 30 minutes. Season
with salt. Serve immediately. (garvick.com)


RELIGION NEWS:

When parents call God but not a doctor
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1877352,00.html

Revelations FLDS Polygamist Warren Jeffs put curse on state capitals;
used "God squad" to keep members in line and spy on them
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_11652642
FLDS girl told how to try to manipulate caseworkers
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/religion/6245267.html
http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2009/feb/04/report-texts-coached-girl/

A Mesa, Arizona, kingdom hall has sustained $500,000 in what may have
been arson:
http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/jehovah_witness_church_fire_02130
9
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/02/13/20090213churchfire02
14.html New Jersey JW family dies in plane crash (other JW news at
christianwitnesses.com)
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/02/bloomfield_family_killed_in_c
o.html

Muslim Iraqi woman had 80 other women raped to get them to become
suicide bombers
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/23245/islamic-terrorism-30

Televangelism empire in chaos over family split
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?
f=/n/a/2009/01/31/national/a094947S39.DTL

Pope condemns denial of Holocaust
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7885933.stm


CHRISTIAN ACTIVITIES NETWORK AGAINST WATCHTOWER INJUSTICES:

Rick Fearon has formed a kind of Christian Activities Network calling
for August 24-31 to be a Freedom Week of demonstrations against
wrongs including deadly policies of the Watchtower Society over
Jehovah's Witnesses and harmful to JWs and the public (bleeding
deaths, pedophiles being included among those sent preaching door-to-
door etc).

Some possible activities for the week are for anyone (active JW,
former JW, others) to do things such as: stop donating money to
Watchtower; don't go to meetings; step down as elder, ministerial
servant or pioneer, tell elders you want to be disfellowshipped;
report your doubts in detail to elders and record it; write a
disassociation letter; say you don't want to be a JW; say you are
disturbed by things you have read or heard; don't go in field service
that week;  protest before a kingdom hall of JWs with a sign saying
for example sixscreensofthewatchtower.com.

Some other possibilities are to: visit kingdom halls and obtain
addresses of JWs there to send short information items,  try to get
on talk shows about the educate and involve churches groups; seek
access to a database for locating more JWs to write to; wear a T-
shirt saying tell JWs of sixscreensofthewatchtower.com, JWs visit
silentlambs.com or the like; send emails and addresses of active JWs
to Rick; attend JW conventions and there slip into books lying around
a small card with sixscreensofthewatchtower.com on it for JWs to find
and look up later.

Some may get an early start at the soon coming Memorial (Last Supper
observance) at kingdom halls.  Rick will be re-mentioning the Freedom
week on his website and talk show (every other Saturday 7pm EST; call
(712)432-8710; pin number 9925; no cost for you other than whatever
your normal long distance rate may be), invites other readers to also
mention it on blogs, in emails etc.  Rick's email is
sixscreens06@... and notes about this and other items of
interest are at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianWitnesses

In Christ As A Fellowshipping Servant,

Joe

TRANSLATIONS: http://www.babelfish.altavista.com

COMMENTS TO AND FROM THE FRIENDS:

My parents were money-poor but values-rich.  We lived south of Cape
Girardeau, Missouri, between the small towns of Morley and Vanduser,
out in the country near a ditch.  Watermelon and cotton patches
prevailed during early childhood though soybeans and corn made a come-
back after I left home and have reigned there on up to this very
day.

Daddy was a general or generic Christian who smoked but got drunk
only once in the nearly sixty years that he was married to my sweet
as honey Baptist-attending mother.  His fall into inebriation came on
an icy freezing day when he and a man helping him butchered a hog and
packaged the meat by themselves.

After the butchering was over, Mama fed them tasty hot pancakes
smothered with butter and molasses that darkening evening, bade the
less giddy helper who was loaded with his part of the packaged meat
farewell, and then she ushered daddy back into the bedroom to sleep
off his condition.

She said she couldn't complain too much about what he'd done since it
had only happened that one time.   Normally he'd drink a hot toddy of
lemon juice with whiskey only once ever year or three to clear his
lungs from flu.   I'm so proud of them both.  Sometimes it is good to
not be too judgmental, and in the case of my saint of a mother, she
certainly wasn't.

Outside my upper level den window only a little bit of the recent
days' pretty snow lingers on.  Mr. and Mrs. Squirrel nibbled a few
nuts I'd put on the sidewalk for them earlier but now have moved on.
Catch you, later.


OPENING SONG WITH WORD OF PRAYER: Lord, I Want To Be A Christian.
This is a traditional American folk hymn; although the original
author is unknown to us he or she is certainly known to God and most
likely did become a Christian.
http://members.aol.com/alshymns/LordIWantToBeAChristian.mid
http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/w/lwantbac.htm

"Father, after being baptized we wish to continue as Christians,
knowing it is a life-long endeavor and that we are never going to be
perfect or acceptable by our own efforts for You, but that this is
granted on the basis of Christ's ransom sacrifice.  This being the
case, beloved Father, we thank You for Christ coming to earth and
dying for us so that our lives can be returned after death when You
will that it be done.  Forgive us as we forgive others, Amen."


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING:

1Corinthians 14:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual
gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2 For anyone who speaks in a
tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands
him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3 But everyone who
prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and
comfort. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who
prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to
speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who
prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he
interprets, so that the church may be edified.


CLOSING SONG WITH WORD OF PRAYER:

Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us!  This was probably written by
Dor¬o¬thy A. Thrupp in 1836.
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/l/slaslus.htm

"As part of the song say, Father, you lead us as a shepherd,
tenderly; befriend us, serve as our guardian, receive us though poor
and sinful.  So it is that we seek Your favor and try to do Your
will.  May it always be so.  Amen."


RECIPE FOR GET-TOGETHERS: (Arcadian Eight-Bean Chili)
  http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps/chi3f116.htm


RELIGION NEWS:

U.S. Federal authorities are after clergy who have molested or
conspired to abet the molesting of kids.  Focus for now is on
Catholic cardinal: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-mahony29-
2009jan29,0,6232753.story

Regardling Mormonism, please read http://www.exmormon.org/tract2.htm

JWs "Blood Night!" A phone-in conference January 31 (this Saturday)
will expose that up to 9,000 Jehovah's Witnesses die for refusing
blood transfusions yearly, more, including innocent children, than
those who died in the killer cults of Waco, Jonestown, and the
Heaven's Gate cult put together due to the ever changing blood
policies of the Watchtower Organization over JWs.  Guests will be
Kerry Louderback-Wood, author of an essay entitled "Jehovah's
Witnesses, Blood transfusions, and the tort of misrepresentation"
which appeared in Baylor University's prestigious journal of Church
and State.  She exposes Watchtower's vulnerability to massive claims
for compensation due to misrepresentation of the medical risks from
refusing blood transfusions.  Also on the call will be Lawrence
Hughes who has filed a lawsuit against the Watchtower organization
for the wrongful death of his daughter Bethany.  To participate dial
(712)432-8710 and when asked for pin number use 9925.  There is no
charge for the call, only your normal calling rate applies.  Lines
open at 6:30 p.m.EST; the program begins at 7 p.m.

Indonesia Arrests Sex Cult Head:
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/01/28/jakarta-police-pursue-
cult-leader-bekasi.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jmy6-
EjffAbgjMpP8gWcOVUnLuWA

Court says private school can expel lesbians:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-school28-
2009jan28,0,4594347.story

Russia Arrests The Head Of A Satanic Cult:
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20090128/119841335.html

Ted Haggard seeks a come-back:
http://www.religionnewsblog.com/23203/ted-haggard-8

The Mother of Cultist David Koresh was stabbed to death:
http://www.star-telegram.com/448/story/1162750.html


FINAL THOUGHTS

Please send the link to our homepage with an invitation to others
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChristianWitnesses

Also, let us be laying on our hands to help the poor and also to resurrect any
we find who are spiritually dead.

In Christ As A Fellowshipping Servant,

Joe

Joe

WEEKLY BIBLE READER
(January 23, 2009)
Uebersetzung: http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_txt

COMMENTS TO AND FROM FRIENDS:
“With Essay/Sermon:
It’s In The Soup”

Two requests came that links be shared with the whole group, so the following
was put there:

Presentation of links to ministries etc here that some have asked be shared with
the group does not imply any endorsement.  You must make your own examinations
and determinations about them.  Note, too, that some do not identify which if
any religious group they are associated with.

http://onemanrevival.blogspot.com/
http://schoolawareness.org/lopez/Welcome.html

To answer a question some of you may be wondering about, Yes, I survived my trip
to the dentist and so far he appears to have done a good job though it cost
about $200.

Now, my wife is calling me to run downstairs for a bowl of soup and I might get
spanked....

Back.  Good soup: potatoes with corn, tomatoes.  She and I got to talking about
the tomatoes, how the store-bought ones lack the flavor of those grown in your
own garden.   We can thank God for all good things including natural tomatoes.

For the flat-tasting genetically modified ones we can, of course, thank
thoughtless huge agriculture corporations that modify what was better into
uniformly sized, uniformly dull tasting tomatoes.

Does that make me an environmental critic or a sighing and groaning Christian? 
Maybe I’m both.  What about you?

Anyway, the soup was good today.

With Christian Love And Best Wishes,

Joe

OPENING SONG AND PRAYER

We begin with the song “Only Trust Him” by John H. Stockton in 1874.
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/o/comesbso.htm

“Dear heavenly Father we trust You rather than imperfect humans.  You, not they,
created this wondrous planet and the first humans.  You, not they, can
resurrect.  We pray that we may be able to help others to appreciate You
more..... Amen.”


OUR WEEKLY BIBLE READING

As is our custom we will be reading the following as each of us tries to make
some kind of personal application for our own lives:

1 Corinthians 13:8 “Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will
cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge,
it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when
perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like
a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I
put childish ways behind me. 12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror;
then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully,
even as I am fully known.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these
is love.”


A RECIPE FOR FELLOWSHIPPING OCCASIONS:

Click for Baja Pasta Chicken http://www.garvick.com/recipes-fps/chi2f117.htm


CLOSING SONG AND PRAYER

Our closing song today is “Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us!”  This was probably
written by Dorothy A. Thrupp in 1836.
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/s/l/slaslus.htm

“Dearest Father in heaven, thank You for our personal relationship of Love with
You.  Thank You for sending Your beloved Son Jesus Christ with the good news of
Your Kingdom including the resurrection hope that his coming brought.   Please
forgive us our sins as we forgive others.  Amen.”


RELIGION AND OTHER NEWS

Dutch Member Of Parliament to be tried for "hate crime" against Islam:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7842344.stm

Imam in trouble for fraud
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1116327/Imam-forged-disabled-wifes-signa\
ture-secretly-divorce-her.html

CHILD Inc And Others Battle to save kids' lives by putting safety over parents'
religious views:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/21/us/21faith.html?_r=1&th=&emc=th&pagewanted=all

Jehovah’s Witness woman complains of “creepy” JW Elder making pass at her in
kingdom hall:
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/170681/1/Major-rant-my-Sunday-at-the-\
Hall-aka-HELL-also-need-ladies-opinion-on-creepy-elder

All who are Christians of good reputation are welcome to apply for a certificate
of appointment as ministering elder to jmasonemerson@...  Some have
already been issued.

Muslim murders his sister for liking mini-skirts and make-up
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/criminal-brother-killed-sister-for\
-wearing-makeup-and-miniskirts-14145486.html

Priest to be tried for theft:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j0YwVeC6DJ9cH33TnFJffa9v7qgwD9\
5R80LO0

British begin push to regain use of firearms
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTq2NEUlhDE

FINAL THOUGHT:

As Paul says and this newsletter has repeated many times before, Let’s not
forget the poor and needy especially in cold weather. (Ga 2:10)  Look about us
and see who we can help.

Your fellow servant in Christ,
Joe

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