Catholic School Test
 

 
Pay special attention to the wording and spelling. If you know
the Bible, even a little, you'll find this hilarious! It comes from a
Catholic elementary school test. Kids were asked questions about
the Old and New Testaments. The following statements about the Bible
were written by children. They have not been retouched or corrected (i.e.,
incorrect spelling has been left in):



1. In the first book of the bible, Guinessis, God got tired of creating the
world, so he took the Sabbath off.

2. Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. Noah's wife was called Joan
of Ark. Noah built an ark, which the animals come on to in pears.

3. Lot's wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night.

4. The Jews were a proud people and throughout history they had trouble with
the unsympathetic Genitals.

5. Samson was a strongman who let himself be led astray by a Jezebel like
Delilah.

6. Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the Apostles.

7. Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread
which is bread without any ingredients.

8. The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterwards, Moses went up
on Mount Cyanide to get the ten amendments.

9. The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.

10. The seventh commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery.

11. Moses died before he ever reached Canada. Then Joshua led the Hebrews in
the battle of Geritol.

12. The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand
still and he obeyed him.

13. David was a Hebrew king skilled at playing the liar. He fought the
Finklesteins, a race of people who lived in Biblical times.

14. Solomon, one of David's sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.

15. When Mary heard that she was the mother of Jesus, she sang the Magna
Carta.

16. When the three wise guys from the east side arrived, they found Jesus in
the manager.

17. Jesus was born because Mary had an immaculate contraption.

18. St. John the blacksmith dumped water on his head.

19. Jesus enunciated the Golden Rule, which says to do one to others before
they do one to you. He also explained, a man doth not live by sweat alone.

20. It was a miracle when Jesus rose from the dead and managed to get the
tombstone off the entrance.

21. The people who followed the lord were called the 12 decibels.

22. The epistles were the wives of the apostles.

23. One of the oppossums was St. Matthew who was also a taximan.

24. St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached holy acrimony,which is
another name for marriage.

25. Christians have only one spouse. This is called monotony.







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

To All my friends, I am writting to let you know that I have a new e-mail
address,but you can also still reach me at this one


New------ revcmappis@...          or
   present---------                                    
crotchcricket12001@...



You can reach me at either but for church and other spiritual purposes I would
appreciate if you would use
revcmappis@...  I hope to hear from you all very soon for I have not heard
from some of you for quite a while


Peace be with you





Rev. Chris




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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

That was great I thank you for the laugh I needed it badly

Shdowwolfz@... wrote:


Catholic School Test



Pay special attention to the wording and spelling. If you know
the Bible, even a little, you'll find this hilarious! It comes from a
Catholic elementary school test. Kids were asked questions about
the Old and New Testaments. The following statements about the Bible
were written by children. They have not been retouched or corrected (i.e.,
incorrect spelling has been left in):



1. In the first book of the bible, Guinessis, God got tired of creating the
world, so he took the Sabbath off.

2. Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree. Noah's wife was called Joan
of Ark. Noah built an ark, which the animals come on to in pears.

3. Lot's wife was a pillar of salt by day, but a ball of fire by night.

4. The Jews were a proud people and throughout history they had trouble with
the unsympathetic Genitals.

5. Samson was a strongman who let himself be led astray by a Jezebel like
Delilah.

6. Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the Apostles.

7. Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea, where they made unleavened bread
which is bread without any ingredients.

8. The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert. Afterwards, Moses went up
on Mount Cyanide to get the ten amendments.

9. The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple.

10. The seventh commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery.

11. Moses died before he ever reached Canada. Then Joshua led the Hebrews in
the battle of Geritol.

12. The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand
still and he obeyed him.

13. David was a Hebrew king skilled at playing the liar. He fought the
Finklesteins, a race of people who lived in Biblical times.

14. Solomon, one of David's sons, had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.

15. When Mary heard that she was the mother of Jesus, she sang the Magna
Carta.

16. When the three wise guys from the east side arrived, they found Jesus in
the manager.

17. Jesus was born because Mary had an immaculate contraption.

18. St. John the blacksmith dumped water on his head.

19. Jesus enunciated the Golden Rule, which says to do one to others before
they do one to you. He also explained, a man doth not live by sweat alone.

20. It was a miracle when Jesus rose from the dead and managed to get the
tombstone off the entrance.

21. The people who followed the lord were called the 12 decibels.

22. The epistles were the wives of the apostles.

23. One of the oppossums was St. Matthew who was also a taximan.

24. St. Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached holy acrimony,which is
another name for marriage.

25. Christians have only one spouse. This is called monotony.







[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-------Original Message-------



From: ind-catholic@yahoogroups.com

Date: 06/05/04 23:30:33

To: + List +

Subject: [ind-catholic] So be it...........





So IF the US government determines that it is against

the law for the words "In God We Trust" to be on our

money, then, so be it;



And if the Supreme Court determines that it is against

the law for the words "under God" to be in the Pledge

of Allegiance, then, so be it;



And if the supreme court in their infinite wisdom

decides that it is okay to burn the flag which so

many of our citizens have given up their lives for to

protect and honor...so be it !!





And if that same government decides that the "Ten

Commandments" are not to be used in or on a government

installation, then, so be it.



And since they already have prohibited any prayer in

the schools, of which they deem their authority, then so be it.





BUT, YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE I'D LIKE?



I'd like my mail delivered on Christmas, Good Friday & Easter.



I'd like the US Supreme Court to be in session on

Christmas, Good Friday & Easter as well as Sundays.



I'd like the Senate and the House of representatives

to not have to worry about getting home for the

"Christmas Break."





I'm thinking that a lot of my taxpayer dollars could

be saved, if all government offices & services would

work on Christmas, Good Friday & Easter.



It shouldn't cost any overtime since those would be

just like any other days of the week to a government

that is trying to be "politically correct."





This would not affect any "non-governmental" business

since everyone else still has the freedom of religion,

we could all still enjoy our holidays.



So I guess if they continue to bow to the wishes of

the few, and if this e-mail gets out to the right

people, maybe they would bow to the wishes of the many.





So be it...........





Jackie C. Prince

Biscoe, Ar.

Good thoughts, Jackie!! Do you agree?

Pass them along!!









The information contained in postings to this list are the members own views
   All postings are considered private within the group. All postings are
copyrighted by the original sender.  Anyone reposting any to a web site or
forwarding to others, without the writers permission will be removed from
the list.





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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-------Original Message-------



From: biblestudy@...

Date: 06/06/04 00:00:32

To: stottbiblestudy@...

Subject: Stott Bible Study 06-06-2004



====================================================

S T O T T   B I B L E   S T U D Y

=====================================================

June 6th, 2004



THE MESSAGE OF 1 THESSALONIANS.



A Commentary by John Stott.



1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.   2). THE PROBLEM OF JUDGMENT.



Two distinct problems have always fascinated (and often perplexed)

human minds, not least Christian minds, and continue to do so. The

first relates to what happens after death. Where are our loved

ones, and shall we see them again? The second relates to what will

happen at the end of the world. Is there going to be a day of

reckoning, and if so how can we prepare for it? The first is the

problem of bereavement, and concerns others who have died. The

second is the problem of judgment, and concerns us as well.

     It is evident that the Thessalonians in their 'faint-

heartedness' were apprehensive on both counts. They were worried

about their friends who had died, and whether they would suffer

any disadvantages at the Parousia; and they were worried about

themselves, and whether they were ready to stand before Christ at

his coming. Both are modern anxieties too.

     So the apostle Paul, being the realistic and caring pastor

that he was, addressed himself to both fears and relieved them by

the application of appropriate truths. In 4:13-18, as we have

seen, his topic was bereavement and the Christian dead. Now in

5:1-11 it is judgment and the Christian living.

     The problem was straightforward. During his visit Paul had

evidently taught the Thessalonians about *the day of the Lord*

(2). He had no doubt explained from the Old Testament that it

would be a day of judgment. Amos, the first of the great

eighth-century BC prophets, had made that plain. 'Woe to you who

long for the day of the Lord!' he had fulminated. 'Why do you long

for the day of the Lord? That day will be darkness, not

light...pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness' (Am.5:18-20;

cf.Is.13:6). Joel had called it 'the great and terrible day of the

Lord' (Joel 2:31; cf.1:15; Mal.4:5). How, then, can we sinners get

ready for it?

     The Thessalonians were proposing their solution to the

problem, and wanted Paul's help; but Paul rejected their solution

as false, and proposed the true solution in its place. He begins

his reference to their solution with 'Now, brothers' (1) and his

exposition of his solution with 'But you, brothers' (4).



a). The wrong solution: knowing the date (5:1-3).

     The Thessalonians were asking Paul *about times (chronoi*)

and dates (*Kairoi*), as the apostles had asked Jesus before them

(Mk.13:4; Acts 1:6). Usually *chronos* mean a period of time and

*kairos* a point of time, a crisis or opportunity. But it does not

seem that Paul of making this distinction here. Why, however, were

the Thessalonians asking their question? Not, it seems, out of

idle curiosity, but rather for a very practical reason: they

wanted to make suitable preparations for the day of judgment. They

thought they could most easily get ready for Christ's coming in

judgment if they could know when he would arrive. It was naive, to

be sure, but perfectly understandable.

     Paul responds, however, that the solution to their problem

does not lie in knowing the date. To begin with, nobody knew or

could know it. Jesus had said that he did not even know it

himself, and that only the Father knew it (Mk.13:32). And later he

told the apostles, 'It is not for you to know the times or dates

the Father has set by his own authority.' (Acts 1:7). In

consequence if this universal ignorance of the date, Jesus said,

'the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.'

(Mt. 24:44). The Thessalonians knew this too, because Paul had

already told them so. That is why he said, *we do not need to

write to you* (1). It would be pointless to do so, *for you know

very well* (2) that the day will come unexpectedly. It is as if

Paul wrote: 'You know that nobody knows the date, and that

therefore you cannot know it either.'

     Paul now uses two metaphors to illustrate how the Lord will

come. First, *the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the

night* (2). Jesus had used the same analogy (Mt.24:43), and it

also occurs elsewhere in the New Testament (E.g. 2 Pet.3:10;

Rev.3:3; 16:15). The trouble with burglars is that they do not

tell us when they are coming. They make no advance announcement of

their arrival. It is not their habit to send a warning postcard.

The same unexpectedness will characterize the day of the Lord.

Secondly, *While people are saying, 'Peace  and safety' (that is,

they imagine they are entirely secure), destruction will come on

them suddenly, as labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will

not escape* (3).

     Here, then, are two affirmations about judgment, each

enforced by a vivid simile. First, the day of the Lord will come

like a thief (2). Secondly, destruction will come like labour

pains. Both illustrations teach that Christ's coming will be

sudden. Suddenly, in the middle of the night, a burglar breaks in.

Suddenly, in the pregnancy of an expectant mother, labour begins.

At the same time, there is an obvious difference between them. For

although both are sudden, the burglar is unexpected, whereas

labour (once pregnancy has begun) is expected. So, putting the two

metaphors together, we may say that Christ's coming will be (1)

sudden and unexpected (like a burglar in the night), and (2)

sudden and unavoidable (like labour at the end of pregnancy). In

the first case there will be no warning, and in the second no

escape.

     The Thessalonians' hope that they will solve their problem

by finding out the date of the Parousia has been disappointed,

therefore. What alternative solution is there? If Christ is going

to come suddenly, unexpectedly and unavoidably, how can we get

ready? Paul tells us.

------------------------------------------------------------



Tomorrow: 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8.  b). The right solution: staying

alert.



------------------------------------------------------------

Some of the references have been omitted. Readers interested

in further details should refer to John Stott's original work

for a complete citation.



The Stott Daily Devotional is made possible through

interVarsity Press of Downers Grove, Illinois, USA. Please be

sure to visit their web site at

http://www.gospelcom.net/ivpress.



This list is a part of the ministries of the John Stott web

site at http://www.JohnStott.org. Studies are compiled by

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I really enjoy recieving your mail and bible study.
I have set up a knew e mail for all church and spiritual purposes I you could
please start mailing there I would appreciate it
send to----revcmappis@...

thank you
god bless

Allen Parkins <Willie8975@...> wrote:




-------Original Message-------



From: ind-catholic@yahoogroups.com

Date: 06/05/04 23:30:33

To: + List +

Subject: [ind-catholic] So be it...........





So IF the US government determines that it is against

the law for the words "In God We Trust" to be on our

money, then, so be it;



And if the Supreme Court determines that it is against

the law for the words "under God" to be in the Pledge

of Allegiance, then, so be it;



And if the supreme court in their infinite wisdom

decides that it is okay to burn the flag which so

many of our citizens have given up their lives for to

protect and honor...so be it !!





And if that same government decides that the "Ten

Commandments" are not to be used in or on a government

installation, then, so be it.



And since they already have prohibited any prayer in

the schools, of which they deem their authority, then so be it.





BUT, YOU KNOW WHAT ELSE I'D LIKE?



I'd like my mail delivered on Christmas, Good Friday & Easter.



I'd like the US Supreme Court to be in session on

Christmas, Good Friday & Easter as well as Sundays.



I'd like the Senate and the House of representatives

to not have to worry about getting home for the

"Christmas Break."





I'm thinking that a lot of my taxpayer dollars could

be saved, if all government offices & services would

work on Christmas, Good Friday & Easter.



It shouldn't cost any overtime since those would be

just like any other days of the week to a government

that is trying to be "politically correct."





This would not affect any "non-governmental" business

since everyone else still has the freedom of religion,

we could all still enjoy our holidays.



So I guess if they continue to bow to the wishes of

the few, and if this e-mail gets out to the right

people, maybe they would bow to the wishes of the many.





So be it...........





Jackie C. Prince

Biscoe, Ar.

Good thoughts, Jackie!! Do you agree?

Pass them along!!









The information contained in postings to this list are the members own views
   All postings are considered private within the group. All postings are
copyrighted by the original sender.  Anyone reposting any to a web site or
forwarding to others, without the writers permission will be removed from
the list.





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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


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Rev. Chris




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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I thought the following quotation was interesting.  Willie

   "Frankly, the capacity of our brains cannot handle the wonder and
greatness of heaven. It would be like trying to describe the Internet to an
ant."

Rick Warren- The Purpose Driven Life



No eye has seen,

no ear has heard,

no mind has conceived

what God has prepared for those who love him- 1 Corinthians 2:9

  Click to subscribe to Absolutely_Fabulous_Sarah_Michelle_Gellar


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-------Original Message-------



From: Christian Graphic of The Week

Date: 06/06/04 13:47:16

To: willie8975@...

Subject: Christian Graphic of the Week for June 05 to June 11: willie8975





June 06, 2004











http://graphics.crossdaily.comGraphic of the Week!



This weeks Graphic of the Week, titled "A Stronghold" comes from our
collection of Kevin Brandon's graphics.







Download the full Graphic of the Week, with a smaller watermark:



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Simply login to http://Graphics.CrossDaily.com, once you have logged in,
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Dear Rev. Mappis...I have added you to my address book and will try to
forward you the Bible study as often as possible. You could follow the link
& subscribe directly if you want to. Thank you for your interest. Could you
tell me a little about your ministry? Thank you. In Christ, Rev. Allen
Parkins.






[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-------Original Message-------



From: btvspassion@yahoogroups.com

Date: 06/06/04 12:53:35

To: btvspassion@yahoogroups.com; BuffyAngelFirefly@yahoogroups.com;
thescoobygangsheadquarters@yahoogroups.com; WorldOfJoss@yahoogroups.com

Subject: [BtVS Passion] 'Buffy' Book Shines a Light on the TV Drama's
Spirituality



[From Rufus at Spoiler-Crypt:

http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/spoiler-crypt]



'Buffy' Book Shines a Light on the TV Drama's Spirituality





  Thanks to munoko for the link....



http://www.latimes.com/news/yahoo/la-me-beliefs5jun05,1,7534410.story?

BELIEFS

'Buffy' Book Shines a Light on the TV Drama's Spirituality

'What Would Buffy Do?' joins the trend of exploring religion through pop
culture. It's become a hit among the show's devotees.

By William Lobdell

Times Staff Writer



June 5, 2004



When Buffy the Vampire Slayer died (the second time), the epitaph on her
tombstone read "She Saved the World a Lot."



The willingness of Buffy, high school cheerleader and demon killer, to lay
down her young life so humankind could live echoes the central theme of the
New Testament.



And for many Buffyologists, that's no coincidence. They see it as part of
the eclectic mix of spirituality that appeared throughout the seven-year
span of the critically acclaimed television series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer
"



"[The show] constantly deals with the great spiritual problems: life, death,
morality, friendship, love," said David Lavery, a professor at Middle
Tennessee State University who runs what he calls an "online international
journal for Buffy studies."



The show's spiritual underpinnings — already the subject of scholarly
research at major universities — have been compiled in a new book, "What
Would Buffy Do? The Vampire Slayer as Spiritual Guide," by Jana Riess.



Her work has been an instant hit among Buffyphiles, causing Riess' publisher
(Jossey-Bass) last weekend to deliver overnight 70 additional copies to
academics at a "Buffy" conference in Nashville after the first batch quickly
sold out.



"I suspect [Riess' book] will quickly be considered part of the Buffy
studies canon — if it isn't already," said Tanya Cochran, who uses "Buffy"
to teach freshman writing at Georgia State University.



"What Would Buffy Do?," published in April, joins a growing library of
popular literature that deconstructs popular movies and television shows to
expose their religiosity. In the last few years, books have been written
about the spiritual lives of Harry Potter, the Simpsons and the Star Trek
voyagers. And pastors often borrow from movies, television shows and catchy
commercials to illustrate spiritual points or frame sermon series. At the
Pastors.com website, the titles of available messages include "God's Extreme
Makeover" and "Survivor: Surviving Life's Challenges."



The current trend of exploring religion through pop culture icons actually
started 35 years ago when a small Louisville, Ky., publisher released "The
Gospel According to Peanuts," by Robert L. Short, a Presbyterian pastor. The
book has sold more than 10 million copies.



"That paved the way for all the rest of us," said Riess, who holds a
doctorate in religious history and is the religion book review editor at
Publishers Weekly.



With her book, Riess has mined a surprisingly rich vein for scholarly
research based on a television show (1997-2003) that never cracked the top
50 in ratings, though TV Guide this week ranked it the No. 3 cult hit of all
time.



At first glance, "Buffy" is a high-concept teen series about a California
teenager (played by Sarah Michelle Gellar) whose hometown, Sunnydale, was
built on a gateway to hell. Luckily for residents, Buffy is the latest in an
ancient line of vampire slayers.



But scholars say they are attracted to the profound themes — about life,
death and the difficult issues in between — explored in the show.



"The series and the characters — together and individually — touch viewers,
touch me, on such a deeply human level that the experience is almost
transcendent," Cochran said.



The recent academic conference on "Buffy" drew more than 350 participants
from around the world. It included three sessions devoted to "Buffy" and
religion with such insights as "Self Becoming or Becoming Self? A
Comparative Study of Buffy and the Hindu Saint Antal on Identity and
Self-Realization"; "This Is How Many Apocalypses for Us Now? The Buffyverse
Apocalyptic and Premillennialist Christianity"; and "Marian Symbols in
Buffy.' "



By the time the series ended, scholars say "Buffy" had deftly placed many of
religion's most complex issues — the nature of evil, the need for
forgiveness, how death shapes spirituality — in front of unsuspecting
viewers drawn in by the show's witty dialogue ("I'm just gonna go home, lie
down and listen to country music. The music of pain"), vampire fights or
Buffy's micro-miniskirts.



"But the minis went out after the first season," Riess notes. "They weren't
very practical for fighting vampires."



The spiritual genius of "Buffy," academics say, is that it didn't offer any
neatly packaged, movie-of-the-week conclusions, and showed the struggles and
failures of teens and others during their quests for the divine.



"Sometimes the characters screw up royally, but then they got a chance to
learn about repentance, forgiveness and the love of their friends," Riess
said.



She says those committed to religion should take "Buffy" seriously,
especially leaders looking to reach younger generations.



"Some people of faith have tried to close their eyes to popular culture and
imagine it's not relevant to their lives," Riess said. "Here's an example of
how to introduce spiritual themes and then point people toward more
traditional sources."



Riess says she got the idea for "What Would Buffy Do?" while talking with a
friend about the show.



"It always seemed our best conversations about ethics and spirituality were
sparked by episodes of 'Buffy,' " said Riess, who initially kept her "Buffy"
addiction under wraps.



Examining the shows — and those of "Buffy" spinoff "Angel" — Riess
identified influences of many religions, including Christianity, Buddhism,
Judaism and Wicca. For instance, Angel, a vampire who wants to do good, is
given the opportunity to have a human life — which would allow Buffy and he
to have a romantic relationship. But Angel decided to continue on as a
vampire to help save the world.



"It's very poignant," Riess said. "He chooses to remain a lonely, brooding
vampire."



She sees Angel as an embodiment of a bodhisattva, a being in Buddhism who
sacrifices personal nirvana to help others.



Riess notes several recurring religious themes in the shows:



•  The need for self-sacrifice and the ongoing struggle to put others first.



•  The reality of death and how that affects people's actions now.



•  The struggle between forgiveness and vengefulness.



•  The ability to accept our own sinfulness.



•  The use of humor to weaken evil. ("That's it? That's all I get? One lame
vamp with no appreciation for my painstakingly thought-out puns? I don't
think the forces of darkness are even trying.")



Some scholars are wary about reading too much spirituality into a show whose
creator, Joss Whedon, is a self-professed atheist. Others would be horrified
at the notion of "Buffy" as a fount of spirituality.



The Parents Television Council for several years ranked "Buffy" as one of
the 10 worst shows on television for excessive violence and sex and "an
underlying occultist element." Last year, it denounced an Easter week
episode with a sadistic priest who ridicules Holy Communion.



"The timing of this episode was no accident," said Brent Bozell, president
of the council in a statement released at the time. "It was a bigoted slap
in the face to Christians everywhere to include an evil priest who murders
people while distorting Scripture and making a mockery of the Eucharist
during Holy Week."



"It was a slap," Riess said. "But it fit the tenor of the times" with the
Catholic sex scandal near its peak.



Riess said Buffy and her friends reflect the views of their generation —
people rejecting institutional religion while still wanting spiritual
connection.



Buffy was once asked if she had accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior
  "Uh, you know I meant to, and then I just got really busy," she said.



Buffy didn't want to get locked into one set of beliefs.



"There's an eclecticism, a willingness to borrow freely from other religions
" Riess said. "You use what works. It's about a quest for faith."











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-------Original Message-------



From: biblestudy@...

Date: 06/10/04 00:02:43

To: stottbiblestudy@...

Subject: Stott Bible Study 06-10-2004



====================================================

S T O T T   B I B L E   S T U D Y

=====================================================

June 10th, 2004



THE MESSAGE OF 1 THESSALONIANS.



A Commentary by John Stott.



1 Thessalonians 5:12-28.  5). CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY or How to be a

gospel church.



     The apostle Paul cherished high ideals for the Christian

church. According to his characterization of it at the beginning

of his letter (1:1-4), it is a community loved and chosen by God,

drawing its life from him, and manifesting this divine life in the

basic Christian graces of faith, love and hope. Such a community

could justly be called a 'gospel church', both because it has been

brought into being by the gospel and because it is continuously

shaped by the gospel.

     One New Testament picture of a gospel church portrays it as

the family of God, whose members recognize and treat one another

as sisters and brothers. This seems to be the key concept in the

second half of 1 Thessalonians 5, since the word *adelphoi*,

'brothers' (which includes the *adelphai*, 'sisters', in the one

*adelphotes*, 'brotherhood', 1 Pet.2:17; 5:9), occurs five

times (verses 12, 13, 25, 26 and 27). It bears witness to the

truth that if through Christ God is our Father, then *ipso facto*

our fellow believers are our sisters and brothers. We not only

belong to 'the day' (5:1-11); we also belong to 'the family'

(5:12-28). Moreover this fact of our mutual relationships

profoundly affects our mutual behaviour. Paul has already urged

the Thessalonians to 'love one another' with *philadelphia* or

'brotherly love' (4:9-10), to 'comfort one another' (4:18, RSV),

to 'encourage one another and build each other up' (5:11). Now he

develops further his vision for the church family, and for the

'one anotherness' of its members.

     He takes up one by one three essential aspects of the life

of the local church (all of which are items of contemporary debate

or concern), and gives apostolic instruction about them. First, he

addresses himself to the leadership or pastorate (verses 12-13)

and tells us how pastors and people, 'clergy' and 'laity', should

regard and relate to each other. Secondly, he writes about the

fellowship of the local church (verses 14-15) and about the

responsibilities of church members to care for each other.

Thirdly, he comes to the church's public worship (verses 16-28),

what should be included in it, and in particular how the Word of

God evokes the worship of God.

----------------------------------------------------------------



Tomorrow: 1). The Pastorate. (5:12-13).



------------------------------------------------------------

Some of the references have been omitted. Readers interested

in further details should refer to John Stott's original work

for a complete citation.



The Stott Daily Devotional is made possible through

interVarsity Press of Downers Grove, Illinois, USA. Please be

sure to visit their web site at

http://www.gospelcom.net/ivpress.



This list is a part of the ministries of the John Stott web

site at http://www.JohnStott.org. Studies are compiled by

Cree Brown <creebrown@...>. Technical

difficulties should be reported to Webmaster@....



      To unsubscribe, e-mail:



      stottbiblestudy-unsubscribe@...



      You do not need to put anything in the subject line or

      body of the message.



DISCLAIMER: Today's devotional was typed by a volunteer.

While care is taken to assure accuracy and faithfulness to

Dr. Stott's published work, typographical errors creep in

from time to time. Any such mistakes belong to us, not the

author or publisher.











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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-------Original Message-------



From: biblestudy@...

Date: 06/11/04 00:04:34

To: stottbiblestudy@...

Subject: Stott Bible Study 06-11-2004



====================================================

S T O T T   B I B L E   S T U D Y

=====================================================

June 11th, 2004



THE MESSAGE OF 1 THESSALONIANS.



A Commentary by John Stott.



1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.  1). The pastorate.



     Historically speaking, the church of Jesus Christ has

oscillated unsteadily between the equally unbiblical extremes of

'clericalism' and 'anti-clericalism'. Clericalism is a situation

in which the clergy keep the reins of power in their own hands,

monopolize all pastoral leadership and ministry, and, having been

put on a pedestal, receive an exaggerated deference, while the

so-called 'laity' are well and truly sat upon. Then able men and

women are allowed no space in which to develop their God-given

gifts or exercise them in appropriate ministries. On the contrary,

the only contributions from them which are welcomed are their

presence on Sundays to occupy otherwise empty pews, some

administrative and practical assistance, and (of course) their

cash. At the opposite extreme is the over-reaction called

anti-clericalism. This sometimes begins with the recovery of

Paul's model of 'the body of Christ', in which every member of the

local church, like every member of the human body, has a

particular and distinctive function. Some Christians overpress the

analogy, however, and deduce from it that clergy in any shape or

form are redundant. 'The church is better off without them' they

cry; 'let's found a society for the Abolition of the Clergy!' But

this extreme position overlooks the fact that, according to the

New Testament, the Chief Shepherd delegates to under-shepherds or

'pastors' the privileged oversight of the flock which he has

purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28).

     We know that the Thessalonian church had responsible

leaders, since Luke mentions Aristarchus (Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2;

cf. Col.4:10; Phm.24) and Secundus (Acts 20:4) by name. But we do

not know (because we are not told) what prompted Paul to write

verses 12 and 13. Probably some church members had been

disrespectful towards their leaders. On the other hand, some leaders

may have provoked this reaction by their heavy-handed or

autocratic behaviour. Paul rejected both attitudes. For it is

God's will, he taught, that every local church should enjoy

pastoral oversight, but not his will that pastors should dominate

and organize everything. They are not meant to monopolize

ministries, but rather to multiply them.

     Notice now how Paul describes local church leaders. He uses

three expressions in verse 12. Since these are participles,

introduced by a single definite article, it is evident that the

same people are in mind, although they are portrayed from three

distinct perspectives.

     First, Christian leaders are those *who work hard among

you*. It is a significant phrase because some people regard the

pastorate as a Sundays-only occupation, in fact a sinecure (i.e. a

paid job involving little or no work). And, to be sure, some

clergy have been known to be lazy. But true pastoral work is hard

work. The verb Paul uses (*kopiao*) normally refers to manual

occupations. It means  to 'toil, strive, struggle' (BAGD), and to

grow weary in doing so. It conjures up pictures of rippling

muscles and pouring sweat. Paul applied it to farm labourers (e.g.

2 Tim.2:6) and to the physical exertions of his own tent-making

(2:9; 2 Thess.3:8). But he also used it in relation to his

apostolic labours (E.g. 1 Cor.15:10; 1 Tim.4:10), to the hard work

of his colleagues (E.g. Rom.16:12), and to those who 'labour in

preaching and teaching' (1 Tim.5:17, RSV). Whether it is study and

the preparation of sermons, or visiting the sick and counselling

the disturbed, or instructing people for baptism or marriage, or

being diligent in intercession - these things demand that we

'toil, striving with all the energy which he [sc. Christ] mightily

inspires within' us (Col.1:29, RSV).

-------------------------------------------------------------



Tomorrow: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13. 1). The pastorate (continued).



------------------------------------------------------------

Some of the references have been omitted. Readers interested

in further details should refer to John Stott's original work

for a complete citation.



The Stott Daily Devotional is made possible through

interVarsity Press of Downers Grove, Illinois, USA. Please be

sure to visit their web site at

http://www.gospelcom.net/ivpress.



This list is a part of the ministries of the John Stott web

site at http://www.JohnStott.org. Studies are compiled by

Cree Brown <creebrown@...>. Technical

difficulties should be reported to Webmaster@....



      To unsubscribe, e-mail:



      stottbiblestudy-unsubscribe@...



      You do not need to put anything in the subject line or

      body of the message.



DISCLAIMER: Today's devotional was typed by a volunteer.

While care is taken to assure accuracy and faithfulness to

Dr. Stott's published work, typographical errors creep in

from time to time. Any such mistakes belong to us, not the

author or publisher.











---------------------------------------------------------------------

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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

It's all right here:

Dead Terrorist's Body Dragged Through the Streets by Gunmen
http://cyprus-org.net/dead-terrorist-photos.html

Petros
------------------

Date: Thu, 3 Jun 2004 16:28:40 -0400
     From: tom kunesh <tpkunesh@...>
Subject: native & natural burial in TN

folks -  i'd like to help start a statewide (Tennessee)
native and
natural burial/memorial society that is a cooperative,
non-profit
consumer organization, democratically run, that helps its
members to
make simple and natural burial arrangements (ie, body,
shroud, dirt; no
embalming, no metal casket or cement vault, no big stone
marker) in a
'green' cemetery. i'd hope that it would particularly appeal
to Native
Americans, environmentalists, traditional/conservative jews,
muslims,
quakers, baha'is, pagans, cemeterians and atheists.

please pass this idea along to others who you think might be
interested.
if you're interested, please contact me privately by email,
tpkunesh@....
maybe some of us could meet on saturday, 19 june, in or around
Nashville or Murfreesboro (or Chattanooga ;) to talk about it.

thanks.

;>


    The way I look at it our body is the only thing which
truly belongs to
us.
        When we Indians give of our flesh, our bodies, we are
giving
            of the only thing which is ours alone.
                Lame Deer (1972) p 198

    when i die ...

i'd like what good organs my body has left that may be of
use to others
to be given away to those who might be able to use them, and
for my
body to go back to the earth in hopes it might provide it some
nourishment or at least less damage and less energy
consumption. so ...
i'd like to be buried very simply - no embalming, no metal
coffin - in
a simple shroud, in a place where my body would do the earth
some good.
to this end i've collected some resources here on 'green'
burials that
you might find interesting, too.
    - tpk august 1999



    ----------

Gravestone Made of Wheat by Will Weaver
    a story in here about the death of a Minnesota farm
family's dad, and
his burial.

    Eco-Funerals

    ----------

    http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=1051465

    ----------

Weekend All Things Considered - June 12, 1999
    NPR's Adam Hochberg reports on Ramsey Creek Preserve, a
newly opened
environmentally-sensitive cemetery in South Carolina. At
Ramsey Creek,
the first US eco-cemetery, the deceased are buried in a
forest, in
biodegradable caskets, without the use of of toxic embalming
fluid.


Memorial Ecosystems - http://www.memorialecosystems.com/
was formed in 1996 to create a nationwide system of
for-profit nature
preserve cemeteries. We offer a thoughtful alternative to
those of you
who care deeply about the environment but are unhappy with the
tremendous escalation in funeral and burial expenses. Our
company
legacy will be thousands of acres of ecologically significant,
functioning nature preserves that will also serve as
important open
spaces for contemplative recreation.

    What is a "natural" burial?
    One stipulation in our sales contract for burial spaces
in Memorial
Ecosystems nature parks has to do with what we are calling
"natural",
or environmentally sensitive burial. The concept is as old and
traditional as the phrase "dust to dust". All caskets must
be of
non-toxic, biodegradable materials. Toxic embalming fluids
and vaults
are not allowed. Where top soil is removed, it is carefully
replaced
after burial. While we will not encourage them, we will
allow small,
flat markers. No headstones or plastic flowers are allowed.
Vegetation
management over graves will be minimal, and consistent with
restoring
native ecosystems (for more details on grave markers, interment
location and vegetation management, see related article). In
many ways,
"green burial" is much more akin to cremation and ashes
scattering, and
the total cost for funeral and burial (including the space)
is about
halfway between the average funeral/burial cost and the average
cremation/scattering cost. The idea is that the remains will
eventually
become a part of other living things. We can work with your
funeral
director and make green burial arrangements at their
facility, provide
specific information for individuals, or provide a consult
for your
family mortician.

    Comparison of Jewish and Islamic Practices Associated
with Funerals,
Burial and Afterlife
    by Leah Zinner
    In both Judaism and Islam, the body is prepared for the
funeral by
being wrapped in a white cloth or shroud. In both
traditions, embalming
is not practiced because of the idea that we came from dust
and, upon
death we should return. Islam and Judaism also share the use
of a plain
wooden coffin, although in Judaism the body remains in the
coffin, and
in Islam the body is taken out of the coffin and placed
directly into
the grave. Neither religion permits the body/coffin to be
left out of
the grave through the entire funeral service, as they
believe that it
is important that friends and family watch or help lower the
coffin as
a symbol of the reality of the death.
see also  http://www.jewish-funerals.org/greenburial.htm


    World Mourns
King Hussein

    ----------

    Amman, Jordan, 8 feb 1999
    If overwhelming in scale, the rites were also haunting in
their
simplicity, with ceremonial elements unchanged over the
centuries.
    The king's body was to be washed in accordance with
Islamic practice,
scented with musk, and buried in a humble white shroud.
http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/meast/9902/08/funeral.01/

    The Natural Death Handbook
    Chapter 1: The Natural Death Movement
http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/catalog/extract.htm?
command=search&db=main.txt&eqisbndata=1844132269
    The Natural Death Centre in 1994 launched an Association
of Natural
Burial Grounds, in an attempt to ensure that every locality
should have
its own natural burial ground, where a tree is planted
instead of
having a headstone. Ten years later, more than 180 such
grounds exist
in the UK (see Chapter 6 for a complete list). The UK
movement has
inspired other countries to take similar initiatives (New
Zealand,
Canada, the US and Italy, to name but a few).
http://www.ac026.dial.pipex.com/naturaldeath/NaturalBurialGrounds.htm

    Green Burial
    in the UK
    http://www.globalideasbank.org/greenburial.html
http://www.consciouschoice.com/environs/dusttodust1203.html
    In these cemeteries, people are buried in a shroud or
biodegradable
coffin of wicker or cardboard or other simple material.
Instead of a
headstone, a tree is planted over the grave.


;>



-----------------------

June 12, 2004

“Changeless”



“I the LORD do not change.  So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not

destroyed.”  Malachi 3:6



We face many transitions in life and realize how rapidly our world changes.

The book “Future Shock” details the enormous changes taking place both in

number and in speed of change.  We feel as thought we are riding a

merry-go-round that goes faster and faster until everything around us is

blurry. What can we count on?  What solid object can we grasp?  Change can

be positive or negative, but in either case we need to adjust to it.



In Malachi God says to Israel, “I the LORD do not change.  So you, O

descendents of Jacob, are not destroyed.  He implies that Israel has turned

from God and gone back on her covenant responsibilities.  She has changed in

her relationship to God.  But God reaffirms His love.  He does not go back

on His covenant promises. He pleads, “Return to Me and I will return to you”

(Malachi 3:7).



In this changing world we often stand guilty of changing our loyalties from

God to the enticements of worldly progress. But God, who sent His Son to

fulfill His covenant promise by dying on the cross for our sins, declares to

us, “I the LORD do not change.”  He provides solid ground for us as we come

to Him in repentance.  Indeed, we have “a changeless Christ for a changing

world."  We can see God’s hand in change and turn to Him for strength until

He calls us home eternally.



PRAYER:  O unchanging Lord, give me the strength to endure the changes in

this world.  Amen.



(Devotions from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter, copyright 1988

CPH. All Rights Reserved.  No part of this publication may be printed,

reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by

any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,

without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House.  For

ordering information, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit

www.cph.org.)



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Remarks by President Bush in Eulogy for Ronald Wilson Reagan

Ronald Reagan Tribute Video

The National Cathedral

Washington, D.C.



THE PRESIDENT: Mrs. Reagan, Patti, Michael, and Ron; members of the Reagan
family; distinguished guests, including our Presidents and First Ladies;
Reverend Danforth; fellow citizens:



We lost Ronald Reagan only days ago, but we have missed him for a long time.
We have missed his kindly presence, that reassuring voice, and the happy
ending we had wished for him. It has been ten years since he said his own
farewell; yet it is still very sad and hard to let him go. Ronald Reagan
belongs to the ages now, but we preferred it when he belonged to us.



In a life of good fortune, he valued above all the gracious gift of his wife
  Nancy. During his career, Ronald Reagan passed through a thousand crowded
places; but there was only one person, he said, who could make him lonely by
just leaving the room.



America honors you, Nancy, for the loyalty and love you gave this man on a
wonderful journey, and to that journey's end. Today, our whole nation
grieves with you and your family.



When the sun sets tonight off the coast of California, and we lay to rest
our 40th President, a great American story will close. The second son of
Nell and Jack Reagan first knew the world as a place of open plains, quiet
streets, gas-lit rooms, and carriages drawn by horse. If you could go back
to the Dixon, Illinois of 1922, you'd find a boy of 11 reading adventure
stories at the public library, or running with his brother, Neil, along Rock
River, and coming home to a little house on Hennepin Avenue. That town was
the kind of place you remember where you prayed side by side with your
neighbors, and if things were going wrong for them, you prayed for them, and
knew they'd pray for you if things went wrong for you.



The Reagan family would see its share of hardship, struggle and uncertainty.
And out of that circumstance came a young man of steadiness, calm, and a
cheerful confidence that life would bring good things. The qualities all of
us have seen in Ronald Reagan were first spotted 70 and 80 years ago. As a
lifeguard in Lowell Park, he was the protector keeping an eye out for
trouble. As a sports announcer on the radio, he was the friendly voice that
made you see the game as he did. As an actor, he was the handsome,
all-American, good guy, which, in his case, required knowing his lines --
and being himself.



Along the way, certain convictions were formed and fixed in the man. Ronald
Reagan believed that everything happened for a reason, and that we should
strive to know and do the will of God. He believed that the gentleman always
does the kindest thing. He believed that people were basically good, and had
the right to be free. He believed that bigotry and prejudice were the worst
things a person could be guilty of. He believed in the Golden Rule and in
the power of prayer. He believed that America was not just a place in the
world, but the hope of the world.



And he believed in taking a break now and then, because, as he said, there's
nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.



Ronald Reagan spent decades in the film industry and in politics, fields
known, on occasion, to change a man. But not this man. From Dixon to Des
Moines, to Hollywood to Sacramento, to Washington, D.C., all who met him
remembered the same sincere, honest, upright fellow. Ronald Reagan's deepest
beliefs never had much to do with fashion or convenience. His convictions
were always politely stated, affably argued, and as firm and straight as the
columns of this cathedral.



There came a point in Ronald Reagan's film career when people started seeing
a future beyond the movies. The actor, Robert Cummings, recalled one
occasion. "I was sitting around the set with all these people and we were
listening to Ronnie, quite absorbed. I said, 'Ron, have you ever considered
someday becoming President?' He said, 'President of what?' 'President of the
United States,' I said. And he said, 'What's the matter, don't you like my
acting either?'" (Laughter.)



The clarity and intensity of Ronald Reagan's convictions led to speaking
engagements around the country, and a new following he did not seek or
expect. He often began his speeches by saying, "I'm going to talk about
controversial things." And then he spoke of communist rulers as slavemasters
  of a government in Washington that had far overstepped its proper limits,
of a time for choosing that was drawing near. In the space of a few years,
he took ideas and principles that were mainly found in journals and books,
and turned them into a broad, hopeful movement ready to govern.



As soon as Ronald Reagan became California's governor, observers saw a star
in the West -- tanned, well-tailored, in command, and on his way. In the
1960s, his friend, Bill Buckley, wrote, "Reagan is indisputably a part of
America, and he may become a part of American history."



Ronald Reagan's moment arrived in 1980. He came out ahead of some very good
men, including one from Plains, and one from Houston. What followed was one
of the decisive decades of the century, as the convictions that shaped the
President began to shape the times.



He came to office with great hopes for America, and more than hopes -- like
the President he had revered and once saw in person, Franklin Roosevelt,
Ronald Reagan matched an optimistic temperament with bold, persistent action
  President Reagan was optimistic about the great promise of economic reform,
and he acted to restore the reward and spirit of enterprise. He was
optimistic that a strong America could advance the peace, and he acted to
build the strength that mission required. He was optimistic that liberty
would thrive wherever it was planted, and he acted to defend liberty
wherever it was threatened.



And Ronald Reagan believed in the power of truth in the conduct of world
affairs. When he saw evil camped across the horizon, he called that evil by
its name. There were no doubters in the prisons and gulags, where dissidents
spread the news, tapping to each other in code what the American President
had dared to say. There were no doubters in the shipyards and churches and
secret labor meetings, where brave men and women began to hear the creaking
and rumbling of a collapsing empire. And there were no doubters among those
who swung hammers at the hated wall as the first and hardest blow had been
struck by President Ronald Reagan.



The ideology he opposed throughout his political life insisted that history
was moved by impersonal ties and unalterable fates. Ronald Reagan believed
instead in the courage and triumph of free men. And we believe it, all the
more, because we saw that courage in him.



As he showed what a President should be, he also showed us what a man should
be. Ronald Reagan carried himself, even in the most powerful office, with a
decency and attention to small kindnesses that also defined a good life. He
was a courtly, gentle and considerate man, never known to slight or
embarrass others. Many people across the country cherish letters he wrote in
his own hand

-- to family members on important occasions; to old friends dealing with
sickness and loss; to strangers with questions about his days in Hollywood.
A boy once wrote to him requesting federal assistance to help clean up his
bedroom. (Laughter.)



The President replied that, "unfortunately, funds are dangerously low."

(Laughter.) He continued, "I'm sure your mother was fully justified in
proclaiming your room a disaster. Therefore, you are in an excellent
position to launch another volunteer program in our nation. Congratulations.


(Laughter.)



Sure, our 40th President wore his title lightly, and it fit like a white
Stetson. In the end, through his belief in our country and his love for our
country, he became an enduring symbol of our country. We think of his steady
stride, that tilt of a head and snap of a salute, the big-screen smile, and
the glint in his Irish eyes when a story came to mind.



We think of a man advancing in years with the sweetness and sincerity of a
Scout saying the Pledge. We think of that grave expression that sometimes
came over his face, the seriousness of a man angered by injustice -- and
frightened by nothing. We know, as he always said, that America's best days
are ahead of us, but with Ronald Reagan's passing, some very fine days are
behind us, and that is worth our tears.



Americans saw death approach Ronald Reagan twice, in a moment of violence,
and then in the years of departing light. He met both with courage and grace
  In these trials, he showed how a man so enchanted by life can be at peace
with life's end.



And where does that strength come from? Where is that courage learned? It is
the faith of a boy who read the Bible with his mom. It is the faith of a man
lying in an operating room, who prayed for the one who shot him before he
prayed for himself. It is the faith of a man with a fearful illness, who
waited on the Lord to call him home.



Now, death has done all that death can do. And as Ronald Wilson Reagan goes
his way, we are left with the joyful hope he shared. In his last years, he
saw through a glass darkly. Now he sees his Savior face to face.



And we look to that fine day when we will see him again, all weariness gone,
clear of mind, strong and sure, and smiling again, and the sorrow of his
parting gone forever.



May God bless Ronald Reagan, and the country he loved.



  AMEN!!!!!


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The IBS Virtual Classroom



Welcome to the IBS Virtual Classroom! The primary goal of this ministry is
to provide affordable or even free Bible courses for those who would like to
attend Bible college, but who are, for whatever reason, unable. This could
also be used as a review for those who have been to Bible college. What we
are offering at present is a New Testament Survey course in RealAudio®
format, along with quizzes, links to related articles for further reading, a
course syllabus, and instructions for taking the course online. What we do
not offer is college credit or any type of certificate for completing the
courses; they are provided for your enrichment only.

We have tried to make taking these courses as simple as possible. All you
have to do is buy the book(s) and listen to the classes online. Most of the
books are available from Amazon or CBD. Or you may simply listen to any of
the sessions which interest you. Either way there is no charge whatsoever
for the online courses. You will need to download RealPlayer (version 8 or
above) if you don't have it already. I hope that these classes are a
blessing to you!

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Webmaster, IBS



Online Courses:

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New Testament Survey (34 sessions)









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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-------Original Message-------



From: PULC Newsletter

Date: 06/07/04 05:47:26

To: willie8975@...

Subject: PULC Monday Affirmations



Dear Beloved PULC Friend,



Happy Monday! I pray you find today's affirmations to be a great blessing.
Remember, NEVER stop dreaming!



God Bless You,

Pastor Jack

Progressive Universal Life Church

www.pulc.com



Affirmations for Fulfilling Dreams



I choose to dream my own dreams

I choose to live life to the fullest

I love and respect my ability to trust the qualities the Creator has given
me. I choose to let go of all my doubts and hesitations.

I choose to believe in miracles

I love and respect my ability to be aware of the over all view.

I love and respect my ability to follow my intuition. I know I am achieving
my goals and the results that my heart desires.

I choose to trust myself

I choose to expect a miracle.

I love and respect my ability to follow my own path.

I choose joy in my life

I love and respect my ability to understand the balance between giving
orders to get things done and having the willingness to do things myself.

I choose to see my way clearly

I choose to accept my gifts

I love and respect my ability to examine everything from a broad over
viewing perspective. I choose to see the big picture.

I love and respect my ability to welcome the unexpected.

I love and respect what is inside of me being worthy of expression.

I love and respect my ability to continue on my path with strength and
courage. All obstacles will now vanish and my most deep-felt wishes are
being fulfilled.

My dreams are fulfilled by me one step at a time.

I am worthy of fulfilling all of my dreams.

I fulfill my dreams by acting upon them.

I accept that help is available for me to fulfill my dreams.

I make my dreams come true by believing and trusting in myself.

I know that I am able to make my dreams come true.

I trust and act upon my inner guidance.

I am able to achieve great things.

I choose to do what I love to do, and I earn a great living doing I!

I am an inspiration to others.

I know that I inspire others by being successful at what I love to do.

I know that I am able to create whatever I desire.

I live my dreams, and become them, by acting upon them.

I choose success by embracing and accepting my authentic self.

I see only love and perfection within me, and I make my dreams come true.

I show others the way to happiness by being loving toward myself.

I choose to live my life honestly, lovingly and creatively.

I love and accept my own personal power.

God's power, and my power, are one.

I now choose to act upon fulfilling my dreams.

All my dreams manifest because I love and believe in myself.

I trust my inner guidance for it speaks the language of love.

I embrace my greatness.

I now choose to act upon fulfilling my dreams.

I am a miracle and I am able to make my dreams come true.

I believe that I have the power and the strength to make my dreams come true


I accept responsibility for fulfilling my own dreams.

I am a vital and important part of the miracle called life.

I accept my sacred contract with my Creator and I now act upon it.

I trust and believe that I am already successful.

I always get the help I most need at the perfect time.

The universe provides for everything that I need to achieve my dreams and
goals.

I always believe in myself.

I can do anything I choose to do because I love and believe in myself.

I draw strength from my Creator and I fulfill my dreams with ease and grace.

I am divine energy and I trust that I am able to fulfill my dreams.

My focus of attention is now placed upon the fulfillment of my dreams.

I can, because I am.



I am excited to offer you each Prestigious Degree for only $95! (order by
6/15/04).



The Progressive Universal Life Church offers non-secular/religious Degree &
Diploma programs (by Correspondence) to members of our congregation. Our
programs are consistent with & according to our spiritual beliefs &
practices. We do not offer academic or medical Degrees.



Order as many as you feel qualified to receive. This Very Special Offer is
our way of saying, "God Bless You" for your continued support of this
Anointed Ministry.



If you believe you have earned one or more Degrees based on your Life, Work
or Educational Experience, then we wish to Award them to YOU! For a small
love offering (only $95 each), we would like to reward you with the
Degree(s) you deserve. This could be the most important opportunity of your
life!



Your generous offering is seed that is being planted to reep a mighty
harvest for the kingdom of God!



The Progressive Universal Life Church is a proud supporter of Children
International & the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA). Please consider that your continued donations will help
children, dogs & cats! Amen!!!



Our Ordination and Educational programs are supported by the generous
donations of brothers and sisters like you. All offerings made to the
Progressive Universal Life Church are Tax Deductible and enable us to
continue God's mission of helping others.



To take advantage of this Special Offer, please print out the Order Form
below and mail it to us with your offering via snail mail (postal mail).
(Order before 6/15/04).



Thanks again and may God richly bless you.





My prayers are with you always,

Pastor Jack J. Stahl

Progressive Universal Life Church





Become a "Doctor"

What Your Doctoral Degree and Title Can Do for You:



Our prestigious DEGREES grant you the legal right to be known as "DOCTOR"!
All titles we issue you may be used on your letterheads and business cards.
This will be a automatic door opener!



It immediately establishes you as a true professional. Many people have
Ministerial status but very few have a Doctoral Degree.



It serves you well should you write a book, give public lectures, etc.,
because you are received as a Doctor of your subject. In many instances,
along these lines or others you may wish to pursue, your title of "Doctor"
alone could make the difference between dismal failure and growing success.



It gives you dignity in practicing counseling, since people seeing a
counselor tend to think of it as "seeing their Doctor."



It gives greater substance to any practice of Spiritual Healing in which you
may become engaged. Psychologically, the title "Doctor" and healing have a
natural affinity in one's mind.



It can raise your Self-Esteem and gain respect from others.



THE TITLE "DOCTOR" WILL GET YOU PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT IN PUBLIC PLACES...
AMEN!



* You may Not misrepresent yourself or imply you are a Doctor of medicine or
psychology.





---------------------------Fast Service ORDER
FORM------------------------------------



***Please Circle Degree(s) You are Ordering***



Ph.D. IN RELIGION Regularly $195.00

DOCTOR OF METAPHYSICS Regularly $150.00

Ph.D. IN THEOLOGY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly $175
00

Ph.D. IN COUNSELING (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly $590

Ph.D. IN PASTORAL HYPNOTHERAPY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $590

Ph.D. IN PSYCHIC SCIENCES (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $590

Ph.D. IN PARAPSYCHOLOGY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly
$590

Ph.D. IN METAPHYSICAL SCIENCES (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $590

Ph.D. IN HOLISTIC SCIENCES (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $590

Ph.D. IN MINISTERIAL EDUCATION (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $590

Ph.D. IN PSYCHIC ASTROLOGY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $590

Ph.D. IN THERAPEUTIC TOUCH (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $590

Ph.D. IN WELLNESS STUDIES (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $590

Ph.D. IN DOWSING (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly $590

Ph.D. IN ALTERNATIVE HEALTH (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $590

Ph.D. IN EXORCISMS (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly $590

Ph.D. IN ACUPRESSURE (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly
$590

Ph.D. IN TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Reg. $500

Ph.D. IN PSYCHOMETRY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly
$500

Ph.D. IN RADIONICS (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly $500

Ph.D. IN UFOLOGY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly $500

Ph.D. IN GOSPEL MUSIC (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly
$500

Ph.D. IN AROMATHERAPY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly
$500

Ph.D. IN FENG SHUI (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly $500

Ph.D. IN REFLEXOLOGY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly
$500

DOCTOR OF SPIRITUAL COUNSELING (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $500

DOCTOR OF PASTORAL PSYCHOLOGY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $500

DOCTOR OF CHURCH ADMINISTRATION (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Reg. $500

DOCTOR OF BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $500

DOCTOR OF PASTORAL COUNSELING (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $500

DOCTOR OF SPIRITUAL HEALING (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $500

DOCTOR OF CHURCH MANAGEMENT (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $500

DOCTOR OF RELIGIOUS COUNSELING (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $500

DOCTOR OF PASTORAL PSYCHOTHERAPY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Reg. $500

DOCTOR OF HEALING SCIENCES (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $500

Ph.D. IN ALTERNATIVE THERAPY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $645

Ph.D. IN THEOCENTRIC HYPNOTHERAPY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Reg. $645

Ph.D. IN MOTIVATION (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Regularly $645

Ph.D. IN THEOCENTRIC LIBERAL ARTS (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $645

Ph.D. IN THEOCENTRIC PSYCHOLOGY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $645

Ph.D. IN THEOCENTRIC SCIENCES (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $645

Ph.D. IN THEOCENTRIC HUMANITIES (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $645

Ph.D. IN PARANORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $645

Ph.D. IN ASTRAL PROJECTION (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $645

Ph.D. IN TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Reg. $645

Ph.D. IN ESOTERIC PSYCHOLOGY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course! Reg.
$690

Ph.D. IN ESOTERIC PSYCHOTHERAPY (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $690

Ph.D. IN ESOTERIC SCIENCES (Awarded for life experience.) No Course!
Regularly $690



Total Donation Enclosed $________



Please Clearly Print (Or Type) NAME & ADDRESS



__________________________________________________



__________________________________________________



__________________________________________________



- U.S. Funds Only -

Cash, Check, Money Order or Visa/Mastercard



# ___________________________________ Exp. Date _______



Authorized Signature ___________________________________



Rush Order To:

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Dept. of Education & Ordination

P.O. Box 276265

Sacramento, CA 95827



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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-------Original Message-------



From: ind-catholic@yahoogroups.com

Date: 06/07/04 03:59:24

To: + List +

Subject: [ind-catholic] Mathematical Miracle



The Biggest

Mathematical Miracle

in the World!





Moses and his people

were in the desert, but what was he going to do with them?

They had to be fed, and fed is what he did,

according to the Quartermaster General in the Army.

It is reported that Moses would have to

   have had 1500 tons of food  each day.





Do you know

that to bring that much food each day,

two freight trains, each a mile long, would be required!

Besides you must remember, they were out in the desert,

so they would have to have firewood to use in cooking the food.

   This would take 4000 tons of wood

and a few more  freight trains, each a mile long,

  just for one day.





  And just think,

they were forty years in transit.

   And oh yes! They would have to have water.

If they only had enough to drink  and wash a few dishes,

it would take 11,000,000 gallons each day, and a

   freight train with tank cars, 1800 miles long, just to bring water!





And then another thing!

They had to get across the Red Sea at night. (They  did?)

Now, if they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800

   miles long and would require 35 days and  nights to get through.

So, there  had to be a space in the Red Sea,

3 miles  wide so that they could walk 5000

   abreast to get over in one night.





But then, there is another problem.

Each time they camped at the end of  the day, a campground

two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island was required,

or a total of 750 square miles long...think of  it!

This space just for nightly camping.

Do you think Moses had this all figured out before he left Egypt?

I think not! You see, Moses believed in God.

God took care of these things for him.

   Now do you think God has any problem

taking care of all your needs?









The information contained in postings to this list are the members own views
   All postings are considered private within the group. All postings are
copyrighted by the original sender.  Anyone reposting any to a web site or
forwarding to others, without the writers permission will be removed from
the list.





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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-------Original Message-------



From: achangewilldoyougood@yahoogroups.com

Date: 06/11/04 21:28:14

To: johnckimbrough@...

Subject: [ACWDYG ] Living More Skillfully Through Biblical Teachings:
1Timothy 4:16



Living More Skillfully Through Biblical Teachings:

1Timothy 4:16



“Attend to yourself and to your teachings; persevere

in both tasks, for by doing so you will save yourself

and those who listen to you” – 1 Timothy 4:16



We do not always look to scriptures and religious

teachings as guidelines for living more skillfully,

but that is exactly what they are teaching us.



It really does not do much good to give alms to monks

or bow down to the Buddha if we do not practice what

the Buddha discovered and teaches and the Sangha

(religious authorities and community) are supposed to

be teaching us.



It really does not do much good to wear a cross, go to

church every Sunday and believe the Jesus is the Son

of God if we can not understand and apply what Jesus

advised us to do.



And it really may not be of much use to stand on one’s

head all day or to have mastered the lotus posture if

we can not apply the other teachings of Yoga, those

that are thought of as being guidelines for moral and

ethical living as people alone and in our interactions

with others.



And those who study or take a closer look at the

teachings of Yoga, Buddhism and Christianity will tell

us that what they advise us to think, say and do are

remarkably similar and that differences have more to

do with underlying beliefs then what the teachings

themselves are and how we apply the teachings in our

day to day living.



What 1 Timothy, chapter 4, verse 16 tells us is to

make an effort, to persevere in the work that life

demands of us.



This particular kind of work is making ourselves

better people through our understanding and practice

of biblical scripture so that as individuals we will

be more mindful and focused and those words and

actions that we share with others are also more

mindful and focused.



To teach others does not mean that we are in a formal

position of being a teacher or work in a school

environment.



All of our inreactions with others can be experiences

where we share with them.



If we share or interact with them in a respectful,

enthusiastic, kind and gentle manner we can still

reach our objectives with them, if we are in a work or

task performing situation or environment, or just

hanging out with them at their house, a club,

restaurant, beach or park.



But as regards to being exposed to Christian teachings

in a formal setting, there is a chance that many all

of us have probably squirmed uncomfortably with

boredom or resentment at being told how we are sinners

and how we should or have to bring Christ into our

lives.



This is one of the reasons that so many people have

turned their backs on Christianity and looked for what

might be better ways to learn and live, in their

opinion, such as Yoga and Buddhism.



This scripture is sometimes misunderstood by some and

applied in a way where we judge others or quote them

scripture.



Instead it means that teachings should be applied to

ourselves and others in ways that are more down to

earth, through kind, gentle and wise advice, the right

word and tone of voice, and actions or questions that

point to the wisdom within.



People do not react well to being told they should do

this or that, and if they do not do things in such a

way they are sinners.



But all people can be directed to the wisdom that they

have within when they have the ability and make the

effort on their own to access it.



We need to make some effort to work on ourselves and

persevere with that practice.



At the same time, we need to be able to share how and

who we are as people with others in ways that assist

them in their life experience.



Perseverance is the key factor in doing this.



We can not advance in knowledge, understanding or

practice of Christianity, Yoga or Buddhism without the

determined and steady effort that perseverance brings

us.



We can apply this perseverance in other things,

chasing men or women, or money or something that may

make us famous or well – known or to gratify our ego,

but we may not be able to apply it to something that

may be better for us in the long term.



The elevation of our consciousness is something that

stays with us forever.



It brings us health and joy and makes us wise so we

can handle lifes ups and downs in a way that will that

will be healthy, accepting and wise.



We too frequently look at Christian teachings as being

something as being impractical or as something very

holy without seeing that they are very concrete pieces

of advice so we can live life more skillfully.



These words, ideas, concepts and teachings of

Christianity are not undoable or impractical.  We just

have to take some time to look them over, understand

them and then apply the teachings of  scripture when

we face the life situations that they address.



©2004 John C. Kimbrough



(John lives and teaches in Bangkok, Thailand. He can

be reached at johnckimbrough@...)





=====

Yours in Yoga,



John









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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Petros,

I know we don't talk much on this board, So you don't really know me, and i
don't know you, so.....but why do you support natural burial? That is so
enviromental unsound. Dead bodies, polluting the earth and gaia that we live in?
The only effective and sound and enviromentally healthy way to dispose of a
corpse is cremetion.  Anything else is not healthy for the land or enviroment or
soul.  Yes, i agree that embalming is worse and caskets, that do not biodegrade.
If you do feel a need to bury a body it should be natural as to not pollute the
earth more. Then burial at the cemetaries that waste our natural space and land.
We only have so much left.  I would rather see housing built for the living then
a cemetary built for the already dead or a park that children can play in.  Burn
the bodies and save the planet!

Please do not support anything except cremation if you care about our future and
our children future.  The dead and the spirit of the dead have no use for the
body the left to become diseased and die, why should we, who are still living. 
The spirit and soul is still alive and kicking in whatever place they believe
they are in, they choose to leave their their bodies, they will not return to
them.  Burning them to ashes is the most enviromentally sound way of disposal. 
If you support the enviroment, you cannot support burials! if you support God,
you cannot support burials of any kind, natural or otherwise.  you must, as an
ordained minister of God tell any one who is dying that they will not return to
their body if they leave it.  If you let them believe anything else, you are not
supporting God and the Spirit.

Universal law, sorry to have to say it. But come on.....go be a catholic
minister if you support this or some other religion, or something else. Please
support God and the living if you feel the calling to be a true minister of God.
The dead are already lost.  They are the ones who gave up, not the rest of us.
This may sound negative but come on.....you should already know this, any true
native american does. Ever study shamanism?  you damage the spirit and keep them
tied and connected to the human body so the spirit cannot move on, through
burial and inproper disposal, even a shaman and true native american, who hasn't
been converted to a christian religion will tell you, that when they die, that
when a native american dies proper ritual includes a burning of the corpses. 
with dance and ceremony to release the spirit of the body so it can move to
higher realms.  Other wise the spirit hangs out near it's body refusing to move
on and become a higher being of light.

Rev. Tracy


Petros Evdokas <petros@...> wrote:




     Date: Thu, 3 Jun 2004 16:28:40 -0400
     From: tom kunesh <tpkunesh@...>
Subject: native & natural burial in TN

folks -  i'd like to help start a statewide (Tennessee)
native and
natural burial/memorial society that is a cooperative,
non-profit
consumer organization, democratically run, that helps its
members to
make simple and natural burial arrangements (ie, body,
shroud, dirt; no
embalming, no metal casket or cement vault, no big stone
marker) in a
'green' cemetery. i'd hope that it would particularly appeal
to Native
Americans, environmentalists, traditional/conservative jews,
muslims,
quakers, baha'is, pagans, cemeterians and atheists.

please pass this idea along to others who you think might be
interested.
if you're interested, please contact me privately by email,
tpkunesh@....
maybe some of us could meet on saturday, 19 june, in or around
Nashville or Murfreesboro (or Chattanooga ;) to talk about it.

thanks.

;>


    The way I look at it our body is the only thing which
truly belongs to
us.
        When we Indians give of our flesh, our bodies, we are
giving
            of the only thing which is ours alone.
                Lame Deer (1972) p 198

    when i die ...

i'd like what good organs my body has left that may be of
use to others
to be given away to those who might be able to use them, and
for my
body to go back to the earth in hopes it might provide it some
nourishment or at least less damage and less energy
consumption. so ...
i'd like to be buried very simply - no embalming, no metal
coffin - in
a simple shroud, in a place where my body would do the earth
some good.
to this end i've collected some resources here on 'green'
burials that
you might find interesting, too.
    - tpk august 1999



    ----------

Gravestone Made of Wheat by Will Weaver
    a story in here about the death of a Minnesota farm
family's dad, and
his burial.

    Eco-Funerals

    ----------

    http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=1051465

    ----------

Weekend All Things Considered - June 12, 1999
    NPR's Adam Hochberg reports on Ramsey Creek Preserve, a
newly opened
environmentally-sensitive cemetery in South Carolina. At
Ramsey Creek,
the first US eco-cemetery, the deceased are buried in a
forest, in
biodegradable caskets, without the use of of toxic embalming
fluid.


Memorial Ecosystems - http://www.memorialecosystems.com/
was formed in 1996 to create a nationwide system of
for-profit nature
preserve cemeteries. We offer a thoughtful alternative to
those of you
who care deeply about the environment but are unhappy with the
tremendous escalation in funeral and burial expenses. Our
company
legacy will be thousands of acres of ecologically significant,
functioning nature preserves that will also serve as
important open
spaces for contemplative recreation.

    What is a "natural" burial?
    One stipulation in our sales contract for burial spaces
in Memorial
Ecosystems nature parks has to do with what we are calling
"natural",
or environmentally sensitive burial. The concept is as old and
traditional as the phrase "dust to dust". All caskets must
be of
non-toxic, biodegradable materials. Toxic embalming fluids
and vaults
are not allowed. Where top soil is removed, it is carefully
replaced
after burial. While we will not encourage them, we will
allow small,
flat markers. No headstones or plastic flowers are allowed.
Vegetation
management over graves will be minimal, and consistent with
restoring
native ecosystems (for more details on grave markers, interment
location and vegetation management, see related article). In
many ways,
"green burial" is much more akin to cremation and ashes
scattering, and
the total cost for funeral and burial (including the space)
is about
halfway between the average funeral/burial cost and the average
cremation/scattering cost. The idea is that the remains will
eventually
become a part of other living things. We can work with your
funeral
director and make green burial arrangements at their
facility, provide
specific information for individuals, or provide a consult
for your
family mortician.

    Comparison of Jewish and Islamic Practices Associated
with Funerals,
Burial and Afterlife
    by Leah Zinner
    In both Judaism and Islam, the body is prepared for the
funeral by
being wrapped in a white cloth or shroud. In both
traditions, embalming
is not practiced because of the idea that we came from dust
and, upon
death we should return. Islam and Judaism also share the use
of a plain
wooden coffin, although in Judaism the body remains in the
coffin, and
in Islam the body is taken out of the coffin and placed
directly into
the grave. Neither religion permits the body/coffin to be
left out of
the grave through the entire funeral service, as they
believe that it
is important that friends and family watch or help lower the
coffin as
a symbol of the reality of the death.
see also  http://www.jewish-funerals.org/greenburial.htm


    World Mourns
King Hussein

    ----------

    Amman, Jordan, 8 feb 1999
    If overwhelming in scale, the rites were also haunting in
their
simplicity, with ceremonial elements unchanged over the
centuries.
    The king's body was to be washed in accordance with
Islamic practice,
scented with musk, and buried in a humble white shroud.
http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/meast/9902/08/funeral.01/

    The Natural Death Handbook
    Chapter 1: The Natural Death Movement
http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/catalog/extract.htm?
command=search&db=main.txt&eqisbndata=1844132269
    The Natural Death Centre in 1994 launched an Association
of Natural
Burial Grounds, in an attempt to ensure that every locality
should have
its own natural burial ground, where a tree is planted
instead of
having a headstone. Ten years later, more than 180 such
grounds exist
in the UK (see Chapter 6 for a complete list). The UK
movement has
inspired other countries to take similar initiatives (New
Zealand,
Canada, the US and Italy, to name but a few).
http://www.ac026.dial.pipex.com/naturaldeath/NaturalBurialGrounds.htm

    Green Burial
    in the UK
    http://www.globalideasbank.org/greenburial.html
http://www.consciouschoice.com/environs/dusttodust1203.html
    In these cemeteries, people are buried in a shroud or
biodegradable
coffin of wicker or cardboard or other simple material.
Instead of a
headstone, a tree is planted over the grave.


;>



-----------------------











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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-------Original Message-------



From: Lutheran Hour Ministries

Date: 06/10/04 16:43:33

To: DAILY DEVOTIONS

Subject: June 11.Daily Devotion



June 11, 2004

“Transitions”



The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave

you nor forsake you.  Deuteronomy 31:8



Each of us faces transition points in life.  We graduate from high school or

college.  We begin married life.  We give birth to the first child.  We

change jobs, move to a new community, form new friendships. Transitions

often bring much pain, create anxiety, and disrupt our lives. They also

present new challenges and opportunities for growth.  How can we face

transitions with confidence?



In Deuteronomy 31, Moses comes to the end of his life.  Israel gathers at

the Jordan River ready to enter the Promised Land.  God taps Joshua as Moses

’ successor.  Truly a time of transition.  Joshua may have felt overwhelmed

by the new responsibilities.  But Moses gives these reassuring words:  “The

LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you

nor forsake you.”



God comes to each of us in our transitions. His Son moved from heaven to

earth as a human being, began His ministry with His baptism in the Jordan,

set His face toward Jerusalem, and went willingly from Gethsemane to

Calvary. He faced each transition with confidence and made the transition

from death to life to demonstrate his victory over sin.  That saving and

helping God now says to us, in the midst of our transition anxiety:  “The

LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you

nor forsake you.”



PRAYER:  Thank You, O Lord, for being with me during all my transitions in

life.  Amen.



(Devotions from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter, copyright 1988

CPH.  All Rights Reserved.  No part of this publication may be printed,

reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by

any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise,

without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House.  For

ordering information, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit

www.cph.org.)



*    *    *    *    *    *    *



These devotions are made possible through the generous gifts of members and

friends.

http://www.lhmgift.org



Past devotions can be accessed at http://www.lhm.org/calendar.asp



If you're not a member of a church and would like to speak with someone,

please call 1-800-876-9880, M-F 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (CDT)



-- Through the Bible in a Year --

Today read Proverbs 2-4, John 19:23-42

http://www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?Proverbs+2-4

http://www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?John+19:23-42





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-------Original Message-------



From: biblestudy@...

Date: 06/13/04 00:04:45

To: stottbiblestudy@...

Subject: Stott Bible Study 06-13-2004



====================================================

S T O T T   B I B L E   S T U D Y

=====================================================

June 13th, 2004



THE MESSAGE OF 1 THESSALONIANS.



A Commentary by John Stott.



1 Thessalonians 5:14-15.  2). The fellowship.



     These two verses begin with the words *And we urge you,

brothers*, much as verses 12 and 13 were introduced by the words

'Now we ask you, brothers.' The formula is identical except for

the change of verb. It is probable, therefore, that the 'brothers

addressed are the same people. In verse 12 these were clearly the

rank and file members of the Thessalonian church, because they

were distinguished from their leaders whom they were told to

respect. The 'brothers of verse 14 must surely, therefore, be the

same church members. It is they and not the leaders  whom Paul now

urges to give pastoral care to specially needy people in the

congregation, and indeed to each other. The existence of pastors

does not relieve members of their responsibilities to care for one

another.

     First, the apostle singles out for mention three particular

groups whom the *brothers* are to care for. They must *warn those

who are idle* (the *ataktoi* who were playing truant from work),

*encourage the timid* (the *oligopsychoi* or 'faint-hearted',

those anxious either about their friends who had died or about

their own salvation), and *help the weak* (those finding sexual

self-control difficult, who were addressed in 4:3-8). The verb for

*help (antechomai*) presents a graphic picture of the support

which *the weak* needed. It is as if Paul wrote to the stronger

Christians: 'Hold on to them', 'cling to them', even 'put your arm

round' them. He then continued: *be patient with everyone* or, as

perhaps it should in the context be translated, be very patient

'with them all' (RSV). One might say that the idle, the anxious

and the weak were the 'problem children' of the church family,

plagued respectively with problems of understanding, faith and

conduct. Every church has members of this kind. We have no excuse

for becoming impatient with them on the ground that they are

difficult, demanding, disappointing, argumentative or rude. On the

contrary, we are to be *patient* with all of them. *Makrothymia*,

often translated 'long-suffering', is an attribute of God

(Ex.34:6; Ps.103:8), a fruit of the Spirit and a characteristic of

love (Gal.5:22; 1 Cor. 13:4). Since God has been infinitely

patient with us, as he was (for example) with Saul of Tarsus (1

Tim.1:16), we too must be patient with others.

     Secondly, Paul moves on from particular groups needing help

to general Christian behaviour. *Make sure*, he writes, or 'See to

it' (REB), *that nobody* (or 'none of you' RSV) *pays back wrong

for wrong*. Here is an allusion both to the teaching of Jesus in

the Sermon on the Mount (Mt.5:39, 44; cf. Rom.12:17-21) and to his

own remembered refusal to hit back (1 Pet.2:20ff.; 3:9). All

personal revenge and retaliation are forbidden to the followers of

Jesus. And in place of these negative attitudes and actions, we

are enjoined: *always try to be kind* (RSV 'seek to do good', NEB

'aim at doing the best you can') *to each other* within the

fellowship of God's children *and* indeed *to everyone else*,

including (as Jesus specifically taught) our enemies. Perhaps Paul

had in mind the slanderers and persecutors of Thessalonica.

     'See to it', the apostle writes (Cf.Dt.29:18). We recall

that he is not addressing the church's leaders, although they

of course have a vital role in pastoral oversight. Instead, he is

laying on the whole congregation the responsibility to care for

each other as sisters and brothers, to give appropriate support,

encouragement or admonition to the church's problem children, and

to ensure that all its members follow the teaching of Jesus,

cultivating, patience, renouncing retaliation and pursuing

kindness. It is a beautiful vision of the local church as a

community not only of mutual comfort and encouragement (4:18;

5:11) but of mutual forbearance and service as well.

-------------------------------------------------------------



Tomorrow: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22,27.  3). The worship.



------------------------------------------------------------

Some of the references have been omitted. Readers interested

in further details should refer to John Stott's original work

for a complete citation.



The Stott Daily Devotional is made possible through

interVarsity Press of Downers Grove, Illinois, USA. Please be

sure to visit their web site at

http://www.gospelcom.net/ivpress.



This list is a part of the ministries of the John Stott web

site at http://www.JohnStott.org. Studies are compiled by

Cree Brown <creebrown@...>. Technical

difficulties should be reported to Webmaster@....



      To unsubscribe, e-mail:



      stottbiblestudy-unsubscribe@...



      You do not need to put anything in the subject line or

      body of the message.



DISCLAIMER: Today's devotional was typed by a volunteer.

While care is taken to assure accuracy and faithfulness to

Dr. Stott's published work, typographical errors creep in

from time to time. Any such mistakes belong to us, not the

author or publisher.











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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Well, it is not exactly war I am headed off to (already been there ... done
that); but it will be a battle that will have me AWOL for about a week.
Tomorrow evening, I will be placing myself on no mail until late next week.
On Wednesday 6/16, I will enter the VA hospital in Oakland, PA for open
heart surgery on Thursday 6/17.

I'll miss all you folks and will look forward to getting back.  For those so
inclined .... prayers would be appreciated.


Best wishes to all!


That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for
which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly
resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under
God, and that government of the people by the people and for the people
shall not perish from the earth.
—Abraham Lincoln at the commemoration of the Battlefield at Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Our prayers are with you, Jeffrey.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-------Original Message-------



From: biblestudy@...

Date: 06/17/04 00:09:04

To: stottbiblestudy@...

Subject: Stott Bible Study 06-17-2004



====================================================

S T O T T   B I B L E   S T U D Y

=====================================================

June 17th, 2004



THE MESSAGE OF 1 THESSALONIANS.



A Commentary by John Stott.



1 Thessalonians 5:18a.  d). Listen to the Word of God (continued).



     Further, he gave the Thessalonians no command to test his

teaching, as they were to test the words of the prophets, in order

to sift the wheat from the chaff, the good from the evil, the

genuine from the spurious. They were to weigh prophetic

utterances, because not all of them were from God; but they were

to listen to everything the apostle wrote, and were expected to

believe and obey it all. Thus Paul unequivocally put his authority

as an apostle above that of the prophets (See 1 Cor.14:36-38). And

note that apostles are named above prophets in two of Paul's lists

of *Charismata*, 1 Cor.12:28-29; Eph.4:11). Just so today, granted

that a subsidiary prophetic gift exists, Scripture has supreme

authority in the church. It is God's Word which the church, for

its own health and growth, needs to hear read and expounded.

     Looking back now over Paul's teaching about public worship, we

see that it should always include two complementary elements. On

the one hand, there should be rejoicing in the Lord, praying, and

giving thanks, and on the other listening to God's Word read,

expounded and applied. For God speaks to his people through his

Word, and they respond to him in praise, prayer and thanksgiving.

As the book of Common Prayer puts it, we assemble in God's

presence both 'to hear his most holy word' and 'to set forth his

most worthy praise'. Indeed, in every well-constructed worship

service the pendulum should swing rhythmically between God

addressing his people through Scripture and his people responding

to him in confession, faith, adoration or prayer.

     Moreover, in both these aspects of corporate worship (the

listening and the responding) we are to acknowledge the

sovereignty and freedom of the Holy Spirit. 'Do not quench the

Spirit' (19, RSV), the apostle writes. This prohibition comes

right in the middle of the other exhortations. It could therefore

apply either to those which precede it or those which follow it.

We might read, 'Rejoice in the Lord, pray continually, give thanks

in all circumstances, do not quench the Spirit'. Or we could read,

'Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophecies, but test

everything, cling to the good, abstain from the evil.' In fact, I

see no reason why we should not do both. In that case, Paul is saying

'Let the Holy Spirit speak to you through his word, and listen to

his voice; do not quench him', and also 'Let the Holy Spirit move

you to respond to the word in praise, prayer and thanksgiving; do

not quench him.'

     The word for 'quench' (*sbennumi*) was used of extinguishing

both lights and fires, although commentators tend to opt for the

latter here and translate *Do not put out the Spirit's fire*. But

the Holy Spirit is light as well as fire and, far from

extinguishing him, we must let him both shine and burn within us.

As for his role in public worship, we should expect him to speak

to us with a living, contemporary voice through the ancient

Scriptures and then to move us to respond to God appropriately

with all  our being. This does not mean that he cannot use set

forms, since (as we have seen) they are found in the new Testament

text itself. But perhaps the best way to avoid Spirit-quenching

traditions in public worship is to develop a flexible combination

of liturgy and spontaneity, form and freedom.

------------------------------------------------------------------



Tomorrow: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28. Conclusion.



------------------------------------------------------------

Some of the references have been omitted. Readers interested

in further details should refer to John Stott's original work

for a complete citation.



The Stott Daily Devotional is made possible through

interVarsity Press of Downers Grove, Illinois, USA. Please be

sure to visit their web site at

http://www.gospelcom.net/ivpress.



This list is a part of the ministries of the John Stott web

site at http://www.JohnStott.org. Studies are compiled by

Cree Brown <creebrown@...>. Technical

difficulties should be reported to Webmaster@....



      To unsubscribe, e-mail:



      stottbiblestudy-unsubscribe@...



      You do not need to put anything in the subject line or

      body of the message.



DISCLAIMER: Today's devotional was typed by a volunteer.

While care is taken to assure accuracy and faithfulness to

Dr. Stott's published work, typographical errors creep in

from time to time. Any such mistakes belong to us, not the

author or publisher.











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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-------Original Message-------



From: dailylift@...

Date: 06/17/04 05:36:02

To: willie8975@...

Subject: Daily Lift #523 - Become More Ambitious









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Daily Lift #523

Become More Ambitious



Imagine how much you and others would gain by your being

more ambitious. What would you undertake if you were to

increase your level of ambition?





Utilize everything you know about motivating yourself to

increase your level of ambition.

(For a series of probing questions on this topic, see Rabbi Pliskin's
Gateway to Self Knowledge," pp.109-10)

See more Daily Lifts on "character traits"





In Loving Memory of my father,

Shlomo ben Nussin.





For details about Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's recorded seminar:

"Creating the states you want: more joy, less distress." TM

a 20 session seminar on 7 audio cd's

Buy Online: Secure Server

Or contact: USA 516-903-7096.

For $36 you can sponsor Rabbi Pliskin's Daily Lift in honor or memory of a
loved one, or to celebrate a special occasion

(Click here).















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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-------Original Message-------



From: biblestudy@...

Date: 06/16/04 00:01:09

To: stottbiblestudy@...

Subject: Stott Bible Study 06-16-2004



====================================================

S T O T T   B I B L E   S T U D Y

=====================================================

June 16th, 2004



THE MESSAGE OF 1 THESSALONIANS.



A Commentary by John Stott.



1 Thessalonians 5:18a.  d). Listen to the Word of God (continued).



     Be that as it may, Paul's injunction to us is to treat with

respect and not with contempt any utterance which claims to come

from God. Indeed, we are neither to reject it outright, nor accept

it outright. We are rather to listen to it, and as we do so to

*test everything* (21a), to sift it, to 'weigh carefully what is

said' (1 Cor.14:29). How are we to evaluate it, however? Paul does

not answer this question here, but we can do so from the teaching

of Jesus and his apostles elsewhere. Although discernment is a

spiritual gift (1 Cor.2:13-16; 12:10), we are nevertheless given

certain tests to apply to teachers. The first test is the plain

truth of Scripture. Like the inhabitants of Berea, we are to

'examine the Scriptures' to see if what any Christian teacher says

is true (Acts 17:11; cf.Dt.13:1ff.). The second test is the

divine-human person of Jesus. If we are to 'test the spirits to

see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have

gone out into the world', this is how we are to discern between

the true and the false: 'Every spirit [i.e. prophet claiming

inspiration] that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the

flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge

Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist...' (1

Jn.4:1-3; cf.1 Cor.12:3; 2 Jn.9-10. The third test is the gospel

of God's free and saving grace through Christ. Anybody who

perverts this gospel (whether preacher, prophet, apostle or even

angel) deserves to be 'eternally condemned' (Gal.1:6-9). The

fourth test is the known character of the speaker. When Jesus told

us 'Watch out for false prophets', warning us that they are wolves

disguised as sheep, he added: 'By their fruit you will recognise

them' (Mt.7:15ff.). Just as a tree may be identified by its fruit,

so a teacher may be identified by his character and conduct. This

is an argument against listening to strangers, for the

congregation cannot apply this test to them. The fifth test is the

degree to which what is said 'edifies', that is, builds up and

benefits, the church. An authentic prophetic message will

'strengthen, encourage and comfort' the hearers, 'edify the

church', bring a conviction of sin and an awareness of God, and be

conducive to peace and order, and above all to love (1 Cor.14:3;

14:4, 31; 14:24-25; 14:33, 40; 1 Cor.13).

     Once these tests have been applied to the words spoken, the

Thessalonians would be in a position to *hold on to [katecho] the

good* (21b) and to *avoid [apechomai] every kind of evil* (22).

The verbs point the alternatives. And the word *kalos* ('good')

was used of what was '*genuine* as opposed to *counterfeit* coin'.

It is Paul's apparent use of the imagery of testing coins which

led many of the early Greek fathers to associate with this

instruction Jesus' otherwise unrecorded saying: 'Become approved

money changers' (or 'bankers'), that is, people who know how to

distinguish true coinage from false.

     Having considered Paul's instruction to the Thessalonians to

test 'prophecies' (20-22), we are ready to consider the further

instruction he gave them to have this letter of his read publicly

to the whole congregation (27). It is illuminating to compare and

contrast this appeal to them to listen to his letter with the

previous injunction to listen to prophets. *I charge you*, he

writes. The sudden change to the first person singular may

indicate that he now took the pen from his amanuensis, as he

usually did near a letter's conclusion (e.g. 2 Thess.3:17; 1

Cor,16:21; Gal.6:11), and/or that he felt the need to assert his

apostolic authority in making this important demand. Whether he

feared the neglect or even suppression of his letter by a

particular group we do not know. But he certainly used extremely

strong terms in order to ensure that everybody without exception

would have the chance to hear it. 'I put you on oath', he wrote,

and solemnly added a reference to the presence and/or authority of

*the Lord, to have this letter read to all the brothers*. He was

later to make the same charge to the Colossians, with the

supplementary requirement that they and the Laodiceans (referring

perhaps to *Ephesians*) exchange their letters. It is a quite

extraordinary instruction. Already the Old Testament was read in

the Christian assemblies, for the custom had been taken over from

the synagogues. But now the apostles' letters were also to be read

aloud during the worship service, so that each local church would

gradually make its own collection of their letters and memoirs.

This was the origin of the tradition of having both an Old and a

New Testament lesson in church. The clear implication is that

these apostolic documents were to be regarded as being on a level

with the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul saw nothing incongruous in

this.

----------------------------------------------------------



Tomorrow: 1 Thessalonians 5:18a.  d). Listen to the Word of God

(continued).



------------------------------------------------------------

Some of the references have been omitted. Readers interested

in further details should refer to John Stott's original work

for a complete citation.



The Stott Daily Devotional is made possible through

interVarsity Press of Downers Grove, Illinois, USA. Please be

sure to visit their web site at

http://www.gospelcom.net/ivpress.



This list is a part of the ministries of the John Stott web

site at http://www.JohnStott.org. Studies are compiled by

Cree Brown <creebrown@...>. Technical

difficulties should be reported to Webmaster@....



      To unsubscribe, e-mail:



      stottbiblestudy-unsubscribe@...



      You do not need to put anything in the subject line or

      body of the message.



DISCLAIMER: Today's devotional was typed by a volunteer.

While care is taken to assure accuracy and faithfulness to

Dr. Stott's published work, typographical errors creep in

from time to time. Any such mistakes belong to us, not the

author or publisher.











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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

-------Original Message-------



From: biblestudy@...

Date: 06/18/04 00:09:26

To: stottbiblestudy@...

Subject: Stott Bible Study 06-18-2004



====================================================

S T O T T   B I B L E   S T U D Y

=====================================================

June 18th, 2004



THE MESSAGE OF 1 THESSALONIANS.



A Commentary by John Stott.



1 Thessalonians 5:23-28.  4). Conclusion.



     Paul has given us towards the end of his letter an idyllic

picture of the local church. In referring to the pastorate, the

fellowship and the worship he has touched on the three main

relationships of church members - to their pastors (respect and love),

to each other (mutual care and support) and to God (both listening and

responding to him). Moreover, all three are transformed when we

remember that we are 'brethren' (the key word of the section, I have

suggested), brothers and sisters in the family of God. Yet this living

out of *philadelphia* in the local church is possible only by the

gracious work of God, which Paul specially highlights in several of

his six final sentences.



a) Paul prays for their sanctification (5:23).

     He refers to *God himself*, whom he describes as *the God of

peace*, (The same title occurs in Rom.15:33; 16:20; Phil.4:9 and

Heb.13:20. Cf. 'the Lord of peace' in 2 Thess.3:16), either because he

is the author of harmony, or because he is himself the only perfectly

integrated personality who exists. He then frames a double petition.

He prays first that God will *sanctify* them through and through, and

secondly that their whole spirit, soul and body may be *kept

blameless* at the Parousia. Although on the surface one prayer is for

their 'sanctification'; and the other for their 'preservation' , there

is no substantial difference between them if, as seems probable, the

second should be paraphrased 'be kept so as to be blameless at the

Parousia'. Certainly the emphasis in both prayers is on the

thoroughness of God's sanctifying work, 'through and through'

translating *holoteles* and 'whole' translating *holokleros*. If these

words can be distinguished, then probably the former implies 'a

totality from which no part is excluded' and the latter 'an integrity

in which each part has its due place and proportion'.

     This 'wholeness' is further emphasized in the expression

(spirit, soul and body*. 'Over this passage', Findlay writes, 'the

Trichotomists and Dichotomists wage war', that is, those who think

that human beings have three parts (spirit , soul and body) and those

think that we have only two (whether 'soul and body' as in Mt.10:28 or

'spirit and flesh' as in 2 Cor.7:1). It must certainly be agreed that

usually the New Testament describes us as having two parts, the one

material and the other immaterial. Moreover, 'spirit' and 'soul' are

often synonymous in Scripture as when Mary said 'My soul glorifies the

Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour' (Lk.1:46-47). In fact,

only twice, apart from this verse in 1 Thessalonians, are 'spirit' and

'soul;' clearly distinguished in the New Testament (In Heb.4:12

*psyche* [soul] and *pneuma* [spirit] are distinguished, as are the

adjectives *psychikos* and *pneumatikos* in 1 Cor. 2:14-15).

     If, on the other hand, Paul is here affirming a tripartite view

of our humanness, as the early fathers mostly believed, then

Lightfoot's explanation seems best. The spirit is 'the ruling faculty

in man ...through which he holds communication with the unseen world';

the soul is 'the seat of all his impulses and affections, the centre

of his personality'; while the body 'links him to the  material world

and is the instrument of all his outward deeds'. But we should not

press Paul's formulation into a  precise scientific or theological

statement of human beings; it surely has a rhetorical element, as when

we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and

strength (Mk.12:30).

----------------------------------------------------------



Tomorrow: 1 Thessalonians 5:24.  b). Paul affirms God's faithfulness.



------------------------------------------------------------

Some of the references have been omitted. Readers interested

in further details should refer to John Stott's original work

for a complete citation.



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-------Original Message-------



From: achangewilldoyougood@yahoogroups.com

Date: 06/18/04 20:20:29

To: achangewilldoyougood@yahoogroups.com

Subject: [ACWDYG ] The Little White Chapel



The Little White Chapel

By Dawn Rambin



I love to go on road trips.  It doesn't matter where.



One Sunday afternoon, my best friend Evelyn and I decided to drive

from our hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, to a gem and mineral show a

couple of hours away.  Evelyn was excited about expanding her rock

collection.  I was just thrilled to be heading out on a new

adventure.



After a while, we turned onto a deserted stretch of highway and

passed a large white sign on the side of the road.  It stated simply:

Pause, Rest and Worship.



"What's that?" Evelyn asked.  It was strange to see a sign like that

in the middle of nowhere.  What did it mean?



About a quarter mile down the road, we spotted a small white chapel

sitting by itself in a field.  As we drove past, we wondered: Who

would build this tiny church out here - and why?  We turned the truck

around to find out.



As we started down the dusty trail and got closer, we noticed how

small it really was.  It wasn't much bigger than a playhouse, maybe

eight feet across and twelve feet deep.  There were little flowers

planted around the outside and a little white cross was perched on

top.  There wasn't a sign or any literature telling us what it was

called or describing its history.  Was it in fact a church?  Were we

on private property?  Should we be here?  Would it be all right if we

went inside?



Cautiously, we got out, looked around and walked toward the chapel's

tiny door.  It was open.  We stepped inside.



There were four wooden pews, each would seat two people.  I sat

down.  As I admired the simplicity and the beauty of the little

chapel, I beheld its beautiful stained glass windows.  A sense of

profound calm came over me.  All was quiet.  Still.  Peace.



I noticed a plaque hanging on the front wall.  I got up and walked

toward it.  It was from the man who had built the chapel.



This was his farm.  He had built this chapel to celebrate all of the

many blessings that God had given him in his life.  He had lived a

very long and happy life, blessed with a wonderful wife, many healthy

children and a farm where he had worked and lived.



On the altar at the front of the chapel lay a guest book with its

pages open.  Written at the top was a note: "Rest, pray, enjoy the

chapel.  Stay as long as you like."



As I turned the pages, I noticed the countries: Japan, Israel,

France, Brazil .. . . people from all over the world had found their

way to this little white chapel.



I looked around for a place to leave a donation.  There wasn't one.

This man just wanted to share his special place with strangers who

might need a brief respite on their long journey.



It has now been two years since my visit to the little chapel, and

this is my first Christmas without my mother.  I lost her last year

to heart failure.  We were very close and I miss her so very much.



As I was out shopping for presents, I suddenly stopped and the

reality sunk in.  Mom wasn't going to be here to get her present this

year.  She wasn't going to help me cook the turkey.  She wasn't going

to look across the table and smile at me as if to say everything

would be all right.



I wanted to see her face when she opened up her gift.  I wanted to

cook with her and receive her warm smile.  For the first time, I

would spend this holiday without my mother, and it would be that way

for the rest of my life.  I was feeling very alone and wasn't sure

how I was going to make it through the season.



At that moment, I looked up and right in front of me, on a display

table, stood a small white ceramic chapel.



Immediately, I was taken back to my little white chapel in the dusty

desert.  Once again, I could feel the peace of its refuge, the

strength of its love.  I recalled the man who had built it out of

gratitude for life's blessings, and then I remembered my own life's

blessings.  Suddenly, I felt myself smiling my mother's smile, and

like the little chapel, I know that she, too, would always be there

with me on my journey through life.









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