Gay Clergy

It is sad that the Episcopalian denomination had to kick out 61 gay clergy members. I don't mean it's sad that they did it; I mean it's sad that they had to do it. How can any "clergy member" say that the Bible does not speak/teach against homosexuality? Someone has not done their homework! Of course, homosexuality is not the only sin that would be worthy of discipline, but it seems to be the one in the spotlight right now. So, how can some "churches" and "clergy members" hold such an anti-Biblical, unscriptural view and allow "gay clergy"? Well, maybe it's because we have some wolves in sheep's clothing. But then again, what do I know. I just take the Bible for what it says.

Saving Old Yeller

Man saves dog by sucking snake venom from his nose (AP)
Cheyenne, Wyo. - A man said he saved his dog's life after sucking venom from a rattlesnake bite out of the animal's nose. Bobby Jenkins said he began feeling ill after getting his dog, Tank, to a veterinarian. He went to the hospital and received a dose of antivenin. In all, Jenkins needed four vials of antivenin at a cost of $3,500 per vial. Meanwhile, Jenkins said his dog's head swelled up to three times its normal size. Tank had been bitten after running under some equipment on the family ranch. The dog also received antivenin and both Jenkins and his dog have recovered.

Delilah - The Samson Version

Muslim Demographics

You must watch this video and be aware of what is happening.

Memorial Day Weekend

Remember to thank the Lord for the many brave men and women who sacrificed so much so that we might have the freedom and liberty we enjoy today, and may God bless America!

Refrigerated Beach At Dubai?

(from www.funnynewsmos.com)

Versace, the renowned fashion house, is to create the world’s first refrigerated beach so that hotel guests can walk comfortably across the sand on scorching days.

The beach will be next to the the new Palazzo Versace hotel which is being built in Dubai where summer temperatures average 40C and can reach 50C.

The beach will have a network of pipes beneath the sand containing a coolant that will absorb heat from the surface.

The swimming pool will be refrigerated and there are also proposals to install giant blowers to waft a gentle breeze over the beach.

Soheil Abedian, founder and president of Palazzo Versace, said he believed it is possible to design a refrigerated beach and make it sustainable. “We will suck the heat out of the sand to keep it cool enough to lie on,” he said. “This is the kind of luxury that top people want.”

Hyder Consulting, a British construction consultancy, is overseeing the engineering on the project. The hotel will be marketed strongly in the UK where Dubai is a popular tourist destination, attracting about 800,000 Britons a year.

Abedian’s firm began its association with Versace a decade ago with the idea of creating the first chain of luxury fashion-branded lifestyle resorts.

The first Palazzo Versace is already operating on Australia’s Gold Coast – where Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, the actors, have stayed – and the Dubai hotel will be the second when it opens late next year or early 2010. The 10-storey hotel will have 213 rooms, several with their own internal swimming pools, plus 169 apartments. Fifteen more such hotels are planned.

Competition to serve the world’s rich is getting intense, especially in Dubai. The city already boasts the world’s first seven-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab, while Armani, a competitor with Versace, is building a similarly branded Dubai hotel.

The refrigerated beach is designed to give Versace the edge in this battle of luxury lifestyles. The system will be controlled by thermostats linked to computers.

Source: Times Online

Mustard Seed & Leaven

¹⁸Then said he, "Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? ¹⁹It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it." ²⁰And again he said, "Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? ²¹It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." (Luke 13:18-21)

In doing much study concerning the parable of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven in Luke 13 (can be also found in Matthew 13 - different time period), I have come to the conclusion that the commentators are split 50/50 over the meaning of the parables. Some commentators argue that the parables are to be seen in a positive light, i.e., the parables illustrate the growth of the Kingdom of God. Other commentators, however, argue that the symbols given in the parables (birds, leaven) are to be seen in a negative light and illustrate the permeation of apostate churches, evil, etc. in the Kingdom of God. One commentator varied from both of these ideas and stated that the birds represented the Gentiles who would be brought in to the Kingdom of God, but as one of our deacons stated, "Aren't they grafted in?" For as long as I can remember, I have heard preachers (and now commentators) debate over the meaning of this passage. I do not have a 100% perspective on what it means though I tend to side with the "negative" viewpoint. If any of you scholars, or Bible-studiers, have an answer to this, let me know!

Required Reading

I am currently reading several good books. Some are better than others, but basically I would recommend them all.

The 5,000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed The World (Author: Cleon Skousen) - A good read for greater understanding of our political system. If you have questions about our government and where it went wrong, then read this book for some basic understanding.

What In The World Is Going On? 10 Prophetic Clues You Cannot Afford To Ignore (Author: Dr. David Jeremiah) - Another good read concerning prophecy on a basic level. I like Dr. David Jeremiah but was hoping for a much more in-depth book. However, I still recommend it because it does give a good overall understanding of prophecy concerning today.

Shadowmarch: Volume I (Author: Tad Williams) - I have just started reading this sci-fi/fantasy book. It looks like it will be another good read, however, I really am waiting on Patrick Rothfuss' sequel to The Name Of The Wind: Kingkiller Chronicle, Day 1.

10 Choices: A Proven Plan To Change Your Life Forever (Author: Dr. James MacDonald) - Still reading this, but so far, good reading concerning our basic choices in our life.

Church Discipline (Master of Theology Thesis by Bro. Ralph Simmons) - Good doctrinal teaching concerning scriptural discipline and even gives examples of church discipline from our area (several are included from the history of Ebenezer Baptist Church!).

Magazines of Interest:
Biblical Archaeology Review
World
National Geographic
Sports Illustrated

American "Idol" Goes Christian?

Now, first, let me say that basically I don't watch American Idol except at the very beginning where they show people that sing about as well as I do. However, after the "funny" auditions are over, I tend not to pay attention to the show. But according to the newswires, two of the three finalists this year are Christian. Not only that, but the two Christians are worship leaders at their respective churches.
From reading different articles, it seems Christians are somewhat divided on the issue of a Christian being on American Idol. Are we to shun the show because of content and the name which includes the word "Idol," or should we embrace the Christians who win this show and see it as another avenue for us to reach those in the mainstream? Or, is there another way of viewing this whole topic?

Quit Trying To Make Everybody Happy!!!

It seems as if the Pope has no backbone and finds himself needing to please everyone. While I'm not a fan of the Papacy, they could at least have the backbone to tell the Palestinians that they have no historical, religious, or any other claim to a state. But then again, that wouldn't be popular, would it?

Pope in Israel calls for Palestinian homeland

By VICTOR L. SIMPSON, Associated Press Writer Victor L. Simpson, Associated Press Writer

JERUSALEM – Pope Benedict XVI called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian homeland immediately after he arrived in Israel Monday, a stance that could put him at odds with his hosts on a trip aimed at improving ties between the Vatican and Jews.

The pope also took on the delicate issue of the Holocaust, pledging to "honor the memory" of the 6 million Jewish victims of the Nazi genocide at the start of his five-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Benedict touched down in Israel on the second leg of a weeklong pilgrimage to the Holy Land, after spending three days in neighboring Jordan. He is using the tour to reach out to both Muslims and Jews.

In his first public comments upon arriving, Benedict urged Israelis and Palestinians to "explore every possible avenue" to resolve their differences.

"The hopes of countless men, women and children for a more secure and stable future depend on the outcome of negotiations for peace," he told a welcoming ceremony at Israel's international airport. "In union with people of goodwill everywhere, I plead with all those responsible to explore every possible avenue in the search for a just resolution of the outstanding difficulties, so that both peoples may live in peace in a homeland of their own within secure and internationally recognized borders."

While Benedict has spoken in favor of a Palestinian homeland in the past, the timing and location of his comments were noteworthy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was in the audience, has pointedly refused to endorse the two-state solution since his election. But he is expected to come under pressure to do so when he travels to Washington next week. Netanyahu did not speak at the ceremony, then flew to Egypt for talks on regional issues with President Hosni Mubarak.

Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor played down the pope's comments, saying he was voicing a long-standing position shared by the U.S. and European countries.

"At any rate, discussing this is not the purpose of the visit," he said.

Parliament speaker Reuven Rivlin conspicuously skipped the airport ceremony, though his office said he would join the pope at Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.

The pope has tried to improve interfaith relations throughout his four-year papacy, and as a cardinal, had a long record of promoting dialogue with other faiths. But Benedict has had to tread carefully on his Middle East visit because of past gaffes.

Benedict angered many in the Muslim world three years ago when he quoted a medieval text that characterized some of Islam's Prophet Muhammad's teachings as "evil and inhuman," particularly "his command to spread by the sword the faith." He later expressed regret that his comments offended Muslims.

Before leaving Jordan, he said he had a "deep respect" for Islam.

The Vatican has also been widely accused over the years of not doing enough to stop the Holocaust — a charge it rejects. And the German-born pope himself has faced questions for his involvement in the Hitler Youth corps during the war. Benedict says he was coerced.

The pope outraged Jews earlier this year when he revoked the excommunication of a British bishop who denies the Holocaust. Ties were further strained when a senior Vatican official said during Israel's recent military campaign in Gaza that the territory resembled a "big concentration camp."

Later Monday, Benedict was scheduled to lay a wreath at Yad Vashem.

"It is right and fitting that, during my stay in Israel, I will have the opportunity to honor the memory of the 6 million Jewish victims of the shoah," he said, using the Hebrew word for the Holocaust. He said he would "pray that humanity will never again witness a crime of such magnitude."

Israel and the Vatican are also at odds over the legacy of World War II pontiff Pius XII, a candidate for sainthood. At Yad Vashem, Benedict will not visit the main part of the museum, where a photo caption says Pius did not protest the Nazi genocide of Jews and maintained a largely "neutral position."

Dignitaries and religious leaders greeted the pontiff at a red-carpet ceremony at the Tel Aviv airport. Yellow and white Vatican flags fluttered alongside blue and white Israeli banners as an honor guard played in the background.

The pope smiled as he walked along the carpet, flanked by Israeli President Shimon Peres on one side and Netanyahu on the other. Other political leaders, along with black-robed Christian clergymen and Muslim religious leaders, stood in line to shake his hand.

"Your visit here brings a blessed understanding between religions and spreads peace near and far. Historic Israel and the renewed Israel together welcome your arrival as paving the great road to peace," Peres said.

Later, the pope flew by helicopter to Jerusalem for another red-carpet ceremony. Mayor Nir Barkat handed Benedict an ancient map of the world, with Jerusalem in the center and dozens of children from three schools — Christian, Jewish and Muslim — welcomed him. The children waved Israeli and Vatican flags and red carnations, and many wore T-shirts that read, "I'm with the pope in Jerusalem."

"He loves us and wants peace," said David Sahagian, a 10-year-old from a Christian school in east Jerusalem. "I want there to be peace in Jerusalem and I want him to give us his blessing."

In the Gaza Strip, Palestinians were angry that the pope planned to meet with the family of an Israeli soldier held by militants in Gaza for nearly three years but would not meet with relatives of any of the 11,000 Palestinian prisoners imprisoned in Israel.

Israeli police shut down a media center for the pope's visit that the Palestinian Authority had set up at an east Jerusalem hotel. Israeli authorities object to any attempt by the Palestinians to use east Jerusalem for official business because that would suggest Palestinian sovereignty there. Israel captured east Jerusalem in the 1967 Mideast war and the Palestinians claim it as capital of a future state.

A Mom's Overture

Happy Mother's Day!!!

National Day Of (Private) Prayer

It is a sad state when a "Christian" president does not desire to publicly pray on the National Day of Prayer. Of course, I guess it makes sense because we are not a "Christian" nation, and there is to be "separation of state and church." (Previous statements dripping with sarcasm) What a difference it would make if the leadership of this nation openly called for us to repent and stand with God. But all is not lost, for at least one leader is taking a stand.

Since our President has declared that we no longer consider ourselves a Christian nation, Congressman Randy Forbes will introduce "America's Spiritual Heritage Resolution" (H. Res. 397) at a press conference tomorrow on Capitol Hill to reaffirm America's rich Judeo-Christian heritage.

II Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

God Will Not Bless America

If things keep going this way, there is no way He will bless America!

(from the AP newswires)

WASHINGTON -- After an emotional debate, the D.C. Council gave final approval Tuesday to legislation that recognizes same-sex marriages performed in other states.
The vote is considered the first step toward eventually allowing gay marriages to be performed in Washington. Congress, which has final say over the city's laws, will get 30 days to review the bill assuming Democratic Mayor Adrian Fenty, a supporter, signs it. If Congress takes no action, the bill will become law automatically. President Barack Obama and congressional leaders have not signaled where they stand.
"The march towards equality is coming to this country, and you can either be a part of it or stand in the way," said David Catania, one of two openly gay D.C. Council members.
Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa already allow gay marriage and lawmakers in several other states are considering whether to do the same. New York recognizes gay marriages performed in other states.
The D.C. Council vote was 12-to-1, with former Mayor Marion Barry casting the lone opposing vote. He called it an "agonizing and difficult decision" that he made after prayer and consulting with the religious community.
Catania called the issue one of fundamental fairness and said it's about acknowledging that his family is just as valid as anybody else's.
The congressional review could be the new Congress' first opportunity to signal its appetite for re-examining the Defense of Marriage Act, which bars federal recognition of same-sex marriages and allows states to do the same.
Advocates from both sides were part of an overflow crowd that filled city hall, and more than 100 opponents from churches in the Washington region held a rally across the street on Freedom Plaza. Among them was the Rev. Derek McCoy from the Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, Md.
"Once you redefine marriage, you redefine family," he said.
Gay marriage supporters gathered outside the council hearing room included Ed Grandis, a lawyer who lives in Dupont Circle with his husband, J.D. Campos. The pair married in California last year during the time same-sex marriage was legal there, and they hope to have their marriage recognized in D.C.
"We don't have any interest in making their religious institution recognize our marriage or our relationship," Grandis said. Instead, Grandis said, it's about the government recognizing the couple's civil rights.
The district already recognizes domestic partnerships, but gay marriage supporters say that's not enough.
"It's an equality issue," said Sara Mindel, who has been with her partner for nine years and has a 10-month-old son. "In my mind, marriage, although it's a wonderful religious ceremony, ultimately gives you so many important states rights and legal rights."

Mother's Day

This coming Sunday we will celebrate Mother's Day and honor the many godly women of our congregation. What a blessing it is to see God work through so many women and provide a stable foundation for the lives of children (of all ages!). And yes, all of us could share stories of how our mother provided, sacrificed, and loved us, but I would like to do something different this year. To you, who is the greatest mother of the Bible? (You do not have to answer Mary just because she is the mother of Jesus.) What mother of the Bible has given you hope, laughter, understanding, etc.? Leave a comment (and then share stories about your mother!).

Dr Pepper Artifact May Reveal Soft Drink's Secret Recipe

Monday , May 04, 2009 (AP)

DALLAS — Poking through antiques stores while traveling through the Texas Panhandle, Bill Waters stumbled across a tattered old ledger book filled with formulas.

He bought it for $200, suspecting he could resell it for five times that. Turns out, his inkling about the book's value was more spot on than he knew. The Tulsa, Okla., man eventually discovered the book came from the Waco, Texas, drugstore where Dr Pepper was invented and includes a recipe titled "D Peppers Pepsin Bitters."

"I began feeling like I had a national treasure," said Waters, 59.

Dr Pepper's manufacturer says the recipe is not the secret formula for the modern day soft drink, but the 8 1/2-by-15 1/2 inch book is expected to sell between $50,000 to $75,000 when it goes up for auction at Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries on May 13.

"It probably has specks of the original concoction on its pages," Waters said.

Waters discovered the book, its yellowed pages stained brown on the edges, underneath a wooden medicine bottle crate in a Shamrock antiques store last summer. A couple months after buying it, he took a closer look as he prepared to sell it on eBay.

He noticed there were several sheets with letterheads hinting at its past, like a page from a prescription pad from a Waco store titled "W.B. Morrison & Co. Old Corner Drug Store." An Internet search revealed Dr Pepper, first served in 1885, was invented at the Old Corner Drug Store in Waco by a pharmacist named Charles Alderton. Wade Morrison was a store owner.

Faded letters on the book's fraying brown cover say "Castles Formulas." John Castles was a partner of Morrison's for a time and was a druggist at that location as early as 1880, said Mary Beth Webster, collections manager at the Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute in Waco.

As he gathered more information, Waters took a slower turn through the book's more than 360 pages, which are filled with formulas for everything from piano polish to a hair restorer to a cough syrup. He eventually spotted the "D Peppers Pepsin Bitters" formula.

"It took three or four days before I actually realized what I had there," Waters said.

The recipe written in cursive in the ledger book is hard to make out, but ingredients seem to include mandrake root, sweet flag root and syrup.

It isn't a recipe for a soft drink, says Greg Artkop, a spokesman for the Plano-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group. He said it's likely instead a recipe for a bitter digestive that bears the Dr Pepper name.

He said the recipe certainly bears no resemblance to any Dr Pepper recipes the company knows of. The drink's 23-flavor blend is a closely guarded secret, only known by three Dr Pepper employees, he said.

Michael Riley, chief cataloger and historian for Heritage Auction Galleries, said they think it's an early recipe for Dr Pepper.

"We just feel like it's the earliest version of it," he said.

He hasn't, however, tested that theory by trying to mix up a batch. Neither has Waters; he's thought about it but would need to find someone to decipher all the handwriting.

Jack McKinney, executive director of the Waco museum, surmised that Alderton might have been giving customers something for their stomachs and added some Dr Pepper syrup to make it taste better.

"I don't guess there's any definitive answer. It's got to be the only one of its kind," Riley said.

McKinney said the ledger book was bound to be popular with Dr Pepper collectors because it's from the time the drink was invented.

Riley said the book was probably started around 1880 and used through the 1890s. It's not known who wrote the Dr Pepper recipe in the book, but they don't think it was the handwriting of Alderton or Morrison. Some of the formulas have Alderton's name after them.

At first, Alderton's drink inspired by the smells in the drugstore was called "a Waco." "People would come in and say, 'Shoot me a Waco,'" Riley said.

Soon renamed Dr Pepper, the drink caught on and other stores in town began selling it. Eventually, Alderton got out of the Dr Pepper business and Morrison and a man named Robert Lazenby started a bottling company in 1891.

Flipping through the pages of the ledger book takes one back to a time when drugstores were neighborhood hubs, selling everything from health remedies to beauty products mixed up by the stores' chemists. And among the formulas being mixed up in drugstores were treats for the soda fountain. A two-page spread in Waters' book has recipes for "Soda Water Syrups," including pineapple, lemon and strawberry.

"There were very few national brands," Riley said. "Their lifeblood was all their formulas."

Kevin Clinton Motorcycle Accident

Everyone please pray for Kyle's father, Kevin Clinton. He was involved in an accident and broke both his legs. They have set his legs and will perform surgery tomorrow morning. They are going to (or have already) insert steel rods into his legs. He will be off his feet for 2 weeks. He will have 3-4 months of recovery.