Blob or Baby

Some Christian doctors support birth control methods that allow for conception but that prevent the fertilized egg from being able to attach to the womb for nourishment. This is possibly based on the notion that the group of cells that exists at that time is just a blob of cells and not actually a very tiny baby. This article discusses some surprising new scientific evidence which reveals that, even physically, the cells form more than just a blob. see "Blob or Baby"

Another interesting fact is that the embryo normally attaches to the womb on the seventh day after conception. But, on day 6, it begins producing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, or “IDO,” which suppresses the mother’s T cell reaction and allows pregnancy to proceed after making contact with the womb. Otherwise, the mother's immune system would destroy the embryo. Pretty sophisticated for a "blob"!
For more about this see http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2004/1116abortion.asp

The Comfortable Rut and The Dead Body

Some activities have become common to many streams of tradition. These activities are so traditional, or perhaps habitual is a better word, that we barely see them or recognize their danger. For example, we think "bigger is better" but, in reality, as the numbers grow the loneliness factor increases. Is looking at the back of someone's head and listening to a sermon, "fellowship"? Is a programmed worship service Holy Spirit led as we read about in I Corinthians 14? Have we focused too much on verse 40? Spiritually alive people are increasingly wanting to participate in genuine worship, fellowship and service. This is good news but how effectively can it happen in the pews of our "traditional" worship service. It is important to consider how much genuine worship is a actually happening in our tradition and how much are we coasting along in a comfortable rut which might the foundational tradition underneath many streams of tradition. Eventually, the comfortable rut often leads to a dead body.

What's popular?

Criticism is the price of initiative. Success is not measured by popularity--always remember that the crowd shouted, 'Crucify!' Here's what is popular: Jesus told his disciples that 'all men will hate you because of me' (Matthew 10:22). So do the right thing because it is right, not because the world agrees. Stand on principle, even if you must stand alone. The pure in heart will see God (Matthew 5:8), for only the pure in heart want to (C. S. Lewis). Is there a decision awaiting your solitary courage today? -- Dr. James C. Denison

For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it should come to light. (Mark 4:22)

What's popular? To hate anyone who is a genuine follower of Christ and shows it by standing on principle and doing the right thing. Doing the right thing may require us to do something we don't "feel" like doing. It may go against our natural desires, popular culture or common thinking. Actions that seem hidden or secret is often where we are most likely to be tempted to not do the right thing. But, sometimes we need to take ourselves by the scruff of the neck and say, "Here I will put my foot down and, by God's grace, I will stand".

Don't Miss Out

Who are these promises from Isaiah 54 for? (see list below)
"This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord." (verse 17)

These promises reveal a little of the incredible wonder of God's love and good plans for us. Are we genuine servants of the Lord or are we following at a great distance? To be His servants, we must know His words, thoughts and ways in order to seek His goals. Depending on His grace and the power of His Spirit, let's commit to daily meditating on some portion of His Word and asking Him to change and guide our life in His paths. This is a heritage that we don't want to miss out on.

Promises (the heritage of the servants of the Lord)
You will have Offspring (everyone should have spiritual offspring)
Your Offspring will possess nations
You Will not be put to shame
Your Husband IS the Lord of hosts
Your Redeemer IS the Holy One of Israel
Everlasting mercy
Great compassion from God
God's covenant of peace with you will not be shaken
Your Children taught of the Lord
Great Well-being of your Offspring
You Will be Established in righteousness
You Will be Far from oppression
You Will not fear
Terror will not come near you
Whoever assails you will fall
No weapon formed against you will prosper
Every assusing tongue will be condemned
Vindication from the Lord of Hosts

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Poison At The Core

Over 70% of us are living from week to week and on the edge of financial crisis and collapse. This statistic reveals that almost 3 out of 4 of us are on a slippery financial slope. A sickness, accident or storm may cause a serious disaster for our checkbook, charge card and family. The average family is carrying a huge amount of short term debt for cars, entertainment and everyday expenses. No wonder we fight, break out in a cold sweat in the middle of the night, feel depressed or see our dreams slipping away.

`THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNER stone; (Matt 21:42)

The World knows very well how to appeal to us, sell us things we don’t actually need and how to convince us that debt is a solution. We naturally vibrate in harmony with the message of the world but God wants to give us grace for a different perspective and spirit. The World has rejected the cornerstone of life -- Christ, His Spirit and His Way. But, we are different and God is offering us grace to change and escape the trap.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

Last night, at the “No Debt, No Sweat” financial seminar, we heard of the prevalence of financial struggles. We also heard the introduction to how to get out of short-term debt within a relatively short time. Steve Diggs was humorous, entertaining and informative. He encouraged us, if necessary, to drag our teenagers to the seminar. Even if you don’t need it, your children probably do. Tonight, Steve will also be covering information about how to invest for retirement and save for education expenses. Let’s not miss this opportunity for ourselves and our children to learn truths that could save us and them from tremendous emotional pain. Every nugget of wisdom is better than a nugget of gold. In contrast, we are surrounded by worldly principles that sound good but, at their core, they contain deadly poison.

Project:
Buy, read and apply Steve Digg's book, "No Debt, No Sweat".
Come to tonight's free seminar at 6:30.
Bring a friend that has financial questions.