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Author: Life Focus Ministries
BECOMING A CHRISTIAN MEANS CONVERSION!
Andrew Corbett challenges: ‘What does it mean to be a Christian?’
Some years ago a minor party senator criticised Christians for voicing concerns over her party’s policy agenda. She claimed that Christians should stop preaching ‘at’ people because Christianity was really about helping the poor. Her claim was bolstered by a recent delegation of nearly 200 Christian ministers who agreed with her! But she’s not the only politician to think that Christianity is merely about improving social conditions. (more…)
THE BUZZ
EIGHT MILES PLAIN, QLD
Christian Adventure Series – Fantastic publications from Keystone Resources
Dr Denis Smith writes: ‘Thank you for the many good comments received on the launch of our website. Our goal is to use the website to support missionaries, churches, charities and individuals to reach their goals. This particular series has been used to assist new believers in their Christian walk and is a valuable asset to every church and minister’s ministry.’
Using all the Christian Adventure Studies, churches are investing $25 into the life of each person who makes a commitment to Christ. That’s a valuable investment on potentially eternal rewards. First Steps should be given to individuals (along with a Gospel of John or a Bible) who make their commitment to Christ and covers: (1) How to keep one’s life clean before God (2) How to relate to the family of God and (3) How to read and understand God’s word. This study guide can be completed in a group situation if there are sufficient numbers – but it should be commenced at least with their follow-up worker as soon as possible after their commitment to Jesus Christ. (more…)
THOUGHTS CONCERNING SUICIDE: Robin Williams and Others
ASSIST’s editorial note: The news of Oscar winning actor, comedian, humanitarian, and activist, Robin William’s death by suicide sent shockwaves around the world.
With whole episodes of morning news broadcasts (such as Good Morning America) dedicated to his life and suicide, social media pandemonium, and personal reflections abounding around the globe, ASSIST News Service felt to address the very sensitive topic of suicide.
In 2013, writer, musician, minister and Special to ASSIST, Brian Nixon, wrote about the topic (hereunder), using two notable individuals: Ian Curtis of the rock band, Joy Division, and Christian Apologist, Ravi Zacharias as a contrast. The article is reprinted as follows to help those struggling with this. (more…)
CHILD EVANGELISM WRONGLY CALLED ‘PSYCHOLOGICALLY HARMFUL TO CHILDREN’
Becky Fisher, Kids in Ministry International, writes with concern:
Some months ago, in an article called Teaching Kids About God is Child Abuse, I wrote about a new frightening trend. In it I outlined that this trend is becoming the new mantra of the atheist-left.
I warned that we as Christians need to be on alert and watch for this mindset to increase… but I didn’t realise danger would increase so quickly to the general public!
CEF attacked
Just recently an article came out online website called Christian Today with the headline Children’s Christian Ministry Called ‘Psychologically Harmful To Children.’ It seems the well-known Christian nonprofit, Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), is facing opposition in Portland, Oregon as it seeks to bring youth to Christ. (more…)
JESUS HEALS WOMAN WHO HADN’T WALKED IN FOUR YEARS
Mark Ellis, seasoned ASSIST senior correspondent, brings a great testimony:
It was a small miracle that Marie Cribbs made it to the evening service in May at Magnolia Church in Port Neches, Texas.
But that night God did an even greater miracle that will leave her a ‘walking witness’ for Jesus the rest of her life.
Marie had been confined to a wheelchair for four years – unable to walk – due to complications of diabetes, two bouts of breast cancer, and psoriatic arthritis. (more…)
MISSIONAL
TODAY’S PRIORITY – PRAYING IN AGREEMENT WITH FAITH FOR THE IRAQI WAR ZONE
Hope Flinchbaugh, Lift the Cross of Jesus!, writes with concern and love…
This is the horrifying notice that came from Sean Malone who leads Crisis Relief International (CRI, pronounced CRY. Links: http://criout.com / Email: info@criout.com ): ‘We lost the city of Queragosh. It fell to ISIS and they are beheading children systematically. This is the city we have been smuggling food to. ISIS has pushed back Peshmerga (Kurdish forces) and is within 10 minutes of where our CRI team is working. Thousands more fled into the city of Erbil last night. The UN evacuated its staff in Erbil. Our team is unmoved and will stay. Prayer cover needed!”
What can we do?
The news was appalling, beyond horrible. What could I possibly do to help them with their gun-toting adversaries ten minutes away? Sign a petition to the president? Call for an act of congress? A few of the more compassionate souls may send in a donation, but a petition, an act of congress, the president, and all the money in the world had no power to help Sean when ISIS soldiers wielding swords were ten minutes away. What to do? (more…)
IT’S TIME TO REALLY TRUST GOD!
Robert and Maureen McQuillan share:
Every day the news – whether TV, radio, emails or newspaper – hits hard with the latest bad reports from around the world, especially regarding the Middle East and Iraq in particular.
When current atrocities in Mosul were first announced a few weeks back we were extremely disappointed with the church we happened to be at that Sunday. Not one concerned prayer for Christians facing death by the sword unless they converted to Islam!
Yet the following week when we were ministering in an Assyrian church, prayer for the homeland was sincerely cried, God deeply worshipped and an offering taken up for Christians back in Iraq!
Aware that things were terrible back in the homeland and the future very uncertain for Christians, Jews and even some Muslims alike, we praised them for their prayers, especially for protection for Christians and ministers back there. (See The Buzz re ‘Bishop of Baghdad’ Canon Andrew White‘s refusal to leave despite personal danger and ISIS atrocities).
Thousands of Christians were forced to flee their homes leaving only an estimated 200 in the city. Even some Muslims are terrified – ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) is known for its harsh interpretation of Wahhabi Islam and its brutal violence directed at Shia Muslims and Christians in particular. (more…)
LEADERSHIP
INTENTIONAL DISTRACTION-FREE ENVIRONMENT SERVICES
Karen Hewitt writes…
We have all heard it said that our message never changes but the way we deliver it should because our society changes.
For our churches to reach a world of lost people we must be intentional about how we run our services. So often we hear something and think ‘I should examine that’ and never do. This is a friendly reminder. (more…)
PICKING UP STRIPPERS – AND OTHER ACTS OF KINDNESS
Jeremy Reynalds, ASSIST Senior Correspondent, hits the nail on the head with this down-to-earth report on serving people just as they are, where they are:
If a good title is the key to successful book sales, Todd and Erin Stevens have a best seeller.
Their new book, How To Pick Up A Stripper and Other Acts Of Kindness spotlights the ministry at Todd’s church in Mount Juliet, TN (a Nashville suburb), Friendship Community Church, where he serves as the lead pastor. (more…)
Connecting with You! 