Features

BECOMING A CHRISTIAN MEANS CONVERSION!

Andrew Corbett

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…)

THOUGHTS CONCERNING SUICIDE: Robin Williams and Others

Robin WilliamsASSIST’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 Fischer 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

 

 

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…)

LEADERSHIP

INTENTIONAL DISTRACTION-FREE ENVIRONMENT SERVICES
Karen Hewitt

 

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

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.
How to Pick up a Stripper

 

 

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…)

YOUNG AND OLD

Jim McClure

Dr Jim McClure reflects: In Psalm 37:25 the psalmist wrote, ‘I have been young and now am old.’ That also describes me!

David meant that now he was at a stage in life when he was able to look…

  • back over his life and reflect on the challenges, successes and failures of life and how each decision that is made has a corresponding consequence
  • around and observe the way things are today, how some changes that have taken place are wonderful while others are worrisome, and, as the ‘sands of time’ seem to be going through the hour glass at an ever increasing rate, and
  • forward to the future knowing that ultimately God is in control of all things and will in the end work out all things according to his will.

(more…)

JESUS SAVED ME FROM DROWNING!

Mark EllisMark Ellis, seasoned ASSIST senior correspondent, brings this great testimony from a three-year-old, the centre of a miracle:

Ella Kimbro leaned over to rescue a cat that fell into her backyard pool. Then she plunged in herself and nearly drowned until Jesus brought her back to life, according to a story by WMC Action News 5 in Tennessee. (more…)

FAITH AND THE CHRISTIAN VIEW OF MENTAL ILLNESS

Adrian WarnockQuestion: How has faith shaped our view of mental illness?

Dr Adrian Warnock comments…

There are really two questions here:

1) How has your religious community historically seen mental illness? and
2) How does your faith, today, shape the way you see mental illness?

First, let me share some of my own perspective on this.

I believe that Christianity has historically a mixed report card on this subject. Fundamentally our faith has always valued people as inherently of worth because all of them were made in the image of God. Thus, when practised correctly, our faith should lead to compassionate care for the weak. (more…)

REVIVAL, BAPTISMS, MIRACULOUS PROTECTION AMONG MARINES IN IRAQI INVASION

Mark Ellis

Mark Ellis, seasoned ASSIST senior correspondent, brings a great testimony:

Navy Chaplain Carey Cash’s unit lost the first man in the US invasion of Iraq known as Operation Iraqi Freedom. They also fought the most pivotal battle in the collapse of Baghdad. Through it all, God proved himself mighty in battle, sending angelic protection during the most intense fighting of the war.

(more…)