To receive the free 'Joyful Ministry Email Circular', click the 'Join List' button: Choose from the following titles: Abortion and the Bible It is alarming to realize the nonchalance on the part of many concerning abortion. But it is not new. Years ago Newsweek (July 19, 1971) quoted one medical opinion: "Abortion is finding its place as a perfectly acceptable and valid health measure. We no longer think of it as a crime." Child Abuse and Neglect For children, neglect is probably a greater social threat than active abuse. More than half the reported incidents of maltreatment investigated by Child Protective Service agencies involve neglect. Abortion, Baal and Breast Cancer Had an abortion, or know someone who has? This hot topic comes at us, in the media, from every angle. But how many of those who've gone through this process know of God's deep, strong love for them? Objections to the Baptism in the Holy Spirit Objections Often Raised Concerning the Baptism in the Holy Spirit "Boal", The Super Bowl God Today is the day millions of Americans have been waiting for with deep longing and great expectation. It's time for the great annual festival in honor of one of the most intensely worshiped gods in the American Pantheon. "The Body" by Chuck Colson Respecting and appreciating different traditions only teaches us more about our faith, but encourages a measure of theological humility. The Brownsville Revival The so-called "Brownsville Revival", and all of its clones, is a frontal assault on the authority of the Bible. Man, not God's Word, has become the authority for spiritual experiences. Brownsville Revival, a Response In response to the article, "Brownsville Revival, an Analysis", the following letter was received from Rosa L. Knickelbine. Brownsville - My Take During the past few months, a number of people have responded to the article, 'The Brownsville Revival, An Analysis.' Some of the responses have been favorable, many have not. Several have asked about my own opinion - here's my take. Children in Scripture Biblical Examples of Young People Biblical Strengtheners One of the most amazing things that God has for us today happened recently to our astronauts and space scientists. Crucifixion Through the Eyes of a Doctor The physical aspects of the passion, or suffering, of Jesus Christ - from Gethsemane, through His trial, His scourging, His path along the Via Dolorosa, to His last dying hours on the cross. Cuss Control Chicagoan James O'Conner runs a fascinating school. It's called the Cuss Control Academy. Dawn of Liberty 'And so, my friends and fellow believers in Christ's injunction to send the gospel abroad into every land, it is with great pleasure that I want to present to our beloved brothers and sisters in the church behind what we have called the Iron Curtain these last fifty years, a check from money raised by faithful believers across America.' Christian Cannibals & Buzzards Are you a Christian Cannibal? Do you have a voracious appetite for people's reputations? Did the Resurrection Happen? The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is either the greatest event, or the greatest fraud in history! Did Jesus Christ actually rise from the dead? Demon Possession and the Christian This paper will attempt to identify the arguments used as support for the assertion that Christians can be demon-possessed and will seek to show that such assertions have been based on a priori theological presuppositions, and questionable exegesis. Great Evangelists of a Golden Era Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit In the apostolic age there was the greatest outpouring of the Spirit of God that ever was, both as to His extraordinary influences and gifts, and His ordinary operations in convincing, convicting, enlightening, and sanctifying the souls of men. But as the influences of the true spirit abounded, so counterfeits did also abound. Infant Baptism Many people -- Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox -- have been baptized as infants. Protestant churches that practice infant baptism include most Lutheran, Presbyterian, Methodist, Episcopalian, Anglican and Reformed churches. Emergency Numbers When in sorrow - - - - call John 14 When men fail you - - - - call Psalm 27, etc. Jack's Rules Jack is a very sweet young man who unfortunately has difficulty with the simplest of tasks. One day, amidst a moment of frustration, I gave him some rules. The Four Spiritual Laws Just as there are physical laws that govern the physical universe, so are there spiritual laws which govern your relationship with God. Listen! When I ask you to listen to me and you start giving me advice, you have not done what I asked. Christian Leadership Profile When members of the church are called into leadership, it is helpul for them to have an idea about what is expected of them. This list includes Biblical references, and can be part of the preparation instruction for prospective leaders. The Frog in the Kettle For the Christian community, the '90s will be a time of unprecedented challenge - and opportunity. While many of the changes that will occur could threaten the stability and capacity of the Church to make an impact on our society, other changes are opening the doors for new forms of ministry. Names and Titles of Christ Two undred names and titles of Jesus Christ arranged in alphabetical order with Scriptural references provied. The Fruit of the Spirit A Bible Study of the Nine fruit of the Spirit as found in Galatians 5:16-25. Includes word studies and Biblical examples. Plant a Garden of Joy Plant 5 rows of Peas; 3 rows of Squash; 5 rows of lettuce. "Journey to the East" Hermann Hesse, who died in 1962, was a Swiss author. He was brought up in a missionary household, but ran away from Maulbronn seminary when he was 14, and later was expelled from high school. Killing My Old Man I really hate my old man. Seriously! Not as much as I hate my self but sometimes my old man really gets to me. Every time I turn around, there he is. It’s frustrating! I'm Thankful For the teen-ager who is complaining about doing dishes becauses he is at home and not on the streets. For the taxes that I pay, because it means that I am employed. Mark of the Beast Ever since the first century when St John wrote the Book of Revelation, people have pondered and calculated and disputed in their attempts to determine the hidden meaning of "666" and the "mark of the beast". Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on 15 January 1929. He died, aged less than forty, assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on 4 April 1968. Hymn Backgrounds In order to get full meaning from the texts of the hymns we sing, it's helpful to know a little about their backgrounds. Ten hymns are included in this collection. How Do You Explain Yeshua? According to the Brit Ha-Hadashah, Yeshua was a miracle worker, God in the flesh, whose ultimate proof of power was his bodily resurrection from the dead. What is the truth? The Parable of the Mule This parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. Laws Concerning Food and Drink Of the beasts of the field, and of the fishes of the sea, and of all foods that are acceptable in my sight you may eat, but not in the living room. My Utmost For His Highest Let other things come and go as they may, let other people criticize as they will, but never allow anything to obscure the life that is hid with Christ in God. Never be hurried out of the relationship of abiding in Him. Myth of Redemptive Violence One of the oldest continually enacted myths in the world is the Babylonian creation story (the Enuma Elish) from around 1250 B.C.E. The tale bears repeating, because it holds the clue to the appeal of that ancient myth in our modern media. Evidence of the Resurrection The story of the resurrection is reliable history. Even people who don’t believe that Jesus rose from the dead do believe that He was a good man and a prophet sent from God. If this is valid, then He must be considered a truthful man even when He spoke about his own resurrection. Historic References to Jesus These quotes are very interesting. Tacitus and Suetonius do not have any reason to mention either Christ or Christianity in their writings. Neither were Christians or seemed favorably disposed toward them, yet they both corroborate both Christ's existence and the existence of the Christian movement. Origins of the Pentecostal Movement The Pentecostal movement is by far the largest and most important religious movement to originate in the United States. Beginning in 1901 with only a handful of students in a Bible School in Topeka, Kansas, the number of Pentecostals increased steadily throughout the world during the Twentieth Century until by 1993 they had become the largest family of Protestants in the world. Pentecostal History Historical references to the Pentecostal experience from A.D. 130 to 1906 help to support the awareness that what has taken place in this present century is not new to the church of Jesus Christ. Persecution Persecution of Christians is as old as the Church itself. The reality is, persecution is happening now at a more intense level than ever in history. Persistance Consider Thomas Edison, whose difficulties were great. When he was nine his teachers sent him home from school with a note to his mother that his mind was "addled." Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome "My marriage is falling apart. We just don't talk anymore... I spend most of my time at home alone in the basement... She's tried to tell me she cares for me, but I get real uncomfortable taking about things like that, and I get up and leave. Sometimes I get real angry over the smallest thing. I used to hit her when this would happen, but lately I just punch a hole in the wall, or leave and go for a long drive." The Pursuit of God The self-sins are self-righteousness, self-pity, self-sufficiency, self-admiration, self-love and a host of others like them. They dwell too deep within us and are too much a part of our natures to come to our attention till the light of God is focused upon them. The Resurrection One of the visitors to the web site posed a question which was then sent out to the subscribers to the 'Email Circular': what are the views against the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and what answers can be given to these views? What the Bible Says About Revival Revival and Salvation; Revival, a Result of Repentance and Humility; Revival in Connection with Forgiveness and Joy. A Sense of a Goose When you see geese flying along in "V" formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. The Halloween Goddess ALL HALLOWS' EVE, or Halloween, originated in the 7th century AD. It was celebrated on 13 May and was a night to remember deceased saints and martyrs. The date was later changed to November 1 in order to Christianize the pagan holidays Beltane and Samhain--festivals of summer, winter, fire, and of the powers of darkness. In the Name of God An hour long analysis of the Church in America, reported by Peter Jennings. What follows are quotes taken directly from the video, and used for a discussion moderated by Neil Chadwick. The Shepherd The 23rd Psalm as seen through the eyes of a shepherd Safety Recently, a friend of my sister attended a personal Safety workshop, and it jolted me. It was given by Pat Malone, who has been a bodyguard for famous figures like Farrah Fawcett and Sylvester Stallone. Six Enemies of Apologetic Engagement The evangelical world today suffers from apologetic anemia. Despite the fact that holy Scripture calls believers to give a reason for the hope we have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15; see also Jude 3), we sadly lack a public voice for truth and reason in the marketplace of ideas. The Signature of God When a friend inquired about a doctrine abroad called "Signature of God", I put the question to members of the "Email Circular." One member wrote the following in reply: The Hermaneutic of Original Intent Over the past few years, a relatively new scientific approach to the study of the Bible has become the darling of evangelical scholarship. Reacting to the twin Philistine giants of atheism on the one hand, and the subjectivity of religious experience on the other, bright stars in the constellation of conservative scholarship have insisted on the development of intellectual inquiry as the main course in the diet of serious Bible students everywhere. Rooting For Transplants You may have heard the old saying, "Bloom where you are planted." It's not a Scripture verse but we use it like one. It makes a nice wall hanging or knick-knack for your desk. Who Was Saint Patrick? His real name was Maewyn Succa. At age 16, he was captured and sold as a slave of an Irish farmer. After six years working as a shepherd, one cold night Patrick heard a voice saying, "soon you will go to your own country". What About the Heathen What about humans who have never heard about Jesus as personal Savior? Scores are born into this world who never see a Bible, never listen to a gospel sermon, never even hear the name of "Jesus Christ," let alone know His identity. They never meet a Christian missionary, walk into a Christian church, nor receive an invitation to be saved through Jesus' grace. The "Roe" of Roe v. Wade "Roe v. Wade" has been a hot topic of debate ever since the Supreme Court rendered the 1973 decision which legalized abortion. Amazing at it may seem, "Jane Roe", the plaintiff in this land mark case, subsequently renounced her former pro-abortion stance after becoming a Christian. Our Indispensable Bible Quotes by famous people related to the reading of the Bible Singing! There are 575 references in the Bible to singing and songs. Often we take our privilege to sing too lightly. A quick review of the history of singing will help strenghten our resolve to keep vibrant this important aspect of our worship. Sepphoris, Jesus and the Forgotten City Continuing archaeological excavations at Sepphoris are yielding evidence of a sophisticated urban culture that places Jesus in a radically different environment that challenges traditional assumptions about his life and ministry. Signs on Churches and Highways A list of publicly displayed signs, some on church lawns, and some on billboards. A Smile A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. Taking Risks Risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. Crossing the Rubicon Once Julius Caesar crossed the river, there was no turning back. So, the phrase "crossing the Rubicon" has come to mean risking it all or making an irrevocable decision. Hoaxes - When is a virus not a virus? Receiving an e-mail in your mailbox or opening a message for reading will not produce infection. Lectures on Revival Nothing will produce a revival, we all know, without the blessing of God. No more will grain, when it is sown, produce a crop without the blessing of God. Set Free in Christ Jesus Most men that are trapped in sexual bondage feel that they need a 'step' process to get out. (In reality they need a 'heart' transplant) Here is a 'step' process with the main step being Jesus. Staying Pure in an Unpure World We unpacked our suitcases and looked longingly at the motel pool. It would be pleasant after a long day's drive. Later that evening we prepared for a sound sleep. Before turning off the light, I flicked on the television to catch the late news. On that channel were naked bodies in an orgy. The State of the Church, 2000 The annual tracking study of religious beliefs and behavior conducted by the Barna Research Group shows that there has been no change in nine of the ten factors the company follows in its yearly tracking survey. The Beast In The Shadows Behind Religion In the newspaper business, we deal in reality every day. Here's a reality of religion, as it comes across the news wires. Is 'God' Really God's Name? Actually God is not God's name. Even the Arabic word "Allah" and the Hebrew word "Elohim" can both be translated in English as God. St. Chad When the episcopal consecration of St. Chad was disputed over some minor technicality, he cheerfully resigned as Bishop of York, saying he'd never been worthy in the first place. The archbishop of Canterbury was so impressed he reconsecrated Chad himself and appointed him bishop of Lichfield. Was Jesus Christ a True Figure of History? This paper will ultimately seek to answer the question, What can be known about Jesus if the entire New Testament did not exist? Tongues, Yes or No? In much of the Church, the topic, 'Speaking in Tongues' is controversial. Here are two view points, one pro, the other con by Sam Storms and Wayne House. What does the Koran say about the Bible and Jesus? Jesus, we know, was not a false prophet because the Koran says he was righteous and the Bible does as well. Victory Midst Injustice Within l2 hours prior to His death on the cross, Jesus was literally dragged through 7 trial courts. The Welsh Revival - 1904-1905 The Welsh revival defied description. It ignored the methods with which Christians typically approached revival. Spontaneity and seeming disorder replaced promotion, scheduling, regular preaching, fmancial planning, and even systematic evangelistic outreach. Congregations crowded the churches and chapels of Wales with the simple desire to 'see what God would do.' Virus Warning Alert! This is a notice to inform you of THE CURSE. The most devastating virus yet. Jesus Found in the Books of the Old Testament Genesis - - - - We see Jesus (Yeshua) as the beginning, the promised redeemer, and the Seed of the woman. Exodus - - - - The Passover and Deliverer of God's people. Yom Kippur Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the most sacred of the Jewish holidays, the "Sabbath of Sabbaths." This Page's Title Is: Your Name Is: Your Email Address Is: Your State and Country: Please identify your vocation: Senior Pastor. Associate Pastor. Youth Pastor. Lay Minister. Church Member. Which section of this site would you most likely return to? Sermons Articles Stories Poems Hymns Articles for Leaders Marriage Articles A Bit of Humor Would you like to receive the free weekly E-mail Circular? YES If you have a web page, would you like to establish a reciprocal link? YES Feel free to add a comment or prayer request:       If you have enjoyed the joyfulministry.com site, you may send a referral letter. Click Here, then enter the email addresses of your friends.