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Last Updated: Aug 11, 2008 - 11:36:42 AM |
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Pastor's Update
Tolerance in the Church
Revelation 2:12-17
In this Part 2; Tolerance in the Church, we are looking at the church at Pergamos. The dictation of the Lord was penned and sent to this church.
The city of Pergamos was a capital of the region under Roman rule. It was the farthest north of the Seven Churches and a great and flourishing area when John wrote this missive. This city was situated sixty-four miles north of Smyrna, in Mysia, on a lofty hill, and was a great political and religious center.
Pergamos would rival Ephesus for being a center of world religions. There were temples to Zeus, Athena, and Dionysus, as well as the grove and temple of Asklepios, the, so called, god of healing, called the god of Pergamum. This temple even included a university for medical study. Pergamum was the first city in Asia (A.D. 29) with a temple for the worship of Augustus (Octavius Caesar) and was considered the very center of emperor-worship.
The church faced great opposition. They were not merely in a satanic place, but the very seat of Satan. This definition was given either for the idol worship or the presence of the ungodly rule of Rome. Revelation 17 speaks of a city on seven hills, which would seem to point to this city. Whatever the cause of the name, the city was so wicked that the Lord said it was Satan’s seat of rule.
Aug 8, 2008 - 10:00:00 AM
News
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Maine
Friends Helping Friends Branches Out to Easton, Maine
Earlier
this summer, all five of the churches in Aroostook County's Easton,
Maine (United Baptist Church, Pine Tree Baptist Church, Easton
Pentecostal Church, Easton Wesleyan Church, and the Easton United
Methodist Church) met in a combined service at the Easton High School.
The result of that meeting was the creation of a new local food pantry:
Friends Helping Friends - Easton Branch.
They state in their initial letter to
local supporters that they are "a service to the community of Easton. It
is [their] desire to lend a hand to our neighbors." The Easton Branch food
pantry also has an eligibility form for those to complete who are
interested in receiving assistance. They are led by President, Bryan
Lawrence, Vice-President, Joe Lockhart, and Treasurer, Harold
Clark. Lawrence is also the publisher of The (Aroostook) County
Christian, the popular monthly Christian newspaper.
Appropriately, the food pantry uses the words of Jesus Christ, as found in the Gospel of Matthew 25:35, on their material: "For
I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you
gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."
Aug 5, 2008 - 5:58:52 PM
News
"Beyond-Me" Citizenship Challenge is Issued
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| Kathi Macias |
Kathi Macias provides uplifting devotional commentary to the League periodically. So it was not unexpected that Macias's new book "Beyond Me: Living a You-First Life in a Me-First World," published last month by New Hope Publishers, would bring positive reviews.
We thank Kathi for her new book. The first chapter is available online, and it is worth reading. It can also be purchased online or ordered at your local bookstore. Its message and challenge of selflessness and encouragement is desperately needed in our day. We would do well to heed her call to discipleship, especially those of us who claim the title of Christian.
Aug 4, 2008 - 3:58:24 PM
Pastor's Update
Tolerance Today
Contrary to current public opinion, there is such a thing as absolute truth, and it is found in the Bible.
Followers of Jesus understand the intellectual and moral bankruptcy of the post-modern notion of “tolerance” (moral relativism). We need to dedicate ourselves to using scripture as our guide to absolute truth and we need to learn how to deal with those who reject Biblical truth.
This current prevailing philosophy teaches that there is no absolute truth, and that all philosophies, all religions, and all opinions are equally valid, with no way to distinguish one as being morally superior to others. This philosophy is taught in our public schools, universities, and promoted in our media; there is nothing that is true everywhere, and that everything is true somewhere.
Aug 1, 2008 - 10:00:00 AM
News
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State House
Pro-Abortion Republicans Organize, Fundraise in Maine
National Pro-Abortion RLC Endorses Maine's Summers for Congress
The
pro-abortion, anti-family Republican Leadership Council of Maine
registered a political action committee with Maine's Ethics Commission
in July. See a high-resolution image of the registration at
www.cclmaine.org/PDF_Files/RLC-PACregistration.pdf.
The RLC of
Maine is led by current Maine State Sen. Peter Mills (R-Skowhegan)
and current State Rep. Meredith Strang Burgess
(R-Cumberland). Both are listed as co-chairs of the pro-abortion,
anti-family group. Mills and Strang Burgess were two of only four Republican Maine
legislators who co-sponsored a bill in 2007 that would have directly
paid $283,000 for abortions in Maine.
The
national pro-abortion, anti-family RLC organization endorsed Maine
Republican Charlie Summers for Congress within ten days after the June
10th Primary Election. Summers has stated several times during his
campaign that he unequivocally supports abortion without exception and
in all circumstances. Summers's Democrat opponent, Chellie Pingree, is pro-abortion as well, having earned the endorsement of the pro-abortion group EMILY's List in 2007.
Jul 31, 2008 - 8:01:53 AM
News
:
Family Policy Council
Heath Among Maine's Most Influential Leaders
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| Exec. Dir. Mike Heath |
Confirming
what our supporters and opponents have known all along, the local
political news website PolitickerME ranked League Executive Director
Mike Heath the thirty-eighth (of fifty) most influential Maine leader in its first annual "Power List 2008" this week.
PolitickerME
does a good job in reporting on all things political in Maine. We
thank them for this acknowledgment and for the informative journalism
they provide to politically-minded Mainers.
Mike Heath, Christian Civic League (of Maine)
"Heath
is the lightning rod in Maine politics. If it is controversial, then
the chances are pretty good Heath is somewhere in the mix. His
involvement in many of the social issues that enter into the political
sphere are well known and well documented. Love or hate him, he is a
force in Maine politics."
Jul 29, 2008 - 5:13:41 PM
Opinion
Obeying Maine's Alcohol Consumption Laws
Showing one's identification, regardless of age, for the privilege of buying alcohol is the minimum anyone should expect. And it's the law.
Asking people to obey the law is not unreasonable,
especially when the activity is as reckless and unwise as purchasing a
controlled substance like liquor. Regardless of whether he intended to make a pro-law enforcement statement or not, we thank John Riley for this editorial cartoon.
Jul 28, 2008 - 7:24:15 PM
Opinion
A Glint of the Cross in Maine's Morning Sentinel
When was the last time you heard a recent computer-animated science
fiction motion picture compared to a 5th Century Christian theologian's
work? Colby College professor Joseph Reisert does just that in his recent Morning Sentinel column.
We can learn best attributes of humanity from WALL-E
"This contrast echoes the contrast Saint
Augustine draws in his great work, 'The City of God,' between the
Christian way of life and the pagan.
"Like Augustine's
Christians, ... WALL-E puts himself in the service of
others, orienting himself according to a standard independent of mere
desire. The film's humans, by contrast, are a bit like Augustine's
pagans... It warns
against forgetting that man is not God."
Jul 25, 2008 - 5:07:32 PM
News
:
Maine
Twin City Times Reports Maine Church's 50th Anniverary
Lewiston/Auburn's Twin City Times reports the Dixfield Plains Church of the Nazarene is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The Twin City Times offers its readers some of the best opinion pieces
in Maine, and is well worth subscribing to and reading.
Congratulations to the Dixfield Plains
Church of the Nazarene on its 50th anniversary.
Dixfield Church Celebrates 50th Anniversary
"Dixfield
Plains Church of the Nazarene will celebrate its 50th anniversary on
Sunday, July 27. The celebration will begin at 3 p.m. with a Gospel
concert with Sammy Angel. An offering will be taken. At 4:30 p.m.,
appetizers will be served with food and fellowship to follow. For more
information, call Rev. John Heuring at 562-7828."
Jul 25, 2008 - 11:07:26 AM
Pastor's Update
Who Is Willing to Speak Up?
Jeremiah 38:1-9 2 Timothy 4:14-18
Some people experience things that are not quite right or an event they disagree with, but just leave it alone and walk away. Later they are bothered by thoughts, thinking they should have said something and spoke up for what was right or for the truth. Some people get in situations in which they are being attacked by others, and people that they thought would speak up and say something on their behalf just remained silent trying to avoid eye contact.
Imagine being the Apostle Paul for just a moment. Here is a man that had risked his life time and time again to get the gospel to people who have never heard about Jesus Christ. People were continually telling him how much they loved and appreciated him. They knew that without all the sacrifices Paul had personally made to reach them, they may have never come to faith in Christ.
Jul 25, 2008 - 10:00:00 AM
News
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Family Policy Council
Fascinating Mars Hill Forum Available on YouTube
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| Rev. John Rankin |
Rev.
John C. Rankin is the President of the Theological Education Institute
(TEI), based in Connecticut. He is also the League's theological
consultant, and has been for many years. League executive director Mike Heath credits Rankin with linking his Christian convictions with the political call. Heath, a veteran of countless policy battles over the past twenty years, commented, "I don't think I'd be at the League today if it weren't for John."
TEI
has had an online presence for a number of years now, but recently Rev.
Rankin has taken his ministry in a relatively new and bold direction. He has created a YouTube channel for TEI, and
has posted his first Mars Hill Forum video clip.
The
"Is Same-Sex Marriage Good for the Nation?" posting is edited to be
just over nine minutes long, and is fascinating to watch. In it, Rev.
Rankin deftly handles one of today's most contentious issues
(homosexual marriage) in one of the most difficult formats (answering
questions from a hostile audience).
Jul 24, 2008 - 8:00:12 PM
News
:
Maine
Gambling and Drinking Trends in Maine
High-stakes lottery ticket gambling has increased recently in Maine. Coupled
with the fact that hard liquor sales are also up, we should not be
surprised if the amount of crime resulting from gambling and alcohol
use also increase.
As
we have for over 111 years, the League urges Mainers to be good
stewards of the finances that God entrusts to us. Gambling and hard
liquor alcohol consumption is not good stewardship of God's resources
and ought to be completely avoided.
Lottery, Liquor Sales Unhurt by Ailing Economy
"Lottery
Director Dan Gwadosky said that ... sales for the higher-stakes games ... are up more than 4 percent. 'Perhaps,
with the economy being what it is, people are still dreaming about that
big jackpot win,' Gwadosky said.
"Gwadosky,
who also oversees liquor sales, said ... hard liquor sales for the first six months of the year are up 4
percent over the same time period last year."
Jul 24, 2008 - 6:33:06 PM
News
:
Maine
Maine City Council, Bishop Request Bridge Name Change
This week, the Augusta (Maine) City Council formally asked
the Maine State Legislature to change the name of its Father John J.
Curran Bridge.
Maine's
Bishop Joseph Malone encouraged Councilors to vote to change the
Curran bridge's name. He stated publicly that if Curran
were alive today, Portland (Maine) Catholic officials would bar Curran
from ministering and request the Vatican remove Curran from the
priesthood.
Three separate claims of sexual abuse of children by Curran have been reported, and one of those claims has been corroborated by the
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. A high resolution image of the Father Curran Bridge plaque can be seen at www.cclmaine.org/PDF_Files/CurranAugustaBridgePlaque.pdf
Jul 22, 2008 - 5:29:08 PM
Opinion
Gambling and Children: A Biblical Perspective
The Illinois Church Action on
Alcohol and Addiction Problems (ILCAAAP) prominently featured this article in their July newsletter.
It
likens the Scriptural story of the Canaanite woman (found in the
fifteenth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew) to what Christians are
called to do in opposing gambling for the benefit of children and
families.
Protecting Children - Opposing Gambling Expansion
"The
Canaanite woman cared deeply for her child, but she could not protect
her from the disease that threatened her life. Gambling is like that
child's disease. Gambling can have a devastating effect on the lives
of children.
"Gambling
is bad public policy. Gambling is not a just way to solve our state's
financial problems. Gambling is bad for children."
Jul 21, 2008 - 6:02:35 PM
Opinion
Film Reveals Pain Apart From Christ
As you read this Bangor Daily News opinion piece, and we encourage you to do so, keep in mind what is missing from the hippie ethic that is described. We suggest the real concern is the soullessness that is found apart from our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Hippie parenting is a 1960s case study
"'Surfwise,'
a documentary of the Paskowitz family [is about] two dropout adults and
their nine children raised in the ’60s and ’70s in a camping van...
"So
this film begins with the 80-year-old Doc Paskowitz restating the
truths so many of us swallowed whole in that amazing era: Society is
basically bad. Money is bad. Animal behavior is good and to be
imitated. Uninhibited sex is transformative. Dropping out is the
solution. ... nevertheless Doc’s choices, as parenting, were disasters."
Jul 19, 2008 - 6:51:55 PM
News
:
Family Policy Council
Focus's Dobson Reaches Radio Royalty
A hearty congratulations is due Dr. James Dobson, Founder and President of Focus on the Family. He is now among the latest inductees to the National Radio Hall of Fame. The Christian Civic League of Maine has enjoyed its close association with Focus on the Family for almost two decades now.
Whoever
said 'good guys finish last' never met the tenacious defender of
traditional marriage and preborn children, Dr. James Dobson!
No cigar: [Howard] Stern again fall[s] short in Radio Hall of Fame voting
"Inductees
named Thursday to the Chicago-based Hall of Fame include ... Dr. James
Dobson's 'Focus on the Family,' which beat Stern and two others in the
national category."
Jul 18, 2008 - 7:41:07 PM
News
Evangelism at the NASCAR Racetrack
While
the League cannot condone everything that goes on at NASCAR racing
events, evangelism 'in the world' is something we can enthusiastically
support.
We
often complain that there is not enough distinctly Christian and
positive reporting in the secular media. Yet here we have an excellent
example of just that.
A little religion with their racing
"Mauldin
heads up the Motor Racing Outreach program, a Christian organization
that is not officially associated with NASCAR but has a strong presence
at every track on the circuit.
"'We want to introduce the racing
community and fans to Christ, and we've been able to do it.'"
Jul 18, 2008 - 6:10:36 PM
Pastor's Update
What Is Truth?
The story is told of a major company that was looking for a new Marketing Director. After much advertising and many applications, three candidates entered the final selection process.
The first one in for the final interview was asked a simple question: “What is 2+2?” He was surprised, thought about it for a bit, wondered if it might be a trick question and then simply answered “4”. The Managing Director looked at the Board, shook his head and thanked him for coming, but he wasn’t the candidate they were looking for.
The next one in was again asked this simple question: “What is 2+2?” He paused, thought about it for a bit and then replied that statistically it was a number between 3 and 5. The Managing Director smiled and the Board was quite impressed. The candidate was thanked and ushered out.
The last candidate was also asked the simple question: "What is 2+2?" Without batting an eyelid he replied: “What do you want it to be?” And he was hired on the spot.
Jul 18, 2008 - 10:00:00 AM
Opinion
Alas, Poor Kenneth
Bangor's Hollywood Slots, with its recently expanded casino, has been publishing advertisements
for over a year now promoting the occasional slot machine parlor
'winner.' These ads are probably successful in promoting their
particular vice of gambling. The casino admitted to $5,600,000 being bet in sixteen hours on July 1st of this year, and $2,000,000 on average being bet daily since.
Yet,
the newspaper ad they published recently depicting the elderly Kenneth
(no last name given in the ad) told a different story. For a
high-resolution copy of the ad, visit www.cclmaine.org/PDF_Files/HollywoodSlotsKenneth2008.pdf.
Kenneth
could be our grandfather, or perhaps our great-grandfather. He is
frail and aged, probably in his 70s, or even his 80s. He looks neither
excited nor happy, but rather quite the opposite. Kenneth looks
trapped in this vice of gambling.
Jul 17, 2008 - 6:56:53 PM
Opinion
A Morality Tale Disguised as a Letter to the Editor
Susan Purcell's letter to the Brunswick Times Record editor deals not only with specifics (Brunswick's bars and off-track
gambling parlors), but also with abstracts (a town's values, its
wholesomeness, history, friendliness, and culture).
Like
most of what is best about Maine, her letter is practical, plainly
worded, and loaded with common sense. It reads like one of Aesop's fables, complete with a moral at the end, in the form of a question.
Your civics lesson of a letter has not gone unnoticed, Susan. Thank you for writing it.
Consider town's values
"...Gambling of any sort worsens, rather than improves, the community that welcomes it."
Jul 16, 2008 - 7:04:51 PM
