CONNECTIONS News – 05/12/2013

Connecting man to man to God
For week of May 12, 2013
Issue 459

The weekly newsletter of Path Of Life Ministries.
Our mission is to lead men to Jesus Christ and provide opportunity for Christian men to grow in their faith and minister to others.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

HOW KIERKEGAARD CHANGED MY LIFE
MARKETPLACE REVOLUTION
THE NEW LEGALISM: MISSIONAL, RADICAL, NARCISSISTIC, AND SHAMED
A MARRIAGE TORN BY BETRAYAL & PORN MOVES TO AUTHENTICITY
BENEATH THE STEREOTYPES, A STRESSFUL LIFE FOR PREACHERS’ KIDS
STUDY: PRAYER CAN LEAD TO IMPROVED RELATIONSHIPS
IRON MAN 3 AND OTHER BLOCKBUSTERS CAN HAVE A SPIRITUAL IMPACT
PREDATORY PROSELYTISM: THE HARD SELL
A LOOK INSIDE THE QUR’AN
FRIDAY NIGHT REPLAY
MUCH, MUCH MORE . . .

“Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:6-7 (CEB)

CONSIDER
“Every life without Christ is a mission field; every life with Christ is a missionary.”
– Author Unknown

‘DIVINE CONSPIRATOR’ DALLAS WILLARD DIES AT 77
Dallas Willard, a prominent philosopher on a “quiet quest to subvert nominal Christianity” (according to a 2006 Christianity Today profile (http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/september/27.45.html), died May 8 after losing a battle with cancer. He was 77.

Willard’s death is a loss for all Christians, Willard’s long-time friend and collaborator Richard Foster told CT. “For us, a great light has gone out,” Foster said. “Heaven today is brighter.”

According to Gary Moon, executive director of the Dallas Willard Center (http://dallaswillardcenter.com/) at Westmont College, Willard died early May 8, but “awakened to a full experience of the reality of the Kingdom of the Heavens he described so beautifully. Fittingly, his last two words were, “‘Thank you.'”

Not long after news broke, InterVarsity Press associate publisher Andrew T. Le Peau wrote on his blog that the University of Southern California philosophy professor will be missed for his “strong, gentle wisdom, remembering him as someone who was soaked in the presence of Christ.” …. Read this in full at
http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2013/05/died-dallas-willard-divine-conspiracy-author.html

DALLAS WILLARD, A MAN FROM ANOTHER ‘TIME ZONE’
by John Ortberg
hen Dallas Willard was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in late summer of 2012, one of his reflections was: “I think that, when I die, it might be some time until I know it.” Dallas was always saying things that would never occur to anyone else. He said that a person is a series of conscious experiences, and that for the one who trusts and follows Jesus, death itself has no power to interrupt this life. Jesus himself said that the one who trusts in him will not taste death.

This morning Dallas Willard passed away. I’m not sure if anyone has told him yet. But I know that for all those left behind, for the lives touched by his mind and heart, there is a great void.

Because Dallas wrote on spiritual formation and taught philosophy at the University of Southern California, one might think he came from a background associated with richness of education and culture and resources. In fact, he grew up in very poor circumstances in rural Missouri. His mother died when he was two; her last words to her husband were: “Keep eternity before the children.” …. Read this in full at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/may-web-only/man-from-another-time-zone.html?paging=off

HOW DALLAS WILLARD TAUGHT ME TO LIVE INTO THE RHYTHMS OF THE SPIRIT
by Richard Foster
It was 1970, and I had just received my seminary degree and been appointed to a small church plant in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California. The church, I am sure, would probably rank me as a marginal failure on the ecclesiastical scoreboards, but I was excited to convert the world — at least by tomorrow!

Included in this little congregation were Dallas and Jane Willard and their children, John and Becky. Even before I met Dallas, I knew of his reputation as a world-class philosopher. (This was before the publication of his monumental Logic and the Objectivity of Knowledge. Dallas’ enormous philosophic work is the great area of his writing and thinking that is least understood, but which might in time prove to be his greatest contribution.)

However, in our small fellowship, Dallas was simply the person who led the singing (what we today would call the worship leader) and Jane played the organ (remember those days!)…. Read this in full at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/may-web-only/how-dallas-willard-befriended-rookie-pastor.html?paging=off

WRITING JESUS’ SPEECHES
by Clare De Graaf
A bright young Christian just left my office after asking, “How do I prepare myself to be a life-long follower of Jesus?” He’s been practicing the 10 Second Rule, but has been struggling to have a time of regular devotions. It just felt lifeless and mechanical. But, he really wants to figure out how to think and act like Jesus.

So, I gave him this assignment; “write one of Jesus’ speeches.” “How do I do that, and on what topic?” he asked. So, I pointed him in this direction: “What spiritual, moral, or biblical questions do you have?”

“Well, I have been wrestling with this question lately: is it wrong to listen to certain kinds of music and if so, where do I draw that line?” “Perfect,” I responded. “Start there.” “Do you mean Jesus talks about music lyrics in the Bible?” “No”, I said, “But start with these ideas in mind.”

What would Jesus say?

There are many very clear teachings of Jesus on many topics. But even with those, Jesus often doesn’t give us much guidance as to how Christians actually put them into practice in real life. So, if you want to be a follower of Jesus and teach others to be followers of Jesus, you will want to have a personal position that you hold to with conviction and passion, on all things Christian…. Read this in full at
http://www.claredegraaf.com/2013/05/06/writing-jesus-speeches/

EXCERPT FROM ‘WEAKNESS IS THE WAY’
by J.I. Packer
In many respects, and certainly in spiritual matters, we are all weak and inadequate, and we need to face it. Sin, which disrupts all relationships, has disabled us all across the board. We need to be aware of our limitations and to let this awareness work in us humility and self-distrust, and a realization of our helplessness on our own. Thus we may learn our need to depend on Christ, our Savior and Lord, at every turn of the road, to practice that dependence as one of the constant habits of our heart, and hereby to discover what Paul discovered before us: “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10). But I run ahead of myself…. Read this in full at
http://static.crossway.org/excerpt/weakness-is-the-way/weakness-is-the-way-download.pdf

FORMER STANFORD FOOTBALL PLAYER FOLLOWS IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LOU GEHRIG, AND SHARES HIS OWN BATTLE WITH THE DEVASTATING ILLNESS NAMED AFTER THE GREAT BASEBALL LEGEND
by Dan Wooding
On March 27, 2012, former Stanford football player, Ted Bleymaier, and his wife, Ann, sat across the examination table from Dr. Kamisky as he confirmed to them the devastating diagnosis of ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, that Ted was suffering from.

“It is hard to put into words exactly what I felt at that moment,” he told the Lipscomb University graduates and their families at the 2013 Senior Awards luncheon ceremony at the Shamblin Theater, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Lipscomb University is a faith-based, liberal arts institution in Nashville, dedicated to challenging students academically, spiritually and as global community citizens).

“Other than a few mechanical injuries I had sustained playing sports all my life, I had never really been sick.

“I was 62 years old, in great shape with a beautiful wife, two daughters, a son in law and the greatest dog in the world named Berwyn. My wife and I were traveling the country helping non-profits put on fund raising golf tournaments and we loved it. This also afforded me a great opportunity to play golf as I have most of my life. In fact, with a career in the Air Force and then as VP of International for Word Entertainment, I have been blessed to have played golf in over 40 countries around the world.” …. Read this in full at
http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/2013/s13050020.htm

UP AND AWAY: WHY IT IS GOOD THAT CHRIST DEPARTED
by Kevin P. Emmert
The Ascension is often underrated and undervalued by evangelicals. We make a big deal of Christ’s coming at Christmas, celebrating with gifts, baked goods, and carols. With solemn services we mourn his horrific death on Good Friday. And with exuberant celebration, we rejoice in his Resurrection on Easter Sunday, with glorious services, extravagant bouquets of flowers, Easter eggs, and big hunks of glazed ham. But to Christ’s farewell we give very little attention — if any at all.

Perhaps this is because the Gospel writers say almost nothing of Christ’s departure. Matthew includes no direct reference to the Ascension. Both Mark’s and Luke’s Gospels condense this event into one measly verse (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51). And John excludes the event from the ending of his gospel, though he does include several allusions — but the main focus of these texts is on the sending of the Holy Spirit, not Christ’s ascension (see John 14:16–18; 16:4–15)…. Read this in full at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/may-web-only/ascension-up-and-away-why-it-is-good-that-christ-departed.html?paging=off

HOW KIERKEGAARD CHANGED MY LIFE
by Michael D. Stark
I didn’t know it at the time, but my life was about to radically change the first time I encountered Søren Kierkegaard’s Fear and Trembling.

Here was a philosopher — and a man of faith — who actually experienced anxiety like me.

Kierkegaard is unique among philosophers, in that he listened to and even trusted human emotions. Whereas some philosophers dispose of and do not trust the emotive state of individuals, Kierkegaard not only embraced them, he wrote entire books on them. I began to pursue my masters in philosophy, and Kierkegaard took a prominent role in my life.

Throughout my education, I’ve studied many arguments for the existence of God. While I believe some are successful, many lack the existential pull that is so prevalent in Kierkegaard…. Read this in full at
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/practical-faith/how-kierkegaard-changed-my-life

GOD’S EVERLASING LOVE
“What then? loves he his people in their sinning? Yes; his people,–not their sinning. Alters he not his love towards them? Not the purpose of his will, but the dispensations of his grace. He rebukes them, he chastens them, he hides his face from them, he smites them, he fills them with a sense of [his] indignation; but woe, woe would it be to us, should he change in his love, or take away his kindness from us!”
– John Owen (1616-1683), Of Communion with God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost [1657], in Works of John Owen, v. II, London: Johnson & Hunter, 1851, p. 31

THE MIND BEHIND THE UNIVERSE
by William Lane Craig
The kalam cosmological argument can be understood as a series of three disjunctions concerning the universe, whose existence is taken as given:

Having eliminated the disjuncts that the universe is beginningless and that its beginning was uncaused, I present three arguments why the cause of the beginning of the universe is plausibly personal rather than impersonal.

One of those arguments appeals to properties of the first cause that have already been deduced in the course of the argument: it must itself be uncaused, beginningless, timeless, spaceless, and immaterial. Now I ask, what entity could possibly fit such a description? Well, as I think about it, only two candidates come to mind: either an abstract object or an unembodied mind. Abstract objects such as numbers, propositions, and properties are typically described in such terms. Similarly, minds are described as immaterial and spatially unextended and, if unchanging, could exist timelessly and beginninglessly…. Read this in full at
http://www.reasonablefaith.org/the-mind-behind-the-universe

MARKETPLACE REVOLUTION
by Al Tizon
“Your business can be your ministry, and your work can be worship.” That’s the motto at Partners Worldwide, a network of people called to business and passionate about ending poverty. Read this PRISM feature about what happens when kingdom-minded businesses partner with like-minded ministries…. Read this in full at
http://issuu.com/prismmagazine/docs/beyondprofit?mode=window&viewMode=singlePage

PHILLY PASTOR ERIC MASON TALKS ‘CULTURAL CRISIS’ OF MANHOOD
A plethora of books have been written on the subject of manhood and what it means to be a father, husband, leader, and more – and Pastor Eric Mason of Epiphany Fellowship has just added his own title to the list. But the Philadelphia minister says Manhood Restored: How the Gospel Makes Men Whole is unique in offering both a timely and theologically sound discussion on what it means to be a man in today’s culture.

“I think there’s a crisis in manhood in our culture and I believe Jesus is the answer to that,” Dr. Mason told The Christian Post.

“Men tend to look at fallen examples of manhood throughout the culture, whether it’s thugs, athletes, businessmen, whatever. It’s cross-ethnically an issue. It’s not just an issue in the black community or Hispanic community, but it’s inclusive in all majority and minority communities as a crisis that’s cross-generational and cross-ethnic,” he added…. Read this in full at
http://www.christianpost.com/news/philly-pastor-eric-mason-talks-cultural-crisis-of-manhood-95239/

GROWTH THROUGH CRISES
by Dr. Ralph Hawkins
This morning I dropped off my fourteen year old daughter, Hannah, at the train station, where she and several of her classmates (along with the principal and several chaperones) would undertake a nearly week-long trip to Boston in celebration of their graduation from the eighth grade. Hannah, who has always been our “homebody,” had been very nervous about this trip and had backed out several times in the weeks leading up to it. As the trip grew closer, she wrestled with the decision. Would she go or would she stay? Would she share adventures with her classmates in Boston, or would she read posts about them on Facebook? The trip presented her with a crisis.

We all face crises of one kind or another in our day to day lives. Sometimes these crises are major and sometimes they’re minor but, in either case, most of us find them unpleasant and try to avoid them. But the reality is that “crisis,” paradoxically, is synonymous with “opportunity.” The pressure of crisis forces us to struggle and look for a solution. Examples abound: …. Read this in full at
http://www.seegodswordinaction.com/blog/126

UNQUENCHABLE HOPE
by Charles R. Swindoll
One of the first weddings I performed as a young pastor had all the promise you could hope for in a marriage. Both in their mid-twenties, both believers, he was a medical student, she was a nurse. It should have been a model marriage filled with peace and joy. Struggles would come, of course, but an enduring hope would get them through the dark days.

Yet when I saw the bride about eight years later she looked twenty years older. She described a spiraling tragedy of drugs, adultery, bitterness, and separation. Long gone were the original peace and joy. And that weary soul had lost the one thing that could have snatched her marriage from the lowest levels of matrimonial misery: she had lost hope.

How about you? How would you rate your own level of joy in the Christian life? Have you become depressed? Has that original fire for knowing Christ cooled to a simmering indifference? Have the tribulations of daily life rendered you hopeless? Pastors today constantly counsel believers struggling with depression, broken marriages, anxiety, anger, and weak self-control. They can’t help but wonder, “Where’s that abundant life Christ promised in John 10:10?” …. Read this in full at
http://www.insight.org/library/articles/encouragement-healing/unquenchable-hope.html

THE NEW LEGALISM: MISSIONAL, RADICAL, NARCISSISTIC, AND SHAMED
by Anthony Bradley
I continue to be amazed by the number of youth and youth adults who are stressed and burnt out from the regular shaming and feelings of inadequacy if they happen to not being doing something unique and special. Today’s Millennial generation is being fed the message that if they don’t do something extraordinary in this life they are wasting their gifts and potential. The sad result is that many young adults feel ashamed if they “settle” into ordinary jobs, get married early and start families, live in small towns, or as 1 Thess 4:11 says, “aspire to live quietly, and to mind [their] affairs, and to work with [their] hands.” For too many Millennials their greatest fear in this life is being an ordinary person with a non-glamorous job, living in the suburbs, and having nothing spectacular to boast about…. Read this in full at
http://blog.acton.org/archives/53944-the-new-legalism-missional-radical-narcissistic-and-shamed.html

ANNOUNCING THE 2013 WINNING TITLES OF THE BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD
Christian Small Publishers Association (http://www.christianpublishers.net/) is pleased to announce the winning titles for the 2013 Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award. Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year Award honors books produced by small publishers each year for outstanding contribution to Christian life. Book lovers and retailers selling Christian products voted on the nominated titles in each of twelve categories. The winners in each of the twelve categories are: …. Read this in full at
http://christianbookaward.com/

VERSE TO PONDER
“Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (CEB)

CONSIDER
“The God of the infinite is the God of the infinitesimal.”
– Blaise Pascal

A MARRIAGE TORN BY BETRAYAL & PORN MOVES TO AUTHENTICITY
Bonnie Hicks had known for years something was wrong in her marriage. At times it seemed good. At other times, although Allen was physically present, she felt he was emotionally absent. From time to time she was certain he was having an affair but she lacked proof.

In December 2010 the truth was unveiled. Allen, a youth pastor at the time, was caught in an adulterous relationship, which seemed to doom their 22-year marriage. Over time, however, the truth cleared the way for the couple to build an authentic marriage and set Allen on a new path toward freedom from a long-term sexual addiction.

The Hickses are now members of First Baptist Church at the Mall in Lakeland, Fla. The church’s senior pastor, Jay Dennis, is leading a movement to battle pornography and sexual addictions among Christian men. Since the “One Million Men” campaign began at Church at the Mall in 2011, Dennis said the church has experienced a new “awareness and openness to deal with those issues.”

The campaign — to be set in motion nationwide June 11 — is named “Join 1 Million Men,” on the Web at http://www.join1millionmen.org…. Read this in full at
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=40262

Also see “Sexual failure needn’t rule out God’s grace”
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=40263

BENEATH THE STEREOTYPES, A STRESSFUL LIFE FOR PREACHERS’ KIDS
by Daniel Burke
The day Franklin Graham was born, he received a telegram. “Welcome to this sin-sick world,” the Western Union message said, “and to the challenge you have to walk in your daddy’s footsteps.”

It didn’t take long for Graham, the son of famed evangelist Billy Graham, to realize that being a preacher’s kid would be both a blessing and a burden.

“I love my parents,” Graham said in a recent interview, “but there came a time where I couldn’t let my parents live my life.”

After a rebellious youth, Graham found a straight and narrow path that took him to the pulpit and the helm of his father’s Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

But for every Franklin Graham, there’s a Friedrich Nietzsche, the atheist philosopher whose father was a Lutheran minister. For every Condoleezza Rice, there’s an Alice Cooper, the heavy-metal singing, fake-blood spouting son of a preacher man…. Read this in full at
http://www.religionnews.com/2013/05/02/beneath-the-stereotypes-a-stressful-life-for-preachers-kids/

STUDY: PRAYER CAN LEAD TO IMPROVED RELATIONSHIPS
According to a recently announced study, praying for close friends or romantic partners can lead to more forgiving and overall cooperative behavior.

Florida State University released the results of a report of five studies Wednesday, which concluded that individuals who prayed for a close friend or romantic partner were “less vengeful” and “more cooperative.”

“Study 3 showed that, compared to partners of targets in the positive partner thought condition, the romantic partners of targets assigned to pray reported a positive change in their partner’s forgiveness,” reads the study’s abstract.

“In Study 5, participants who prayed for a close relationship partner reported higher levels of cooperative tendencies and forgiveness.” …. Read this in full at
http://www.christianpost.com/news/study-prayer-can-lead-to-improved-relationships-95591/

THE INNOVATION OF THE EARLY AMERICAN CHURCH
The American Protestant church’s great innovation was its voluntary organization, but organization alone did not guarantee success. The real key to thriving is focus on mission, says Mark Noll, the Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame.

In the 1800s, Christians created hundreds of groups to address important issues, and “it was very new,” Noll says. “It was innovative, and the scale in which it was carried out in the United States really did transform the public landscape as well as the landscape for the churches.”

But as American Christians developed a voluntary form of church, the institutional structures were less important than a focus on doing Christ’s work in the world, he says…. Read this in full at
http://www.faithandleadership.com/qa/mark-noll-the-innovation-the-early-american-church

THE AUTHORITY OF FAITH
“Today we have deflated the phrase “let God be God.” We laughingly apply it to presidents or children, usually as a form of indulgence, … condescendingly. But for Martin Luther who coined the phrase, the context was the unrelenting call of God before which he trembled.

“But if the phrase needs recovery, how much more the reality of God’s authority in our lives? At its heart, the modern world is a decisive challenge to the authority of God outside our private lives. This is true not because a few atheists trumpet that “God is dead” but because our entire culture, Christians included, so relies on the gifts of the modern world that we have “no need of God” in practice.

“No more urgent task faces the church today than the recovery of the authority of faith over the modern world.”
– Os Guinness (b. 1941), The Call: finding and fulfilling the central purpose of your life, Nashville: Word, 1998, reprint, Thomas Nelson Inc., 2003, p. 66

CALVIN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY LAUNCHES NEW DIGITAL RESEARCH CENTER FOR REFORMATION STUDIES
Scholars and students have a new research center devoted to developing digital tools, resources, and scholarship focused on the religious reformations of the early modern era, particularly arising out of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century. The Junius Institute for Digital Reformation Research (http://www.juniusinstitute.org/) of Calvin Theological Seminary is a natural fit for the seminary community, seminary president Julius Medenblik said. “We’re pleased to see the ongoing efforts of faculty, students, and alumni of the seminary develop into a formal home for projects with exciting possibilities for coming to a better understanding the multi-faceted legacy of the Reformation,” he said.

The institute is conceived as a forum to promote research into the Reformation and post-Reformation periods, covering the 16th to the 18th centuries, through the use of digital tools, skills, and resources. The Junius Institute will house the Post-Reformation Digital Library (PRDL), an electronic database covering thousands of authors and primary source documents on the development of theology and philosophy in these centuries. With the click of a few buttons, researchers can now download digital files with source material from hundreds of years ago. Before recent large-scale digitization efforts, like those undertaken by Google and many European libraries, access to these kinds of sources had been difficult, costly, or even impossible. In some cases sources were simply lost or unknown…. Read this in full at
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/34371936.html

HIS GOODNESS AND LOVE WILL FOLLOW
Excerpted from Right from the Heart by Bryant Wright
All through the ages, Psalm 23 has been a favorite psalm. Every line is rich with meaning.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Trust Christ as your Good Shepherd—He promises to meet our needs.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He gives us rest and spiritual nourishment.

He leadeth me beside the still waters. He calms our troubled souls.

He restoreth my soul. He renews our spirits when we spend time with Him.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. His Word teaches us how to live right.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. He overcomes our fears, even of death.

For Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. He’s always with us to discipline and encourage. This makes us feel secure.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. He gives us strength with those who aren’t for us.

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. He gives us an abundance of blessings.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Daily, He reminds us of His love and forgiveness.

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. He provides us eternal, abundant life.

IRON MAN 3 AND OTHER BLOCKBUSTERS CAN HAVE A SPIRITUAL IMPACT
Summer movie season officially begins today with the opening of ‘Iron Man 3.’ Dr. Marc Newman, president of MovieBibleStudy.com, notes “People go to see big summer blockbusters to watch Hollywood tell them stories. Many of those stories speak to deep spiritual, moral, and ethical issues. We were just looking for a way to harness a popular cultural event and use it to steer people toward the Scriptures.”

“‘Iron Man 3’ — for example — illustrates the progression of sin, the problem of pride and the value of humility, the scheming nature of evil, how courage overcomes fear, and what constitutes our identity.” Newman adds, “All fans of ‘Iron Man’ know that Tony Stark — the inventor of the Iron Man suit — can be an arrogant, prideful man. Audiences get a chance to see the Tony Stark they know humbled a bit. It is interesting to see how that affects him, and how he reassesses not only what is valuable to him, but himself. Watching Stark’s journey can be a first step toward examining our own pride, from a biblical perspective, and finding value in humility.” …. Read this in full at
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/4771772033.html

TIM TEBOW AND WILLIE AND JASE ROBERTSON TO HEADLINE WILDFIRE ‘MEN’S IMPACT’ WEEKEND JUNE 21-22, 2013 IN GREENVILLE, SC AT THE BI-LO CENTER
The 2013 Wildfire “Men’s Impact Weekend” Conference (http://www.wildfireweekend.com/) is set to pack out the Bi-Lo Center with 13,000 guys. National Football League player, Tim Tebow, formerly of the New York Jets, and A&E’s Duck Dynasty stars Willie and Jase Robertson have been confirmed as headliners for the June 21-22, 2013 event…. Read this in full at
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/1272171874.html

MILITARY SAYS NO COURT MARTIALS FOR SHARING FAITH
The Department of Defense said in a statement that members of the military are free to share their faith as long as they don’t harass others. A Pentagon ban on proselytizing had caused concern among religious liberty groups as some speculated that service members could face court martial for talking about Jesus, but a Defense Department spokesman said evangelizing is allowed as long as it is not disruptive.

“Service members can share their faith (evangelize), but must not force unwanted, intrusive attempts to convert others of any faith or no faith to one’s beliefs (proselytization),” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen. “If a service member harasses another member on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability, then the commander takes action based on the gravity of the occurrence. Likewise, when religious harassment complaints are reported, commanders take action based on the gravity of the occurrence on a case-by-case basis.”

Christensen said there were no plans to single out evangelical Christians for punishment: “The US Department of Defense has never and will never single out a particular religious group for persecution or prosecution. The Department makes reasonable accommodations for all religions and celebrates the religious diversity of our service members.” …. Read this in full at
http://www.charismanews.com/us/39313-pentagon-may-move-to-court-martial-christian-soldiers-who-share-faith

PREDATORY PROSELYTISM: THE HARD SELL
by Paul Louis Metzger and John W. Morehead
Zeal for evangelism is a very good thing, as long as it does not involve predatory dynamics. No one likes to be someone else’s prey. As we love our neighbors we need to learn to do to others what we would want them to do to us. This is the golden rule of Evangelical witness…. Read this in full at
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/uncommongodcommongood/2013/05/predatory-proselytism-the-hard-sell-2/

A LOOK INSIDE THE QUR’AN
What used to be an exotic religion of people halfway around the world is now the belief system of people living across the street. Relying on the media and politicians for information about what Muslims believe isn’t going to cut it. Christians need to be better informed, whether the goal is to understand global politics or to talk to a Muslim neighbor.

A respected scholar, apologist, and ministry leader, Dr. James White has publicly debated the world’s most prominent Muslim apologists. Through fair and accurate use of the Qur’an and other documents, White examines what Muslim sacred texts teach about Christ, salvation, the Trinity, the afterlife, and other crucial topics…. Read this in full at
http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/2927072045.html

CONSIDER
“We are told to let our light shine, and if it does, we won’t need to tell anybody it does. Lighthouses don’t fire cannons to call attention to their shining – they just shine.”
– D. L. Moody

VERSE TO PONDER
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
– Matthew 5:16 (NIV)

O Christ, when you ascended, you took your rightful throne;
Your time on earth had ended — yet we weren’t left alone.
You reign o’er earth and heaven; your Spirit guides our way.
Your prayers uphold your people; you lead your church each day.

We look at earthly rulers and see what they command:
We note their years of power, the borders of their land.
Yet, Lord, you are not bounded by things like time and space;
Your reign is never-ending, you rule in every place.

We’re tempted. Lord, to leave you in stories nicely told;
Sometimes we don’t believe you and say your ways are old.
Sometimes we feel so lonely and live in doubt and fear —
But your ascension means, Lord, you’re present with us here.

It’s often quite a challenge to follow in your Way;
We’re easily distracted! It’s hard, Lord, to obey.
Sometimes we give you Sundays — an hour, maybe two —
But your ascension means, Lord, all life belongs to you.

One day, O Lord, we’ll know you, as we are fully known;
One day this world of sinners will bow before your throne.
One day, God’s whole creation will sing and praise your name;
On earth as now in heaven, we’ll celebrate your reign.

>from Carolyn’s Hymns at
http://www.carolynshymns.com/o_christ_when_you_ascended.html

FRIDAY NIGHT ARCHIVE REPLAY – 05/10/2013
The Spiritual Fellowship of the Ekklesia
PLEASE ENJOY THIS RE-BROADCAST DATED MAY 20, 2012. WE’LL SEE YOU NEXT FRIDAY LIVE @ 10:00PM CDT.
Ekklesia is the root of the word that is translated “church” today.
We will discuss what “Ekklesia” is and how God can use it to reveal and heal His people today.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thepath/2013/05/11/the-spiritual-fellowship-of-the-ekklesia-1

ON PRAYER
The National Day of Prayer, established by Congress in 1952, was marked across America May 2, including an observance at the Cannon House Office Building in Washington. The event featured prayers for all the branches of the US government and remarks by religious, political, and military leaders. Twenty-five years ago, President Reagan designated the first Thursday in May for the annual prayer day. See a slideshow of photos at
http://www.religionnews.com/2013/05/02/photo-slideshow-national-day-of-prayer/

PRAY FOR PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS TODAY
http://christiansincrisis.net/

DAILY BLESSING PACT
Use the following list as your daily prayer guide. Think of a brother or situation that applies and lift them up in prayer.

I am agreeing in prayer with you for God’s blessings to overtake you!

PERSONAL
Marital harmony
Family unity
Children saved
Faithful pastor
Spirit-filled church
Real friendships
Relatives redeemed
Educational benefits
Recreational time
Fulfilling career
Favor with God and man
Be in God’s will

FINANCIAL
Better Jobs
Raises or bonuses
Benefits
Sales & commissions
Business Growth
Settlements
Estates & inheritances
Investment increase
Rebates & returns
Checks in the mail
Gifts & surprises
Money to be found
Bills decrease while blessings increase

“And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God” (Deut. 28:2).

[As you travel on business or vacation, let me know if you’d like us to add you to our prayer chain to pray for your safety and spiritual effectiveness. I’ll add your name to the list for the time you’ll be away.]

CLASSIFIEDS
Are you looking for something or do you have something to sell? Let me know and I’ll put it in this newsletter.

The Complete Gift Solution
http://www.FranksWorldOfGifts.com

Books, Music & More!
http://www.ChristianConnectionBooks.com

Get your domain name here!
http://www.GoGlobalDomains.com

SHARE YOUR FAVORITE WEBSITES
Tell us what sites you find enjoyable and why.

Rugged Faith Ministries
http://www.ruggedfaith.net/

Video: 86-year-old gymnast
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=WK67PWNX

Video: Nature’s IQ
http://www.naturesiqfilm.com/

Amazing and Haunting Sound! Bach and Others Played on a Glass Harp
http://www.roberttiso.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=475

Video: The way brass instruments work
http://youtu.be/6qkh9vUlMIs

e-rara: digitized rare books from the 15th to 19th century
http://www.e-rara.ch/

All links to websites are provided as a service, and do not imply endorsement by this ministry.

(BTW: whenever the URLs in this newsletter are too long to turn into links on your e-mail program, just copy the entire URL (two lines or more) and paste it into a temporary email message. Then delete the return in the middle of it and copy it again. Then paste it into your web browser and hit enter.)

Somebody finally invented a a solar-powered laundry dryer! It’s called a “clothes line.”
Frank Coleman, Editor
frank@frankcoleman.com

Thanks for welcoming CONNECTIONS into your in-box!

CONNECTIONS is a periodic newsletter of announcements, news, recommendations, articles, and other information helpful to men in our spiritual growth. Thanks for welcoming CONNECTIONS into your in-box!

The CONNECTIONS Team offers a variety of activities for men to interact with other men on our journey of faith in Christ together. Large group, small group, and one-to-one events encourage relationship building and spiritual strengthening that result in maximizing the potential we all have in Christ.
Contact Min. Frank Coleman, 773-410-1483, frank@frankcoleman.com if you’d like to participate in a men’s discipleship program.
Path Of Life Ministries is located in Chicago, IL.
Visit our website at: http://www.pathoflifeministries.org/

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