February 2019
Jim Denison Denison Forum on Truth and Culture Did you hear about the Pennsylvania man who has a registered emotional support alligator? Joie Henney says his pet, Wally, likes to give hugs. Henney told reporters that his doctor gave him approval to use the five-foot-long alligator for emotional support rather than go on medication for depression. He frequently takes Wally to senior centers and minor-league baseball games. “He’s just like a dog,” he told a woman recently. “He wants to be loved and petted.” When I read about Wally, I thought of an Indonesian woman who was keeping Merry, a fourteen-foot crocodile, as a pet. Earlier this month, she was killed and
The Embrace of Grace Page 4
partially eaten by the animal. There’s an old story about a scorpion and a frog who met on the bank of a stream. The scorpion asked the frog to carry him across the water on its back. The frog asked, “How do I know you won’t sting me?” The scorpion said, “Because if I do, I will die too.” The frog was satisfied, and the two set out across the water. Midstream, the scorpion stung the frog. As the frog started to sink, knowing they would both drown, it gasped, “Why?” The scorpion replied: “It’s my nature.” THE DANGER OF EUPHEMISMS Renaming reality doesn’t change reality.
Rising From The Ashes Page 13
What proponents call the “sexual revolution,” the Bible calls “sin.” Mary Eberstadt documents the devastation of this “revolution” for women, families, the elderly, and victims of pornography and sexually transmitted disease. “Death with dignity” is still death. The “product of conception” is how Planned Parenthood describes a baby in its mother’s womb. What Nazi Germany called the “Final Solution,” we call the “Holocaust.” (Israelis call it the “Shoah,” meaning catastrophe.) Euphemisms are useful in anesthetizing us to reality. But when the patient wakes up, the pain returns. Every four years, the Director of National Intelligence produces a document called the National Intelligence
9 Unbiblical Statement We Believe Page 14
Strategy. The Washington Post lists these warnings among the “10 biggest truth bombs” from the report: “Advances in nano- and biotechnologies. have the potential to pose significant threats to U.S. interests and security.” “Despite growing awareness of cyber threats and improving cyber defenses, nearly all information, communication networks, and systems will be at risk for years to come.” “Many adversaries continue to pursue capabilities to inflict catastrophic damage to U.S. interests through the acquisition and use of [weapons of mass destruction].”
Continue on page 12 1040 Lincoln Rd., Suite A, #124 Yuba City, CA 95991 530-933-1385 editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
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INSPIRATION Spinach or Whipped Cream? by Christy Boals www.GraceFilledPurpose.com Why is it that when we think of eating something healthy, we think of spinach? It is the quintessential stereotype in any children’s story to have a parent telling their little one to eat their spinach. Why do we also approach our relationship with God this way? I had better eat my spinach: read my Bible for so long each day, go to church every Sunday, put a certain amount of money in the offering plate, and the list goes on. If we do all these, we will be spiritually healthy right? I don’t think this is quite what God had in mind when He made humans. Also, let’s be honest, just like kids kick up a fuss about eating their spinach, not many of us actually stick with a dry spiritual diet anyway. In church recently, we were singing a song with the phrase, “grace upon grace” in it. For some reason it made me think of whipped cream. I believe that what God is really offering us is dessert, not spinach. He has this wonderful gift of salvation and new life He offers us and then on top of that He gives us grace upon grace. This is like getting a piece of pie and then being offered whipped cream and then more whipped cream! The best part of all, is that we don’t even have to eat all our spinach to get this dessert. There is nothing we must do to earn what Jesus wants to give us, in fact one definition of grace is, “unmerited favor.” Don’t worry, I am definitely not
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advocating abandoning your Bible or your church. When we have a real relationship with God those things change from things we feel like we have to do, to things we get to do. Oddly enough, the most difficult thing in all of this is simply receiving what Jesus is offering. Saying yes to a relationship with Him and then yes to the grace He wants to lavish on us can be extremely difficult. However, once we get a taste of the life He is offering we will probably be okay living on dessert! “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10 “How much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1
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The Embrace of Grace by Paula McBride Are you a hugger? Most often, I am not. My family was probably normal for the generation in which I was raised, but we were not demonstrative. We were a bit afraid of our authoritative father and in awe of our “Leave it to Beaver” mother. We hopped when they said jump and cowered when Dad threatened with the belt or Mom reached for the wooden spoon. It’s just the way things were in those days, and most of us survived. Except in our understanding of grace. You see, to understand grace, we must understand that there is nothing we can do to make God love us more, and nothing we can fail to do that would make Him love us less. Not grasping the intensity of God’s love causes us to pull into ourselves, craving security, acceptance, and significance. My journey into the embrace of grace is taking time, and the process is not nearly finished because the revelation of God’s love is endless. Perhaps you’ve shared some of the following experiences: First, we must let God embrace us. How do we let an unseen being hug us? I think asking Him to is a good place to start, because it’s something He delights to do. During a time of praise and worship,
alone or with other believers, actually reach out to Him. Focus on the ways the Father makes us secure, accepted, and significant in ways no other can. Meditate of His sacrifice. Jesus left the splendor of heaven, walked this dusty earth, was despised, rejected, tortured, and murdered for our sin. Yet in glory, He rose from the dead to be present with us, so He could wrap us in His embrace. Then, also in praise and worship, embrace Him back tightly, focusing on each person of the Trinity as you are led. Jesus loves to hear us say we love Him. The Spirit is gladdened to hear us say we need Him. The Father rejoices to hear us say we trust Him. Now comes a greater mystery about grace. The more you receive, the more you spill out on those around you. If you are getting more hugs than you really want at church, you are probably being hugged by those who have experienced the embrace of God’s grace themselves. How was Joseph able to embrace the brothers who tried to kill him? How was the father of the prodigal able to run into a bear hug with his wayward son? How was Jesus able to forgive those who crucified
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INSPIRATION
Paths and Trails by April James www.BeyondTheSilverCoin.org When off on an adventure to climb to the top of a mountain, we often have a choice of paths. I like trails with markers that give a clue as to the terrain whether easy, difficult, or expert climbers only. Alas, many do not give hints, not even if it goes to the top, into a valley, or dead ends in the middle of nowhere; sometimes paths in life feel this way. There are paths that seem right but not all lead us where we should go. Simply because there is hardship along the way does not mean we are going the wrong direction; the Lord uses difficulties to shape us, to bring out our character, to refine us. Silver and gold are purified in the heat, precious stones are smoothed as they rub against each other; gems are more valuable as pieces are chipped away so their facets catch the light to reflect their beauty. A path that seems sunny and bright, one of ease and conflict free, does not remove anything stuck to us. There is
nothing to buff the dullness away or refine our character; we remain an unattractive stone kicked to the wayside, our true worth never known. The right path is the one that allows us to become a reflection of Jesus, shinning for His glory. When we head off on a new path, it is wonderful to have a guide with us; someone who knows where we are going and the best way to get there, or at least a pamphlet they have written giving instructions and helpful insights. How fortunate we are to have the instruction manual to life, the Bible, and even better - the Author and Guide comes with it. When we are starting off, we can, and should, consult with Him on the way to go; knowing we are on the right path when the way becomes challenging will encourage us to continue pressing forward. Paths are a training ground, a place of preparation for what’s ahead, the next step; it’s a time where areas to be worked on and developed are revealed. We have strengths and weaknesses, strengths
have weaknesses and weaknesses have strengths. Strengths need to be tempered with love, humility, and a dependence on the Lord. Our weaknesses show his strength as we develop confidence to give him freedom to use them and move through us. Life is meant to be a partnership, us and the Lord, doing it together. The Lord has laid out a good way for us to go, one He knows we will take delight in when we follow it. He custom designed it just for us knowing our likes, gifts, talents, and abilities. It has enough challenges to keep us invigorated and engaged, yet not enough to overwhelm us or to be impossible as we walk beside him, seeking his guidance and wisdom. Shall we set out – it’s a perfect day to venture forth!
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would like to thank the following people for their Individual Sponsorship
Marty Brown John Nicholls Bob Gilbert Warren & Lucy Campbell Rich & Joan Hackney Dale & Susan Nieschultz Rita Collins Carrie Pederson Tom Harris Donald & Concetta Cotter Mimi Robarge Allen Halpern LaDonna Curteman Jeff Royce April James Chuck David Mike Sherman Cale & Merlene Judd Dennis & Connie Gabel Robert E. Stark Clay Maynard
God Bless Each Of You For Your Support Of This Ministry And Our Community •••
If you would be interested in supporting The Ambassador as an Individual Sponsor ($20/month) please contact Seth Halpern at: editor@ambassadornewspaper.com or call 530-933-1385 or visit us online at www.ambassadornewspaper.com
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CALENDAR
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Ongoing Events
SUNDAY
WEDNESDAY
AWANA CLUB - Sundays 5:30-7:00 pm. Check in is at 5:15 pm. Grace Baptist Church - 1980 S. Walton Ave. (Bogue & Walton) Awana is an amazing children’s program for ages 3-grade 6. Our club runs from September to May. Come join anytime. Kids memorize Scripture, play games and learn lots! Call 530673-6847 for information. CELEBRATE RECOVERY - Sundays 6:00 p.m.-8:30p.m Sutter Community Church, 2900 Acacia Ave, Sutter We are a Christ-Centered recovery group that provides a safe place to share your struggles experiences, victories, and hopes with others who are also going through to a Christ Centered recovery. For more info call 530.632.4166 LIVING WATER CHRIST BASED 12 STEPS - Sundays 6-7:30pm The Bride Church -1321 Peach Tree Ln, YC We use a Christ-centered workbook (provided for free), which walks us through the problem and solution. For info call 530-300-6751.
HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS - Wednesdays at 10:15am FUMC – YC, 3101 Colusa Hwy, Yuba City This class offers a comparative study for Matthew, Mark, Luke and John’s Gospel accounts. Categorized by subjects, this study also offers side-by-side review of what each apostle recorded in each of the four Gospels AWANA Wednesday 5:45-7:45 p.m. during school year Evangelical Free Church - 3785 Olive Hwy. Oroville Awana is a boys & girls club consisting of small group time, games, large group time. For information please call 533-6866.
ROAD TO RECOVERY - Sundays 7:00pm Crossroads Community Church - 445 B St, Yuba City A Christian support group for anyone who has been involved in drug or alcohol addiction.
MONDAY KNIT & CROCHET WOMENS FELLOWSHIP - Mondays 10:00 a.m. - Noon First Baptist Church - 1777 8th Ave. - Olivehurst Practice your yarn craft or learn a new one with us. Knifty Knitters are welcome. Bring your own project or work on a charity item that we donate to those in need in the community. Email yarncraftersforchrist@hotmail.com for info. FOUNDATIONS - Mondays at 5:30pm FUMC – YC, 3101 Colusa Hwy, Yuba City You are invited to invest in your spiritual walk as we explore the necessity of prayer, witnessing to others, the meaning of discipleship, who we are as Methodists, and membership at First United Methodist Church.
TUESDAY CHRISTIAN BUSINESS ALLIANCE First Tuesday of Every Month, Noon - 1:00 p.m. The Bride Church - 1321 Peach Tree Ln, YC Join us for a time of fellowship, prayer & encouragement. All are welcome! FREE KARATE CLASSES Tuesday 6:00 pm - FREE karate classes taught from a Christian perspective. First Baptist Church - 1777 8th Ave. - Olivehurst, 530-701-5131 for info, Pastor Miguel. CRAFTSMEN FOR CHRIST Meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The Bride Church - 1321 Peach Tree Lane, YC Men’s fellowship around the word and worship. All in the Body of Christ welcome! SAMARITAN VILLAGE MONTHLY MEETING The 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30p.m. This meeting is open to all who are interested in helping with an orphanage in Tanzania. For info call Victor Savage at 671-2219. FRIENDS FOR SURVIVAL SUICIDE LOSS SUPPORT GROUP 4th Tuesday of the month, 6:30 PM - 715 King Ave., (off Clark Ave.) Yuba City_ Support for people who lost loved ones to suicide. Contact person, Becky Reimers (530) 454-7698, ffs.ysc@gmail.com PRAYER FOR THE NATION - Every Tuesday Evening @ 7PM Embassy of Heaven Campus - Church of Glad Tidings- Bldg 200 1179 Eager Road, Yuba City Info: Stephanie Steele 530-870-6906 www.churchofgladtidings.com Join us as we intercede for our region and our nation
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GRIEF SHARE Wed 6pm at Crossroads Community Church - 445 B St, Yuba City For those dealing with loss of a loved one. For more info call 530-632-7087
TAKING AIM AT DOCTRINE - Wednesday 6:30 – 7:30pm Gateway Calvary Chapel, 808 8th St., Marysville An in-depth comprehensive look at the foundational beliefs of the Christian faith. This class meets at 6:30 every Wednesday night at Gateway Calvary Chapel.
THURSDAY HEALING STEPS WITH JESUS - Thursday at 6pm FUMC – YC, 3101 Colusa Hwy, Yuba City A Christ-centered program with foundations firmly established in Biblical truth. The 12 steps with accompanying Scriptures and the 8 principles based on the Beatitudes offer participants a clear path of salvation and discipleship This program addresses all types of habits and hurts, not just recovery from alcohol and/or drug issues. EHOP PRAYER - Thursday 7:00-8:30pm Embassy of Heaven Campus - Bldg 200 - 1179 Eager Road, YC Info: 530-671-3160 - www.churchofgladtidings.com “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” (Matt. 21:13). The church today is in an all-out war against the evils of darkness. The body of Christ is called to step up and be aggressive in their prayer life. TUESDAY
FRIDAY
CELEBRATE RECOVERY - Friday Nights beginning January 4th, 7:00 - 8:30pm Church of Glad Tidings -1179 Eager Rd., Yuba City - (530) 671-3160 Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-center, 12 step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life.
SATURDAY BETHESDA HEALING WELL - Third Saturday of each month Embassy of Heaven Campus - Bldg 200 - 1179 Eager Road, YC You are invited to come and receive special prayer for divine healing or prophetic guidance. Our prayer teams will pray with you for your needs. For more info.,Ed Han 209-298-6102
multiple days of the week WOMENS CLOTHES CLOSET Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:00 a.m. - Noon Twin Cities Rescue Mission- 940 14th Street, Marysville We now have a womens clothes closet at the mission! It is free and available to everyone. We accept donations Monday - Sunday of women’s men’s, and children’s clothing! CROSSROADS CLOTHES CLOSET - Crossroads Community Church, YC Open Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm -Shop at our - FREE Clothes given away!
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Special Events
TWIN CITIES RESCUE MISSIONS 60TH ANNUAL BANQUET Hillcrest Catering at The Plaza Room 210 Julie Drive, Yuba City Friday, March 15th 6:30pm-8:30pm Come celebrate our 60th Annual Banquet with us! This is a free event. Whether you know us well or just heard about us you are welcome. We will be serving dinner and have a special speaker as well as some raffle items. HELP WANTED On-site childcare provider needed first and third Monday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon. CPR preferred, references required. Please contact Fayedean Lewis, Director of Children's Ministries, Gateway Calvary Church, Marysville. Email- fayedeanlewis@gmail.com or call 530-713-2758
To Whom It May Concern by Christy Boals
To Whom It May Concern: Or to whom concerned may be, About the future, about the past, about temporary— That doesn’t last. Things confused and hazy, Feelings of going crazy. Don’t give up, But do give it up. Whatever your “it” might be— Control, another person, a job— All false security. Wait and trust, scary words. Is God listening? Will my prayers be heard? The answer to that is in the positive, It’s what I believe, but don’t always live. Abundant grace to those who receive, Difficult to say, “My life to you Lord I give— I believe.”
CALENDAR
Prayer Calendar for February 2019 2-Feb Global Persecution-Safety/Courage of Believers 3-Feb Children and Children’s Ministries 4-Feb Ambassador - Please pray for this ministry, its impact and God's provision for it 5-Feb Continued prayer for the Camp Fire survivors 6-Feb Middle East - For the peace of Jerusalem 7-Feb Pray for dads to be Godly leaders in their home and give thanks for those who are! 8-Feb Homeless/Poor - Twin Cities Rescue Mission, A Hand Up, Salvation Army, REST 9-Feb A Woman’s Friend - Unborn children/Pregnant Women 10-Feb Orphan children- Samaritan Village (see p. 3) and other orphanages 11-Feb Continued prayer for the Camp Fire survivors 12-Feb Missionaries -Fruit, Provision 13-Feb The Ambassador Newspaper-Increased readership and Impact 14-Feb National unity, Race Relations 15-Feb First Responders-Police, Firefighters, EMT, TIP 16-Feb Missing Teens & children 17-Feb Addicted, Rehab ministries- Feather River Mens Center, Joshua House, Celebrate Recovery 18-Feb Continued prayer for the Camp Fire survivors 19-Feb President Trump- God's Wisdom in decisions & communication 20-Feb Immigration- Pray for the border crisis, the families and the legislators to solve problems 21-Feb Seniors and Elderly 22-Feb Hollywood- May God to touch influential people 23-Feb State lawmakers- Pray for Assemblyman James Gallagher and others who represent us 24-Feb Local officials and community leaders 25-Feb Teen Depression, Suicide 26-Feb Local Pastors and their families 27-Feb Military, All armed forces & their families. 28-Feb Struggling Women- Pray for Lydia's House, Casa Esperanza
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The Voice of the Christian Community, Serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
LIFE
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LIFE MATTERS presented by Yuba-Sutter Right To Life NY Legalizes Abortion Up To Moment Of Birth, Defines Person As Someone ‘Who Has Been Born’ by Michael Foust New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed into law Tuesday a bill that goes beyond Roe v. Wade by making abortion a “fundamental right” up to the day of birth and banning limitations on abortion that the Supreme Court has permitted. The new law, known as S240 in the state Senate and A21 in the Assembly, passed both houses and was signed by the governor all on the same day -- the anniversary of the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion nationwide. The Senate passed it by a vote of 38-24, the Assembly 92-47. Both are controlled by Democrats. It was called the “Reproductive Health Act.” “May almighty God have mercy on the state of New York,” someone from the public gallery shouted after it passed the Senate. New York State Right to Life and other pro-life groups called the law “extreme.” “Supporters of RHA claim it merely seeks to update New York’s laws to make them consistent with Roe v. Wade. This claim is false,” the New York group said. “The changes this bill would make instead would authorize abortion through
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Announcing New Abortion Law all nine months, for any reason, with no restrictions, up until birth, and even after birth if a child is born during the course of an abortion (i.e. infanticide).” The new law prohibits limitations on abortion that the Supreme Court has permitted, such as waiting periods, parental involvement laws, and bans on partial-birth abortion. “It is the intent of the legislature to prevent the enforcement of laws or regulations that are not in furtherance of a legitimate state interest in protecting a woman's health that burden abortion access,” the law says.
Newcastle Yuba City
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Further, the law defines person as “a human being who has been born and is alive.” It allows abortion post-viability when it is necessary “to protect the patient’s life or health” -- exceptions that courts have interpreted broadly as referencing any pregnancy at any point. The new law also permits nurses and non-physicians to perform abortions, provided they are a licensed “health care practitioner” and acting in “good faith.” The law was passed as pro-choicers grow concerned about the new makeup of the U.S. Supreme Court and the possibility of Roe v. Wade being overturned.
“We cannot overstate how important it is for all New Yorkers to have the ability to control their own bodies and determine their own destinies,” said Robin Chappelle Golston, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts. “As we continue to face challenges to reproductive health care access on the federal level, it is paramount that New York is the beacon and state model of what reproductive health care should be.” New York State Right to Life (NYSRTL) wrote on its Facebook page that the new law bans common-sense restrictions favored by New Yorkers. “While we look forward to the time when Roe vs. Wade is overturned, under Roe limits on abortion are constitutional and are favored by the majority of the public, including in New York,” a statement read. “NYSRTL will continue to work to expose the misinformation put forth about [the Reproductive Health Act], protect children and their mothers, protect the rights of pro-life persons to engage in life-saving activities and express their views, and to build a culture of Life in New York.” Michael Foust is a freelance writer. Visit his blog, MichaelFoust.com.
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COMMUNITY Lessons I’ve Learned From High School
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I am a big fan of simple, concise, yet profound teaching principles that say a lot in just a few words. Oswald Chambers has such phrase. “Spiritual leakage.” I have often pondered the process of backsliding in our faith. Let me package it another way. If you look back at your relationship with Christ is it as stronger now than it was in the past? If not, why? Often, we (yes, me as well) are guilty of neglecting our relationship with Him. We will always "leak” but we have to make sure that what we are putting in (devotion to Christ through fellowship (church), prayer, fasting, reading His Word and OBEDIENCE) is greater than what is leaking out. We are living in extremely difficult times. I don’t believe I need to expound on this point. As a result, we need to be totally committed to Christ to keep from being corrupted by everything
that is going on around us. This is not only for our benefit but also for the benefit of others who, without a Biblical worldview, are looking for some solid answers to help them navigate through these times. And the good news is we have the answer. His name is Jesus! Those who don’t know Jesus need to see Jesus in us. If we are not growing in our relationship with Him, then spiritual atrophy will be the result and our witness will become ineffective. This year, my wife and I did a spiritual assessment and made some changes. I encourage you to do the same. If you are looking for another spiritual feeding source then consider checking out the Christian Business Alliance that meets every Tuesday at noon at various locations in the Yuba Sutter region. For more information, contact me or Seth Halpern for details.
David Kugelman is the president of the Christian Business Alliance which meets each Tuesday at noon at various locations. Dave welcomes your questions or comments on this article at drkug@comcast.net
by Rebekah Dahm My high school journey came to an end this past December, so naturally I have been reminiscing about its major events. This led me to consider the non-academic things I learned, such as life and spiritual lessons. Five of these lessons stood out the most to me. The first is one that is constantly being taught to teens. It is that you should not waste time being insecure. However, my reasons for believing this are different than the ones society has. Society will tell you that you are above anyone who says anything bad about you. I believe there is no need to be insecure because you are not better than anyone and no one is better than you. God created everyone and gave them unique features and nobody is better or worse than anyone else. The second lesson I learned confirms the first. It is that people are simply extraordinary. Each and every person on this earth is living their own story filled with battles, great achievements, failure and heartache. One story is not greater than another just because it is told more often. One story is not greater than another just because it is lived out in designer clothes. One story is not greater than another because its hardships are more unique than others. Every person on this earth is magnificent in their own way
and they deserve to be treated and loved accordingly. The third lesson was not pleasant to learn because it was taught through the hard times in my life. The lesson is that pain and heartache are not necessarily bad things, and it’s okay to let yourself feel them because they are opportunities to learn and grow. From them you can also gain inspiration and wisdom. The fourth lesson isto take life one step at a time. Sometimes you see the light at the end of the tunnel and forget that you are still surrounded by darkness and have to choose your footing carefully. Other times you become too afraid of the darkness to move. Whatever you are feeling, you just have to take it one step at a time. It’s difficult to find a balance of patience and ambition because being patient doesn’t mean being idle and being ambitious doesn’t mean being reckless. The fifth lesson I learned is to take time every day to be grateful. It’s simple enough and said so often that it should be obvious. Maybe it is obvious, but perhaps most don’t find it to be important enought. I believe I have always been grateful for my life; although, it wasn’t until I began to go out into the world and see brokenness and devastation beyond anything I have
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Continued From Page 1 - "THE KEY TO SERENITY IN A CHAOTIC CULTURE"
HOW LONG WAS 9/11 PLANNED? In Esther 3, we read of Mordecai’s refusal to bow down to Haman (v. 5) and the latter’s vengeful plan to “destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai” as a result (v. 6). But Haman did not act immediately. In fact, it was several years before he was ready to hatch his plot (comparing Esther 2:16 and 3:7). All this time, Queen Esther and her people lived in what they thought was relative safety in Persia. The Jewish authorities’ plan to execute Jesus was a private plot before it became a public strategy (John 11:53). The disciples had no idea Judas had agreed to betray Jesus before he did (John 13:2130). Admiral Yamamoto proposed the idea of bombing Pearl Harbor eleven months before the raid took place. The mastermind of 9/11 presented his plan to Osama bin Laden five years before the attacks. HOW DID RELIGION?
DARWIN
AFFECT
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However, God is not bound by time as we are. He sees the “future” as we see the “present.”
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Editor's Note: Just because we don’t see danger coming makes it no less dangerous. The opposite is more often the case.
One of the deceptions of living in the Information Age is the myth that we have all the information we need. News and data stream to our devices constantly. We know more about what’s happening when it happens than ever before. Such “digital omniscience” can be a great tool for accountability and transparency. But it can also be a great temptation toward secularist selfsufficiency. The publication of Darwin’s Origin of Species in 1859 led to a decline in religious commitment for many who believed that science had preempted a need for the Bible and faith. Similarly, increased Internet use has been linked to a decline in religious affiliation. The more we know, the less we think we need to know. But the Internet did not predict the assault that injured five police officers in
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Houston yesterday afternoon; two remain in critical condition. Or the tornado that struck Havana Sunday night, killing four people and injuring 195. Or the hotel collapse in Peru that killed fifteen during a wedding celebration. Or the shootout in Mexico that killed twelve people. HOW TO FIND “THE PEACE OF GOD” In a world with God-given free will (cf. James 1:13-16), the future is impossible, by definition, to predict. We simply cannot know what humans will choose to do or the consequences of their choices. However, God is not bound by time as we are. He sees the “future” as we see the “present.” The fact that he sees what we choose to do does not mean that he makes our choices for us, any more than a teacher who watches her students choose seats in a classroom assigns their seats to
them. But our Father’s timeless omniscience does mean that he can “make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come” (Isaiah 46:10 NIV). It means he can lead us “in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3). It means we can trust what we don’t know about tomorrow to the God who loves us today. Our “progressive” culture has progressed further from God than ever before. It’s therefore not surprising that so many lack his peace. That’s why Christians need to claim “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). Would you pray right now for the opportunity to share his peace with someone today? For more from the Denison Forum, please visit www.denisonforum.org.
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• • • Rising From The Ashes • • • by Michelle Terstegen Blue skies before me and Armageddon behind me. All I can think about is getting out. I tell the kids to keep looking forward, eat some snacks, calm the kitty and snuggle the doggies. Keeping them busy all the while this unsettling idea creeps in my head, “will we ever be able to come back home?” As we drive for hours trying to make it to Chico, I pray for the safety of our family. We got out with our six children, grandma and grandpa, two dogs and a cat…thank God. Some people were not as fortunate. Over the next two days we realize that ourbiggest fear has become a reality, along with 20,000 other people, our home is gone. Then we are faced with the big question...now what? Fast forward through multiple towns, hotels and apartments all with 6 children and 4 adults in tow, and we still haven’t seen what was left of our home. Just after Thanksgiving we finally settle in Yuba City, this due to a kind property management agency willing to give a chance to a family of ten. We trudge through each day trying to take care of the essentials with the help of many friends, family and strangers from churches we’ve never attended. We have a roof over our head, clothes on our backs, beds to sleep in and even toys to play with but that
underlying question still hasn’t been answered and rings even louder… now what? I grew up in a rural area in a povertystricken family and lost my father at twelve years old. My mother made sure to do everything in her power to give us the education, culture and security we could get. This work allowed my brothers and I to be classically trained in dance, music and the performing arts. My little brother chose to be a musician and plays with several hometown bands. My big brother went off to pursue dance, attending UC Irvine, and continued to study under well-known and talented instructors and choreographers in LA. He has successfully created and teaches his own dance and kinesiology curriculum geared toward children's dance instructors all over the world. I continued to learn, teach and train but my heart was in creating a family. And through a college bible study group I met the love of my life who aided in making this a reality. In my early twenties my husband and I moved up to the remote forested area of Paradise California. That adventure started twelve years ago with a change of community, job and a new family member to be born, our first son. Paradise was
unlike any area I’ve seen before, and it took some time getting used to, especially the smaller selection of restaurants and stores. Soon, however, this small town and its’ people captivated my heart and started to feel like a true home. After we had our third child, I was diagnosed with Connective Tissue Disease and Fibromyalgia which was one of the hardest diagnosis to swallow for a young mother of three, let alone a dancer at heart. Shortly after this revelation we felt God calling us to foster and ultimately to adopt. With my “health”, and already large family by modern standards,
everyone was surprised at our decision to pursue foster care. But God is strong in our weakness, Amen! After several years, we added three more children through foster care adoption to our family to make it complete. With six children, 5 of which I homeschooled from an early age, we were a busy family trying to survive and ultimately thrive. Getting a handle on my diseases was one of many hurdles to overcome throughout the last few years. After working closely with a rheumatologist, a round of medication and about two years the Connective Tissue Disease went into remission. Fibromyalgia, however, is a little trickier to get nailed down. After finding a supplemental regime, a healthy eating plan, exercise and about 5 years of trial and error, and lots of prayer, I was able to get a handle on it. This beast is not gone, but at least it does not run my life anymore. After I felt recovered enough, I returned back to teaching dance at Revolution Dance Studio in Paradise. What wonderful success we got to see through that time! The studio grew from around 35 students to over a hundred in just a couple of years. I was able to teach all levels and ages of ballet, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, heels, latin
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9 Unbiblical Statements That Christians Believe (Part 2) by Shane Pruitt @shane_pruitt78 The first part of this article (and the first three unbiblical statements appeared in last month’s issue of The Ambassador. We conclude with the final six statements.
Cleanliness Is Next To Godliness The people around you may appreciate you staying clean, but this is not Scripture. Parents may us this unbiblical statement to motivate their kids to clean their rooms. However, I’d suggest using an actual biblical statement: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you (Exodus 20:12).” God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle Actually, all of life is more than we can handle. The point of living in a fallen world is not for us to try really hard to carry our heavy burden, but rather giveup, quit, and surrender to God, that’s what faith is all about. Everything is more than I can handle, but not more than Jesus can handle: “For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself (2 Corinthians 1:8).” “Come to me, all who labor and
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).”
We All Worship The Same God Yes, there is only one true and living God: “know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other (Deuteronomy 4:39).” However, He only accepts worship that comes through Jesus Christ, not Muhammad, Buddha, Joseph Smith, etc: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12).”
Bad Things Happen To Good People Often we place ourselves in the judgment seat of what is good and bad, or who is good and bad. The most popular way to make that judgment is by comparison. For example, Bob is a good guy, because he is not as bad as Sam. However, according to the Bible we’re all on equal ground because none of us is inherently good: “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one (Romans 3:10)’.” When You Die, God Gains Another Angel Plain and simple. Humans are humans, and angels are angels. This remains so even in eternity. In fact, angels are
intrigued by the interaction between God and His “image-bearing” humans: “It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look (1 Peter 1:12).”
We’re All Going To The Same Place When We Die There are two possible destinations when we pass: Heaven and Hell. However, only those who are in Christ will be with Him for all eternity when they physically die: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).”
The fact that many of us Christians believe these unbiblical statements shows our unfortunate overall biblical illiteracy. Instead of swallowing popular statements hook-line-and-sinker; may we be like the Bereans in the Book of Acts. When they heard Paul preach, they wanted to research the Scriptures themselves to authenticate what he was saying: “The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so (Acts 17:10 – 11).”
The Jordan River flows into the Sea of Galilee which flows into the Dead Sea. It should be noted that the Dead Sea is the lowest place on the surface of the Earth. Because of its high content of salt, it has no fish, and it is impossible to sink in it.
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12 Indications a Church is Making Disciples By Ron Edmondson I’ve often heard people say you can’t measure discipleship. I don’t know if that’s true. It is certainly true you can’t necessarily put a number or percentage on discipleship growth – as easily as you can numerical growth, but you can tell, over time, if discipleship has happened or is happening. Granted, it’s still going to be subjective, as is this post, but I believe the Bible gives us clear indications someone has been discipled. Here are 12 indications a church is making disciples: Those who have been in the church the longest complain the least. Do everything without complaining or arguing. Philippians 2:14 The church celebrates most when those far from faith come to faith. In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! Luke 15:7 Members care about the needs of others being met more than their own personal desires, comfort or wishes. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:4
The church is willing to make sacrifices (and changes) in order to attract the lost. And so my judgment is that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Acts 15:19 Gossip is not an issue. P a s s i v e aggression is rare. No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up s o m e o n e in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 There is certain joy, even during uncertain times, (including personal suffering). Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2 The consistent teaching, from behind the podium to small group Bible studies,
is a balance of truth and grace. Jesus came full of grace and truth. John 1:17 People willingly sacrifice, so financial needs of the church, within the church,
and in the missions of the church are fully funded. No one has to beg for money – and people don’t disappear during a series on giving. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart–not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
There are no petty disputes or grudges among the people of the church. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15 The church takes care of each other well. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. Acts 4:34 The most appreciated people in the church are often the least seen. The leaders of the church are most likely to give up “their” seats, park further from the building, or do whatever is necessary to help the Body. The greatest among you will be your servant. Matthew 23:11 Church members live their life with mission and purpose, without being asked to do so. Go, therefore, and make disciples… Matthew 28:19 Of course, there are no perfect churches. And, so no church has 100% of the people – or any one person – getting all of these right. But, increasingly over time a church making disciples should see growth and improvement in people who behave more like Jesus and more like who we’ve been commanded to be. That’s what discipleship is.
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Continued From Page 4 “The Embrace of Grace”
If you would like to experience the peace and transformed life that God can provide through Jesus Christ and you are willing to commit your life to the only one who can truly set you free from your sin, you can pray to the Lord right now and ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Because of what His Son, Jesus, did by dying on the cross, your sins will not be held against you by God anymore. You can experience freedom for the rest of your life on earth and then have a life in Heaven with God for eternity. God’s part of the deal is already done. Your part is to confess your sins, repent (or change your ways) and believe that He is Lord. If your life is out of control, let Him take over control. For help, questions, or more information, contact us at The Ambassador or any of the churches listed on page 3.
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known to give a kiss on the cheek. I get so full of love sometimes that it just spills out. That’s good since it’s February, the month of love and friendship. Go give someone a hug and with it a huge embrace of grace!
Continued From Page 9 "Lessons I’ve learned From High School" ever experienced that I truly realized how privileged I am. I know I am not better than people who have experienced those things, so the only explanation is that God
has blessed me. For that, I will forever be grateful and I will do my best to be a good steward of all He has given me and taught me.
After King Ahab Of Judah Was Killed In War (1 King Ch. 22), His Evil Wife Jezebel Lived 10 More Years Until She Was Killed When King Jehu Of Israel Had Her Thrown Out Of The Palace Window (2 King 9:30-37).
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him? In each of these accounts, and others throughout scripture, we see examples of grace poured out unconditionally because of grace received by the giver. If you ask me now if I’m a hugger, I’ll say I’m much better. I’ve even been
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Continued From Page 13 "Rising From The Ashes" and contemporary. You will see that some of it is lost during the split. My greatest passion was also fulfilled with the ability to choreograph opening numbers for the shows and numbers for performance teams. I was also able to choreograph meaningful pieces that were a sort of worship for me, giving thanks to the Lord to be able to dance again. I also got the chance to start the first competition team right before that fateful November day. So now you have to wonder, why give you my whole life story? Maybe you can start to piece together an underlying theme: struggle, strife, tragedy, hard work and starting anew. These are all concepts I’ve had to conquer before; rising from the ashes is familiar territory to me. When the Campfire came it changed our lives again and it took our home, community and possessions and it made me think. I wanted to find deeper meaning in all of this, and what purpose or mission God had in store for our family this time. I wanted to teach my children to rest in the idea that God can always make beauty from ashes and to show them that we’re not going to just replace things but enhance what already exists. Through perseverance comes hope. We are not just “Survivors” we will
continually strive to be “Thrivers”. Out of this disaster, calamity and ultimately the ashes, Creative Flow Institute was born. Life is a constant ebb and flow, a contrast of creation and destruction and redemption. There are ends and beginnings and new beginnings. Somehow (or through someone) we must find a way through it all to come out the other side with a better understanding of ourselves and our purpose. In this way, the arts and dance provide expression to all of our feelings. There are classical foundations and important lessons to learn, but styles and techniques are constantly changing and improving. Life and the arts are a constant reflection of each other and I am here to provide a place in and for them. Whatever you are facing in life, have hope, there can be beauty from the ashes! If you have any questions contact Michelle at (530) 420-5569 or michelle@creativeflow.institute Show your support by visiting us at www. creativeflowinstitute.com , www.facebook.com/danceartflow , www. instagram.com/creativeflowinstitute Photo Credit: Concept- Michelle Terstegen, Photography-Aurora Hart
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Current members: A-1 Carpet Cleaning - (530) 673-3634 - www.a-1clean.com Kristen Bird - A Woman's Friend - (530) 741-0556 Ron Brasier - A Hand Up Ministry - (530) 671-1360 Pastor Elaine Briefman - iM publications - (530) 713-9919 Dave Burrows - True North Real Estate- (530) 632-3822 Kathleen Caldwell - Caldwells Custom Countertops - (530) 695-2112 JC Carpenter Mark Anthony Carter - Photos by Mark Anthony- (530) 774-5968 Rita Collins Fred Cox - Richard's Tree Service - (530) 673-7993 LaDonna Curteman - Band Together for Christ - ladonna.curteman@gmail.com Chuck David Dennis & Connie Gabel - Operation Christmas Child - (530) 695-1495 John Gaiser - Gaiser Pets - (530) 751-8155 Assemblyman James Gallagher - (530 ) 671-0303 Steve & Cash Gilliss - Crosspointe Christian Books - (530) 673-6188 Dave Greenetz - Dave Greenetz Construction - (530) 682-9602 John Guth - Guth & Changaris, A Prof Law Corp - (530) 674-9841 Seth Halpern - Ambassador Newspaper - editor@ambassadornewspaper.com Randy Heckley - Window of Heaven - (530) 391-6344 Kurt Hilbers - Hilbers Inc - www.hilbersinc.com David Hobbs David Holycross - Holycross Memorial - (530) 751-7000 Janet Johnson Dave Kugelman - Proforma by Kug - (530) 742-2423 Bill & Sonja Lindholm Pat & Doreen Maher - Elite Group - (530) 713-9420 Greg Mansur - Adventure Church - (530) 632-1779 Clay Maynard - Consultant - (530) 790-6611 Jason Poling - Cornerstone Church - (530) 674-3087 Victor Savage - Samaritan Village Orphanage - (530) 682-5282 Roger Shadd - Shadd Janitorial Supply - (530) 673-0083 Wynette Sills - CaliforniasForLife.org. - (916) 955-1577 Bill Sluder - After Hours Mobile Notary - (530) 777-8667 Robert Stark - Retired Auditor/Controller - robertandpamstark@gmail.com Dwayne Tanabe - Taylor Accountancy Corp - dktanabe@yahoo.com Jenine Tanabe - Jenine L. Tanabe M.D. Dermatology - (530) 743-0301 Linda Vaca Roger Vaca - Twin Cities Rescue Mission (530) 743.8777
For weekly reminders, updates, or to join email editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
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Whose Morality? by Jon Skillman The January issue of Decision Magazine contained an article titled; “Who Defines Morality.” We, as Christians, know that God and God alone has the authority to define morality and sin. But more and more folks believe they have the right to set their own moral standards creating moral anarchy. Yet, the article points to an even more disturbing trend…the elite believing they have the authority to define morality for everybody else. The article focuses on one such self-appointed deity…Apple CEO Tim Cook. In 2014, Cook declared; “I am proud to be gay!” making him the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company. This is apparently why the Anti-Defamation League presented him with the first-ever “Courage Against Hate Award” for his work as a “champion for unity, diversity and social progress.” In his acceptance speech, Cook expressed his views…views of which I take a dim view. Cook states, “I believe the most sacred thing By that each of us is given is our judgment, our morality, our own innate desire to separate right from wrong. Choosing to set that responsibility aside in a moment of trial is a sin.” Not only does Cook emphasize “our” (which could be translated, my) he also feels authorized to define sin. Cook goes on to say, “At Apple, we are not afraid to say that our values drive our curation (selection of online
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content) decisions…Doing what’s right, creating experiences free from violence and hate.” Whoa, we’ve got some serious unpacking to do here. First: What is meant by “our values”? What exactly are they? I must assume that the values of a “proud gay man” probably differ from those of God. Hey, could this be the diversity Cook so tirelessly seeks? I think not, for there is no diversity of thought in group think…only arrogance. Second: Cook’s values drive what he allows online…in other words, he has the power to suppress free speech. And third: Free from violence and hate. Here again, who defines violence and hate? Cook? I think what he is saying is that anyone who goes against his values is expressing hate. He will shut you up because he hates what you stand for, and by extension, you. But what about his “Courage Against Hate Award?” Not to worry, his hate is righteous. (please note the sarcasm). The really frightening thing is… Cook is not alone. This is the group think of Silicon Valley, Hollywood and every progressive this side of eternity. I fear we “ain’t seen nothin’ yet”. But take heart, dear Christians, Jesus tells us, “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm will be saved.” (Mark 13:13) Stand firm, speak boldly and keep the Faith!
Shut Down Payment I don’t often like to get political but something recently has infuriated me. The issue that bothers me so much is not one that can be blamed on the Left or the Right. It is not about who caused the government shutdown or who stalled the discussion. In fact, as I’m writing this editorial, our Federal Government is at work (with pay). I almost didn’t run this article because I thought maybe it’s a moot point since they are back to work. However, we all know that it can and probably will happen again (and that will likely be this month). So, what is it that has gotten in my craw so much? What makes me sound too much like Jon Skillman, my next door neighbor in this OP/ED section? It’s simply this- that the large majority of congressional members have allowed themselves to receive paychecks during this shutdown! Most of their staff doesn’t get paid. Neither do the hundreds of thousands of federal employees. Yet the very people who created this mess still get paid. The TSA’s didn’t make this decision, nor did the National Park employees or anyone else besides the 535 senators and representatives in the Capitol (536 if you want to include POTUS). I am not debating or pointing fingers at the cause of the shutdown. I’m simply referring to the insensitivity of those who did NOT forego their salary via rejecting or donating it to at least stand in solidarity with those who are really affected. Let’s keep in mind that most of them are doing fairly well and their $174k annual salary should be keeping them well maintained. I know that there are a few in congress that are talking about a bill to change the constitution (Article 1, section 6) that ensures congressional pay under almost any condition (which includes
Seth Halpern - Editor government shutdowns). However, even if it passed, it wouldn’t take effect until the new term (thanks to the 27th amendment). At my last check there were about 100 of the 535 who rejected or donated their pay. They are from both parties and I respect them for doing that. But what about the other 435? Well, here’s what I say. How about let’s contact them- that is every constituent in their congressional district. For our local district that would be John Garamendi. Let’s call his office, let them know that we, the people he represents are outraged that he claims his salary while the hundreds of thousands of workers are struggling. Then let them know that you and your neighbors will be voting him out of office at the next election. What if we all did that and then the next district and the next one would do the same. Again this is NOT a Republican/Democrat issue. Greed is not partisan. Remember, this may look like it was a temporary shutdown, but it’s more like that it’s a temporary active government!
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
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TWIN CITIES RESCUE MISSION 60th Annual Banquet March 15th . 6:00 - 8:30 PM
Hillcrest Catering at The Plaza, Room 210 Julie Drive, Yuba City Adventure Church Youth Group
Stephen McMahon and Linda Vaca
We are celebrating all that we have seen Through the Years at the rescue mission and what is to come. We would love to have you join us in taking a walk down memory lane. Throughout the night we will have live music, a special speaker, raffles, and dinner.
Secretary BryAnna Guy
So, whether you've supported us for years or just heard about us, we invite you to join us for this free event! This is a FREE event and all are welcome. Come and see what we are all about! Questions: Mission Office: 530-743-8777 or Director Roger Vaca 530-216-3285
Evening Service at The Mission
MISSION STATEMENT We provide Soup, Soap, and Salvation for the Least, the Last, and the Lost.
Twin Cities Rescue Mission
Twin Cities Rescue Mission . 940 14th Street, Marysville, CA 95901