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Spring Edition 2016 Plan of Salvation:
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
A Message From Good News Press
The Significance of Easter for Christians The biggest celebration within Christianity may be Christmas, but the most important celebration is Easter. The entire basis for the Christian faith is based on the events that occurred on the first Easter weekend. While Christmas is about how Jesus came to earth as a baby, Easter is about the reason he came. Christians believe the whole reason he came was to die and to rise again. Most historians agree on these facts, which are the foundational events of Christianity:
Jesus Christ was executed by crucifixion on the Friday during the Jewish Passover.
He was buried in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea.
hundreds of other people claimed to have seen Jesus, spoken with him, eaten with him, and listened to his teachings. These disciples (and others) went to their deaths—some through torture—maintaining that their claims of seeing a resurrected Jesus were true. Those are the historical facts. The significance is found in the interpretation of those facts. Christians maintain that the tomb was empty and that there were post-crucifixion sightings of Jesus because Jesus had physically risen from the dead. This, combined with the apparent fulfillment of centuries-old prophecies contained in the Jewish Scriptures, firmly established the belief that Jesus was God in the flesh and that he had power and authority over life and death.
Guards were posted to keep watch over the tomb.
This belief in the resurrection of Jesus spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and it On the third day, the tomb was found to continues to spread today. For nearly 2000 be empty. His body could not be found, nor years, Christians have placed their faith in could the Roman or Jewish authorities exthis resurrected Jesus, believing his promise plain what had happened to it. that he will someday return to take his fol Over the next forty days, his disciples plus lowers to be with him throughout eternity.
The Christian message is often referred to as the "Gospel," which means "good news." Specifically, it is the good news about Jesus—who He is, what He has done, and what He offers. Essentially, the message is that Jesus was God in the flesh, that He came into the world to reconcile humanity to Himself, and that his salvation is freely offered to each person who will respond in faith. The Gospel message explains that salvation is only possible through the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. Through his sacrifice, Jesus paid the price for our sinfulness (rebellion against God), thus offering us forgiveness. Then through his Resurrection He conquered death, removing it as the penalty for our sin and replacing it with the offer of eternal life that is only available from Him to all those that place their faith in Him.
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Good News Press - 2 About Good News Press Sharing the good news of God’s Love through his Son to our local community and world!
Partner With Us in Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ to our Community! Good News Press is a Christian outreach publication in the San Francisco Bay Area. This popular high-quality, newspaper, informs and inspires believers, as well as plant seeds into the hearts of men and women that do not know Jesus Christ. Good News Press covers world, national, and local religious news and events, and features inspiring Christian articles and insights. It is available, both digitally online and in full-color printed format. Christian newspapers reach a targeted audience-specifically a family oriented, audience, with strong loyalties and convictions.
share the good news, and bring to them the love of Jesus Christ. We do that by bringing glory to God in this newspaper. • Urgency… We believe that these are Why Support Good News Press the last days and that Jesus Christ is • Fulfill the Great Commission! Help soon to return. us tell our neighbors about the Good News of Jesus Christ and reap eternal • Distribution Good News Press is distributed FREE all over the Bay Area. rewards. Good News Press believes You can find it in area grocery stores that this commission begins in our own backyards. There are more than 7 and businesses. Good News Press is produced by Million people in the Bay Area and a great number need to be reached. We Baron & Connie Woods and Family. want to reach these men and women, To contact us: info@goodnewspress.us.
Why Was Jesus Called the Lamb of God?
by Greg Hanson
John the Baptist was a bit eccentric. He might have even been put in a padded room today. John lived out in the middle of nowhere, his diet consisted of locusts, and he wore animal skin clothing. Then to complete his image, he traveled around shouting at people, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is near.” At first glance, John the Baptist came across as rather strange. Still, people started to recognize that there was something special about him. They discovered he had some interesting things to say. It was as if he was some kind of a prophet—a prophet from God. One day as John was out preaching, Jesus happened to wander in his direction. John saw Him coming and told his audience, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, New Living Translation)! What did John mean, “the Lamb of God?” The answer lies in the religious rituals of the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, there were a lot of ritual sacrifices offered for a variety of reasons. There were grain offerings meant primarily for worship, there were peace offerings asking for God’s blessing, there were burnt offerings for giving thanks to God, there were guilt offerings for when you had destroyed someone’s property or cheated someone (including God), and there were sin offerings seeking forgiveness. Depending on your circumstances and which kind of sacrifice you were offering, you would need to sacrifice something different. You might sacrifice a sheep, a goat, a dove, a pigeon, a cow, or a ram. Your sacrifice might involve some wheat, flour, oil, or unleavened bread. The specific requirements for each kind of sacrifice were defined by the Mosaic Law.
This sacrificial system was a way of life for the first-century Jews. They routinely brought their sacrifices to the Temple and they were offered there to God. (The sacrificial system continued for the Jews until the year AD 70 when the Romans destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem. At that time, the Jewish community switched to offering prayer as a sacrifice instead.) While each family was responsible to provide their own sacrifice, the High Priest of Israel was responsible to choose the Passover lamb. Every year he was to select one perfect, spotless lamb and then offer it as a sacrifice on behalf of all Israel. That lamb would be known as “the lamb of God.” When John the Baptist pointed to Jesus as, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world,” the listeners would have immediately known what John meant. They would have been quite familiar with the sacrificial system. To their ears, this declaration by John was one of the most profound statements ever uttered. It was powerful! John the Baptist identified Jesus not just as “a” lamb; He was “the” Lamb. He was not going to cover up sin only for one year (requiring another sacrifice the following year); He would take away the sin of the world for all of time. The writer of the biblical book of Hebrews reinforced this when he wrote, “For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time” (Hebrews 10:10, NLT). The Bible states that we have all sinned and fallen far short of God’s standard for our lives. Like a huge chasm, this sinfulness separates us from God. But the cross of Christ bridges that chasm. It was on the cross that Jesus offered to take all of our sinfulness upon Himself, paying the penalty for our sinfulness and offering us forgiveness in its place. As the “Lamb of God,” Jesus became the sacrifice for all of humanity.
Good News Press - 3 Church of God in Christ Presiding Bishop Charles Blake, Sr. Joins Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America Executive Committee MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 8, 2016 -Church of God in Christ Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. was elected to serve as Co-Chairperson for the Executive Committee of the Pentecostal Charismatic Churches of North America (PCCNA). Bishop Blake joins PCCNA Chairperson Assemblies of God Assistant General Superintendent Alton Garrison; PCCNA President Jeff Farmer; Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada General Superintendent David Wells, Treasurer, and Foursquare Church Chief Operating Officer Sterling Bracket serving as Secretary. The PCCNA Executive Board also includes the following as Members-AtLarge: Church of God General Overseer Bishop Mark Williams; Assemblies of God USA General Superintendent George Wood; United Holy Church of America Bishop Elijah Williams; National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference President Samuel Rodriguez; International Pentecostal Holiness Church General Overseer Bishop Doug Beacham and Grupo Unidad President Fermin Garcia.
good.
The heart of Bishop Blake is seen quite clearly in the love that he has for the children in Africa who have become orphans because of the HIV/AIDS pandemic "The PCCNA Board of Administration plaguing the continent. In response to the was honored to elect Bishop Blake unani- HIV/AIDS crisis in Africa, Bishop Blake mously to serve as their new cofounded, the Pan African Children's Fund chairperson for a three year term effective (PACF). Save Africa’s Children, a proFebruary 2016," says Farmer. "Bishop gram of PACF, has provided support to Blake is a statesman and community over 420 orphan care programs, 200,000 transformer. We're honored that he is children in 24 nations throughout subcarving out time in his busy schedule to Saharan Africa. partner with us in our vision to demonstrate unity in the power of the Spirit." Bishop Blake has also formerly served as PCCNA represents over 40,000 Pentean Advisory Committee Member of the costal / Charismatic Christian congregaPentecostal World Conference, and as tions in Canada, the U.S.A and Mexico. the founder and Co-chair of the Los Angeles Ecumenical Congress (LAEC), an Bishop Blake is the pastor of West Ange- interdenominational coalition of religious les Church of God in Christ, one of the leaders and pastors. largest churches in the Western United States, with a membership of over Second only to his call as a minister of 25,000. He is recognized as one of the the Gospel, Bishop Blake says his most great preachers of this generation with a treasured accomplishments are those of message that ministers to the whole per- a devoted husband to Lady Mae Lawson and brings together people of various rence Blake, and a loving father and racial and ethnic backgrounds. On April 6, grandfather to their three children and 2009, in Washington, D.C., President eight grandchildren. Barack Obama sought Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. to serve on his 25- The Church of God in Christ is one of the person White House Advisory Council on oldest Pentecostal denominations in the Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partner- World and the 4th largest Protestant ships. group in the United States with churches in over 70 countries worldwide and a This one-year appointment is a testament membership of nearly 6.5 Million adherto his passion for the community and his ents. desire to unite all people for the common
Good News Press - 4
Good News Press - 5 March/April Events
before Easter.
March 1-31, American Red Cross Month.
March 27, Easter Sunday. Most joyous festival of the Christian year, marking the resurrection of Christ. March 1-31, National Women's History Also a secular holiday celebrated Month. To focus on their achievewith bunnies, colored eggs, candy, ments and contributions. Easter baskets and new clothes, especially ladies' hats. March 1-31 Social Work Month. First commissioned by President Ronald 28, White House Easter Egg Role. Reagan to celebrate their work and Held on the grounds since 1810. contributions. April 1, April Fools' Day. Since March 3, International Ear Care Day. ancient Roman times, a day to send To promote hearing care across the someone on a false errand, comment world, by the World Health Organiza- on their clothes or make various tion (WHO). jokes. March 6-12, National Consumer Protection Week. A time for All Americans to learn more about business wherever they shop.
April 1-30, National Occupational Therapy Month. To recognize accomplishments of therapy practitioners.
April 1-30, National Stress AwareMarch 8, International Working Wom- ness Month. Focuses on stress, what en's Day. First proclaimed at an it is, what causes it, and what can international conference of women at be done. Helsinki, Finland in 1910. April 3-9, National Window Safety March 9, Registered Dietitian Nutri- Week. By the National Safety Countionists Day. They are advancing the cil, to increase awareness of their nutritional status of Americans and importance in safety. people around the world. April 4-10, The Masters Tournament March 10, World Kidney Day. To raise at Augusta National Golf Club, Auawareness of how the kidneys play a gusta, GA. It was first held in crucial role in keeping us alive and 1934. well. April 10-16, National Volunteer March 13-Nov. 6, Daylight Saving Week, by the Points of Light InstiTime. Begins March 13 at 2:00 a.m. tute in Atlanta, GA, celebrating Move clocks ahead one hour. "Spring the work of U.S. volunteers. forward, fall back." April 11-17, Cherry Blossom Festival March 15, George Washington's 1783 in Greater Philadelphia. By the Jaaddress to the Continental Congress pan American Society. It's a centuat Newburgh, NY, Anniversary. He ries-old tradition. asked officers to have patience for clothing, food, and back pay. April 18, Income Tax payday. March 16, Freedom of Information Day. The American Library Association celebrates the public's "right to know."
April 18, The Boston Marathon in Boston, MA, the 120th running. Includes 27,000 runners and 500,000 spectators.
March 20-June 20, Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Begins with the vernal equinox at 12:30 am., EDT. The sun rises at due east and sets at due west everywhere in the world except at the poles.
April 22, Passover Begins at Sundown. Passover is celebrated from April 23 through April 30.
March 24-26, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Even, the days
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April 24-30, Administrative Professionals Week. Acknowledging their contributions and their vital roles in business, industry, education and government.
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Good News Press - 6 Review: Risen by Christian Spotlight on Entertainment in this film. Near the beginning, there is an intense battle scene with characters being stabbed with spears and swords and being shot The story is a bit bumpy at times with arrows. Some impact is and lacks in narrative structure as seen, but it is not graphic. the feature runs under 110 Some blood is shed, and one minutes. Although the film contains character is executed by some good dialog, a majority of sword. The impact is not scenes are weakly written, which seen, but is heard, and we causes the film’s intriguing story to see his bloodied body fall suffer slightly. Kevin Reynolds does from a fair distance, after not prove to show himself as a the fact. A violent earthgreat director as he guides his audi- quake rattles the world ence through this Biblical tale, but around many, and bloody he does do a solid job of delivering men are seen hanging in agsome intense, edge of your seat ony on crosses. A Roman moments and well-executed action soldier breaks two of three “A high-ranking Roman soldier sequences. Overall, “Risen” may men’s legs to speed up the tries to prove the resurrection was not be the best fictional re-telling of crucifixion process. The impact is a hoax” the Crucifixion, but it is certainly a not seen but heard. Clavius (Joseph Fiennes) is a harsh refreshing take on the greatest story ever told and does not overly Jesus’ side is pierced, but again the Roman Tribune whom many fear. preach to its audience, either. impact is only heard, not seen. Piles Working under the notorious Ponof dead bodies are seen as soldiers tius Pilate (Peter Firth), Clavius As one may assume, “Risen” does look for the body of Christ. Most leads legions of Roman soldiers on a contain quite a bit of violence. are viewed from a distance, but a daily basis, from the battlefield to However, this is the only content to few corpses are seen up close. One the city streets. Clavius is a very be concerned about. The sexual decomposing body, in particular, is smart, skilled tribune who appears content is minor, as we see a few observed with a scarred face. Bodto have control over nearly every shirtless men wrapped in only but ies are seen being dumped into a situation he faces. However, his loincloths in a couple different heap, and another wrapped body is world is turned upside down as he scenes (once in a Roman bath and burned during a funeral. Another encounters the crucifixion of Jesus another during a crucifixion). Pilate brief crucifixion takes place. Clavius Christ. Clavius is shaken by this exasks Clavius what he may desire, describes the excruciating proceperience, and after the body of including a massage or a girl. Clavi- dure of a crucifixion to a character, Christ “disappears,” he is ordered us shows no interest in either. and one man is cut in the leg with a by Pilate to find His body, whether When Clavius asks a group of men sword. Jesus displays His scars to He be dead or alive. But little does if any of them know what Mary His disciples, and a leper is driven Clavius know that this manhunt will Magdalene looks like, many raise away and beaten by a frightened turn into a spiritual journey that their hands slightly, implying that crowd. The man is covered from will not only change his life, but the they may have slept with her. It is head to toe with scars and boils. course of human history… forever. implied that she is a “woman of the street” which is never addressed in Some wine is consumed, and there “Risen” is a unique and clever ficis mention of some characters betional re-telling of the crucifixion of Scripture. There is no vulgar or ing drunk.“…Believe on the Lord Christ as told from the perspective profane language. Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be of a non-believing Roman soldier. The violence is moderate to heavy, saved…” —Acts 16:31 (KJV) Joseph Fiennes is in fine form as as there is a fairly high body count Clavius and steals the show in the MPAA Rating: for Biblical violence including some disturbing images. Reviewed by: Curtis McParland CONTRIBUTOR Moral Rating: Good Moviemaking Quality:3 out of 5 stars Primary Audience: Adults Teens Genre: Faith-based Action Adventure Mystery Drama Length: 1 hr. 47 min. Year of Release: 2016 USA Release: February 19, 2016 (wide— 2,915 theaters)
lead role. Some of the cinematography in “Risen” is beautifully shot and is accompanied by an epic musical score.
“Risen” may not accomplish itself as an extremely well-made feature, but it does accomplish something else—telling the story of the Crucifixion through the eyes of an unbeliever. It was refreshing to see a well-executed fictionalized retelling of the Easter story told with a different twist. I would also like to give credit to the writers for not being overly preachy with their message. The film focuses mainly on the personal life of Clavius, but does not refrain from the great importance of the life of Christ. Clavius” faith is of great importance in the film, but does not overpower the central plot. The impact that Jesus makes on this one man’s life is beautiful, indeed, especially since Clavius hardly knew anything about Jesus beforehand. All he had were the clues he was piecing together. Clavius knew that there was something different about Jesus. He did not fully understand what it was that made Him so different, until he made that first step of faith and began to follow Christ in His footsteps. More at http://www.christiananswers.net/spotlight/
Good News Press - 7 'Risen' the Movie: Does it Pass the Bible Test?
Jesus' appearance to Thomas and the other disciples.
Mary Magdalene is referred to as a prostitute three times (not biblical, see Mark 16:1, Luke 8:2). -- "I think we got it right," stated Joseph Fiennes, a few days after the Caiaphas wants Jesus' body burned. release of the film "Risen" (February 11, 2016). On the positive side, Joseph Fiennes Fiennes plays Clavius, a Roman sol- is believable as Clavius, Jesus (Cliff dier turned investigator ordered by Curtis) displays a subtle selfPontius Pilate to find Jesus' body confidence and the elderly cemetery the fourth movie on this theme. The woman (Clair Agius) interrogated by first was "The Inquiry" (1987), then Clavius - gives an emotionally "Resurrection" (1998) followed ten "kind" performance. years later by "The Final Inquiry" with Dolph Lundgren (Drago from Before seeing 'Risen' Christians Rocky IV). Drago? should read the Gospel accounts surrounding Easter, its participants "Unfortunately, 'Risen' doesn't hold and its aftermath - then put the film up to scriptural and archaeological to the Bible test. Risen' is entertainintegrity. Bible film endorsements ing (its goal) but not necessarily from well-known Christian leaders biblical. since 2006 (The Nativity Story) has been problematic. Mary's pregnancy Rick Dack of Defending the Bible questioned by her father (Did she International wants to hear your sleep with a Herodian soldier?) and opinions about this film Lazarus' resurrection with a kiss to (defendingthebible@usfamily.net). the head (Son of God) is acceptable Is Dack being too harsh or is he accontent to some but it's not Bible," curate in his analysis? stated Rick Dack of Defending the Bible International Dack encourages his readers to (www.defendingthebible.com). The check out "The Gospel of John" following examples from 'Risen' are (2003) and "The Jesus Film" (1979) scripturally problematic. on DVD. "These films are essential educating your family about the Barabbas dying in battle (hours in life, death and resurrection of Jeafter being released by Pilate?). sus," stated Dack The crucifixion scenes (location, (www.defendingthebible.com). Has your Pastor and Principal addressed Jewish purity laws). media Bible myths and offered a de Clavius' (Roman) compassion fense of the scriptures? If not, your towards the family of Jesus at Golchurch and school needs to invite gotha is fiction. Defending the Bible Int'l. This ministry's "Biographies of the Bible" "It is finished" are the only classes and presentations supply all words of Jesus from the cross. the answers you will ever need in The tomb in 'Risen' is not first defense of the scriptures. These century (no corpse tunnel etc.). classes also include 3D animations Two inebriated soldiers guard of Bible sites, Hollywood stories of faith, archaeological biographies of Jesus' tomb. Bible characters and more. Check The burial clothes of Jesus are out www.defendingthebible.com for strewn (not biblical - John 20:6, 7). class information on over thirty topics including Eden, Noah's Ark, Samson, David and Goliath, Daniel, the Bartholomew, supposedly depicting joyfulness, embodies a men- Nativity, the Resurrection, Acts and more! tally ill quality.
(Christiannewswire release)
Good News Press - 8 Living with an Eternal Perspective: Are You in Love with the World? What is your attitude toward this world? There's a gospel song by Albert Brumley that always challenges me to examine my attitude toward the world. The first verse goes as follows:
cent and vulgar performers like Madonna. I hate a world where government tries to convert gambling from a vice to a virtue. I hate a world in which professionThis world is not my home, al athletes are paid over a million dolI'm just a passing through. lars a year while hundreds of thouMy treasures are laid up Somewhere beyond the blue. sands sleep homeless in the streets The angels beckon me every night. From heaven's open door, I hate a world where people judge And I can't feel at home and condemn one another on the baIn this world anymore. sis of skin color. Do those words express your feeling about this world? What words would I hate a world that calls evil good you use? Enthusiastic or uncomforta- by demanding that homosexuality be ble? Enamored or alienated? Do you recognized as a legitimate, alternative feel at home or do you feel like a lifestyle. stranger? I hate a world in which mothers are forced to work A Personal View while their children grow up Let me ask your indulgence for a moin impersonal day care cenment as I share my personal feeling ters. about this world. The word I would use is "hate." Yes, I hate this world. I hate I hate a world in which people die agonizing deaths it with a passion so strong and so intense that I find it difficult to express in from diseases like cancer and AIDS. words. Now, let me hasten to clarify my feel I hate a world where ing by stating that I do not hate God's families are torn apart by beautiful and marvelous creation. alcohol abuse. I have been privileged to marvel over I hate a world where the majesty of the Alps. I have been awed by the rugged beauty of Alaska. I every night I see reports on the television news of child abuse, muggings, never cease to be amazed by the crekidnappings, murders, terrorism, wars, ative wonders of God in the great and rumors of wars. American Southwest. I have been I hate a world that uses the name of blessed to see the incredible beauty of my God, Jesus, as a curse word. Cape Town, South Africa. And I have I hope you understand now what I been overwhelmed time and time again by the stark and almost mystical mean when I say, "I hate this world!" bareness of the Judean wilderness in Jesus' Viewpoint Israel. But how I personally feel about this When I say that I "hate" this world, I'm world is not important. The crucial not speaking of God's creation. I'm point for you to consider is the biblical speaking, instead, of the evil world view. Let's look at it, and as we do so, system that we live in. compare the biblical view with your Let me give you some examples of own. what I'm talking about: Let's begin with the viewpoint that Je I hate a world where thousands of sus told us we should have. It is recbabies are murdered every day in their orded in John 12:25 — "He who loves mother's wombs. his life loses it; and he who hates his I hate a world where young people life in this world shall keep it to life in the prime of life have their lives de- eternal." Those are strong words. They are the stroyed by illicit drugs. that cause us to wince and think, I hate a world that coddles crimi- kind "Surely He didn't mean what He said." nals and makes a mockery of justice. But the context indicates that Jesus I hate a world that glorifies crime in meant exactly what He said. So, what its movies and television programs. about it? Do you hate your life in this I hate a world that applauds inde- world or do you love it?
The Viewpoint of the Apostles The apostle Paul gave a very strong warning about getting comfortable with the world. In Romans 12:2 he wrote: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." How do you measure up to this exhortation? Are you conformed to the world? Have you adopted the world's way of dress? What about the world's way of speech or the world's love of money? Are your goals the goals of the world — power, success, fame, and riches? The brother of Jesus expressed the matter in very pointed language. He said, "Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God" (James 4:4). Are you a friend of the world? Are you comfortable with what the world has to offer in music, movies, television programs and best selling books? Friendship with the world is hostility toward God! In fact, James puts it even stronger than that, for at the beginning of the passage I previously quoted (James 4:4), he says that those who are friendly with the world are spiritual adulterers. The apostle John makes the same point just as strongly in 1 John 2:1516: Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. There is no way to escape the sobering reality of these words. Do you love the world? If so, the love of the Father is not in you! The Focus of Your Mind Paul tells us how to guard against becoming comfortable with the world. In Colossians 3:2 he says, "Set your
by Dr. David R. Reagan
mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." In Philippians 4:8 he expresses the same admonition in these words: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let you mind dwell on these things. As these verses indicate, one of the keys to living a triumphant life in Christ — to living a joyous and victorious life in the midst of a world wallowing in despair — is to live with a conscious eternal perspective. I have personally found this to be so important that I carry a reminder of it in my shirt pocket at all times. It is a small card that was sent to me in 1988 by the great prophetic preacher, Leonard Ravenhill. The card says, "Lord, keep me eternity conscious." What does that mean? In the words of Peter, that means living as "aliens and strangers" in this world (1 Peter 2:11). Similarly, in the words of the writer of Hebrews, it means living as "strangers and exiles" on this earth (Hebrews 11: 13). Paul put it this way: "Do not set your minds on earthly things, for our citizenship is in heaven" (Philippians 3:19-20). The great Christian writer, C.S. Lewis, explained that to live with an eternal perspective means "living as commandos operating behind the enemy lines, preparing the way for the coming of the Commander-in-Chief." What is Your Attitude? Are you focused on this world? Are you attached to it, or do you have a sense of the fact that you are only passing through, heading for an eternal home? This life is transitory. This life is only a prelude to eternity. The song writer, Tillit S. Teddlie put it all in perspective when he wrote: Earth holds no treasures But perish with using, However precious they be; Yet there's a country To which I am going: Heaven holds all to me. Why should I long For the world with its sorrows, When in that home o'er the sea, Millions are singing The wonderful story? Heaven holds all to me.
Good News Press - 9
Good News Press - 10 Victory for Sacramento, California Employee Who Stood on Pro-Life Convictions
Poetry by Kevin Tyner Nothing is Free Nothing in this world or the next is free. Everything you have, want, need and hope for has a price tag associated with it and it is paid by somebody, somewhere present, past, or will be in the future with their blood (their sacrifice), Sweat (their hard work) and Tears (their compassion).
NAPA, Calif.,-- Jan England became a Human Services Specialist with the County of Sacramento's Department of Public Assistance out of a sincere desire to help others. Her job was to guide people through the complex web of public social services.
The only thing that is free is your will to choose what you want to be, become, or who you now are, but at some point in time that decision or choice is going to be paid for after the deed has been done.
shop and what you want to buy, but remember it’s your choice and your decision to purchase. The product you purchased and how it’s maintained, used and disposed of, that responsibility falls on you. You could consider whether you were in the It is like when you walk into a store right store or who you brought from, but whatever the circumyou have free will to come in, look around, feel the merchandise, even stances did you chose to buy the sometime taste or test it before you wrong product in the store you purchase it. If you decide to buy it, chose to shop. that thing is now yours and you own it and how long you want to keep it So, the question is what and who are you buying into today? What is is up to you. But you are now reit going to cost you to keep it and is sponsible for it’s upkeep, use, and it worth keeping, adding peace to disposal. your life according to God’s plan. Now some things come with a war- I know a man who paid the price ranty or guaranty and you are able with his blood (his sacrifice with his to redeem it if you have not abused life), Sweat (his hard work to estabthe product based on the standards lish God’s plan for your life) and of how the product is supposed to Tears (his compassion for all men); be used and the time period that it his name is Jesus. can be brought back to the store to You’re brought with a price. be replaced. God’s word is his warranty or guarSome products are bought as is and anty. up front before you buy you are told there is no warranty or guaranty for He will redeem you and his store is always open, but are you willing to the product. When you chose to buy it’s your entire responsibility for throw away that broken product that you’re holding on too, and go its up keep, use and disposal and back to the store to use the warranthere are no refunds and the prodty or claim your redemption for uct can’t be redeemed (read the your product or even pay the price small print). Now, that being the case, You chose if you’re going to to get a new one. hold on to something broken or It’s free to come to God through throw it away and go back to the Jesus, but it’s going to cost you store and get a new product. You something to stay with him. add up the cost to and determine was it worth what you paid for as Nothing is Free. you move forward to buy something Jesus loves you and so do I, God else that satisfies you. Bless you. You might you say I’m never buying anything from that store again, they Acknowledgements: to the God the cheated me, there service was bad, Father, the Son and Holy Spirit and they didn’t satisfy my needs or I just Acts Full Gospel Ministry don’t like what they offer and you may be right. Determine where you Kevin Tyner has been writing poet-
ry for many years and has contribut-
Soon after she was hired, Ms. England realized the County expected her to promote and encourage abortion through the county's benefits programs and to register clients— some as young as twelve years old—for benefits for the sole purpose of terminating pregnancy. These duties violated Ms. England's deeply held beliefs regarding the sanctity of human life.
denial, a process that included a hearing before an administrative law judge. With the assistance of Life Legal Defense Foundation, Ms. England won her appeal. As a next step, Life Legal assisted Ms. England in filing a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. After continuing negotiations, a settlement was reached in which Ms. England received monetary relief.
Most importantly, the County of Sacramento agreed to change its policy on religious discrimination to include a proper interactive process for accommodation, and retraining its staff regarding their right to receive reasonable acWhen she informed her super- commodation. visor of her conflict and need for an accommodation with "We are honored to have regard to these duties, the worked alongside Jan England County stonewalled. on this case," states Rebekah Millard, Staff Counsel for Life Federal and state law prohibit Legal Defense Foundation. employment discrimination "Jan is a pro-life hero who based on religion, including was willing to stand for her "refusing to accommodate an convictions despite very real employee's sincerely held reli- personal cost. Because Jan gious beliefs." took a courageous stand, future employees of the County Instead of providing an acof Sacramento do not have to commodation, the County be afraid of voicing their need forced Ms. England to certify for religious accommodation." her compliance with one of the duties to which she had speLife Legal Defense Foundation cifically objected. Ms. England was established in 1989, and again requested an accommo- is a nonprofit organization dation. composed of attorneys and
other concerned citizens com-
Two days later, the County mitted to giving helpless and fired her without reason or ex- innocent human beings of any planation. age, and their advocates, a To add insult to injury, Ms. England's application for unemployment was denied and the County claimed she was fired for misconduct. Ms. England was forced to appeal the
trained and committed voice in the courtrooms of our nation. For more information about the Life Legal Defense Foundation, visit www.lldf.org.
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